Skeletal Muscle Insulin Receptor Research Articles

Effect of propofol on the skeletal muscle insulin receptor in rats with hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of propofol on the expression and phosphorylation of the skeletal muscle insulin receptor and its substrates following hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (HIRI).MethodsSixty healthy Wistar rats were divided randomly into a propofol group (P) and an ischemia-reperfusion group (I/R). Rats in the P group received propofol infusion prior to ischemia and during a 120-minute post-reperfusion period. Plasma glucose and insulin concentrations were measured, as well as expression levels of the insulin signaling proteins insulin receptor (IR) β unit (IRβ) and IR substrate 1 (IRS-1). In addition, tyrosine phosphorylation levels of these proteins were measured in skeletal muscle.ResultsPlasma glucose levels in the two groups were higher at 2 hours after reperfusion (T2) versus exposure of the hepatic hilum (T1). Plasma glucose levels in the I/R group were higher than those in the P group, while insulin levels at T2 were lower. In addition, phosphotyrosine levels of IRβ and IRS-1 were decreased by 32.1% and 22.4%, respectively.ConclusionPropofol increased phosphotyrosine levels of IRβ and IRS-2, resulting in an alleviation of increased plasma glucose levels following HIRI.

Testosterone supplementation improves insulin responsiveness in HFD fed male T2DM mice and potentiates insulin signaling in the skeletal muscle and C2C12 myocyte cell line.

BackgroundType 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is characterised by hyperglycemia due to the incidence of insulin resistance. Testosterone supplementation has been shown to have a positive co-relation with improved glycemic control in T2DM males. Clinical studies have reported that Androgen Replacement Therapy (ART) to hypogonadic males with T2DM resulted in improved glycemic control and metabolic parameters, but, these studies did not address in detail how testosterone acted on the key glucose homeostatic organs.MethodIn this study, we delineate the effect of testosterone supplementation to high-fat diet (HFD) induced T2DM in male C57BL6J mice and the effect of testosterone supplementation on the skeletal muscle insulin responsiveness. We also studied the effect of testosterone on the insulin signaling pathway proteins in C2C12 myocyte cells to validate the in vivo findings.ResultsWe found that testosterone had a potentiating effect on the skeletal muscle insulin signaling pathway to improve glycaemic control. We demonstrate that, in males, testosterone improves skeletal muscle insulin responsiveness by potentiating the PI3K-AKT pathway. The testosterone treated animals showed significant increase in the skeletal muscle Insulin Receptor (IR), p85 subunit of PI3K, P-GSK3α (Ser-21), and P-AKT (Ser-473) levels as compared to the control animals; but there was no significant change in total AKT and GSK3α. Testosterone supplementation inhibited GSK3α in the myocytes in a PI3K/AKT pathway dependent manner; on the other hand GSK3β gene expression was reduced in the skeletal muscle upon testosterone supplementation.ConclusionTestosterone increases insulin responsiveness by potentiating insulin signaling in the skeletal muscle cells, which is in contrast to the increased insulin resistance in the liver of testosterone treated T2DM male animals.

1785-P: Mice with Muscle-Specific Insulin Receptor Overexpression Are Protected from Diet-Induced Obesity and Glucose Intolerance but Develop Post-Receptor Insulin Resistance

