MSDC-0160 reduces resistance in the insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway and restores IGF-1-induced Akt and GSK-3 phosphorylation. MSDC-0160 in combination with IGF-1 and 8 mM glucose increases β-cell specific gene expression of insulin, pdx1, nkx6.1, and nkx2.2, and maintains insulin content without altering glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Furthermore, MSDC-0160 promotes human β-cell differentiation and reduces the expression of markers of apoptosis.
In vivo
MSDC-0160 (100 mg/kg p.o.) improves insulin sensitivity by resulting in the large decrease in the product of circulating insulin and glucose in diabetic KKAy mice.