Glucose–fatty acid cycle operates in humans at the levels of both whole body and skeletal muscle during low and high physiological plasma insulin concentrations

1994 ◽  
Vol 130 (1) ◽  
pp. 70-79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allan A Vaag ◽  
Aase Handberg ◽  
Peter Skøtt ◽  
Erik A Richter ◽  
Henning Beck-Nielsen
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Fatty Acid ◽  
Glucose Metabolism ◽  
Glucose Uptake ◽  
Pyruvate Dehydrogenase ◽  
Plasma Insulin ◽  
Activity Ratio ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Acid Cycle ◽  
Glucose Fatty Acid Cycle

Vaag, AA, Handberg A, Skøtt P, Richter EA, Beck-Nielsen H. Glucose-fatty acid cycle operates in humans at the levels of both whole body and skeletal muscle during low and high physiological plasma insulin concentrations. Eur J Endocrinol 1994;130:70–9. ISSN 0804–4643 Plasma non-esterified fatty acid concentrations were elevated acutely (Intralipid + heparin infusion) in 14 normal humans in order to study the effects of fatty acids on whole-body basal and insulin-stimulated glucose metabolism, and on activities of skeletal muscle key enzymes. Whole-body glucose metabolism was assessed using [3-3H]glucose and indirect calorimetry. Biopsies were taken from the vastus lateralis muscle during basal and insulin-stimulated (3 h, 40 mU·m−2·min1) steady-state periods. Total peripheral glucose uptake was unaffected by Intralipid infusion in the basal state, whereas it decreased during Intralipid infusion in the hyperinsulinemic state (10.7±0.7 vs 8.7±0.8 mg · kg−1 fat-free mass · min−1, p < 0.02). Intralipid infusion decreased whole-body glucose oxidation in the basal state (1.3±0.2 vs 0.8±0.1 mg·kg−1 fat-free mass·min−1, p<0.001) and during hyperinsulinemia (3.6±0.2 vs 1.7±0.2 mg·kg−1 fat-free mass·min−1 p<0.001). Whole-body non-oxidative glucose uptake increased during Intralipid infusion in the basal state and was unaffected in the hyperinsulinemic state. The skeletal muscle pyruvate dehydrogenase activity ratio decreased in the basal state during Intralipid infusion (55±6 vs 43±5%, p<0.05), whereas no statistical significant decrease in the pyruvate dehydrogenase activity ratio was observed during insulin infusion (57±8 vs 47 ± 5%, NS). Insulin increased the activity of the active form of pyruvate dehydrogenase on the control day, but not during Intralipid infusion. Activities of phosphofructokinase and glycogen synthase were unaffected by Intralipid infusion. Plasma glucose concentrations were similar during Intralipid infusion and on the control day, whereas Intralipid infusion increased the muscle glucose content in the basal state (1.36±0.09 vs 1.77±0.12 mmol/kg dry wt, p<0.05) and in the hyperinsulinemic state (1.23 ± 0.09 vs 1.82 ± 0.16 mmol/kg dry wt, p <0.05). Insulin increased the muscle lactate content on the control day (6.50±0.95 vs 8.65±0.77 mmol/kg dry wt, p<0.05), but not during Intralipid infusion. In conclusion, the glucose–fatty acid cycle operates in humans in vivo at the levels of both whole body and skeletal muscle during both low and high physiological insulin concentrations. Allan Vaag, Department of Internal Medicine M, Odense University Hospital, Sdr. Boulevard, DK-5000, Odense C, Denmark

Effects of blockade of fatty acid oxidation on whole body and tissue-specific glucose metabolism in rats

1993 ◽  
Vol 265 (4) ◽  
pp. E592-E600 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. B. Jenkins ◽  
L. H. Storlien ◽  
G. J. Cooney ◽  
G. S. Denyer ◽  
I. D. Caterson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Fatty Acid ◽  
Glucose Metabolism ◽  
Fatty Acid Oxidation ◽  
Pyruvate Dehydrogenase ◽  
Glucose Utilization ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Acid Oxidation ◽  
Tissue Specific ◽  
Glucose Output