Skeletal muscle insulin resistance is a prominent feature of type 2 diabetes (T2D) that precedes and predicts the development of disease in high risk populations. In individuals with T2D or pre-T2D, this insulin resistance is due, at least in part, to a decrease in the number of functional insulin receptors (IR) that localize on the cell membrane. To restore the number of IR, we generated mice that specifically overexpress IR in skeletal muscle (IRMOE). On chow diet, IRMOE mice had similar body weight compared to control, but displayed reduced body fat and higher lean mass percentage. Basal phosphorylation of IR, IRS and Akt were significantly higher in muscles from IRMOE mice compared to control, resulting in their improved glucose tolerance. Surprisingly, however, after i.v. injection of insulin, stimulated Akt phosphorylation was significantly lower in IRMOE muscle compared to control, despite persistent higher phosphorylation in IR and IRS, indicating activation of negative regulators in the IR signaling pathway when IR is chronically activated. Consistent with this, euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp studies revealed significantly lower glucose infusion rate in insulin stimulated IRMOE mice compared to control. Increased basal and decreased insulin stimulated Akt phosphorylation was also observed in muscles of IRMOE mice after challenge with HFD. However, when fed HFD, IRMOE mice displayed both improved glucose tolerance and insulin tolerance which was in part due to being resistant to diet-induced obesity, despite consuming more calories. Taken together, these data indicate that muscle specific IR overexpression can protect mice from diet-induced obesity and its effects on glucose metabolism, but that chronic overexpression of IR can lead to post-receptor desensitization indicating additional post-receptor regulators of insulin signaling, which could provide new targets for therapy of T2D. Disclosure G. Wang: None. W. Cai: None. T.M. Batista: None. S. Softic: None. C. Kahn: Advisory Panel; Self; MedImmune. Board Member; Self; Kaleido Biosciences. Consultant; Self; AntriaBio, Inc., Cobalt Therapeutics, Flagship Pioneering. Research Support; Self; Alnylam. Funding American Diabetes Association (9-17-CMF-016 to G.W.)

The analysis of fagopyritols from tartary buckwheat and their anti-diabetic effects in KK-Ay type 2 diabetic mice and HepG2 cells

The studies of fagopyritols in tartary buckwheat and their anti-diabetic effects are limited. The fagopyritol B1 was the major fagopyritol in tartary buckwheat. The content of fagopyritols was 11-fold of free D-chiro-inositol (DCI) in tartary buckwheat. In KK-Ay mice, administration of fagopyritol B1 for 6-week was more effective in suppressing progressive rise of blood glucose, improving impaired glucose tolerance, and increasing insulin sensitivity than DCI and fagopyritol A1. Besides, both of fagopyritols and DCI improved the lipid homeostasis. Fagopyritols increased the expression of insulin receptor and PI3K in liver and skeletal muscle, as the same as DCI. According to the in vitro study, fagopyritols and DCI increased glucose consumption in both normal and insulin resistant HepG2 cells. In addition, fagopyritols and DCI upregulated phosphorylation of PI3K and AKT. In summary, these findings suggested that fagopyritols and DCI have potential anti-diabetic effects via activation of the insulin dependent pathway of PI3K/AKT.

Enhanced insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity in young lambs with placental insufficiency-induced intrauterine growth restriction.

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is associated with persistent metabolic complications, but information is limited for IUGR infants. We determined glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) and insulin sensitivity in young lambs with placental insufficiency-induced IUGR. Lambs with hyperthermia-induced IUGR (n = 7) were compared with control lambs (n = 8). GSIS was measured at 8 ± 1 days of age, and at 15 ± 1 days, body weight-specific glucose utilization rates were measured with radiolabeled d-glucose during a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp (HEC). IUGR lambs weighed 23% less (P < 0.05) than controls at birth. Fasting plasma glucose and insulin concentrations were not different between IUGR and controls for either study. First-phase insulin secretion was enhanced 2.3-fold in IUGR lambs compared with controls. However, second-phase insulin concentrations, glucose-potentiated arginine-stimulated insulin secretion, and β-cell mass were not different, indicating that IUGR β-cells have an intrinsic enhancement in acute GSIS. Compared with controls, IUGR lambs had higher body weight-specific glucose utilization rates and greater insulin sensitivity at fasting (1.6-fold) and hyperinsulinemic periods (2.4-fold). Improved insulin sensitivity for glucose utilization was not due to differences in skeletal muscle insulin receptor and glucose transporters 1 and 4 concentrations. Plasma lactate concentrations during HEC were elevated in IUGR lambs compared with controls, but no differences were found for glycogen content or citrate synthase activity in liver and muscle. Greater insulin sensitivity for glucose utilization and enhanced acute GSIS in young lambs are predicted from fetal studies but may promote conditions that exaggerate glucose disposal and lead to episodes of hypoglycemia in IUGR infants.

