Deficiency in catechol-o-methyltransferase is linked to a disruption of glucose homeostasis in mice

Sci Rep. 2017 Aug 11;7(1):7927. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-08513-w.

Abstract

2-methoxyestradiol (2-ME), an estrogen metabolite generated via catechol-o-methyltransferase (COMT), is multifunctional methoxy-catechol. Here, we report that COMT deficiency leads to glucose intolerance and 2-ME rescues COMT-deficient-associated metabolic defects. Liver COMT protein was suppressed in high fat diet (HFD)-fed or in pregnant mice. COMT suppression, by Ro41-0960 or siRNA, in HFD fed mice or in pregnant mice exacerbated glucose intolerance; 2-ME intervention ameliorated these defects. 2-ME effects on glucose tolerance were associated with AMPK phosphorylation in the liver and in islet cells. Metformin restored liver COMT protein levels, and metformin-induced liver AMPK phosphorylation was abolished by COMT inhibition. The amelioration in glucose tolerance by 2-ME was associated with biphasic insulin secretion in an environment-dependent manner. 2-ME-induced insulin secretion was associated with the AMPK phosphorylation, PDX-1 phosphorylation, and MST-1 suppression in MIN-6 cells. Furthermore 2-ME displayed PPARγ agonist-like activity. These results suggest that COMT is an enzyme to maintain glucose homeostasis and 2-ME is a potential endogenous multi-target anti-diabetic candidate.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 2-Methoxyestradiol / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Catechol O-Methyltransferase / deficiency*
  • Diet, High-Fat
  • Female
  • Glucose / metabolism*
  • Glucose Intolerance
  • Homeostasis*
  • Mice
  • Pregnancy

Substances

  • 2-Methoxyestradiol
  • Catechol O-Methyltransferase
  • Glucose