We examined the effect of the long-chain fatty acid oxidation blocker methyl palmoxirate (methyl 2-tetradecyloxiranecarboxylate, McN-3716) on glucose metabolism in conscious rats. Fasted animals [5 h with or without hyperinsulinemia (100 mU/l) and 24 h] received methyl palmoxirate (30 or 100 mg/kg body wt po) or vehicle 30 min before a euglycemic glucose clamp. Whole body and tissue-specific glucose metabolism were calculated from 2-deoxy-[3H]-glucose kinetics and accumulation. Oxidative metabolism was assessed by respiratory gas exchange in 24-h fasted animals. Pyruvate dehydrogenase complex activation was determined in selected tissues. Methyl palmoxirate suppressed whole body lipid oxidation by 40-50% in 24-h fasted animals, whereas carbohydrate oxidation was stimulated 8- to 10-fold. Whole body glucose utilization was not significantly affected by methyl palmoxirate under any conditions; hepatic glucose output was suppressed only in the predominantly gluconeogenic 24-h fasted animals. Methyl palmoxirate stimulated glucose uptake in heart in 24-h fasted animals [15 +/- 5 vs. 220 +/- 28 (SE) mumol x 100 g-1 x min-1], with smaller effects in 5-h fasted animals with or without hyperinsulinemia. Methyl palmoxirate induced significant activation of pyruvate dehydrogenase in heart in the basal state, but not during hyperinsulinemia. In skeletal muscles, methyl palmoxirate suppressed glucose utilization in the basal state but had no effect during hyperinsulinemia; pyruvate dehydrogenase activation in skeletal muscle was not affected by methyl palmoxirate under any conditions. The responses in skeletal muscle are consistent with the operation of a mechanism similar to the Pasteur effect.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Skeletal muscle pyruvate dehydrogenase activity during acetate infusion in humans

1995 ◽  
Vol 268 (5) ◽  
pp. E1007-E1017 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. T. Putman ◽  
L. L. Spriet ◽  
E. Hultman ◽  
D. J. Dyck ◽  
G. J. Heigenhauser
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Fatty Acid ◽  
Dehydrogenase Activity ◽  
Pyruvate Dehydrogenase ◽  
Acetate Metabolism ◽  
Acetyl Coa ◽  
Acid Cycle ◽  
Citrate Accumulation ◽  
Acetyl Group ◽  
Glucose Fatty Acid Cycle

Pyruvate dehydrogenase activity (PDHa), acetyl group, and citrate accumulation were examined in human skeletal muscle at rest and during cycling exercise while acetate was infused. Eight subjects received 400 mmol of sodium acetate (Ace) at a constant rate during 20 min of rest, 5 min of cycling at 40% maximal O2 uptake (VO2max) and 15 min of cycling at 80% VO2max. Two weeks later experiments were repeated while 400 mmol of sodium bicarbonate was infused in the control condition (CON). Ace infusion increased muscle acetyl-coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA), citrate, and acetylcarnitine. A decline in resting PDHa during 20 min of Ace infusion (0.37 +/- 0.08 vs. 0.16 +/- 0.03 mmol.min-1.kg wet wt-1) coincided with an elevation in the acetyl-CoA-to-free CoA ratio (acetyl-CoA/CoASH; 0.28 +/- 0.04 to 0.73 +/- 0.14). After 20 min of CON infusion, resting PDHa (0.32 +/- 0.06 mmol.min-1.kg wet wt-1) was similar to PDHa before Ace infusion. During exercise, acetyl-CoA, citrate, and acetyl-CoA/CoASH were further elevated, and the differences that existed at rest were resolved. PDHa increased to the same extent in Ace and CON, in which it was 44-47% transformed after 5 min at 40% VO2max and completely transformed after 15 min at 80% VO2max. At rest PDHa was regulated by variations in acetyl-CoA/CoASH secondary to enhanced acetate metabolism. Conversely, during exercise PDHa regulation appeared independent of variations in acetyl-CoA/CoASH. The resting data are consistent with a central role for PDHa and citrate in the regulation of the glucose-fatty acid cycle in skeletal muscle, as classically proposed. However, in the present study Ace infusion was not effective in perturbing the glucose-fatty acid cycle during exercise.

