RESUMO
Insulin resistance is a key factor in metabolic disorders like hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia, which are promoted by obesity and may later lead to Type II diabetes mellitus. In recent years, researchers have identified links between insulin resistance and many noncommunicable illnesses other than diabetes. Hence, studying insulin resistance is of particular importance in unravelling the pathways employed by such diseases. In this review, mechanisms involving free fatty acids, adipocytokines such as TNF α and PPAR γ and serine kinases like JNK and IKK ß , asserted to be responsible in the development of insulin resistance, will be discussed. Suggested mechanisms for actions in normal and disrupted states were also visualised in several manually constructed diagrams to capture an overall view of the insulin-signalling pathway and its related components. The underlying constituents of medicinal significance found in the Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni plant (among other plants that potentiate antihyperglycemic activities) were explored in further depth. Understanding these factors and their mechanisms may be essential for comprehending the progression of insulin resistance towards the development of diabetes mellitus.
RESUMO
The increase in incidence of HIV infection continues to be a major public health problem across the world; but more especially in sub- Saharan Africa. Treatment with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has improved the prognosis of patients with AIDS; but it has also increased the incidence of various metabolic disorders; in particular insulin resistance accompanied by dyslipidaemia; hyperglycaemia and lipodystrophy. This is often accompanied by frank type 2 diabetes and increased mortality from cardiovascular disease. It is important to understand the mechanistic basis for these side-effects as the incidence of these is likely to increase as the rollout of antiretroviral drugs continues
