Could post-weaning dietary chia seed mitigate the development of dyslipidemia, liver steatosis and altered glucose homeostasis in offspring exposed to a sucrose-rich diet from utero to adulthood?

The present work analyzes the effects of dietary chia seeds during postnatal life in offspring exposed to a sucrose-rich diet (SRD) from utero to adulthood. At weaning, chia seed (rich in α-linolenic acid) replaced corn oil (rich in linoleic acid) in the SRD. At 150 days of offspring life, anthropometrical parameters, blood pressure, plasma metabolites, hepatic lipid metabolism and glucose homeostasis were analyzed. Results showed that chia was able to prevent the development of hypertension, liver steatosis, hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia. Normal triacylglycerol secretion and triacylglycerol clearance were accompanied by an improvement of de novo hepatic lipogenic and carnitine-palmitoyl transferase-1 enzymatic activities, associated with an accretion of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the total composition of liver homogenate. Glucose homeostasis and plasma free fatty acid levels were improved while visceral adiposity was slightly decreased. These results confirm that the incorporation of chia seed in the diet in postnatal life may provide a viable therapeutic option for preventing/mitigating adverse outcomes induced by an SRD from utero to adulthood.

Dietary Salba (Salvia hispanica L) seed rich in α-linolenic acid improves adipose tissue dysfunction and the altered skeletal muscle glucose and lipid metabolism in dyslipidemic insulin-resistant rats

This work reports the effect of dietary Salba (chia) seed rich in n-3 α-linolenic acid on the morphological and metabolic aspects involved in adipose tissue dysfunction and the mechanisms underlying the impaired glucose and lipid metabolism in the skeletal muscle of rats fed a sucrose-rich diet (SRD). Rats were fed a SRD for 3 months. Thereafter, half the rats continued with SRD while in the other half, corn oil (CO) was replaced by chia seed for 3 months (SRD+chia). In control group, corn starch replaced sucrose. The replacement of CO by chia seed in the SRD reduced adipocyte hypertrophy, cell volume and size distribution, improved lipogenic enzyme activities, lipolysis and the anti-lipolytic action of insulin. In the skeletal muscle lipid storage, glucose phosphorylation and oxidation were normalized. Chia seed reversed the impaired insulin stimulated glycogen synthase activity, glycogen, glucose-6-phosphate and GLUT-4 protein levels as well as insulin resistance and dyslipidemia.

Dietary fish oil normalized glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in isolated pancreatic islets of dyslipemic rats through mechanisms involving glucose phosphorylation, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ and uncoupling protein 2

This study evaluates some possible mechanisms behind the beneficial effects of dietary fish oil (FO) on β cell dysfunction in rats fed a sucrose-rich diet (SRD). Rats were fed a SRD for 6 months. Thereafter, half the rats received a SRD in which corn oil was partially replaced by FO up to 8 months. The other half continued consuming the SRD up to 8 months. A control group was fed a control diet throughout the experimental period. In isolated islets of SRD-fed rats dietary FO normalized the reduced glucose phosphorylation, the altered glucose oxidation, the triglyceride content, the increased protein mass levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and uncoupling protein 2 without changes in GLUT2 and PPARα. These finding suggest that the changes mentioned above could be involved in the normalization of the altered glucose-stimulated insulin secretion pattern in this nutritional model of dyslipidemia and insulin resistance.

Effect of troglitazone on the desaturases in a rat model of insulin-resistance induced by a sucrose-rich diet

A sucrose-rich diet generates time-dependent metabolic disorders similar to those found in diabetes type 2. After 8 month (mo) this diet evoked in the rat an increase of blood glucose, free fatty acids (FFA) and triacylycerides (TG) without insulin modification, an interruption of liver stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD-1) mRNA and activity increase found at 6 mo, and an enhacement of Delta6 and Delta5 desaturase mRNA and Delta6 activity. We found that the administration of troglitazone (TRO), a peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptors gamma (PPAR-gamma) agonist, for 2 mo normalized plasma FFA, TG, and glucose without altering the insulinemia. It depressed liver SCD-1 mRNA in both control and sucrose-fed rats, decreasing the 18:1n-9/18:0 ratio in serum and liver lipids, and eliminated the increasing effect on mRNA and activity of Delta6 and Delta5 desaturases. These findings evidence again that desaturases are not affected through an insulin resistant effect evoked by the sucrose-rich diet and TRO recovers the altered metabolic plasma parameters as it corresponds to a PPAR-gamma agonist, but its effect on hepatic desaturases can not be attributed to a direct action on liver by PPAR-gamma, insulin, and even by an insulin sensitizing mechanism, suggesting it would be evoked indirectly through hepatic PPAR-alpha deactivation induced by the FFA decrease.

