Insulin Resistance in Non-Obese Subjects Is Associated with Activation of the JNK Pathway and Impaired Insulin Signaling in Skeletal Muscle
2011

Insulin Resistance in Non-Obese Subjects and JNK Pathway Activation

Sample size: 20 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Masharani Umesh B., Maddux Betty A., Li Xiaojuan, Sakkas Giorgos K., Mulligan Kathleen, Schambelan Morris, Goldfine Ira D., Youngren Jack F.

Primary Institution: University of California San Francisco

Hypothesis

Is insulin resistance in non-obese individuals associated with activation of the JNK pathway?

Conclusion

Insulin resistance in non-obese, normoglycemic subjects is linked to JNK pathway activation and increased intramyocellular lipids.

Supporting Evidence

  • Insulin resistant subjects had increased JNK phosphorylation compared to insulin sensitive subjects.
  • Intramyocellular lipid levels were twice as high in insulin resistant subjects.
  • Total body fat and abdominal fat were significantly higher in insulin resistant subjects.

Takeaway

Some people who are not overweight can still have problems with insulin, which helps control blood sugar. This study found that these people have higher levels of certain fats in their muscles.

Methodology

Twenty healthy, non-obese subjects were studied using muscle biopsies and various imaging techniques to assess insulin signaling and fat stores.

Potential Biases

Potential selection bias due to the specific criteria for participant inclusion.

Limitations

The study's sample size was small and may not represent the broader population.

Participant Demographics

Twenty healthy, non-obese, normoglycemic subjects aged 20-50, with a mix of male and female participants.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.005

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0019878

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