Contribution of muscle and liver to glucose-fatty acid cycle in humans

1993 ◽  
Vol 264 (4) ◽  
pp. E599-E605 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Saloranta ◽  
V. Koivisto ◽  
E. Widen ◽  
K. Falholt ◽  
R. A. DeFronzo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Fatty Acid ◽  
Glucose Metabolism ◽  
Glycogen Synthase ◽  
Hepatic Glucose Production ◽  
Glycogen Synthesis ◽  
Glucose Production ◽  
Acid Cycle ◽  
Glucose Fatty Acid Cycle ◽  
Plasma Ffa

To examine the influence of elevated free fatty acid (FFA) levels on hepatic glucose production (HGP) and oxidative and nonoxidative pathways of glucose metabolism, 12 healthy subjects participated in two euglycemic insulin-clamp studies performed with and without infusion of Intralipid plus heparin. To elucidate the role of skeletal muscle in this putative interaction, we performed muscle biopsies for the measurement of activities of glycogen synthase (GS), pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH), and carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT). Infusion of Intralipid plus heparin caused an increase in plasma FFA concentrations and rate of lipid oxidation (measured by indirect calorimetry) that was not inhibited by insulin. Suppression of HGP by insulin was impaired by elevated plasma FFA levels. Furthermore, the increase in plasma FFA was associated with a 20% reduction in total glucose metabolism (P < 0.01), which was completely accounted for by a reduction in the rate of glucose oxidation. Although the fractional activity of GS was increased by insulin, elevation of plasma FFA had no influence on this key enzyme of glycogen synthesis. In addition, the activities of PDH and CPT were uninfluenced by the elevation of FFA, suggesting that oxidative processes in skeletal muscle were not a major target for the operative glucose-fatty acid cycle under the current conditions. Taken together, the data indicate that the interaction between FFA and glucose metabolism also involves impaired suppression of HGP by insulin.

Neural control of glucose uptake by skeletal muscle after central administration of NMDA

1995 ◽  
Vol 268 (2) ◽  
pp. R492-R497 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. H. Lang ◽  
M. Ajmal ◽  
A. G. Baillie
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Blood Flow ◽  
Glucose Uptake ◽  
Neural Control ◽  
Plasma Insulin ◽  
Regional Blood Flow ◽  
Muscle Blood Flow ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Glucose Disposal ◽  
Central Administration

Intracerebroventricular injection of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) produces hyperglycemia and increases whole body glucose uptake. The purpose of the present study was to determine in rats which tissues are responsible for the elevated rate of glucose disposal. NMDA was injected intracerebroventricularly, and the glucose metabolic rate (Rg) was determined for individual tissues 20-60 min later using 2-deoxy-D-[U-14C]glucose. NMDA decreased Rg in skin, ileum, lung, and liver (30-35%) compared with time-matched control animals. In contrast, Rg in skeletal muscle and heart was increased 150-160%. This increased Rg was not due to an elevation in plasma insulin concentrations. In subsequent studies, the sciatic nerve in one leg was cut 4 h before injection of NMDA. NMDA increased Rg in the gastrocnemius (149%) and soleus (220%) in the innervated leg. However, Rg was not increased after NMDA in contralateral muscles from the denervated limb. Data from a third series of experiments indicated that the NMDA-induced increase in Rg by innervated muscle and its abolition in the denervated muscle were not due to changes in muscle blood flow. The results of the present study indicate that 1) central administration of NMDA increases whole body glucose uptake by preferentially stimulating glucose uptake by skeletal muscle, and 2) the enhanced glucose uptake by muscle is neurally mediated and independent of changes in either the plasma insulin concentration or regional blood flow.

