Roles of Interleukin 17 in Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor–Mediated Insulin Resistance

Interleukin 17 (IL-17) is known to contribute to the pathogenesis of hypertension, atherosclerosis, and adipocyte differentiation; however, the roles of IL-17 in glucose metabolism remain to be elucidated. Angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers improve insulin resistance at least in part because of the amelioration of inflammation. Therefore, we examined the possible roles of IL-17 in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus using a mouse model, KK-Ay, and angiotensin II type 1 receptor–mediated insulin resistance. KK-Ay mice were administered control-IgG2A or anti-IL-17 antibody 5 times at a dose of 100 μg every second day by IP injection. KK-Ay mice were administered telmisartan for 2 weeks. C57BL/6J mice treated with angiotensin II infusion for 2 weeks were administered telmisartan or hydralazine. Insulin resistance was evaluated by oral glucose tolerance test, insulin tolerance test, and uptake of 2-[H]deoxy-D-glucose in peripheral tissues. Serum IL-17 concentration in KK-Ay mice was significantly higher than that in C57BL/6J mice. Treatment of KK-Ay mice with anti–IL-17 antibody significantly increased 2-[H]deoxy-D-glucose uptake in skeletal muscle but not in white adipose tissue and attenuated the increase in blood glucose level after a glucose load. Blockade of IL-17 enhanced the expression of adipocyte differentiation markers and adiponectin. Treatment with telmisartan decreased serum IL-17 concentration in KK-Ay and ameliorated angiotensin II–induced insulin resistance with a decrease in serum IL-17 level in C57BL/6J. In conclusion, IL-17 could play an important role in the pathogenesis of angiotensin II type 1 receptor–induced insulin resistance.