Neurolytic celiac plexus block enhances skeletal muscle insulin signaling and attenuates insulin resistance in GK rats.

Non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) is associated with chronic inflammatory activity and disrupted insulin signaling, leading to insulin resistance (IR). The present study investigated the benefits of neurolytic celiac plexus block (NCPB) on IR in a rat NIDDM model. Goto-Kakizaki rats fed a high-fat, high-glucose diet to induce signs of NIDDM were randomly divided into NCPB and control groups; these received daily bilateral 0.5% lidocaine or 0.9% saline injections into the celiac plexus, respectively. Following 14 and 28 daily injections, rats were subject to oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) or sacrificed for the analysis of serum free fatty acids (FFAs), serum inflammatory cytokines and skeletal muscle insulin signaling. Compared with controls, rats in the NCPB group demonstrated significantly (P<0.05) lower baseline, 60-min and 120-min OGTT values, lower 120-min serum insulin, lower IR [higher insulin sensitivity index (ISI1) and lower ISI2) and lower serum FFAs, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6. Conversely, NCPB rats exhibited higher basal and insulin-stimulated skeletal muscle glucose uptake and higher skeletal muscle insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) and glucose transporter type 4 expression. There were no differences between the groups in insulin receptor β (Rβ) or Akt expression; however Rβ-Y1162/Y1163 and Akt-S473 phosphorylation levels were higher and IRS-1-S307 phosphorylation were lower in NCPB rats than in the controls. These results indicate that NCPB improved insulin signaling and reduced IR, possibly by inhibiting inflammatory cytokine release.

Combination of bofutsushosan (Kampo medicine) and voluntary exercise improves insulin sensitivity in Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima fatty rats

Aim Previous studies have shown that the traditional Kampo medicine bofutsushosan (BTS) has an anti-obesity effect. In the current study, we investigated the effects of BTS and voluntary exercise, and their combination on insulin sensitivity in Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima fatty (OLETF) rats. Methods Male OLETF rats aged 16 weeks were divided into four groups: standard powdered diet (C); powdered diet containing BTS (BTS); access to a running wheel for voluntary running exercise and standard diet (EX); and combined BTS and EX (BTS + EX). After 7 weeks, euglycemic clamp (insulin infusion rate: 3.0 mU/kg/min) was performed in awake rats and the insulin-signaling pathway in skeletal muscle was evaluated. Results At 23 weeks of age, C, BTS, EX and BTS + EX rats showed an average of 656, 582, 459 and 417 g and had epididymal fat mass of 2.99, 2.36, 1.09 and 0.66 g/100 g bodyweight respectively. Glucose infusion rate (GIR) during euglycemic clamp was significantly higher in BTS and EX rats than in C rats. In addition, GIR in BTS + EX rats was significantly higher than in C, BTS and EX rats. The total content of skeletal muscle insulin receptor β-subunit and insulin receptor substrate-1 protein was significantly increased in EX and BTS + EX rats compared with C rats. Conclusion Combination of BTS and EX could be considered beneficial for the prevention and treatment of obesity-induced type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Heat stress increases insulin sensitivity in pigs.

Proper insulin homeostasis appears critical for adapting to and surviving a heat load. Further, heat stress (HS) induces phenotypic changes in livestock that suggest an increase in insulin action. The current study objective was to evaluate the effects of HS on whole-body insulin sensitivity. Female pigs (57 ± 4 kg body weight) were subjected to two experimental periods. During period 1, all pigs remained in thermoneutral conditions (TN; 21°C) and were fed ad libitum. During period 2, pigs were exposed to: (i) constant HS conditions (32°C) and fed ad libitum (n = 6), or (ii) TN conditions and pair-fed (PFTN; n = 6) to eliminate the confounding effects of dissimilar feed intake. A hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp (HEC) was conducted on d3 of both periods; and skeletal muscle and adipose tissue biopsies were collected prior to and after an insulin tolerance test (ITT) on d5 of period 2. During the HEC, insulin infusion increased circulating insulin and decreased plasma C-peptide and nonesterified fatty acids, similarly between treatments. From period 1 to 2, the rate of glucose infusion in response to the HEC remained similar in HS pigs while it decreased (36%) in PFTN controls. Prior to the ITT, HS increased (41%) skeletal muscle insulin receptor substrate-1 protein abundance, but did not affect protein kinase B or their phosphorylated forms. In adipose tissue, HS did not alter any of the basal or stimulated measured insulin signaling markers. In summary, HS increases whole-body insulin-stimulated glucose uptake.