Regulation of fat-carbohydrate interaction in skeletal muscle during intense aerobic cycling

1993 ◽  
Vol 265 (6) ◽  
pp. E852-E859 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. J. Dyck ◽  
C. T. Putman ◽  
G. J. Heigenhauser ◽  
E. Hultman ◽  
L. L. Spriet
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Pyruvate Dehydrogenase ◽  
Saline Control ◽  
Elevated Plasma ◽  
O2 Uptake ◽  
Muscle Lactate ◽  
Acid Cycle ◽  
Glucose Fatty Acid Cycle ◽  
Male Subjects ◽  
Muscle Biopsies

Six male subjects received either a saline (control) or Intralipid infusion during 30 min rest and 15 min cycling at 85% maximal O2 uptake (VO2max) to examine the regulation of fat-carbohydrate interaction (glucose-fatty acid cycle) in skeletal muscle. Muscle biopsies were sampled immediately before and at 3 and 15 min of exercise in both trials. A muscle biopsy was also taken at -30 min rest in the Intralipid trial. Intralipid infusion significantly elevated plasma free fatty acids above control during rest (0.21 +/- 0.04 to 0.94 +/- 0.09 mM) and exercise (5 min: 1.27 +/- 0.15 mM; 15 min: 1.42 +/- 0.13 mM). Muscle glycogen degradation was significantly lower in the Intralipid trial (109.7 +/- 29.3 vs. 194.7 +/- 32.1 mmol/kg dry muscle). Muscle lactate accumulation after 15 min was similar in both trials (control, 60.7 +/- 12.2 and Intralipid, 60.9 +/- 12.4 mmol/kg dry muscle). Muscle citrate increased at rest during Intralipid (0.32 +/- 0.06 to 0.58 +/- 0.06 mmol/kg dry muscle) but was not different between trials at 3 min (control, 0.73 +/- 0.07 and Intralipid, 0.68 +/- 0.06 mmol/kg dry muscle) and 15 min of cycling. Resting acetyl-CoA was unaffected by Intralipid and increased similarly in both trials at 3 min of cycling (control, 59.0 +/- 10.3 and Intralipid, 50.7 +/- 13.6 mumol/kg dry muscle) and remained unchanged at 15 min. Pyruvate dehydrogenase activity increased five- to sevenfold during exercise and was similar in both trials (15 min: control, 2.42 +/- 0.30 and Intralipid, 2.79 +/- 0.41 mmol.min-1 x kg wet wt-1).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Prolonged suppression of glucose metabolism causes insulin resistance in rat skeletal muscle

1997 ◽  
Vol 272 (2) ◽  
pp. E288-E296 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. K. Kim ◽  
J. H. Youn
Keyword(s):  
Insulin Resistance ◽  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Glucose Metabolism ◽  
Glucose Uptake ◽  
Skeletal Muscles ◽  
Glycogen Synthesis ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Metabolic Fluxes ◽  
Phosphate Inhibition ◽  
Intracellular Glucose

To determine whether an impairment of intracellular glucose metabolism causes insulin resistance, we examined the effects of suppression of glycolysis or glycogen synthesis on whole body and skeletal muscle insulin-stimulated glucose uptake during 450-min hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamps in conscious rats. After the initial 150 min to attain steady-state insulin action, animals received an additional infusion of saline, Intralipid and heparin (to suppress glycolysis), or amylin (to suppress glycogen synthesis) for up to 300 min. Insulin-stimulated whole body glucose fluxes were constant with saline infusion (n = 7). In contrast, Intralipid infusion (n = 7) suppressed glycolysis by approximately 32%, and amylin infusion (n = 7) suppressed glycogen synthesis by approximately 45% within 30 min after the start of the infusions (P < 0.05). The suppression of metabolic fluxes increased muscle glucose 6-phosphate levels (P < 0.05), but this did not immediately affect insulin-stimulated glucose uptake due to compensatory increases in other metabolic fluxes. Insulin-stimulated whole body glucose uptake started to decrease at approximately 60 min and was significantly decreased by approximately 30% at the end of clamps (P < 0.05). Similar patterns of changes in insulin-stimulated glucose fluxes were observed in individual skeletal muscles. Thus the suppression of intracellular glucose metabolism caused decreases in insulin-stimulated glucose uptake through a cellular adaptive mechanism in response to a prolonged elevation of glucose 6-phosphate rather than the classic mechanism involving glucose 6-phosphate inhibition of hexokinase.

