Testosterone's Effect on Insulin Action in Rat Muscle Cells
Author Information
Author(s): Michael C. Allemand, Brian A. Irving, Yan W. Asmann, Katherine A. Klaus, Laura Tatpati, Charles C. Coddington, K. Sreekumaran Nair
Primary Institution: Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Medicine
Hypothesis
Does testosterone increase serine phosphorylation of IRS-1 in skeletal muscle, contributing to insulin resistance?
Conclusion
Testosterone exposure increases serine phosphorylation of IRS-1, suggesting a link to insulin resistance in a hyperandrogenic environment.
Supporting Evidence
- Testosterone exposure increased IRS-1 Ser636/639 phosphorylation in muscle cells.
- Low-dose testosterone significantly enhanced insulin-induced phosphorylation of mTOR and S6K.
- High-dose testosterone reduced insulin-induced phosphorylation of mTOR and S6K.
Takeaway
This study found that testosterone can make it harder for cells to respond to insulin, which is important for understanding conditions like PCOS.
Methodology
Rat skeletal muscle myotubes were treated with insulin after pre-exposure to testosterone, and protein phosphorylation was measured using Western blot.
Limitations
The in vitro model may not fully represent in vivo biology.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=0.042
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website