Liver-specific deletion of insulin receptor substrate 2 does not impair hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism in mice

Aims/hypothesis Hepatic insulin resistance is thought to be a critical component in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes but the role of intrinsic insulin signalling pathways in the regulation of hepatic metabolism remains controversial. Global gene targeting in mice and in vitro studies have suggested that IRS2 mediates the physiological effects of insulin in the liver. Reduced hepatic production of IRS2 is found in many cases of insulin resistance. To investigate the role of IRS2 in regulating liver function in vivo, we generated mice that specifically lack Irs2 in the liver (LivIrs2KO). Materials and methods Hepatic insulin signalling events were examined in LivIrs2KO mice by western blotting. Glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity were assessed by glucose tolerance tests and hyperinsulinaemic–euglycaemic clamp studies. The effects of high-fat feeding upon glucose homeostasis were also determined. Liver function tests were performed and expression of key metabolic genes in the liver was determined by RT-PCR. Results Proximal insulin signalling events and forkhead box O1 and A2 function were normal in the liver of LivIrs2KO mice, which displayed minimal abnormalities in glucose and lipid homeostasis, hepatic gene expression and liver function. In addition, hepatic lipid homeostasis and the metabolic response to a high-fat diet did not differ between LivIrs2KO and control mice. Conclusions/interpretation Our findings suggest that liver IRS2 signalling, surprisingly, is not required for the long-term maintenance of glucose and lipid homeostasis, and that extra-hepatic IRS2-dependent mechanisms are involved in the regulation of these processes. M. Simmgen and C. Knauf contributed equally to this work.     

C-reactive protein induces phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate-1 on Ser<Superscript>307</Superscript> and Ser<Superscript>612</Superscript> in L6 myocytes,thereby impairing the insulin signalling pathway that promotes glucose transport

Aims/hypothesis C-reactive protein (CRP) is associated with insulin resistance and predicts development of type 2 diabetes. However, it is unknown whether CRP directly affects insulin signalling action. To this aim, we determined the effects of human recombinant CRP (hrCRP) on insulin signalling involved in glucose transport in L6 myotubes. Materials and methods L6 myotubes were exposed to endotoxin-free hrCRP and insulin-stimulated activation of signal molecules, glucose uptake and glycogen synthesis were assessed. Results We found that hrCRP stimulates both c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 activity. These effects were paralleled by a concomitant increase in IRS-1 phosphorylation at Ser³⁰⁷ and Ser⁶¹², respectively. The stimulatory effects of hrCRP on IRS-1 phosphorylation at Ser³⁰⁷ and Ser⁶¹² were partially reversed by treatment with specific JNK and ERK1/2 inhibitors, respectively. Exposure of L6 myotubes to hrCRP reduced insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of IRS-1 at Tyr⁶³², a site essential for engaging p85 subunit of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI-3K), protein kinase B (Akt) activation and glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) phosphorylation. These events were accompanied by a decrease in insulin-stimulated glucose transporter (GLUT) 4 translocation to the plasma membrane, glucose uptake and glucose incorporation into glycogen. The inhibitory effects of hrCRP on insulin signalling and insulin-stimulated GLUT4 translocation were reversed by treatment with JNK inhibitor I and the mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor, PD98059. Conclusions/interpretation Our data suggest that hrCRP may cause insulin resistance by increasing IRS-1 phosphorylation at Ser³⁰⁷ and Ser⁶¹² via JNK and ERK1/2, respectively, leading to impaired insulin-stimulated glucose uptake, GLUT4 translocation, and glycogen synthesis mediated by the IRS-1/PI-3K/Akt/GSK-3 pathway.     

Chromium supplementation enhances insulin signalling in skeletal muscle of obese KK/HlJ diabetic mice