Iron Deprivation May Enhance Insulin Receptor and Glut4 Transcription in Skeletal Muscle of Adult Rats.

Considering that phenotype related to iron overload associated with pathological conditions differs from that caused by dietary iron excess, our study set out to evaluate the impact of dietary iron restriction and dietary iron supplementation on oxidative stress and functional outcome in adult, healthy rats. adult rats were divided into the three groups and fed diets containing 10, 35 or 350 mg/kg iron (restricted-diet, control-diet and supplemented- diet groups, respectively) for 78 days. Hematological variables, fasting blood glucose, hepatic enzyme activity and C-reactive protein levels were analyzed. Iron and glycogen concentrations in liver and skeletal muscle were determined. The extent of tissue damage caused by either dietary iron restriction or iron supplementation was accessed by measuring malondialdehyde, carbonyl, NADPH oxidase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and glutathione-s-transferase in various tissues. The mRNA expression levels of insulin receptor, glucose transporter 4 and p53 were also determined. Fasting blood glucose values trended toward a decrease by dietary iron restriction, moreover, hepatic glycogen content decreased with concomitant increases in skeletal muscle. In addition, dietary iron restriction resulted in a twofold increase in mRNA expression of Insr and fourfold increase in Glut4 expression in skeletal muscle. Although the dietary iron restriction did not affect body iron status, it caused hepatic low oxidative damages. However, high liver NADPH oxidase activity and increased levels of protein oxidation in muscle were observed. Chronic feeding of high iron diet induces iron overload and resulted in elevated levels of stress markers in tissues. Dietary iron deprivation may improve insulin receptor and glucose transporter transcription in muscle; however, our results show that dietary iron restriction can prevent and/or promote oxidative damage in a tissue-specific manner, emphasizing the importance of maintaining optimal iron intake.

S6 Kinase 2 Deficiency Improves Glucose Disposal in Mice Fed a High Fat Diet

The mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) regulates insulin-mediated glucose metabolism, cell proliferation, the oxidative branch of the pentose phosphate pathway, de novo lipogenesis, and autophagy. Ribosomal S6 kinase 1 (S6K1) and 2 (S6K2) are downstream effectors of mTORC1. To characterize the role of S6K2 in insulin-mediated metabolism, the response of S6K2 deficient mice (S6K2-/-) to a glucose challenge was compared to that of wild-type (C57BL/6) and diabetes resistant strains (BALB/c and A/J) after 35 weeks on a high fat diet (HFD). Although S6K2-/- mice fed a HFD gained as much weight as the wild-type C57BL/6 control mice, unlike the wild-type mice they remained glucose tolerant, insulin sensitive, and had lower basal blood glucose levels. Moreover, unlike S6K1 deficient mice, S6K2-/- mice have increased basal plasma insulin levels and increased β-cell mass compared to C57BL/6, BALB/c, and A/J mice. Administration of insulin to S6K2-/- and C57BL/6 mice fed a Standard Diet (SD) resulted in phosphorylation of Ser307 on skeletal muscle Insulin Receptor Substrate 1 (IRS-1); however, when both strains were fed a HFD, phosphorylation of IRS-1 Ser307 was maintained in S6K2-/- mice but inhibited in C57BL/6 mice. Taken together, these results suggest that S6K2 inhibition may represent a strategy for treating type 2 diabetes.

