Inhibition of 11betaHSD1 with the S-phenylethylaminothiazolone BVT116429 increases adiponectin concentrations and improves glucose homeostasis in diabetic KKAy mice.

Background: A substantial body of evidence indicates that reduced plasma adiponectin levels may be key in the development of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome. Glucocorticoids decrease the levels of adiponectin in animals and humans. Cortisone is transformed to its active form cortisol, via 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) type 1.

Selective inhibition of 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 improves hepatic insulin sensitivity in hyperglycemic mice strains.

11 beta-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11 beta-HSD1) has been proposed as a new target for type 2 diabetes drugs. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of inhibition of 11 beta-HSD1 on blood glucose levels, glucose tolerance, and insulin sensitivity in mouse models of type 2 diabetes. BVT.