Acupoints catgut embedding recovers leptin resistance via improving autophagy progress mediated by AMPK-mTOR signaling in obese mice.

PURPOSE: Leptin resistance represents a primary pathological manifestation in obesity. Investigating potential treatments and associated mechanisms to restore leptin sensitivity is crucial for effective obesity management. This study aimed to explore the therapeutic potential of acupoints catgut embedding (ACE) in addressing obesity and its associated leptin resistance.

METHODS: A simple obesity model was established by subjecting C57 male mice to a high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks, followed by ACE treatment administered to half of the obese mice for a duration of 4 weeks. The levels of leptin and its receptor-lepRb, were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot analysis, respectively. Autophagy progression markers were evaluated through quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western blot analysis. Also, the liver autophagosomes were photographed using electron microscopy. The role of autophagy in regulating leptin resistance was elucidated using an autophagy suppression model.

RESULTS: Comparative analyses demonstrated that ACE treatment resulted in a significant reduction in body weight and blood lipid levels compared to the HFD group. Furthermore, serum leptin levels decreased, while liver lepRb expression increased following ACE treatment. The mRNA and protein expression levels of autophagy in liver were adjusted by ACE treatment. Interestingly, the beneficial effects of ACE were attenuated upon the administration of an autophagy inhibitor. Additionally, ACE treatment led to the activation of the AMPK-mTOR signaling pathway, a crucial regulator of autophagy.

CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that ACE therapy holds promise for recovering leptin resistance by enhancing autophagy progression, mediated via the AMPK-mTOR signaling pathway in liver.