Hypothalamic leptin signaling plays a central role in maintaining body weight homeostasis. Here, we show that clusterin/ApoJ, recently identified as an anorexigenic neuropeptide, is an important regulator in the hypothalamic leptin signaling pathway. Coadministration of clusterin potentiates the anorexigenic effect of leptin and boosts leptin-induced hypothalamic Stat3 activation. In cultured neurons, clusterin enhances receptor binding and subsequent endocytosis of leptin. These effects are mainly mediated through the LDL receptor-related protein-2 (Lrp2). Notably, inhibition of hypothalamic clusterin, Lrp2 or endocytosis abrogates anorexia and hypothalamic Stat3 activation caused by leptin. These findings propose a novel regulatory mechanism in central leptin signaling pathways.
Our results suggest that fatty liver index as a simple surrogate indicator of hepatic steatosis is valuable in identifying subjects at high risk for Type 2 diabetes. In addition, fatty liver disease itself contributes to the development of Type 2 diabetes independently of systemic insulin resistance.
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