scholarly journals Effects of starvation and exercise on concentrations of citrate, hexose phosphates and glycogen in skeletal muscle and heart. Evidence for selective operation of the glucose-fatty acid cycle

1985 ◽  
Vol 232 (2) ◽  
pp. 585-591 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Zorzano ◽  
T W Balon ◽  
L J Brady ◽  
P Rivera ◽  
L P Garetto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Fatty Acid ◽  
Ketone Bodies ◽  
Recovery Period ◽  
Moderate Intensity ◽  
Glycogen Depletion ◽  
Acid Cycle ◽  
Glucose Fatty Acid Cycle ◽  
Fructose 1,6 Bisphosphate ◽  
Hexose Phosphates

Concentrations of citrate, hexose phosphates and glycogen were measured in skeletal muscle and heart under conditions in which plasma non-esterified fatty acids and ketone bodies were physiologically increased. The aim was to determine under what conditions the glucose-fatty acid cycle might operative in skeletal muscle in vivo. In keeping with the findings of others, starvation increased the concentrations of glycogen, citrate and the fructose 6-phosphate/fructose 1,6-bisphosphate ratio in heart, indicating that the cycle was operative. In contrast, it decreased glycogen and had no effect on the concentration of citrate or the fructose 6-phosphate/fructose 1,6-bisphosphate ratio in the soleus, a slow-twitch red muscle in which the glucose-fatty acid cycle has been demonstrated in vitro. In fed rats, exercise of moderate intensity caused glycogen depletion in the soleus and red portion of gastrocnemius muscle, but not in heart. In starved rats the same exercise had no effect on the already diminished glycogen contents in skeletal muscle, but it decreased cardiac glycogen by 25-30%. After exercise, citrate and the fructose 6-phosphate/fructose 1,6-bisphosphate ratio were increased in the soleus of the starved rat. Significant changes were not observed in fed rats. The data suggest that in the resting state the glucose-fatty acid cycle operates in the heart, but not in the soleus muscle, of a starved rat. In contrast, the metabolite profile in the soleus was consistent with activation of the glucose-fatty acid cycle in the starved rat during the recovery period after exercise. Whether the cycle operates during exercise itself is unclear.

Human kidney free fatty acid and glucose uptake: evidence for a renal glucose-fatty acid cycle.

1997 ◽  
Vol 273 (3) ◽  
pp. E650 ◽  
Author(s):  
C Meyer ◽  
V Nadkarni ◽  
M Stumvoll ◽  
J Gerich
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acid ◽  
Glucose Uptake ◽  
Renal Vein ◽  
Human Kidney ◽  
Glucose Disposal ◽  
Acid Cycle ◽  
Glucose Fatty Acid Cycle ◽  
Palmitate Uptake ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Important Site

