scholarly journals Agriophyllum Oligosaccharides Ameliorate Diabetic Insulin Resistance Through INS-R/IRS/Glut4-Mediated Insulin Pathway in db/db Mice and MIN6 Cells

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuyin Bao ◽  
Xiuzhi Wang ◽  
Sung Bo Cho ◽  
Yan-Ling Wu ◽  
Chengxi Wei ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Insulin Resistance ◽  
Insulin Receptor ◽  
Treated Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Spectrometric Analysis ◽  
Precolumn Derivatization ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Insulin Pathway ◽  
Min6 Cells

We have previously reported that Agriophyllum oligosaccharides (AOS) significantly enhance glycemic control by increasing the activation of insulin receptor (INS-R), insulin receptor substrate-2 (IRS-2), phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (AKT), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ, and glucose transporter 4 (Glut4) proteins in hepatic tissues. However, the effect of glucose control by AOS on the regulation of pancreatic tissues in db/db mice and MIN6 cells remains to be determined. An oral dose of AOS (380 or 750 mg/kg) was administered to type-2 diabetic db/db mice for 8 weeks to determine whether AOS regulates glucose by the INS-R/IRS/Glut4-mediated insulin pathway. Meanwhile, the effects of AOS on glucose uptake and its related signaling pathway in MIN6 cells were also investigated. The results showed that the random blood glucose (RBG) level in the AOS-treated group was lower than that in the control group. AOS reduced the levels of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and free fatty acid (FFA) and significantly improved the pathological changes in the pancreatic tissues in db/db mice. Moreover, immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the expression of INS-R, IRS-1, IRS-2, and Glut4 was increased in the AOS-treated group than in the model group. Further, in vitro experiments using MIN6 cells showed that AOS regulated INS-R, IRS-1, IRS-2, and Glut4 protein and mRNA levels and attenuated insulin resistance and cell apoptosis. The results of both in vitro and in vivo experiments were comparable. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometric analysis of AOS with precolumn derivatization with 3-amino-9-ethylcarbazole (AEC) tentatively identified five types of sugars: glucose, lactose, rutinose, glucuronic acid, and maltotriose. Our present study clearly showed that AOS is efficacious in preventing hyperglycemia, possibly by increasing insulin sensitivity and improving IR by regulating the INS-R/IRS/Glut4 insulin signal pathway. Therefore, AOS may be considered as a potential drug for diabetes treatment.

scholarly journals Lower Zinc-α2-Glycoprotein Production by Adipose Tissue and Liver in Obese Patients Unrelated to Insulin Resistance

2009 ◽  
Vol 94 (11) ◽  
pp. 4499-4507 ◽  
Author(s):  
David M. Selva ◽  
Albert Lecube ◽  
Cristina Hernández ◽  
Juan A. Baena ◽  
José M. Fort ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Insulin Resistance ◽  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Adipose Tissue ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Model Assessment ◽  
Obese Patients ◽  
Obese Subjects

Context: Zinc-α2 glycoprotein (ZAG) has been proposed as a new candidate in the pathogenesis of obesity, but most of the information stems from studies performed in rodents and in vitro assays. Objective: The main aim of the study was to compare serum levels of ZAG and its expression (mRNA levels and protein) in adipose tissue and the liver between obese and nonobese subjects. The relationship between ZAG and insulin resistance was also explored. Design: This was a case-control study. Setting: The study was conducted at a university referral center. Patients and Methods: Samples of serum, sc adipose tissue (SAT), visceral adipose tissue (VAT), and liver were obtained from 20 obese subjects during bariatric surgery. Samples from 10 nonobese patients matched by age and gender were used as a control group. Serum ZAG levels were determined by ELISA. ZAG mRNA levels were measured by real-time PCR and protein content by Western blot. The effect of insulin on liver production of ZAG was assessed using HepG2 cultures. Results: Serum concentration of ZAG (micrograms per milliliter) was significantly lower in obese subjects (40.87 ± 10.45 vs. 63.26 ± 16.40; P = 0.002). ZAG expression was significantly lower in the adipose tissue (SAT and VAT) and liver of obese patients than in control subjects. Significant negative correlations between body mass index and circulating ZAG (r = −0.65, P < 0.001) as well as between body mass index and mRNA ZAG levels in SAT (r = −0.68, P < 0.001) and VAT were detected (r = −0.64, P < 0.001). No relationship was found between ZAG and homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance and insulin had no effect on ZAG production in vitro. Conclusion: A down-regulation of ZAG in SAT, VAT, and liver exists in obese patients but seems unrelated to insulin resistance. A downregulation of zinc-α2 glycoprotein in adipose tissue and liver exists in obese patients, and it is unrelated to insulin resistance.