Aim: Chromium is an essential nutrient required for glucose and lipid metabolism. Laboratory and clinical evidences indicate that chromium supplementation may improve insulin sensitivity by enhancing intracellular signalling. Considerable evidence suggests that serine phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) at 307 residue (IRS1‐Ser³⁰⁷) inhibits insulin signalling and results in peripheral insulin resistance. Therefore, we investigated whether chromium‐associated insulin action was mediated by modulation of IRS1‐Ser³⁰⁷ phosphorylation. Methods: Male KK/HlJ mice (genetically obese and insulin resistant) were supplemented daily with chromium‐containing milk powder or placebo for 7 weeks. In analysing functionally characterized insulin resistance, the changes of blood biochemicals, inflammatory factors and insulin signalling molecules in skeletal muscle were analysed. Results: Using KK mice model, we demonstrated that daily supplementation of trivalent chromium‐containing milk powder reduced serum levels of glucose, insulin and triglycerides, and improved glucose and insulin tolerance. Mechanistic study showed that chromium supplementation activated postreceptor insulin signalling such as increasing IRS1, IRS1 tyrosine phosphorylation, p85α regulatory subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase and glucose transporter 4 expression, stimulating Akt activity, downregulating c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) activity and decreasing IRS1 ubiquitinization and insulin resistance‐associated IRS1 phosphorylation (IRS1‐Ser³⁰⁷) in skeletal muscle. In addition, chromium supplementation attenuated pro‐inflammatory cytokine expression in both blood circulation and skeletal muscle. Conclusion: Our data suggest that chromium‐containing milk powder supplementation can provide a beneficial effect in diabetic subjects by enhancing insulin signalling in skeletal muscle. The improvement in insulin signalling by chromium was associated with the decreased IRS1‐Ser³⁰⁷ phosphorylation, JNK activity and pro‐inflammatory cytokine production.     

Alterations in insulin signalling pathway induced by prolonged insulin treatment of 3T3-L1 adipocytes

Summary Insulin-induced glucose transport stimulation, which results from the translocation of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT 4)-containing vesicles, is completely blocked after prolonged insulin treatment of 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Since GLUT 4 expression was reduced by only 30%, we looked at the insulin signalling pathway in this insulin-resistant model. Insulin-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of the major insulin receptor substrate IRS 1 was reduced by 50±7%, while its expression was decreased by 70±4%. When cells were treated with wortmannin (a PI3-kinase inhibitor) together with insulin, the expression of IRS 1 diminished to a much lower extent. Associated with the decrease in IRS 1 expression and phosphorylation, the activation by insulin of antiphosphotyrosine immunoprecipitable PI3-kinase activity and of p44^mapk and p42^mapk activities was altered. However, the expression of these proteins was normal and p44^mapk activity remained responsive to the tumour promoter TPA. Those results indicate that prolonged insulin treatment of 3T3-L1 adipocytes induces an insulin-resistant state with a reduced ability of insulin to stimulate the PI3-kinase and the MAP-kinases and a blockade of glucose transporter translocation.Abbreviations GLUT Glucose transporter - TPA tumour promoter - MAPK mitogen-activated protein kinase - IRS insulin receptor substrate - SH2 src homology 2 - GRB GRB: Growth factor Receptor bound protein - PVDF polyvinyliden difluoride - HDM/LDM high density/low density microsomes - MBP myelin basic protein - DMEM Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium - PMSF phenylmethanesulphonyl fluoride - PI3-kinase phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase     

Insulin signalling downstream of protein kinase B is potentiated by 5′AMP-activated protein kinase in rat hearts in vivo

Aims/hypothesis 5′AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and insulin stimulate glucose transport in heart and muscle. AMPK acts in an additive manner with insulin to increase glucose uptake, thereby suggesting that AMPK activation may be a useful strategy for ameliorating glucose uptake, especially in cases of insulin resistance. In order to characterise interactions between the insulin- and AMPK-signalling pathways, we investigated the effects of AMPK activation on insulin signalling in the rat heart in vivo. Methods Male rats (350–400 g) were injected with 1 g/kg 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-d-ribofuranoside (AICAR) or 250 mg/kg metformin in order to activate AMPK. Rats were administered insulin 30 min later and after another 30 min their hearts were removed. The activities and phosphorylation levels of components of the insulin-signalling pathway were subsequently analysed in individual rat hearts. Results AICAR and metformin administration activated AMPK and enhanced insulin signalling downstream of protein kinase B in rat hearts in vivo. Insulin-induced phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) β, p70 S6 kinase (p70^S6K)(Thr389) and IRS1(Ser636/639) were significantly increased following AMPK activation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of heightened insulin responses of GSK3β and p70^S6K following AMPK activation. In addition, we found that AMPK inhibits insulin stimulation of IRS1-associated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activity, and that AMPK activates atypical protein kinase C and extracellular signal-regulated kinase in the heart. Conclusions/interpretations Our data are indicative of differential effects of AMPK on the activation of components in the cardiac insulin-signalling pathway. These intriguing observations are critical for characterisation of the crosstalk between AMPK and insulin signalling.     