Anti-diabetic effects of puerarin, isolated from Pueraria lobata (Willd.), on streptozotocin-diabetogenic mice through promoting insulin expression and ameliorating metabolic function

Diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by the metabolic disorder in specific tissues. Our present study was designed to assess the potential benefits of puerarin (PR) on hypoglycemic and hypolipemic effects in diabetic mice induced by streptozotocin (STZ). The results achieved from these experiments showed that glycemia in STZ-diabetogenic mice were significantly reduced following the PR administration, while serum insulin concentration was increased. In addition, PR contributed to improving the dyslipidemia conditions. Histopathological examination indicated that the STZ-lesioned pancreas tissue in PR-administrated mice was effectively alleviated. Meanwhile, intrapancreatic protein levels of insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) were up-regulated, respectively. On the other hand, endogenous mRNA levels of skeletal muscle insulin receptor (InsR) and peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor α (PPARα) were increased after administration of PR. Taken together, these findings reveal that puerarin effectively exerts the hypoglycemic and hypolipemic roles, which its potential anti-diabetic activity is associated with elevating insulin expression and maintaining metabolic homoeostasis in STZ-diabetogenic mice.

LRP6 Enhances Glucose Metabolism by Promoting TCF7L2-Dependent Insulin Receptor Expression and IGF Receptor Stabilization in Humans

Common genetic variations in Wnt signaling genes have been associated with metabolic syndrome and diabetes by mechanisms that are poorly understood. A rare nonconservative mutation in Wnt coreceptor LRP6 (LRP6(R611C)) has been shown to underlie autosomal dominant early onset coronary artery disease, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. We examined the interplay between Wnt and insulin signaling pathways in skeletal muscle and skin fibroblasts of healthy nondiabetic LRP6(R611C) mutation carriers. LRP6 mutation carriers exhibited hyperinsulinemia and reduced insulin sensitivity compared to noncarrier relatives in response to oral glucose ingestion, which correlated with a significant decline in tissue expression of the insulin receptor and insulin signaling activity. Further investigations showed that the LRP6(R611C) mutation diminishes TCF7L2-dependent transcription of the IR while it increases the stability of IGFR and enhances mTORC1 activity. These findings identify the Wnt/LRP6/TCF7L2 axis as a regulator of glucose metabolism and a potential therapeutic target for insulin resistance.

Deletion of Skeletal Muscle SOCS3 Prevents Insulin Resistance in Obesity

Obesity is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation that contributes to defects in energy metabolism and insulin resistance. Suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS)-3 expression is increased in skeletal muscle of obese humans. SOCS3 inhibits leptin signaling in the hypothalamus and insulin signal transduction in adipose tissue and the liver. Skeletal muscle is an important tissue for controlling energy expenditure and whole-body insulin sensitivity; however, the physiological importance of SOCS3 in this tissue has not been examined. Therefore, we generated mice that had SOCS3 specifically deleted in skeletal muscle (SOCS MKO). The SOCS3 MKO mice had normal muscle development, body mass, adiposity, appetite, and energy expenditure compared with wild-type (WT) littermates. Despite similar degrees of obesity when fed a high-fat diet, SOCS3 MKO mice were protected against the development of hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance because of enhanced skeletal muscle insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) and Akt phosphorylation that resulted in increased skeletal muscle glucose uptake. These data indicate that skeletal muscle SOCS3 does not play a critical role in regulating muscle development or energy expenditure, but it is an important contributing factor for inhibiting insulin sensitivity in obesity. Therapies aimed at inhibiting SOCS3 in skeletal muscle may be effective in reversing obesity-related glucose intolerance and insulin resistance.