scholarly journals Increased in vivo phosphorylation of insulin receptor at serine 994 in the liver of obese insulin-resistant Zucker rats

2004 ◽  
Vol 182 (3) ◽  
pp. 433-444 ◽  
Author(s):  
MP Coba ◽  
MC Munoz ◽  
FP Dominici ◽  
JE Toblli ◽  
C Pena ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Insulin Resistance ◽  
Insulin Receptor ◽  
Phosphorylation Site ◽  
Serine Phosphorylation ◽  
Site Directed Mutagenesis ◽  
Zucker Rats ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Inhibitory Influence

Serine phosphorylation of the insulin receptor (IR) has been proposed to exert an inhibitory influence on its tyrosine kinase activity. Previous works using site-directed mutagenesis suggested that serine 994 of the IR (IR Ser 994) might be part of an inhibitory domain of the receptor. In this study we examined whether this residue is subjected to phosphorylation in vivo. We used a site-phosphospecific antibody to determine the extent of phosphorylation of IR Ser 994 in insulin target tissues from two animal models of insulin resistance with different IR kinase (IRK) activity: obese (fa/fa) Zucker rats and transgenic mice overexpressing bovine growth hormone (PEPCK-bGH mice).Phosphorylation at IR Ser 994 was markedly increased in liver of obese rats. This alteration appeared to be tissue-selective since no phosphorylation on Ser 994 was detected in IRs isolated from skeletal muscle of these animals. On the other hand, the phosphorylation level of IR Ser 994 was very low in liver of PEPCK-bGH mice and did not differ from that of the control group. We have also demonstrated that protein kinase (PK) C isoforms alpha, betaI and zeta are able to promote the in vitro phosphorylation of the IR on Ser 994. Differential findings in these two models of insulin resistance might thus reflect increased PKC activity resulting from increased lipid availability in obese Zucker rats. Our results suggest that Ser 994 is a novel in vivo IR phosphorylation site that might be involved in the regulation of the IRK in some states of insulin resistance.

scholarly journals Downregulation of muscle cell Insr and insulin receptor signaling by hyperinsulinemia in vitro and in vivo

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haoning Howard Cen ◽  
José Diego Botezelli ◽  
Su Wang ◽  
Niloufar Noursadeghi ◽  
James D. Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Insulin Resistance ◽  
Insulin Receptor ◽  
Muscle Cells ◽  
Negative Regulator ◽  
Serum Starvation ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
High Insulin

AbstractHyperinsulinemia is often viewed as compensatory to insulin resistance, but studies have shown that high levels of insulin may also contribute to insulin resistance. The precise mechanisms by which hyperinsulinemia contributes to insulin resistance remain poorly defined. To understand the direct effects of prolonged exposure to excess insulin in muscle cells, we incubated differentiated C2C12 mouse myotubes with elevated insulin for 16 hours, followed by 6 hours serum starvation, before examining key insulin signaling nodes. Using this model, we found that prolonged high insulin treatment significantly increased the phosphorylation of insulin receptor (INSR) and AKT, but not ERK. After serum starvation, acute AKT and ERK signaling stimulated by 0.2 - 20 nM insulin was attenuated. INSR protein levels were significantly downregulated by hyperinsulinemia in an insulin-dose-dependent manner. Surface INSR was reduced proportionally to total INSR levels. Mechanistically, we found that hyperinsulinemia strongly downregulated Insr mRNA which was correlated with increased threonine 24 phosphorylation of FOXO1. Interestingly, 6h serum starvation reversed the effects of high insulin on basal phosphorylation of INSR, AKT and FOXO1, and Insr transcription. Using RNA sequencing, bioinformatic analysis, and follow-up RNAi studies, we identified SIN3A as a negative regulator of Insr mRNA levels and JUND, MAX and MXI as positive regulators of Irs2 mRNA. We validated our in vitro results by determining that INSR levels in mouse skeletal muscle were negatively correlated with circulating insulin in vivo. Together, our findings shed new light on the mechanisms underlying hyperinsulinemia-induced insulin resistance in muscle cells, which are likely to be relevant in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes.

