Control of Muscle Mitochondria by Insulin Entails Activation of Akt2-mtNOS Pathway: Implications for the Metabolic Syndrome
2008

How Insulin Affects Muscle Mitochondria and Metabolism

Sample size: 8 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Finocchietto Paola, Barreyro Fernando, Holod Silvia, Peralta Jorge, Franco María C., Méndez Carlos, Converso Daniela P., Estévez Alvaro, Carreras Maria C., Poderoso Juan J.

Primary Institution: University Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Hypothesis

Does insulin signaling modulate mitochondrial respiration via nitric oxide to influence glucose storage and oxidation?

Conclusion

Insulin decreases mitochondrial respiration in skeletal muscle through nitric oxide, promoting substrate storage as macromolecules.

Supporting Evidence

  • Insulin increases phospho-Akt2 in skeletal muscle mitochondria.
  • High mitochondrial NO concentration was revealed by flow cytometry.
  • Insulin administration resulted in a significant decrease in mitochondrial oxygen uptake.

Takeaway

Insulin helps muscles store energy instead of using it by slowing down how fast they breathe, which is controlled by a special gas called nitric oxide.

Methodology

The study used a rat model to examine the effects of insulin on mitochondrial function and nitric oxide production.

Limitations

The study was conducted on rats, which may not fully represent human physiology.

Participant Demographics

Adult male rats were used in the experiments.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0001749

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