The effect of insulin on the uptake and metabolic fate of glucose in isolated perfused hearts of dyslipemic rats

Male Wistar rats chronically (15 weeks) fed a sucrose-rich diet (SRD; 63% w/w) developed hypertriglyceridemia and impaired glucose homeostasis. Hearts from these animals were isolated and perfused using the Langendorff recirculating method. Glucose at levels similar to those found in the animal in vivo was used as the only exogenous substrate. The hearts were perfused for 30 minutes in the presence or absence of insulin (30 mU/mL) in the perfusion medium. In the absence of the hormone, glucose uptake was impaired and the glucose utilization was reduced, with a significant increase of lactate release. Glucose oxidation, which was estimated from the activation state of the enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDHc), was depressed mainly due to both an increase of PDH kinase and a decrease of PDHa (active form of PDHc) activities. Although the addition of insulin in the perfusion medium improved the above parameters, it was unable to normalize them. The present results suggest that at least two different mechanisms might contribute to insulin resistance and to the impaired glucose metabolism in the perfused hearts of the dyslipemic SRD-fed animals: (1) reduced basal and insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and its utilization or (2) increased availability and oxidation of lipids (low PDHa and high PDH kinase activities), which in turn decrease glucose uptake and utilization. Thus, this nutritional experimental model may be useful to study how impaired glucose homeostasis, increases plasma free fatty acid levels and hypertriglyceridemia could contribute to heart tissue malfunction.

Islet neogenesis: an apparent key component of long-term pancreas adaptation to increased insulin demand

This study aimed to determine the relative importance of different functional and morphological pancreatic changes induced by the chronic administration of a sucrose-rich diet (SRD) to maintain normal glucose homeostasis. Male Wistar rats were fed either sucrose (SRD) or starch (CD) for 6 and 12 months. At both periods, serum glucose and triacylglycerol levels were significantly higher (P<0.05; paired and unpaired Student's t-test) in SRD rats. Serum insulin levels were significantly lower in SRD only at 12 months. At 6 months, the insulin secretion dose-response curve in SRD rats showed a shift to the left that was no longer observed at 12 months, when SRD islets decreased their response to 16 mM glucose. At 6 months, SRD rats showed a significant increase in beta-cell volume density (Vvi) and islet cell replication rate, together with a decrease in beta-cell apoptotic rate. Changes were not detected in the percentage of PDX-1- and islet neogenesis associated protein (INGAP)-positive cells. Conversely, at 12 months, there was a significant decrease in beta-cell Vvi and in the percentage of PDX-1-positive cells; the islet cell replication rate was not modified, and the number of apoptotic beta-cells increased significantly. No signs of increased neogenesis or INGAP-positive cells were recorded at any period in SRD rats. Our results show that SRD rats are unable to develop functional and morphological pancreatic reactive changes sufficient to maintain normal glucose and triacylglycerol levels for a long period. Such failure could be ascribed to their inability to increase the rate of neogenesis and of INGAP production.

Effect of dietary fish oil on insulin sensitivity and metabolic fate of glucose in the skeletal muscle of normal rats

The aim of this work was to study the effect of the administration of cod liver oil on the non-oxidative and oxidative fate of glucose metabolism in the skeletal muscle of normal rats. To achieve this goal, the gastrocnemius was examined regarding glucose oxidation, glycogen synthase activity and glycogen storage both at baseline and during euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamping. The results show that dietary fish oil decreases plasma insulin levels without alteration in glucose homeostasis (at baseline). In addition, the observed enhancement in whole body glucose utilization during clamping suggests an increased peripheral insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, under insulin-stimulated glucose disposal, an enhancement in the glycolytic pathway (increased levels of muscle glucose-6-phosphate and plasma lactate) rather than changes in the oxidation (pyruvate dehydrogenase complex) and storage components of glucose metabolism was observed in the skeletal muscle of rats fed dietary fish oil. These results coupled with the hypolipidemic effects of fish oil may have implications for the prevention and/or management of some pathological states manifested by insulin resistance with or without dyslipidemia.

