Developmental exposure to DEHP alters hepatic glucose uptake and transcriptional regulation of GLUT2 in rat male offspring.

Type-2-diabetes (T2D) is a long term metabolic disorder characterized by high blood glucose and insulin resistance. It has become an alarming issue globally due to tremendous increase in number of new subjects every year. Apart from the classical factors, there are few non-classical factors such as environmental pollutants, endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) which also play a major role in pathogenesis of T2D. Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a commonly used plasticizer which is an endocrine disrupting chemical. It is used in the plastic industry to give flexibility and durability. Its widespread use resulted in constant presence in the environment and human are under high risk of exposure to this compound. There are literature available stating that DEHP has an impact on glucose homeostasis. Glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2) is a principal transporter of glucose in liver and it is a bi-directional transporter. We investigated whether DEHP exposure during gestation and lactation alters transcriptional regulation of GLUT2 and epigenetics changes in the rat F1 male offspring at adulthood. Pregnant rats were divided into three groups and administered with DEHP (10 and 100 mg /kg /day) or olive oil from gestational day (GD) 9- to postnatal day (PND) 21 through oral gavage. DEHP treated rats showed decreased glucose uptake and oxidation, decreased mRNA levels of insulin receptor (IR), GLUT2 and reduced GLUT2 protein in cytosol but unaltered level in plasma membrane. There are three main transcription factors (SREBP1c, HNF3ß and HNF1α) involved in the regulation of GLUT2 gene and all these proteins were reduced in DEHP exposed groups. A weak interaction of the transcription factors (SREBP1c & HNF1α) with GLUT2 gene promoter was observed in DEHP-treated groups. Hyper- methylation of IR and GLUT2 gene promoter was observed in both the DEHP-exposed groups compared to control. The present study reveals that DEHP exposure alters transcriptional regulation of GLUT2 and imposes epigenetic alteration in IR and GLUT2 gene promoters which plays a significant role in the development of metabolic abnormality in F1 male offspring at adulthood.

Postnatal exposure to di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate alters cardiac insulin signaling molecules and GLUT4Ser488 phosphorylation in male rat offspring.

Di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), a distinctive endocrine-disrupting chemical, is widely used as a plasticizer in a variety of consumer products. It can easily cross the placenta and enter breast milk and then it is rapidly absorbed by offspring. Since it is generally accepted that individuals are more sensitive to chemical exposure during vital developmental periods, we investigated whether DEHP exposure during lactation affects cardiac insulin signaling and glucose homeostasis in the F1 male rat offspring at postnatal day 22 (PND22). Lactating Wistar rats were administered with DEHP (1, 10, and 100 mg/kg/d) or olive oil from lactation day 1 to 21 by oral gavage. All the male pups were perfused and killed on PND22. On the day before the killing, they were kept for fasting overnight and blood was collected. The cardiac muscle was dissected out, washed in ice-cold physiological saline repeatedly and used for the assay of various parameters. DEHP-exposed offspring had significantly lower body weight than the control. DEHP-exposed offspring showed elevated blood glucose, decreased 14 C-2-deoxyglucose uptake and 14 C-glucose oxidation in cardiac muscle at PND22. The concentration of upstream insulin signaling molecules such as insulin receptor subunit ß (InsRß) and insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) were downregulated in DEHP-exposed offspring. However, no significant alterations were observed in protein kinase B (Akt) and Akt substrate of 160 kDa (AS160). Surprisingly, phosphorylation of IRS1 Tyr632 and Akt Ser473 were diminished. Low levels of glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) protein and increased GLUT4 Ser488 phosphorylation which decreases its intrinsic activity and translocation towards plasma membrane were also recorded. Lactational DEHP exposure predisposes F 1 male offspring to cardiac glucometabolic disorders at PND22, which may impair cardiac function.

Maternal di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate exposure alters hepatic insulin signal transduction and glucoregulatory events in rat F1 male offspring.