Cold Plasma Treatment Promotes Full-thickness Healing of Skin Wounds in Murine Models

2021 ◽  
pp. 153473462110021
Author(s):  
Joon M. Jung ◽  
Hae K. Yoon ◽  
Chang J. Jung ◽  
Soo Y. Jo ◽  
Sang G. Hwang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wound Healing ◽  
Plasma Treatment ◽  
Cold Plasma ◽  
Smooth Muscle Actin ◽  
Treated Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Alpha Smooth Muscle Actin ◽  
Skin Wound Healing

Cold plasma can be beneficial for promoting skin wound healing and has a high potential of being effectively used in treating various wounds. Our aim was to verify the effect of cold plasma in accelerating wound healing and investigate its underlying mechanism in vitro and in vivo. For the in vivo experiments, 2 full-thickness dermal wounds were created in each mouse (n = 30). While one wound was exposed to 2 daily plasma treatments for 3 min, the other wound served as a control. The wounds were evaluated by imaging and histological analyses at 4, 7, and 11 days post the wound infliction process. Immunohistochemical studies were also performed at the same time points. In vitro proliferation and scratch assay using HaCaT keratinocytes and fibroblasts were performed. The expression levels of wound healing–related genes were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. On day 7, the wound healing rates were 53.94% and 63.58% for the control group and the plasma-treated group, respectively. On day 11, these rates were 76.05% and 93.44% for the control and plasma-treated groups, respectively, and the difference between them was significant ( P = .039). Histological analysis demonstrated that plasma treatment promotes the formation of epidermal keratin and granular layers. Immunohistochemical studies also revealed that collagen 1, collagen 3, and alpha-smooth muscle actin appeared more abundantly in the plasma-treated group than in the control group. In vitro, the proliferation of keratinocytes was promoted by plasma exposure. Scratch assay showed that fibroblast exposure to plasma increased their migration. The expression levels of collagen 1, collagen 3, and alpha-smooth muscle actin were elevated upon plasma treatment. In conclusion, cold plasma can accelerate skin wound healing and is well tolerated.

YAP1 Overexpression Is Associated with Kidney Dysfunction in Lupus Nephritis

Pathobiology ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Ying Xie ◽  
Yuanyuan Ruan ◽  
Huimei Zou ◽  
Yixin Wang ◽  
Xin Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lupus Nephritis ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Kidney Tissue ◽  
Mouse Kidney ◽  
Experimental Comparison ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Protein Levels

<b><i>Objective:</i></b> The goal of the present study was to determine the expression of yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) in renal tissues of mice with lupus nephritis (LN) and elucidate its role in the progression of renal fibrosis. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> C57BL/6 mice and MRL/lpr mice were selected for experimental comparison. Mouse kidney tissues were removed and sectioned for hematoxylin and eosin staining, Masson’s trichome staining, Sirius staining, and immunohistochemistry. The mRNA and protein levels of YAP1 in mouse kidney tissues were detected, and the correlation between YAP1 and fibronectin (FN) mRNA levels was analyzed. Mouse renal epithelial cells were used for in vitro experiments. After transfection and stimulation, the cells were divided into 4 groups, namely the C57BL/6 serum group (group 1), the MRL/lpr serum group (group 2), the MRL/lpr serum + siRNA-negative control group (group 3), and the MRL/lpr serum + siRNA-YAP1 group (group 4). Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers in each group were detected by Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. Serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and urinary protein levels were detected and assessed for their correlation with YAP1 mRNA levels by Spearman’s analysis. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Compared to C57BL/6 mice, MRL/lpr mice exhibited obvious changes in fibrosis in renal tissues. In addition, YAP1 expression was significantly higher in the renal tissues of MRL/lpr mice than in those of C57BL/6 mice, and YAP1 mRNA levels were positively correlated with those of FN. YAP1 silencing in lupus serum-stimulated cells could effectively relieve serum-induced EMT. Finally, we observed that YAP1 mRNA levels in mouse kidney tissue were significantly and positively correlated with the degree of renal function injury. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> YAP1 expression in the kidney tissues of LN mice was higher than that observed in normal mice, indicating that YAP1 may play an important role in the occurrence and development of LN.

