Résumé
Aim To investigate the use of synthetic preimplantation factor (sPIF) as a potential therapeutic tool for improving glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS), glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in the setting of diabetes. Materials and Methods We used a preclinical murine model of type 2 diabetes (T2D) induced by high‐fat diet (HFD) feeding for 12 weeks. Saline or sPIF (1 mg/kg/day) was administered to mice by subcutaneously implanted osmotic mini‐pumps for 25 days. Glucose tolerance, circulating insulin and C‐peptide levels, and GSIS were assessed. In addition, β‐cells (Min‐6) were used to test the effects of sPIF on GSIS and insulin‐degrading enzyme (IDE) activity in vitro. The effect of sPIF on GSIS was also tested in human islets. Results GSIS was enhanced 2‐fold by sPIF in human islets ex vivo. Furthermore, continuous administration of sPIF to HFD mice increased circulating levels of insulin and improved glucose tolerance, independently of hepatic insulin clearance. Of note, islets isolated from mice treated with sPIF exhibited restored β‐cell function. Finally, genetic (shRNA‐IDE) or pharmacological (6bK) inactivation of IDE in Min‐6 abolished sPIF‐mediated effects on GSIS, showing that both the protein and its protease activity are required for its action. Conclusions We conclude that sPIF is a promising secretagogue for the treatment of T2D.