高糖对大鼠脂肪细胞胰岛素信号蛋白磷酸化的影响

目的 探讨高浓度葡萄糖（高糖）对原代培养大鼠脂肪细胞的葡萄糖转运活动、胰岛素信号蛋白磷酸化及表达的影响。方法 分离的大鼠脂肪细胞在5，10，15和25mmol/L葡萄糖中孵育24h，然后测定：糖转运活动；胰岛素受体（IR）、胰岛素受体底物（IRS）1、2及蛋白激酶B（PKB）的磷酸化；IRS1，IRS2，肌醇磷脂－3－激酶85亚单位（p85)和PKB的蛋白表达。结果 高糖抑制了这些细胞的葡萄糖转运活动，削弱了IR、IRS1的酪氨酸磷酸化及PKB的丝氨酸磷酸化；下调IRS1而上调IRS2蛋白表达。结论 高糖能抑制脂肪细胞的糖转运活动，诱导胰岛素抵抗。其作用机制与影响胰岛素信号蛋白多部位的磷酸化及蛋白表达有关。     

Decreased protein levels of key insulin signalling molecules in adipose tissue from young men with a low birthweight – potential link to increased risk of diabetes?

Aims/hypothesis

Individuals with low birthweight are at increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are unknown. Previously we have shown that low birthweight is associated with changes in muscle insulin signalling proteins. Here we determined whether low birthweight is associated with changes in insulin signalling proteins in adipose tissue.

Methods

Men (age 23 years) with either a low (bottom 10th percentile) (n?=?17) or a normal (50th–90th percentile) (n?=?17) birthweight were recruited from the Danish Medical Birth Registry and subcutaneous adipose biopsies were taken.

Results

Between the two groups there was no difference in protein level of the insulin receptor, protein kinase C zeta, glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3) alpha, GSK3 beta, protein kinase B alpha and beta, peroxisome proliferative activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 or Src-homology-2-containing protein. However, the levels of GLUT4 (also known as solute carrier family 2 [facilitated glucose transporter], member 4 [SLC2A4]) (52?±?10.9% reduction, p?p?p?=?0.06) and IRS1 (59?±?24% reduction, p?Conclusions/interpretation These findings show that low birthweight is associated with reduced levels of adipose insulin signalling proteins, thus providing a potential molecular framework to explain why people with low birthweight are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. These differences precede the development of diabetes and thus may help predict disease risk.     

Tissue selectivity of insulin detemir action in vivo

Aims/hypothesis Recombinant DNA technology is a useful tool that can be used to create insulin analogues with modified absorption kinetics to improve glycaemic control in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Among conventional insulin analogues, which are usually created by amino acid exchange, insulin detemir is the first analogue to be acylated with a fatty acid to enable reversible albumin binding. In this study we determined activation of the insulin receptor (IR)-signalling cascade by insulin detemir at the level of IR and IR substrate (Irs) phosphorylation, as well as downstream signalling elements such as phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and Akt, and performed epidural EEG in vivo.Methods C57Bl/6 mice were injected i.v. with either insulin detemir or human insulin and Western blot analysis was performed on liver, muscle, hypothalamic and cerebrocortical tissues. Moreover, cerebrocortical activity was detected by EEG in awake mice and cerebral insulin concentrations were measured following human insulin and insulin detemir injection.Results The time course and extent of IR phosphorylation in peripheral tissues were similar following insulin detemir treatment compared with human insulin, but insulin signalling in hypothalamic and cerebrocortical tissue determined by tyrosine-phosphorylation of the IR and Irs2 proteins occurred faster and was enhanced due to a higher insulin detemir concentration in the brain. Moreover, epidural EEG in mice displayed increased cortical activity using insulin detemir.Conclusions/interpretation Taken together, these data suggest that insulin detemir has a tissue-selective action, with a relative preference for brain compared with peripheral tissues.     

Prior exposure to high glucose augments depolarization-induced insulin release by mitigating the decline of ATP level in rat islets.