scholarly journals Sulfasalazine modifies metabolic profiles and enhances cisplatin chemosensitivity on cholangiocarcinoma cells in in vitro and in vivo models

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Malinee Thanee ◽  
Sureerat Padthaisong ◽  
Manida Suksawat ◽  
Hasaya Dokduang ◽  
Jutarop Phetcharaburanin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Redox Regulation ◽  
Treated Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
High Recurrence Rate ◽  
Nucleic Acid Metabolism ◽  
In Vivo Models ◽  
Tryptophan Degradation ◽  
Xenograft Mice

Abstract Background Sulfasalazine (SSZ) is widely known as an xCT inhibitor suppressing CD44v9-expressed cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) being related to redox regulation. Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) has a high recurrence rate and no effective chemotherapy. A recent report revealed high levels of CD44v9-positive cells in CCA patients. Therefore, a combination of drugs could prove a suitable strategy for CCA treatment via individual metabolic profiling. Methods We examined the effect of xCT-targeted CD44v9-CSCs using sulfasalazine combined with cisplatin (CIS) or gemcitabine in CCA in vitro and in vivo models and did NMR-based metabolomics analysis of xenograft mice tumor tissues. Results Our findings suggest that combined SSZ and CIS leads to a higher inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of cell death than CIS alone in both in vitro and in vivo models. Xenograft mice showed that the CD44v9-CSC marker and CK-19-CCA proliferative marker were reduced in the combination treatment. Interestingly, different metabolic signatures and significant metabolites were observed in the drug-treated group compared with the control group that revealed the cancer suppression mechanisms. Conclusions SSZ could improve CCA therapy by sensitization to CIS through killing CD44v9-positive cells and modifying the metabolic pathways, in particular tryptophan degradation (i.e., kynurenine pathway, serotonin pathway) and nucleic acid metabolism.

scholarly journals Anti-Obesity and Anti-Adipogenic Effects of Chitosan Oligosaccharide (GO2KA1) in SD Rats and in 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes Models

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 331
Author(s):  
Jung-Yun Lee ◽  
Tae Yang Kim ◽  
Hanna Kang ◽  
Jungbae Oh ◽  
Joo Woong Park ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Treated Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Chitosan Oligosaccharide ◽  
Sd Rats ◽  
Adipogenic Gene

