Effect of liraglutide on proliferation and differentiation of human adipose stem cells

Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, used as glucose-lowering drugs, also induce weight loss by inhibiting food intake. The present study was aimed at the assessment of the in vitro effects of the GLP-1 receptor agonist liraglutide on proliferation and differentiation of human adipose stem cells (ASC) obtained fromsubcutaneous adipose tissue of morbidly obese subjects undergoing bariatric surgery. Liraglutide (10–100 nM) significantly inhibited ASC proliferation and viability, with a maximum effect at 6 days of culture (45% and 50%, for liraglutide 10 and 100 nM, respectively); the effect was reverted by exendin 9–39. Glucose uptake was significantly reduced by liraglutide in a dose dependent manner. Treatment with liraglutide reduced intracellular lipid accumulation in differentiating ASC, together with FABP-4 mRNA expression (−18%, −23%, −46%, for 1 nM, 10 nM and 100 nM, respectively), whereas it stimulated adiponectin (APN) expression (1.86-, 2.64-, 2.28-fold increase, for 1 nM, 10 nM and 100 nM, respectively). Liraglutide exerts effects on human adipose cell precursors, inhibiting proliferation and differentiation, while stimulating the expression of the insulin-sensitizing adipokine APN. These effects could contribute to the actions of GLP-1 receptor agonists on body weight and insulin sensitivity.