A brief exposure to elevated glucose augments the insulin secretory response of islets to subsequent stimulation. The site of this priming effect of glucose in the mechanism of the regulation of insulin secretion is not completely known, however. Insulin release triggered by a depolarizing concentration of K+ in the presence of basal glucose is markedly enhanced in primed rat islets. To clarify the role of priming on Ca(2+) and ATP efficacy in the exocytotic apparatus, islets were electrically permeabilized to vary the intracellular Ca(2+) and ATP concentrations according to the extracellular medium, and insulin release was evaluated. Ca(2+) and ATP efficacy in Ca(2+)- and ATP-dependent insulin secretion was not affected by priming, and alteration of the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration after depolarization cannot account for the phenomenon. There was no difference in ATP content before depolarization between nonprimed and primed islets. Moreover, the decline in ATP level after depolarization with basal glucose was observed in both primed and nonprimed islets. However, a reduced decline in ATP level in the early phase was observed in primed islets. In addition, oligomycin, a mitochondrial metabolism inhibitor, abolished the difference in ATP level between primed and nonprimed islets, suggesting that mitochondrial ATP production may be linked to the phenomenon.     

Mitochondrial dysfunction activates cyclooxygenase 2 expression in cultured normal human chondrocytes

OBJECTIVE: Mitochondrial alterations play a key role in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA). This study evaluated a potential role of mitochondrial respiratory chain (MRC) dysfunction in the inflammatory response of normal human chondrocytes. METHODS: Commonly used inhibitors of the MRC were utilized to induce mitochondrial dysfunction in normal human chondrocytes. Levels of prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) protein and expression of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and COX-1 messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein were analyzed. To identify the underlying mechanisms responsible for PGE(2) liberation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured. Inhibitors of ROS, including vitamin E, and inhibitors of mitochondrial Ca(2+) and NF-kappaB were used to test their effects on the MRC. RESULTS: Antimycin A and oligomycin (inhibitors of mitochondrial complexes III and V, respectively) significantly increased the levels of PGE(2) (mean +/- SEM 505 +/- 132 pg/50,000 cells and 288 +/- 104 pg/50,000 cells, respectively, at 24 hours versus a basal level of 29 +/- 9 pg/50,000 cells; P < 0.05) and increased the expression of COX-2 at both the mRNA and protein levels. Expression of COX-1 did not show any modulation with either inhibitor. Further experiments revealed that antimycin A and oligomycin induced a marked increase in the levels of ROS. Production of PGE(2) and expression of COX-2 protein were inhibited by antioxidants, vitamin E, and mitochondrial Ca(2+) and NF-kappaB inhibitors. The response to blockers of mitochondrial Ca(2+) movement showed that ROS production was dependent on mitochondrial Ca(2+) accumulation. CONCLUSION: These results strongly suggest that, in human chondrocytes, the inhibition of complexes III and V of the MRC induces an inflammatory response, which could be especially relevant in relation to PGE(2) production via mitochondrial Ca(2+) exchange, ROS production, and NF-kappaB activation. These data may prove valuable for a better understanding of the participation of mitochondria in the pathogenesis of OA.     

Pancreatic deletion of insulin receptor substrate 2 reduces beta and alpha cell mass and impairs glucose homeostasis in mice

Aims/hypothesis Insulin signalling pathways regulate pancreatic beta cell function. Conditional gene targeting using the Cre/loxP system has demonstrated that mice lacking insulin receptor substrate 2 (IRS2) in the beta cell have reduced beta cell mass. However, these studies have been complicated by hypothalamic deletion when the RIPCre (B6.Cg-tg(Ins2-cre)25Mgn/J) transgenic mouse (expressing Cre recombinase under the control of the rat insulin II promoter) is used to delete floxed alleles in insulin-expressing cells. These features have led to marked insulin resistance making the beta cell-autonomous role of IRS2 difficult to determine. To establish the effect of deleting Irs2 only in the pancreas, we generated PIrs2KO mice in which Cre recombinase expression was driven by the promoter of the pancreatic and duodenal homeobox factor 1 (Pdx1, also known as Ipf1) gene. Materials and methods In vivo glucose homeostasis was examined in PIrs2KO mice using glucose tolerance and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion tests. Endocrine cell mass was determined by morphometric analysis. Islet function was examined in static cultures and by performing calcium imaging in Fluo3am-loaded beta cells. Islet gene expression was determined by RT-PCR. Results The PIrs2KO mice displayed glucose intolerance and impaired glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in vivo. Pancreatic insulin and glucagon content and beta and alpha cell mass were reduced. Glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and calcium mobilisation were attenuated in PIrs2KO islets. Expression of the Glut2 gene (also known as Slc2a2) was also reduced in PIrs2KO mice. Conclusions/interpretation These studies suggest that IRS2-dependent signalling in pancreatic islets is required not only for the maintenance of normal beta and alpha cell mass but is also involved in the regulation of insulin secretion. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorised users.     