Excess body weight is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes (T2D) and associated metabolic complications, and weight loss has been shown to improve glycemic control and decrease morbidity and mortality in T2D patients. Weight-loss strategies using dietary interventions produce a significant decrease in diabetes-related metabolic disturbance. We have previously reported that the supplementation of low molecular chitosan oligosaccharide (GO2KA1) significantly inhibited blood glucose levels in both animals and humans. However, the effect of GO2KA1 on obesity still remains unclear. The aim of the study was to evaluate the anti-obesity effect of GO2KA1 on lipid accumulation and adipogenic gene expression using 3T3-L1 adipocytes in vitro and plasma lipid profiles using a Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat model. Murine 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were stimulated to differentiate under the adipogenic stimulation in the presence and absence of varying concentrations of GO2KA1. Adipocyte differentiation was confirmed by Oil Red O staining of lipids and the expression of adipogenic gene expression. Compared to control group, the cells treated with GO2KA1 significantly decreased in intracellular lipid accumulation with concomitant decreases in the expression of key transcription factors, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha (CEBP/α). Consistently, the mRNA expression of downstream adipogenic target genes such as fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4), fatty acid synthase (FAS), were significantly lower in the GO2KA1-treated group than in the control group. In vivo, male SD rats were fed a high fat diet (HFD) for 6 weeks to induced obesity, followed by oral administration of GO2KA1 at 0.1 g/kg/body weight or vehicle control in HFD. We assessed body weight, food intake, plasma lipids, levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) for liver function, and serum level of adiponectin, a marker for obesity-mediated metabolic syndrome. Compared to control group GO2KA1 significantly suppressed body weight gain (185.8 ± 8.8 g vs. 211.6 ± 20.1 g, p < 0.05) with no significant difference in food intake. The serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels were significantly lower in the GO2KA1-treated group than in the control group, whereas the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level was higher in the GO2KA1 group. The GO2KA1-treated group also showed a significant reduction in ALT and AST levels compared to the control. Moreover, serum adiponectin levels were significantly 1.5-folder higher than the control group. These in vivo and in vitro findings suggest that dietary supplementation of GO2KA1 may prevent diet-induced weight gain and the anti-obesity effect is mediated in part by inhibiting adipogenesis and increasing adiponectin level.

scholarly journals INSIGHTS INTO THE ROLE OF MORUS ALBA IN REVERSING OBESITY-ASSOCIATED HEPATIC STEATOSIS AND RELATED METABOLIC DISORDER IN RATS

2016 ◽  
pp. 231
Author(s):  
Hanaa H. Ahmed ◽  
Fatehya M Metwally ◽  
Hend Rashad ◽  
Asmaa M Zaazaa
Keyword(s):  
Insulin Resistance ◽  
Hepatic Steatosis ◽  
Metabolic Disorder ◽  
Ethanolic Extract ◽  
Treated Group ◽  
Morus Alba ◽  
The Other ◽  
Obese Group ◽  
Control Group

<p>ABSTRACT<br />Objective: The goal of the present study was to examine the viability of Morus alba (M. alba) ethanolic extract in repression of obesity-associated<br />hepatic steatosis and related metabolic disorder; dyslipidemia, hyperinsulinemia, and glycemic status.<br />Methods: Adult female albino rats were randomly assigned into four groups, eight rats each as follows: Group (1) control group received standard<br />rodent diet for 24 weeks. The other three groups administered high cholesterol diet for 12 weeks and served as obese group, M. alba-treated group,<br />and simvastatin-treated group.<br />Results: The current results showed an increment in thoracic circumference (TCX) and abdominal circumferences (AC) as well as body mass index<br />(BMI) in obese group. In addition, dyslipidemia, hyperinsulinemia, hyperglycemia, and insulin resistance have been elucidated in obese group.<br />Moreover, hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and bilirubin<br />values were significantly increased in obese groups versus control group. On the other hand, administration of ethanolic extract of Morus alba or<br />simvastatin could significantly lessen BMI and in addition to improve dyslipidemia in obese group. Glucose, insulin levels, and insulin resistance value<br />in serum samples demonstrated a significant reduction in obese group upon treatment with M. alba ethanolic extract or simvastatin. Furthermore,<br />noticeable depletion in hepatic MDA, NO contents, serum ALT, AST activities, and serum bilirubin level was recorded as a result of treatment with<br />either ethanolic extract of M. alba or simvastatin. Histopathological examination of liver tissue showed ballooning degeneration in the hepatocytes<br />(hepatic steatosis) associated with inflammatory cells penetration in portal zone in obese group. Meanwhile, the treatment of obese groups with<br />ethanolic extract of M. alba or simvastatin was found to restore the structural organization of the liver.<br />Conclusion: The present findings provide a novel aspect for understanding of the role of M. alba against obesity-associated liver diseases and related<br />metabolic disorder. The mechanisms underlying these effects seem to depend on the hypolipidemic potential, anti-inflammatory property, and<br />antioxidant activity of its phytochemicals.<br />Keywords: Obesity, Morus alba, Dyslipidemia, Hyperinsulinemia, Hyperglycemia, Hepatic steatosis.</p>

