Protein Kinase C β: a New Target Therapy to Prevent the Long-Term Atypical Antipsychotic-Induced Weight Gain

Neuropsychopharmacology. 2017 Jun;42(7):1491-1501. doi: 10.1038/npp.2017.20. Epub 2017 Jan 27.

Abstract

Antipsychotic drugs are currently used in clinical practice for a variety of mental disorders. Among them, clozapine is the most effective medication for treatment-resistant schizophrenia and is most helpful in controlling aggression and the suicidal behavior in schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. Although clozapine is associated with a low likelihood of extrapyramidal symptoms and other neurological side effects, it is well known for the weight gain and metabolic side effects, which expose the patient to a greater risk of cardiovascular disorders and premature death, as well as psychosocial issues, leading to non-adherence to therapy. The mechanisms underlying these iatrogenic metabolic disorders are still controversial. We have therefore investigated the in vivo effects of the selective PKCβ inhibitor, ruboxistaurin (LY-333531), in a preclinical model of long-term clozapine-induced weight gain. Cell biology, biochemistry, and behavioral tests have been performed in wild-type and PKCβ knockout mice to investigate the contribution of endogenous PKCβ and its pharmacological inhibition to the psychomotor effects of clozapine. Finally, we also shed light on a novel aspect of the mechanism underlying the clozapine-induced weight gain, demonstrating that the clozapine-dependent PKCβ activation promotes the inhibition of the lipid droplet-selective autophagy process. This paves the way to new therapeutic approaches to this serious complication of clozapine therapy.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antipsychotic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Antipsychotic Agents / toxicity
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Clozapine / administration & dosage*
  • Clozapine / toxicity
  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / administration & dosage
  • Indoles / administration & dosage
  • Male
  • Maleimides / administration & dosage
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Protein Kinase C beta / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Protein Kinase C beta / deficiency*
  • Time Factors
  • Weight Gain / drug effects*
  • Weight Gain / physiology

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Indoles
  • Maleimides
  • ruboxistaurin
  • Protein Kinase C beta
  • Clozapine