Leptin stimulates glucose transport and glycogen synthesis in C2C12 myotubes: evidence for a PI3-kinase mediated effect

Summary It was recently shown that leptin impairs insulin signalling, i. e. insulin receptor autophosphorylation and insulin-receptor substrate (IRS)-1 phosphorylation in rat-1 fibroblasts, NIH3T3 cells and HepG2 cells. To evaluate whether leptin might impair the effects of insulin in muscle tissue we studied the interaction of insulin and leptin in a muscle cell system, i. e. C₂C₁₂ myotubes. Preincubation of C₂C₁₂ cells with leptin (1–500 ng/ml) did not significantly affect insulin stimulated glucose transport and glycogen synthesis (1.8 to 2 fold stimulation); however, leptin by itself (1 ng/ml) was able to mimic approximately 80–90 % of the insulin effect on glucose transport and glycogen synthesis. Both glucose transport as well as glycogen synthesis were inhibited by the phosphatidylinositol-3 (PI3)-kinase inhibitor wortmannin and the protein kinase C inhibitor H7 while no effect was observed with the S6-kinase inhibitor rapamycin. We determined whether the effect of leptin occurs through activation of IRS-1 and PI3-kinase. Leptin did not stimulate PI3-kinase activity in IRS-1 immunoprecipitates; however, PI3-kinase activation could be demonstrated in p85α immunoprecipitates (3.04 ± 1.5 fold of basal). In summary the data provide the first evidence for a positive crosstalk between the signalling chain of the insulin receptor and the leptin receptor. Leptin mimics in C₂C₁₂ myotubes insulin effects on glucose transport and glycogen synthesis most likely through activation of PI3-kinase. This effect of leptin occurs independently of IRS-1 activation in C₂C₁₂ cells. [Diabetologia (1997) 40: 606–609] Received: 24 January 1997 and in revised form: 3 March 1997     

Endothelial dysfunction in insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes

Macrovascular disease is the number one killer in type 2 diabetes patients. The cluster of risk factors in the insulin resistance syndrome (IRS) partly explains this notion. Insulin action in muscle, liver or adipose tissue has been thoroughly described in the literature, whilst this has been less described for the endothelium. Insulin stimulates nitric oxide (NO) production in the endothelium and reduced bioavailability of NO is usually defined as endothelial dysfunction. This impairment might be related to defective insulin signalling in the endothelial cell. Therefore, insulin resistance mechanisms in the endothelial cell will be emphasized in this review. Imbalance between the vasodilating agent NO and the vasoconstrictor endothelin-1 (ET-1) contributes to endothelial dysfunction. Different methods and circulating markers to assess endothelial function will be outlined. Circulating markers of an activated endothelium appear long before type 2 diabetes develops suggesting a unique role of the endothelium in the pathophysiology of the disease. Hampered blood flow in nutritive capillaries due to endothelial dysfunction is coupled with decreased glucose uptake and hyperglycemia. The forearm model combined with muscle microdialysis enables us to measure interstitial glucose and an index for capillary recruitment, the permeability surface area (PS). Available data from this method suggest that capillary recruitment in response of insulin is impaired in insulin resistant human subjects.     

Calcium has a permissive role in interleukin-1beta-induced c-jun N-terminal kinase activation in insulin-secreting cells