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a commonly used plasticizer with endocrine disrupting properties. Its widespread use resulted in constant human exposure including fetal development and postnatal life. Epidemiological and experimental data have shown that DEHP has a negative influence on glucose homeostasis. However, the evidence regarding the effect of maternal DEHP exposure on hepatic glucose homeostasis is scarce. Hence, we investigated whether DEHP exposure during gestation and lactation disrupts glucose homeostasis in the rat F1 male offspring at adulthood. Pregnant rats were divided into three groups and administered with DEHP (10 and 100 mg/kg/day) or olive oil from gestational day 9 to postnatal day 21 (lactation period) through oral gavage. DEHP-exposed offspring exhibited hyperglycemia, impaired glucose and insulin tolerances along with hyperinsulinemia at postnatal day 80. DEHP exposure significantly reduced the levels of insulin signaling molecules such as insulin receptors, IRS1, Akt and its phosphorylated forms. GSK3ß and FoxO1 proteins increased in DEHP-exposed groups whereas its phosphorylated forms decreased. Treated groups showed decreased glycogen synthase activity and glycogen concentration. Glucose-6-phosphatase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase mRNA level and enzyme activity increased in DEHP-treated groups. The interaction between FoxO1-glucose-6-phosphatase and FoxO1-phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase was also increased. This study suggests that DEHP exposure impairs insulin signal transduction and alters glucoregulatory events leading to the development of type 2 diabetes in F1 male offspring.

Effect of Bisphenol-A (BPA) on insulin signal transduction and GLUT4 translocation in gastrocnemius muscle of adult male albino rat.

Environmental estrogens bind to estrogen receptors, mimic estrogenic actions, and have adverse effects on human health like Bisphenol - A (BPA) which is used as a monomer in the production of polycarbonate plastics (PC) and epoxy resins which are used in variety of canned foods. Skeletal muscle plays an essential role in maintaining systemic glucose metabolism. In the present study, we investigated the possible effects of BPA on insulin signalling molecules and GLUT4 translocation in the gastrocnemius muscle of adult male rat. Rats were divided into four groups - Group I: Control (vehicle-corn oil treated), Group II, III and IV were administered with BPA (10, 100 and 400mg/kg b.wt/day, respectively) through oral gavage. Fasting blood glucose level of BPA treated groups showed a significant increase, oral glucose tolerance and insulin tolerance were also impaired in these animals. BPA significantly decreased the protein levels of insulin signalling molecules like IR, IRS-1, Akt, AS160 and its phosphorylated forms and blunts GLUT4 translocation by altering the levels of v- and t- SNARE proteins that assist the translocation process, thereby decreasing glucose uptake and oxidation in the gastrocnemius muscle. These results suggest that BPA has detrimental effects on insulin signalling molecules and GLUT4 translocation in the gastrocnemius muscle and thus impairs glucose homeostasis.

Effects of DEHP and its metabolite MEHP on insulin signalling and proteins involved in GLUT4 translocation in cultured L6 myotubes.

Di-(2-ethyl hexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is the plasticizer used in variety of medical and consumer products to impart structural flexibility. DEHP and its primary metabolite mono-(2-ethyl hexyl)phthalate (MEHP) posed a considerable interest because of their contribution to insulin resistance, type-2 diabetes and obesity. Experimental and epidemiological data have shown that DEHP affects blood glucose homeostasis. However, direct effect of DEHP and its metabolite MEHP on insulin signal transduction and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) translocation remain obscure. The present study was delineated to decipher the direct effects of DEHP and MEHP on insulin signal transduction and proteins involved in GLUT4 translocation in cultured L6 myotubes, the rat skeletal muscle model. For this study we have exposed cells with 50 and 100µM DEHP and MEHP for 24h followed by insulin stimulation for 20min. GLUT4 level in both cytosol and plasma membrane fractions were analysed by western blot analysis and found to be significantly decreased. Further, DEHP and MEHP treatment significantly altered the insulin signalling molecules and proteins involved in GLUT4 translocation (Rab8A (Ras related proteins in skeletal muscle), insulin - regulated amino peptidase (IRAP), synaptosomal - associated protein 23 (SNAP23), Syntaxin4, Munc18c) from cytosol to plasma membrane. Impaired GLUT4 in the plasma membrane resulted in decreased 14C-deoxy glucose uptake. 14C-glucose oxidation and glycogen content were also significantly decreased in treated groups. In essence, the present study is first of its kind to show the direct adverse effects of DEHP and MEHP on insulin signal transduction and GLUT4 translocation in cultured L6 myotubes. Further, MEHP is found to be more effective than DEHP as a result of its differential structure and physico-chemical properties.

Dose-dependent effect of Bisphenol-A on insulin signaling molecules in cardiac muscle of adult male rat.

