Leucine deprivation increases hepatic insulin sensitivity via GCN2/mTOR/S6K1 and AMPK pathways
F Xiao, Z Huang, H Li, J Yu, C Wang, S Chen… - Diabetes, 2011 - Am Diabetes Assoc
Diabetes, 2011•Am Diabetes Assoc
OBJECTIVE We have previously shown that serum insulin levels decrease threefold and
blood glucose levels remain normal in mice fed a leucine-deficient diet, suggesting
increased insulin sensitivity. The goal of the current study is to investigate this possibility and
elucidate the underlying cellular mechanisms. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Changes in metabolic parameters and expression of genes and proteins involved in
regulation of insulin sensitivity were analyzed in mice, human HepG2 cells, and mouse …
blood glucose levels remain normal in mice fed a leucine-deficient diet, suggesting
increased insulin sensitivity. The goal of the current study is to investigate this possibility and
elucidate the underlying cellular mechanisms. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Changes in metabolic parameters and expression of genes and proteins involved in
regulation of insulin sensitivity were analyzed in mice, human HepG2 cells, and mouse …
OBJECTIVE
We have previously shown that serum insulin levels decrease threefold and blood glucose levels remain normal in mice fed a leucine-deficient diet, suggesting increased insulin sensitivity. The goal of the current study is to investigate this possibility and elucidate the underlying cellular mechanisms.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Changes in metabolic parameters and expression of genes and proteins involved in regulation of insulin sensitivity were analyzed in mice, human HepG2 cells, and mouse primary hepatocytes under leucine deprivation.
RESULTS
We show that leucine deprivation improves hepatic insulin sensitivity by sequentially activating general control nonderepressible (GCN)2 and decreasing mammalian target of rapamycin/S6K1 signaling. In addition, we show that activation of AMP-activated protein kinase also contributes to leucine deprivation–increased hepatic insulin sensitivity. Finally, we show that leucine deprivation improves insulin sensitivity under insulin-resistant conditions.
CONCLUSIONS
This study describes mechanisms underlying increased hepatic insulin sensitivity under leucine deprivation. Furthermore, we demonstrate a novel function for GCN2 in the regulation of insulin sensitivity. These observations provide a rationale for short-term dietary restriction of leucine for the treatment of insulin resistance and associated metabolic diseases.
Am Diabetes Assoc