To determine the relationship between free fatty acids (FFA) and glucose uptake by the human kidney, 12 postabsorptive normal volunteers underwent renal vein catheterization and were infused to isotopic steady state with [6-3H]glucose and [9,10-3H]palmitate. Arterial and renal vein palmitate specific activities were not significantly different (3,533 +/- 219 vs. 3,549 +/- 220 dpm/mumol, P = 0.64). Palmitate renal fractional extraction and uptake determined isotopically (7.2 +/- 1.1% and 9.1 +/- 1.4 mumol/min) were not significantly different from those calculated by net balance measurements (8.3 +/- 1.2% and 9.7 +/- 1.2 mumol/min, P > 0.07 and P > 0.7, respectively). Renal palmitate uptake accounted for 8.7 +/- 1.3% of its systemic turnover. Renal linoleate and oleate fractional extraction calculated by net balance measurements (8.0 +/- 0.9 and 7.7 +/- 1.2%, respectively) were not significantly different from each other and that of palmitate (all P > 0.7). Renal uptake of palmitate, linoleate (7.9 +/- 1.0 mumol/min), and oleate (10.9 +/- 2.0 mumol/min) were all directly proportional to their arterial concentrations (r = 0.70, 0.68, and 0.63, respectively, all P < 0.025). Renal glucose uptake (93 +/- 10 mumol/min) accounted for 12.6 +/- 1.5% of its systemic turnover and was inversely related to the sum of palmitate, linoleate, and oleate uptake (r = -0.74, P < 0.01). These data indicate that in postabsorptive humans: 1) the kidney is an important site of FFA and glucose disposal, 2) a renal glucose-fatty acid cycle may exist, and 3) there appears to be little or no release into the circulation of stored renal FFA.

scholarly journals Glucose utilization in heart, diaphragm and skeletal muscle during the fed-to-starved transition

1990 ◽  
Vol 270 (1) ◽  
pp. 245-249 ◽  
Author(s):  
M J Holness ◽  
M C Sugden
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Fatty Acid ◽  
Glucose Uptake ◽  
Glucose Utilization ◽  
Active Form ◽  
Rapid Decline ◽  
Acute Elevation ◽  
Glucose Fatty Acid Cycle ◽  
Skeletal Muscle Glucose Uptake

The progressive effects of starvation on muscle glucose utilization were studied in the conscious resting rat. High rates of glucose uptake and phosphorylation in constantly working cardiothoracic (heart, diaphragm) and postural skeletal muscles (soleus, adductor longus) were maintained for at least 9 h of starvation. A rapid decline in cardiac glucose utilization was observed during the period 9-24 h of starvation, but for the other muscles the decline was more gradual. Consequently, even after 24 h, rates of glucose utilization in these muscles remained quantitatively significant. In both cardiothoracic and working (postural) skeletal muscle, glucose uptake and phosphorylation and activity of the active form of pyruvate dehydrogenase exhibited differential sensitivities to starvation and also to acute elevation of fatty acid concentrations during acute (4-9 h) starvation, such that pyruvate oxidation was more rapidly suppressed than glucose uptake and phosphorylation. The results are discussed in relation to the role of the glucose/fatty acid cycle in glucose conservation during the fed-to-starved transition.

Mediation of Glucoregulation at Rest and During Exercise by the Glucose-Fatty Acid Cycle: In Vivo and In Vitro Studies

1998 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. 534-557 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carol D. Rodgers ◽  
Mladen Vranic
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acid ◽  
Glucose Uptake ◽  
Carbohydrate Metabolism ◽  
In Vitro Studies ◽  
Degree Of Saturation ◽  
Diaphragm Muscle ◽  
Acid Cycle ◽  
Glucose Fatty Acid Cycle ◽  
The Impact

Himsworth (1934) demonstrated that increased fat consumption leads to decreased glucose tolerance due to decreased insulin sensitivity. Randle and colleagues (1964) named this interplay between fat and carbohydrate metabolism the glucose-fatty acid cycle (GFAC) and proposed a series of feedback mechanisms by which elevated levels of free fatty acids (FFAs) impair glucose uptake and oxidation in rat heart and diaphragm muscle. Numerous investigators have extended these studies to clarify the existence of GFAC and provide insight into the mechanisms and conditions under which it occurs. This paper reviews the literature and highlights other indirect means by which FFAs affect carbohydrate metabolism. Numerous in vitro studies are reviewed, emphasizing the importance of FFA concentration, carbon length, and degree of saturation. This article addresses evidence that the interplay between fat and carbohydrate metabolism is not a function of FFA concentration but a result of the impact that FFA levels have on insulin. Key words: glucose-fatty acid cycle, Randle cycle, carbohydrate metabolism, lipid metabolism, glucose uptake, glucose oxidation, fat oxidation

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