L-4F is an apolipoprotein AI mimetic peptide that has been shown to have beneficial effects on the vascular endothelium. Studies have shown that this relationship is due to the fact that L-4F induces the activity of arterial anti-oxidative enzymes. In this study, Peterson et al. hypothesized that treatment of obese diabetic rats with L4-F would improve their body fat distribution pattern and insulin sensitivity by increasing adiponectin levels. Indeed, treatment of these mice with L4-F (2 mg/kg/day) for 6 weeks decreased intra-abdominal (visceral) and subcutaneous adipose tissue accumulation. Interestingly, food intake was not altered. Plasma concentrations of adiponectin increased whereas plasma concentrations of interleukin-1β and interleukin-6 decreased significantly. In obese rats treated with L4-F, the investigators also observed considerable decreases in fasting blood glucose and insulin levels. Finally, treatment increased aortic and bone marrow heme oxygenase (HO) activity. The authors proposed that the simultaneous increases in HO activity and adiponectin levels might be linked. Based on the results, the authors suggested that L-4F offers great promise in the management of the metabolic syndrome.
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