Myristic acid conjugation of [D-Leu-4]-OB3, a biologically active leptin-related synthetic peptide amide, significantly improves its pharmacokinetic profile and efficacy

Peptides. 2014 Dec:62:176-82. doi: 10.1016/j.peptides.2014.10.007.

Abstract

We have previously described the pharmacokinetics of mouse [D-Leu-4]-OB3, a synthetic peptide amide with leptin-like activity, following delivery by subcutaneous (SC), intraperitoneal (IP), and intramuscular (IM) injection, and by oral gavage and intranasal instillation. These profiles suggested that the observed efficacy of [D-Leu-4]-OB3 on energy balance, glycemic control, and bone turnover in ob/ob and db/db mice might be improved by efforts directed toward improving its bioavailability, i.e., increasing maximum uptake (Cmax), extending serum half-life (t½), and reducing plasma clearance (CL). To address these issues, myristic (tetradecanoic) acid was conjugated to the N-terminal of [D-Leu-4]-OB3 (designated MA-[D-Leu-4]-OB3), and the pharmacokinetics of MA-[D-Leu-4]-OB3 in male Swiss Webster mice following SC, IP, and IM injection in PBS, and by oral and intranasal delivery in dodecyl maltoside (DDM, trade name Intravail®), a transmucosal absorption enhancing agent, were compared to those of [D-Leu-4]-OB. At a dose of MA-[D-Leu-4]-OB3 10-fold lower than that used previously for [D-Leu-4]-OB3 (0.1 mg vs.1.0 mg, respectively), Cmax of MA-[D-Leu-4]-OB3 was 11.1-, 7.5-, 1.9-, and 1.7-fold higher, t1/2 was 3.5-, 5.0-, 9.1-, and 86.7-fold longer, and CL was 17.0-, 11.6-, 5.7-, and 5.0-fold slower than [D-Leu-4]-OB3 following SC, IP, IM, and oral delivery, respectively. Furthermore, in leptin-resistant obese male db/db mice, oral delivery of MA-[D-Leu-4]-OB3 in DDM at concentrations up to 10-fold lower than those used with [D-Leu-4]-OB3 reduced fasting blood glucose levels in a dose-related manner.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Diabetes Mellitus / drug therapy*
  • Diabetes Mellitus / metabolism
  • Diabetes Mellitus / pathology
  • Humans
  • Leptin / chemical synthesis
  • Leptin / genetics
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred NOD
  • Mice, Obese
  • Myristic Acid / administration & dosage*
  • Myristic Acid / chemical synthesis
  • Obesity / drug therapy*
  • Obesity / metabolism
  • Obesity / pathology
  • Peptide Fragments / administration & dosage*
  • Peptide Fragments / chemical synthesis
  • Peptides / administration & dosage
  • Peptides / chemical synthesis
  • Pharmacokinetics

Substances

  • Leptin
  • Peptide Fragments
  • Peptides
  • leptin(116-130) amide
  • Myristic Acid