IM156, a new AMPK activator, protects against polymicrobial sepsis.

IM156, a novel biguanide with higher potency of AMP-activated protein kinase activation than metformin, has inhibitory activity against angiogenesis and cancer. In this study, we investigated effects of IM156 against polymicrobial sepsis. Administration of IM156 significantly increased survival rate against caecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced sepsis. Mechanistically, IM156 markedly reduced viable bacterial burden in the peritoneal fluid and peripheral blood and attenuated organ damage in a CLP-induced sepsis model. IM156 also inhibited the apoptosis of splenocytes and the production of inflammatory cytokines including IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-10 in CLP mice. Moreover, IM156 strongly inhibited the generation of reactive oxygen species and subsequent formation of neutrophil extracellular traps in response to lipopolysaccharide in neutrophils. Taken together, these results show that IM156 can inhibit inflammatory response and protect against polymicrobial sepsis, suggesting that IM156 might be a new treatment for sepsis.