Effect of Liraglutide Treatment on Thermogenic Activity in Normal and Obese Mice

• Grant number: 25/24375-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: December 01, 2025
• End date: November 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Physiology - Physiology of Organs and Systems
• Principal Investigator: Luiz Carlos Carvalho Navegantes
• Grantee: Bruna de Souza Moraes
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 24/12709-9 - cAMP AS A THERAPEUTIC TARGET FOR MUSCLE ATROPHY, AP.TEM

Abstract

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is characterized by the abundance of mitochondria, multiple lipid droplets, and the presence of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) in the inner mitochondrial membrane, which enables this tissue to dissipate energy as heat (thermogenesis). BAT receives direct innervation from the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), which, through the release of norepinephrine, stimulates thermogenesis and increases the body's energy expenditure.In addition to the classical neural control of thermogenesis, pharmacological agents have been shown to modulate BAT function. One such compound is liraglutide (LIRA), a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogue used in the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. LIRA acts on the endocrine pancreas, stimulating insulin secretion and inhibiting glucagon release. In the digestive system, it delays gastric emptying and reduces gastrointestinal motility, while in the central nervous system (CNS) it acts on hypothalamic nuclei, increasing satiety. Recently, it has been demonstrated that, in addition to its classical effects, central administration of LIRA in mice stimulates BAT thermogenesis. Based on these findings, the hypothesis is that liraglutide activates BAT thermogenesis through the sympathetic nervous system, independently of drug-induced weight loss. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to investigate the effect of systemic LIRA treatment on BAT thermogenic activity in normal and obese mice.