A synthetic anti-inflammatory sterol improves insulin sensitivity in insulin-resistant obese impaired glucose tolerance subjects.

Objective: To study the activity of HE3286 (17α-ethynylandrost-5-ene-3β,7β,17β-triol), an anti-inflammatory sterol that is active in models of obesity-induced inflammation and insulin resistance in high body mass index (BMI) subjects with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT).

Design And Methods: HE3286 was explored in high BMI IGT subjects using hyperinsulinemic, euglycemic clamp studies.

Results: In insulin-resistant subjects, HE3286 significantly increased day 29 insulin-stimulated glucose disposal and HDL cholesterol, and decreased C-reactive protein (CRP) compared to placebo. For HE3286, change in M value showed a significant negative correlation with baseline M value. Subjects with baseline M value below the median (4.2 mg/kg/min) had significantly lower adiponectin and higher lipopolysaccharide-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cell cytokine secretion. After 28 days of HE3286 treatment, adiponectin levels were significantly increased in insulin-resistant (baseline M < 4.2), but not insulin-sensitive (baseline M > 4.2) subjects, compared to placebo.

Conclusions: HE3286 significantly increased the frequency of subjects with increased insulin-stimulated glucose disposal and HDL, and decreased CRP compared to placebo, in insulin-resistant, but not insulin-sensitive subjects. Thus, HE3286 may preferentially benefit insulin-resistant, inflamed, high BMI IGT subjects.