Environmental contaminant, Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a xenoestrogen, an essential component used for the production of two classes of polymers such as polycarbonate and epoxy resin which disrupts the normal endocrine function. BPA has intense effects on mice endocrine pancreas, an essential tissue involved in glucose metabolism. It disrupts pancreatic ß-cell insulin content, induces hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance in male rats. Cardiac muscle is an insulin responsive organ and insulin has direct effects on glucose transport. The present study was designed to assess the effect of BPA on insulin signaling molecules in the cardiac muscle of adult male Wistar rat. Adult male Wistar rats (200-250 g) were selected and divided into following groups: Group 1: Control (vehicle treated), Group 2: Rats treated with 10 mg BPA/kg b.wt./day for 30 days orally, Group 3: Rats treated with 100 mg BPA/kg b.wt./day for 30 days orally, Group 4: Rats treated with 400 mg BPA/kg b.wt./day for 30 days orally. IR (insulin receptor) and pIRTyr1162 proteins were significantly decreased in the high dose group (400 mg). There was no change in IRS1 (insulin receptor substrate-1) and Akt proteins. Whereas, a decrease in pIRS1Tyr632 (100 mg and 400 mg), pAkt Ser473 (400 mg) and GLUT4 (glucose transporter 4) (cytosolic and plasma membrane) proteins was observed which may affect the cardiovascular function. It is concluded that BPA exposure has adverse effect on cardiac insulin signal transduction which may affect its function.

Ferulic acid exerts its antidiabetic effect by modulating insulin-signalling molecules in the liver of high-fat diet and fructose-induced type-2 diabetic adult male rat.

Ferulic acid (FA) is a phenolic phytochemical known for its antidiabetic property The present study is designed to evaluate the mechanism behind its antidiabetic property in high-fat and fructose-induced type 2 diabetic adult male rats. Animals were divided into 5 groups: (i) control, (ii) diabetic control, (iii) diabetic animals treated with FA (50 mg/(kg body weight · day)(-1), orally) for 30 days, (iv) diabetic animals treated with metformin (50 mg/(kg body weight · day)(-1), orally) for 30 days, and (v) control rats treated with FA. FA treatment to diabetic animals restored blood glucose, serum insulin, glucose tolerance, and insulin tolerance to normal range. Hepatic glycogen concentration, activity of glycogen synthase, and glucokinase were significantly decreased, whereas activity of glycogen phosphorylase and enzymes of gluconeogenesis (phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase)) were increased in diabetic animals and FA restored these to normal levels similar to that of metformin. FA improved the insulin signalling molecules and reduced the negative regulators of insulin signalling. The messenger RNA of gluconeogenic enzyme genes (PEPCK and G6Pase) and the interaction between forkhead transcription factor-O1 and promoters of gluconeogenic enzyme genes (PEPCK and G6Pase) was reduced significantly by ferulic acid. It is concluded from the present study that FA treatment to type 2 diabetic rats improves insulin sensitivity and hepatic glycogenesis but inhibits gluconeogenesis and negative regulators of insulin signalling to maintain normal glucose homeostasis.

Ferulic acid regulates hepatic GLUT2 gene expression in high fat and fructose-induced type-2 diabetic adult male rat.

GLUT2 is a bidirectional glucose transporter present in liver, kidney and pancreas. Studies have shown over-expression of GLUT2 in diabetic conditions. Ferulic acid (FA) is an antidiabetic phenolic phytocompound which is reported to regulate GLUT4 in vitro. The objective of our study is to evaluate the role of FA in the regulation of hepatic GLUT2 expression and the underlying mechanism. Male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups: control, diabetic (diabetes was induced by giving high fat diet and high fructose water for 60 days), diabetic rats treated with FA (50mg/kg body weight/day, orally for 30 days), diabetic rats treated with metformin (50mg/kg body weight/day, orally for 30 days) and control rats treated with FA (50mg/kg body weight/day orally for 30 days). After 30 days treatment, animals were perfused and liver was dissected out. Glucose uptake and oxidation, expression of GLUT2 and binding of transcription factors - SREBP1c, HNF1α and HNF3ß with GLUT2 gene promoter were studied. Over-expression of GLUT2 in hepatic tissue was found in high fat and fructose- induced type-2 diabetic animals. FA treatment reduced the GLUT2 expression in diabetic animals by impairing the interaction between these transcription factors (SREBP1c, HNF1α and HNF3ß) and GLUT2 gene promoter.

Effect of troxerutin on insulin signaling molecules in the gastrocnemius muscle of high fat and sucrose-induced type-2 diabetic adult male rat.

