Abstract: SA-OR063
Elucidating Asprosin's Role as an Intracellular Metabolism Regulator in Diabetic Kidney Disease
Session Information
- Kidney Disease with Diabetes: Translational Science Breakthroughs
November 08, 2025 | Location: Room 372A, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 05:50 PM - 06:00 PM
Category: Diabetic Kidney Disease
- 701 Diabetic Kidney Disease: Basic
Authors
- Kim, Yaeni, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
- Lim, Ji Hee, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
- Kim, Tae Woo, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
- Kim, Eun Nim, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
- Park, Cheol Whee, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
Background
Asprosin, an adipokine with diverse functions, including inducing insulin resistance and promoting inflammation, is hypothesized to play a pivotal role in regulating cellular energy metabolism in diabetic kidney disease (DKD).
Methods
This study utilized type 2 diabetic db/db mice, dividing them into two groups: one received Asprosin neutralizing antibodies targeting the 28-amino acid peptide, while the other was treated with Metformin, an AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activator for three weeks. Additionally, mesangial and glomerular endothelial cells were cultured in high glucose and palmitic acid conditions, treated with an AMPK inhibitor (Compound C) after Asprosin expression was silenced using siRNA. We evaluated Asprosin, AMPK levels, and their downstream signaling pathways.
Results
Asprosin was found to be overexpressed in the serum and kidney tissues of db/db mice , as well as in renal cells under high glucose and palmitic acid conditions (Figure 1). Interfering with Asprosin resulted in reduced body and liver weight, improved glucose tolerance, and mitigated renal injury in vivo. Asprosin knockdown reduced lipid accumulation and inflammatory infiltration both in vitro and in vivo. Notably, Asprosin absence activated the AMPK/Sirts/mTOR signaling pathway. The AMPK inhibitor Compound C reversed Asprosin's effects on lipid accumulation and inflammation, confirming Asprosin's role in intracellular lipid metabolism.
Conclusion
This study reveals Asprosin's role in regulating intracellular energy metabolism, with potential implications for targeted therapies in DKD. Inhibiting Asprosin suppressed lipid accumulation and inflammation by activating the AMPK-associated signaling pathway, suggesting a promising therapeutic strategy for managing DKD.