Sex differences in insulin resistance in GABAB1 knockout mice

AimsWe have previously demonstrated that the absence of functional GABA B receptors (GABABRs) disturbs glucose homeostasis in GABAB1KO mice. The aim of this work was to extend our studies of these alterations in GABAB1KO mice and investigate the sexual differences therein. Main methodsMale and female, GABAB1KO and WT mice were used. Glucose and insulin tolerance tests (GTT and ITT), and insulin and glucagon secretion tests (IST and GST) were performed. Blood glucose, serum insulin and hyperglycemic hormones were determined, and HOMA-IR calculated. Skeletal muscle insulin receptor β subunit (IRβ), insulin receptor substrates 1/2 (IRS1, IRS2) and hexokinase-II levels were determined by Western blot. Skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity was assessed by in vivo insulin-induced Akt phosphorylation (Western blot). Food intake and hypothalamic NPY mRNA expression (by qPCR) were also evaluated. Key findingsFasted insulin and HOMA-IR were augmented in GABAB1KO males, with no alterations in females. Areas under the curve (AUC) for GTT and ITT were increased in GABAB1KO mice of both genders, indicating compromised insulin sensitivity. No genotype differences were observed in IST, GST or in IRβ, IRS1, IRS2 and hexokinase-II expression. Akt activation was severely impaired in GABAB1KO males while no alterations were observed in females. GABAB1KO mice showed increased food intake and NPY expression. SignificanceGlucose metabolism and energy balance disruptions were more pronounced in GABAB1KO males, which develop peripheral insulin resistance probably due to augmented insulin secretion. Metabolic alterations in females were milder and possibly due to previously described reproductive disorders, such as persistent estrus.

Influence of short-term L-arginine supplementation on carbohydrate balance in rats with ischemia-reperfusion syndrome

BackgroundThere are studies showing stimulative effect of arginine on insulin secretion. This mechanism is not fully explained. The effects of the impact of arginine on carbohydrate balance under the conditions of ischemia and reperfusion remain to be determined. The aim of this study is the evaluation of the influence of short-term L-arginine supplementation on the concentration of glucose and insulin in blood and insulin binding in rat skeletal muscle under the conditions of ischemia and reperfusion. MethodsThe study was conducted on male Wistar rats with average body mass 250±30g. Animals were divided into four groups: Group I – control, Group II – placebo, Group III – L-arginine 500mg/kg/24h for 5 days, Group IV – L-arginine and L-NAME (75μmol/rat/24h) for 5 days. Each group was divided into subgroups depending on duration of ischemia and reperfusion. Acute ischemia of hind limb was induced in each group by putting pneumatic tourniquet on the thigh. Blood samples and skeletal muscles were collected from the rats. Plasma concentrations of glucose and insulin were measured. Insulin binding to insulin receptors was determined in skeletal muscle. ResultsA clear reduction of insulin binding to receptor was found in the group of animals without ischemia and the group supplemented with L-arginine and subjected to 4-h ischemia and 30- and 120-min reperfusion. A significant increase in insulin level was found in groups of animals with L-arginine and/or L-NAME subjected to 4-h ischemia at all times of reperfusion. Supplementation with L-arginine and/or L-NAME decreased levels of glucose in blood serum of animals undergoing ischemia-reperfusion syndrome compared to the control and placebo groups. ConclusionUnder conditions of ischemia-reperfusion, short-term administration of L-arginine causes a decrease in insulin binding capacity of insulin receptors in skeletal muscle, an increase in insulin level and a decrease in the concentration of glucose in blood serum.

Effects of hyperinsulinemia on glucose and lipid transporter expression in insulin-sensitive horses

Plasma insulin concentrations are elevated (hyperinsulinemia) in horses with obesity-associated insulin resistance. In other species, insulin resistance is partly due to reduced levels of insulin receptor and the insulin-sensitive glucose transporter, and, in vitro, chronic hyperinsulinemic conditions reduce the expression of these proteins. Consumption of grain-based concentrate feeds results in postprandial hyperinsulinemia in horses, and adaptation to these diets is associated with insulin resistance. As such, it is possible that the repeated, chronic postprandial hyperinsulinemia associated with these diets could contribute to the development of insulin resistance. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the influence of a 6-h insulin infusion that increased plasma insulin concentrations to >1,000 mIU/L, on the expression of insulin receptor and glucose and lipid transporters in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue of lean, insulin-sensitive horses. Insulin infusion decreased transcript abundance of the glucose transporter 4 ( P < 0.05), glucose transporter 1 ( GLUT1; P < 0.09), and the insulin receptor ( P < 0.001) in adipose tissue, while increasing transcript abundance of GLUT1 ( P < 0.09) and decreasing protein abundance of the insulin receptor ( P < 0.09) in skeletal muscle. The acute, 6 hyperinsulinemic conditions achieved in this experiment resulted in alterations to mechanisms of glucose transport that could promote insulin resistance via reduced insulin-stimulated glucose disposal. Insulin infusion also reduced transcript abundance of the lipid transporters CD36 ( P < 0.001) and fatty acid transporter protein ( FATP; P < 0.05) in adipose tissue while increasing FATP ( P < 0.05) and lipoprotein lipase ( P < 0.01) in skeletal muscle. The reduction in adipose tissue lipid transporters could have been due to the decreased plasma lipid concentrations, whereas the increase in skeletal muscle may indicate that insulin stimulates lipid uptake into equine skeletal muscle. This report provides preliminary evidence that severe hyperinsulinemia alters glucose and lipid transporter expression that could promote an insulin-resistant state; these should be further investigated in horses consuming grain-based concentrates.