Expression and Significance of Lipin1 and AMPKα in Hepatic Insulin Resistance in Diet-Induced Insulin Resistance Rats

2012 ◽  
Vol 120 (02) ◽  
pp. 84-88 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Chen ◽  
X. Zhuang ◽  
Y. Liu ◽  
A. Sun ◽  
C. Chen
Keyword(s):  
Insulin Resistance ◽  
High Fat Diet ◽  
Diet Group ◽  
Hepatic Insulin Resistance ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Ampk Signaling ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Obese Rats ◽  
Male Wistar Rats

AbstractLipin1, a lately indentified adipokine, may link obesity with insulin resistance and diabetes. The present study aimed to investigate the changes and significance of lipin1 expression and lipin1-AMPK signaling in diet-induced hepatic insulin resistance.24 4-week-old Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 2 groups: (1) control group (CO), (2) high-fat diet group (HF). Insulin sensitivity was evaluated by hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp technique. The mRNA levels of α1 and α2 subunit of AMPKα as well as Lipin1 were measured using Real-time RT-PCR. The activities of AMPKα and Akt were evaluated by detection of p-AMPKα (Thr-172) and p-Akt (ser473) by Western blot.After treatment of 4 months, HF group showed significantly increased levels of body weight, fasting plasma glucose and insulin levels; Plasma and liver total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG) levels were also markedly elevated; Lipin1 expression at both mRNA and protein levels were significantly deceased. Compared with CO group, the mRNA and protein levels of AMPKα1 and AMPKα2 were not changed, whereas the p-AMPK (Thr-172) and p-AKT (ser473) levels in liver were significantly decreased in HF group.These findings indicated that the decrease in lipin1 expression and AMPKα activation may contribute to hepatic insulin resistance in diet-induced obese rats.

scholarly journals Endothelial dysfunction precedes hypertension in diet-induced insulin resistance

1998 ◽  
Vol 275 (3) ◽  
pp. R788-R792 ◽  
Author(s):  
Prasad V. G. Katakam ◽  
Michael R. Ujhelyi ◽  
Margarethe E. Hoenig ◽  
Allison Winecoff Miller
Keyword(s):  
Insulin Resistance ◽  
Endothelial Dysfunction ◽  
Serum Insulin ◽  
Serum Glucose ◽  
Mesenteric Arteries ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Sprague Dawley ◽  
Insulin Resistant ◽  
Glucose Levels

The insulin-resistant (IR) syndrome may be an impetus for the development of hypertension (HTN). Unfortunately, the mechanism by which this could occur is unclear. Our laboratory and others have described impaired endothelium-mediated relaxation in IR, mildly hypertensive rats. The purpose of the current study is to determine if HTN is most likely a cause or result of impaired endothelial function. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to receive a fructose-rich diet for 3, 7, 10, 14, 18, or 28 days or were placed in a control group. The control group received rat chow. After diet treatment, animals were instrumented with arterial cannulas, and while awake and unrestrained, their blood pressure (BP) was measured. Subsequently, endothelium-mediated relaxation to acetylcholine was determined (in vitro) by measuring intraluminal diameter of phenylephrine-preconstricted mesenteric arteries (∼250 μM). Serum insulin levels were significantly elevated in all groups receiving fructose feeding compared with control, whereas there were no differences in serum glucose levels between groups. Impairment of endothelium-mediated relaxation starts by day 14 [mean percent maximal relaxation (Emax): 69 ± 10% of baseline] and becomes significant by day 18 (Emax: 52 ± 11% of baseline; P < 0.01). However, the mean BP (mmHg) does not become significantly elevated until day 28 [BP: 132 ± 1 ( day 28) vs. 116 ± 3 (control); P < 0.05]. These findings demonstrate that both IR and endothelial dysfunction occur before HTN in this model and suggest that endothelial dysfunction may be a mechanism linking insulin resistance and essential HTN.

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