IRAK inhibitor can improve insulin sensitivity in insulin-resistant mice fed with a high-fat diet

Background: Obesity and the inflammation associated with it, play a key role in the development of insulin resistance through the release of inflammatory cytokines and free fatty acids and the stimulation of toll-like receptors (TLR). Interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase (IRAK), which mediates the activation of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) pathway, is an important molecule in TLR signaling. The NF-κB pathway can reduce insulin efficacy by increasing the expression of proinflammatory cytokines. There is no safe inhibitor for the NF-κB pathway, and for this reason, the upper mediator of this pathway was selected for investigation. Objectives: To determine the effects of an IRAK inhibitor on insulin resistance and serum biochemical factors in high-fat-fed insulin-resistant mice. Methods: Insulin resistance was developed in C57BL/6J mice by 12 weeks of a high-fat diet. Subsequently, the IRAK 1/4 inhibitor 1-(2-(4-morpholinyl)ethyl)-2-(3-nitrobenzoylamino)benzimidazole (IRAKi)/or pioglitazone, or both, were administered for a further 2 weeks. After 12 h fasting, blood and tissue samples were collected, insulin and glucose levels were assayed, and the homeostatic model assessment was used to quantify insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Results: The IRAKi decreased blood glucose levels significantly (253 ± 14.3 mg/dL vs 390.1 ± 16.6 mg/dL) and increased insulin sensitivity compared with untreated controls. However, we did not find a synergistic effect of IRAKi with pioglitazone in increasing insulin sensitivity. Conclusion: IRAKis can increase insulin sensitivity and their efficacy is comparable to pioglitazone. However, combined administration of pioglitazone and IRAKi had no synergistic effect compared with monotherapy.