An extract of Artemisia dracunculus L. enhances insulin receptor signaling and modulates gene expression in skeletal muscle in KK-A y mice

An ethanolic extract of Artemisia dracunculus L. (PMI 5011) has been observed to decrease glucose and insulin levels in animal models, but the cellular mechanisms by which insulin action is enhanced in vivo are not precisely known. In this study, we evaluated the effects of PMI 5011 to modulate gene expression and cellular signaling through the insulin receptor in skeletal muscle of KK-A y mice. Eighteen male KK-A y mice were randomized to a diet (w/w) mixed with PMI 5011 (1%) or diet alone for 8 weeks. Food intake, adiposity, glucose and insulin were assessed over the study, and at study completion, vastus lateralis muscle was obtained to assess insulin signaling parameters and gene expression. Animals randomized to PMI 5011 were shown to have enhanced insulin sensitivity and increased insulin receptor signaling, i.e., IRS-associated PI-3 kinase activity, Akt-1 activity and Akt phosphorylation, in skeletal muscle when compared to control animals ( P<.01, P<.01 and P<.001, respectively). Gene expression for insulin signaling proteins, i.e., IRS-1, PI-3 kinase and Glut-4, was not increased, although a relative increase in protein abundance was noted with PMI 5011 treatment. Gene expression for specific ubiquitin proteins and specific 20S proteasome activity, in addition to skeletal muscle phosphatase activity, i.e., PTP1B activity, was significantly decreased in mice randomized to PMI 5011 relative to control. Thus, the data demonstrate that PMI 5011 increases insulin sensitivity and enhances insulin receptor signaling in an animal model of insulin resistance. PMI 5011 may modulate skeletal muscle protein degradation and phosphatase activity as a possible mode of action.

Effects Of Protein Ingestion And Resistance Exercise On Skeletal Muscle Signaling Pathways In Untrained Individuals

PURPOSE: Investigate the effects of an experimental peptide supplement in conjunction with an acute bout of lower body resistance exercise on serum insulin and insulin like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and skeletal muscle insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1), AKT, p70S6Kinase (p70S6K) and eIF4E-binding protein 1 (eIF4E-BP1) signaling pathways in recreationally active males. METHODS: In a randomized, double-blind, cross-over design, 10 males (21 ± 2.18 yr, 78.04 ± 11.77 kg) ingested 1 week apart, either a placebo (10 grams of matodextrose) and/or the Peptide (10 grams of protein), 30 minutes prior to a lower body resistance exercise bout. Both supplements were isocaloric and independently prepared in individually blinded packages (Glanbia Nutritionals, Twin Falls, ID, USA). The resistance exercise bout consisted of 4 sets of 8-10 reps on both the angled leg press and knee extension at 80% of participant 1 RM. Rest periods of 2.5 minutes were given between both sets and exercises. Blood samples were obtained prior to, and 30 minutes following supplement ingestion and 15 and 120 minutes post exercise. Muscle biopsies from the vastus lateralis were obtained prior to supplementation, and 15 and 120 minutes post exercise. Data was analyzed using multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). RESULTS: A significant main effect for time was observed for serum insulin (Baseline: 13.4±6.6 vs. 30 min post supplement ingestion: 48.4±26.4 ulU/ml, p<0.01), with no group or group by time interactions. No time, group or group by time effects were observed for serum IGF concentration. A significant main effect for time was observed for phosphorylated concentrations of IRS-1 (Baseline: 17.4±7.8 vs. 15 min post exercise: 25.6±12.6 U/ml/mg, p<0.01), AKT (Baseline: 5.9±1.5 vs. 120 min post exercise: 4.6±1.7 U/ml/mg, p<0.05), eIF4E-BP1 (Baseline: 4.8±1.9 vs. 15 min post exercise: 2.5±1.1 U/ml/mg, p=0.005). However, no significant group or group x time interaction was observed for all skeletal muscle phosphorylated variables. CONCLUSIONS: The experimental peptide supplement had no significant effect on systemic and cellular mechanisms involved in skeletal muscle hypertrophy following an acute bout of lower body resistance exercise in untrained individuals. This study was sponsored by Glanbia Nutritionals, Twin Falls, ID, USA.