Duration of feeding on a sucrose-rich diet determines metabolic and morphological changes in rat adipocytes

In this work, we studied the effect of a short-term (3 wk) and a long-term (15 wk) administration of a sucrose-rich diet (SRD) to Wistar rats on the morphological aspects and metabolic function of the epididymal adipose tissue that may contribute to the mechanism underlying the impaired glucose homeostasis and insulin resistance. The present work showed the following. 1) There was both a moderate increase of basal lipolysis and a decrease of the antilipolytic action of insulin in the adipocytes of rats fed a SRD for 3 wk. Neither size alterations nor increases in adipose tissue mass were recorded in this period. 2) There was a significant (P < 0.05) increase of epididymal weight after 15 wk on a SRD as well as a hypertrophy of adipocytes with a clear alteration in the cell size distribution. This was accompanied by a significant increase (P < 0.05) of basal and stimulated lipolysis and a marked decrease (P < 0.05) of the antilipolytic action of insulin. Moreover, these changes appear together with a worsening of both impaired glucose homeostasis and insulin resistance. Our results also indicate that the length of time on the SRD plays an important role in the evolution of the adiposity and metabolic changes observed in the fat pad. Furthermore, the latter precedes the detection of adiposity.

[Effects of competitive substrates ans insulin on glucose uptake and utilization in isolated perfused hearts of dyslipemic rats]

Rats chronically fed (15 weeks) a sucrose-rich diet (SRD) developed hypertriglyceridemia (hyperTg), increased plasma free fatty acids (FFA), impaired glucose homeostasis and insulin insensitivity. An increase of Tg and glycogen (Gly) in heart muscle was also observed. HyperTg with altered glucose metabolism could have profound effects on myocardial glucose utilization. To test this hypothesis male Wistar rats were fed a semi-synthetic SRD (w/w: 62.5% sucrose, 8% corn-oil, 17% protein), and the control group (CD) received the same semi-synthetic diet, except that sucrose was replaced with starch for 90 days. At that time, the hearts from these animals were isolated and perfused for 30 min in the presence or absence of insulin (30 mU/ml). Levels of the exogenous substrates were similar to those found in the plasma of the animal in vivo in both dietary groups (glucose 8.5 mM, palmitate 0.8 mM in SRD and glucose 5-5 mM, palmitate 0.3 mM in CD). In the absence of insulin glucose uptake was reduced (40%) and lactate release was increased (50%) in SRD hearts. Glucose oxidation was depressed mainly due to both, an increase of PDH kinase and a decrease of 60% of PDHa (active form of PDHc). Insulin in the perfusion medium improved only glucose uptake. The results suggest that at least two different mechanisms might contribute to insulin resistance and to impaired glucose metabolism in the perfused hearts of dyslipemic SRD fed rats: 1) reduced basal and insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and its utilization and 2) increased availability and oxidation of lipids (low PDHa and PDH kinase activities), which in turn decreased glucose uptake and utilization. Thus, this experimental model may be useful to study how impaired glucose homeostasis, increased plasma FFA and hyperTg could contribute to heart tissue malfunction.

Troglitazone (CS-045) normalizes hypertriglyceridemia and restores the altered patterns of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in dyslipidemic rats

Rats fed a sucrose-rich diet ([SRD] 63% wt/wt) up to 270 days develop stable hypertriglyceridemia, impaired glucose tolerance, and insulin insensitivity. The aim of the present study is to investigate whether the hypoglycemic agent troglitazone introduced as a pharmacologic intervention could improve and/or reverse the whole-body insulin insensitivity and related abnormalities present after feeding normal rats with a SRD long-term. For this purpose, male Wistar rats were fed a SRD for 210 days. While half of the animals continued with this diet for up to 270 days, troglitazone (0.2 g/dL wt/wt) was added to the SRD of the other half for up to 270 days. Troglitazone markedly reduced in vivo the hepatic triglyceride secretion rate (TGSR) and enhanced its removal from the circulation, leading to a normalization of plasma triglyceride levels. It also normalized the whole-body peripheral insulin resistance, the glucose homeostasis, and the elevated free fatty acids (FFAs) without detectable changes in plasma insulin levels. The clear alteration of the biphasic pattern of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in the in vitro perfused beta-cell islets of rats fed the SRD long-term (270 days) was also completely normalized when the SRD was supplemented with troglitazone for 2 months. The normalization of the altered patterns of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, as well as the enhancement of peripheral insulin sensitivity without detectable changes in plasma insulin, might be largely a result of the significant action of troglitazone in the decrease of circulating lipids and enhancement of whole-body glucose metabolism.