Troxerutin is a trihydroxyethylated derivative of the flavonoid, rutin. It has been reported to possess the hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antihyperlipidemic activities. Troxerutin treatment reduced the blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels in high-cholesterol-induced insulin-resistant mice and in type-2 diabetic patients. However, the mechanism by which it exhibits antidiabetic property was unknown. Therefore, the present study was designed to evaluate the effect of troxerutin on insulin signaling molecules in gastrocnemius muscle of high fat and sucrose-induced type-2 diabetic rats. Wistar male albino rats were selected and divided into five groups. Group I: Control. Group II: High fat and sucrose-induced type-2 diabetic rats. Group III: Type-2 diabetic rats treated with troxerutin (150 mg/kg body weight/day orally). Group IV: Type-2 diabetic rats treated with metformin (50 mg/kg body weight/day orally). Group V: Normal rats treated with troxerutin (150 mg/kg body weight/day orally). After 30 days of treatment, fasting blood glucose, oral glucose tolerance, serum lipid profile, and the levels of insulin signaling molecules, glycogen, glucose uptake, and oxidation in gastrocnemius muscle were assessed. Diabetic rats showed impairment in insulin signaling molecules (IR, p-IRS-1(Tyr632), p-Akt(Ser473), ß-arrestin-2, c-Src, p-AS160(Thr642), and GLUT4 proteins), glycogen concentration, glucose uptake, and oxidation. Oral administration of troxerutin showed near normal levels of blood glucose, serum insulin, lipid profile, and insulin signaling molecules as well as GLUT4 proteins in type-2 diabetic rats. It is concluded from the present study that troxerutin may play a significant role in the management of type-2 diabetes mellitus, by improving the insulin signaling molecules and glucose utilization in the skeletal muscle.

Effect of homeopathic preparations of Syzygium jambolanum and Cephalandra indica on gastrocnemius muscle of high fat and high fructose-induced type-2 diabetic rats.

BACKGROUND: Homeopathy is a holistic method of treatment that uses microdoses of natural substances originating from plants, minerals, or animal parts. Syzygium jambolanum and Cephalandra indica are used in homeopathy for treatment of type-2 diabetes. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for such effects are not known. METHODS: Homeopathic preparations of S. jambolanum and C. indica in mother tincture, 6c and 30c were used to examine the molecular mechanism of antidiabetic effects in the skeletal muscle of rats with high fat and fructose-induced type-2 diabetes mellitus. After 30 days treatment, fasting blood glucose, serum insulin and insulin signaling molecules in the skeletal muscle (gastrocnemius) were measured. RESULTS: Diabetic rats showed a significant decrease in serum insulin and lipid profile as well as low levels of insulin receptor (IR), v-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog (Akt), p-Akt(ser473) and glucose transporter-4 (GLUT4) protein expression (p < 0.05) with a significant increase in fasting blood glucose level (p < 0.05) compared to the control group. Treatment with homeopathic remedies significantly increased the serum insulin and expression of these proteins (p < 0.05) with a significant decrease in fasting blood glucose (p < 0.05) compared to diabetic rats. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study homeopathic preparations of S. jambolanum and C. indica, including ultramolecular dilutions exhibit antidiabetic effects, improving insulin action through activation of insulin signaling molecules in skeletal muscle of type-2 diabetic rats.

Estradiol favors glucose oxidation in gastrocnemius muscle through modulation of insulin signaling molecules in adult female rats.

INTRODUCTION: Estrogens are steroid compounds that are synthesized in ovary, testis, adrenal cortex and other tissues. Several surveys have shown the potential relationship between estradiol and glucose homeostasis in physiological and pathological states such as the menstrual cycle, gestation, gestational diabetes mellitus and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). All these states are characterized by variability in estradiol level and some degree of insulin resistance. Skeletal muscle plays a crucial role in maintaining systemic glucose metabolism through activation of assorted signaling molecules. OBJECTIVES: The present study is to evaluate the aftermath of ovariectomy and estradiol replacement on few insulin signaling molecules and GLUT4 protein expression and glucose oxidation in gastrocnemius muscle of adult albino rat. DESIGN: In the present study, Wistar strain albino rats were selected and divided into three groups. Group I: Control (sham-operated). Group II: Ovariectomized and Group III: Estradiol was replaced 7 days after ovariectomy at a dose of 6 µg/kg boxpression of insulin signaling molecules (western blot) and glucose oxidation were assessed. RESULTS: Ovariectomy significantly depleted the expression of insulin signaling molecules and glucose oxidation whereas estradiol replacement improved them. Thus, estradiol helps in maintaining glucose level in ovariectomized rats. Results of this study suggest that estradiol improves the expression of insulin signaling molecules in skeletal muscle and thereby it prevents the onset of insulin resistance as a result of estradiol deficiency.