Insulin's Effect on Gene Expression in Fatty Rats
Author Information
Author(s): Zhang Yan, Chen Wei, Li Rui, Li Yang, Ge Yuebin, Chen Guoxun
Primary Institution: Department of Nutrition, University of Tennessee at Knoxville
Hypothesis
Insulin-regulated expression of genes involved in glucose and lipid metabolism may be altered in liver of insulin resistant animals.
Conclusion
Insulin's ability to regulate certain genes was diminished in hepatocytes from fatty rats, but this impairment could be partially restored after fasting.
Supporting Evidence
- Insulin induced Srebp-1c expression in lean rats but not in fatty rats.
- Fasting restored insulin's ability to regulate gene expression in fatty rats.
- Hepatocytes from fatty rats had higher mRNA levels of certain lipogenic genes compared to lean rats.
Takeaway
This study looked at how insulin affects liver cells in fat rats, finding that insulin doesn't work as well in these cells, but fasting can help improve its effects.
Methodology
Primary hepatocytes from Zucker lean and fatty rats were isolated and treated with insulin and other compounds for gene expression analysis using real-time PCR.
Participant Demographics
Male Zucker lean and fatty rats were used in the study.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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