The transition from fetal growth restriction to accelerated postnatal growth: a potential role for insulin signalling in skeletal muscle

A world-wide series of epidemiological and experimental studies have demonstrated that there is an association between being small at birth, accelerated growth in early postnatal life and the emergence of insulin resistance in adult life. The aim of this study was to investigate why accelerated growth occurs in postnatal life after in utero growth restriction. Samples of quadriceps muscle were collected at approximately 140 days gestation (term approximately 150 days gestation) from normally grown fetal lambs (Control, n = 7) and from growth restricted fetal lambs (placentally restricted: PR, n = 8) and from Control (n = 14) and PR (n = 9) lambs at 21 days after birth. The abundance of the insulin and IGF1 receptor protein was higher in the quadriceps muscle of the PR fetus, but there was a lower abundance of the insulin signalling molecule PKC, and GLUT4 protein in the PR group. At 21 days of postnatal age, insulin receptor abundance remained higher in the muscle of the PR lamb, and there was also an up-regulation of the insulin signalling molecules, PI3Kinase p85, Akt1 and Akt2 and of the GLUT4 protein in the PR group. Fetal growth restriction therefore results in an increased abundance of the insulin receptor in skeletal muscle, which persists after birth when it is associated with an upregulation of insulin signalling molecules and the glucose transporter, GLUT4. These data provide evidence that the origins of the accelerated growth experienced by the small baby after birth lie in the adaptive response of the growth restricted fetus to its low placental substrate supply.

Targeted Disruption of ROCK1 Causes Insulin Resistance in Vivo

Insulin signaling is essential for normal glucose homeostasis. Rho-kinase (ROCK) isoforms have been shown to participate in insulin signaling and glucose metabolism in cultured cell lines. To investigate the physiological role of ROCK1 in the regulation of whole body glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity in vivo, we studied mice with global disruption of ROCK1. Here we show that, at 16-18 weeks of age, ROCK1-deficient mice exhibited insulin resistance, as revealed by the failure of blood glucose levels to decrease after insulin injection. However, glucose tolerance was normal in the absence of ROCK1. These effects were independent of changes in adiposity. Interestingly, ROCK1 gene ablation caused a significant increase in glucose-induced insulin secretion, leading to hyperinsulinemia. To determine the mechanism(s) by which deletion of ROCK1 causes insulin resistance, we measured the ability of insulin to activate phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and multiple distal pathways in skeletal muscle. Insulin-stimulated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activity associated with IRS-1 or phospho-tyrosine was also reduced approximately 40% without any alteration in tyrosine phosphorylation of insulin receptor in skeletal muscle. Concurrently, serine phosphorylation of IRS-1 at serine 632/635, which is phosphorylated by ROCK in vitro, was also impaired in these mice. Insulin-induced phosphorylation of Akt, AS160, S6K, and S6 was also decreased in skeletal muscle. These data suggest that ROCK1 deficiency causes systemic insulin resistance by impairing insulin signaling in skeletal muscle. Thus, our results identify ROCK1 as a novel regulator of glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity in vivo, which could lead to new treatment approaches for obesity and type 2 diabetes.