The c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway mediates IL-1beta-induced apoptosis in insulin-secreting cells, a mechanism relevant to the destruction of pancreatic beta-cells in type 1 and 2 diabetes. However, the mechanisms that contribute to IL-1beta activation of JNK in beta-cells are largely unknown. In this study, we investigated whether Ca(2+) plays a role for IL-1beta-induced JNK activation. In insulin-secreting rat INS-1 cells cultured in the presence of 11 mm glucose, combined pharmacological blockade of L- and T-type Ca(2+) channels suppressed IL-1beta-induced in vitro phosphorylation of the JNK substrate c-jun and reduced IL-1beta-stimulated activation of JNK1/2 as assessed by immunoblotting. Inhibition of IL-1beta-induced in vitro kinase activity toward c-jun after collective L- and T-type Ca(2+) channel blockade was confirmed in primary rat and ob/ob mouse islets and in mouse betaTC3 cells. Ca(2+) influx, specifically via L-type but not T-type channels, contributed to IL-1beta activation of JNK. Activation of p38 and ERK in response to IL-1beta was also dependent on L-type Ca(2+) influx. Membrane depolarization by KCl, exposure to high glucose, treatment with Ca(2+) ionophore A23187, or exposure to thapsigargin, an inhibitor of sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca(2+) ATPase, all caused an amplification of IL-1beta-induced JNK activation in INS-1 cells. Finally, a chelator of intracellular free Ca(2+) [bis-(o-aminophenoxy)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid-acetoxymethyl], an inhibitor of calmodulin (W7), and inhibitors of Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent kinase (KN62 and KN93) partially reduced IL-1beta-stimulated c-jun phosphorylation in INS-1 or betaTC3 cells. Our data suggest that Ca(2+) plays a permissive role in IL-1beta activation of the JNK signaling pathway in insulin-secreting cells.     

Exercise training increases insulin-stimulated glucose disposal and GLUT4 (SLC2A4) protein content in patients with type 2 diabetes

Aims/hypothesis Exercise enhances insulin-stimulated glucose transport in skeletal muscle through changes in signal transduction and gene expression. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of acute and short-term exercise training on whole-body insulin-mediated glucose disposal and signal transduction along the canonical insulin signalling cascade.Methods A euglycaemic–hyperinsulinaemic clamp, with vastus lateralis skeletal muscle biopsies, was performed at baseline and 16 h after an acute bout of exercise and short-term exercise training (7 days) in obese non-diabetic (n=7) and obese type 2 diabetic (n=8) subjects.Results Insulin-mediated glucose disposal was unchanged following acute exercise in both groups. Short-term exercise training increased insulin-mediated glucose disposal in obese type 2 diabetic (p<0.05), but not in obese non-diabetic subjects. Insulin activation of (1) IRS1, (2) IRS2, (3) phosphotyrosine-associated phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase activity and (4) the substrate of phosphorylated Akt, AS160, a functional Rab GTPase activating protein important for GLUT4 (now known as solute carrier family 2 [facilitated glucose transporter], member 4 [SLC2A4]) translocation, was unchanged after acute or chronic exercise in either group. GLUT4 protein content was increased in obese type 2 diabetic subjects (p<0.05), but not in obese non-diabetic subjects following chronic exercise.Conclusions/interpretation Exercise training increased whole-body insulin-mediated glucose disposal in obese type 2 diabetic patients. These changes were independent of functional alterations in the insulin-signalling cascade and related to increased GLUT4 protein content.     

Protection from palmitate-induced mitochondrial DNA damage prevents from mitochondrial oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, and impaired insulin signaling in rat L6 skeletal muscle cells

Saturated free fatty acids have been implicated in the increase of oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, and insulin resistance seen in type 2 diabetes. The purpose of this study was to determine whether palmitate-induced mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage contributed to increased oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, impaired insulin signaling, and reduced glucose uptake in skeletal muscle cells. Adenoviral vectors were used to deliver the DNA repair enzyme human 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase/(apurinic/apyrimidinic) lyase (hOGG1) to mitochondria in L6 myotubes. After palmitate exposure, we evaluated mtDNA damage, mitochondrial function, production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, apoptosis, insulin signaling pathways, and glucose uptake. Protection of mtDNA from palmitate-induced damage by overexpression of hOGG1 targeted to mitochondria significantly diminished palmitate-induced mitochondrial superoxide production, restored the decline in ATP levels, reduced activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) kinase, prevented cells from entering apoptosis, increased insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of serine-threonine kinase (Akt) (Ser473) and tyrosine phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate-1, and thereby enhanced glucose transporter 4 translocation to plasma membrane, and restored insulin signaling. Addition of a specific inhibitor of JNK mimicked the effect of mitochondrial overexpression of hOGG1 and partially restored insulin sensitivity, thus confirming the involvement of mtDNA damage and subsequent increase of oxidative stress and JNK activation in insulin signaling in L6 myotubes. Our results are the first to report that mtDNA damage is the proximal cause in palmitate-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired insulin signaling and provide strong evidence that targeting DNA repair enzymes into mitochondria in skeletal muscles could be a potential therapeutic treatment for insulin resistance.