Branched-chain amino acid-enriched diet: effects on insulin secretion and cellular immune aggression

Several reports have demonstrated that high-protein diets may have beneficial effects on experimental models of diabetes and have raised the possibility that branched-chain amino acids could play a role in these protective effects. We investigated the effect of a normoproteic, branched-chain amino acid-enriched diet (experimental diet) on insulin secretion from C57BL/6N mice transferred with splenocytes from diabetic syngeneic donors. Mice previously fed with the experimental or control diet received three intraperitoneal injections, every other day, of 5 x 107 viable mononuclear splenocytes obtained from control or diabetic donors. Results showed that mice fed with the experimental diet and transferred with "diabetic" splenocytes presented: i) normoglycemia, and (ii) significantly higher levels in both phases of glucose-induced insulin secretion and normal values of arginine-glucose-induced insulin secretion. To evaluate the in vitro cellular immune aggression, dispersed mouse islet cells were co-cultured with splenocytes from syngeneic diabetic mice. First, dispersed islet cells from mice on the experimental or control diet were co-cultured with splenocytes from control or diabetic mice on a commercial diet. In the presence of "diabetic splenocytes, dispersed islet cells from mice on the experimental diet presented a significantly lower in vitro cellular immune aggression. On the other hand, "diabetic" splenocytes from mice fed with the experimental diet produced a significantly reduced cellular immune aggression on dispersed islet cells. Our results showed that feeding branched-chain amino acids increased the capacity of beta cells to withstand a functional assault and diminished the extent of in vitro cellular immune aggression.

Role of skeletal muscle on impaired insulin sensitivity in rats fed a sucrose-rich diet: effect of moderate levels of dietary fish oil

In the present study we investigated: (1) the contribution of the skeletal muscle to the mechanisms underlying the impaired glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity present in dyslipemic rats fed a sucrose-rich diet (SRD) over a long period of time and (2) the effect of fish oil on these parameters when there was a stable hypertriglyceridemia before the source of fat (corn oil) in the diet was replaced by isocaloric amounts of cod liver oil. Our results show an increased triglyceride content in the gastrocnemius muscle with an impaired capacity for glucose oxidation in the basal state and during euglycemic clamp. This was mainly due to a decrease of the active form of pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDHa) and an increase of PDH kinase activities. Hyperglycemia, normoinsulinemia, and diminished peripheral insulin sensitivity also were found. Even though there were no changes in the insulin levels, the former metabolic abnormalities were completely reversed when the source of fat was changed from corn oil to cod liver oil. The data also suggest that in the gastrocnemius muscle of rats fed a SRD over an extended period, an increased availability and oxidation of the lipid fuel, which in turn impairs the glucose oxidation, contributes to the abnormal glucose homeostasis and to the peripheral insulin insensitivity. Moreover, the parallel effect on insulin sensitivity, glucose, and lipid homeostasis attained through the manipulation of dietary fat (n-3) in the SRD suggests a role of n-3 fatty acid in the management of dyslipidemia and insulin resistance.

Inverse alterations of BCKA dehydrogenase activity in cardiac and skeletal muscles of diabetic rats

Rat cardiac and skeletal muscles, which have been used as model tissues for studies of regulation of branched-chain alpha-keto acid (BCKA) oxidation, vary greatly in the activity state of their BCKA dehydrogenase. In the present experiment, we have investigated whether they also vary in response of their BCKA dehydrogenase to a metabolic alteration such as diabetes and, if so, to investigate the mechanism that underlies the difference. Diabetes was produced by depriving streptozotocin-treated rats of insulin administration for 96 h. The investigation of BCKA dehydrogenase in the skeletal muscle (gastrocnemius) showed that diabetes 1) increased its activity, 2) increased the protein and gene expressions of all of its subunits (E(1)alpha, E(1)beta, E(2)), 3) increased its activity state, 4) decreased the rate of its inactivation, and 5) decreased the protein expression of its associated kinase (BCKAD kinase) without affecting its gene expression. In sharp contrast, the investigation of BCKA dehydrogenase in the cardiac muscle showed that diabetes 1) decreased its activity, 2) had no effect on either protein or gene expression of any of its subunits, 3) decreased its activity state, 4) increased its rate of inactivation, and 5) increased both the protein and gene expressions of its associated kinase. In conclusion, our data suggest that, in diabetes, the protein expression of BCKAD kinase is downregulated posttranscriptionally in the skeletal muscle, whereas it is upregulated pretranslationally in the cardiac muscle, causing inverse alterations of BCKA dehydrogenase activity in these muscles.

Posttranscriptional alterations in protein masses of hepatic branched-chain keto acid dehydrogenase and its associated kinase in diabetes

The key enzyme regulating oxidation of branched-chain keto acids (BCKAs) is BCKA dehydrogenase (BCKAD). We have previously shown that an increase in the activity of this enzyme accounts for the increased oxidation of leucine in the liver of diabetic rats. In the present experiment, we have investigated the mechanisms responsible for this increase in enzyme activity. These studies were performed 96 hours after the withdrawal of insulin therapy in rats made diabetic by an injection of streptozotocin. Diabetes increased the activity state (83% versus 97%, p < .01) as well as the total activity (78 versus 112 nmol/min/mg protein, p < .01) of BCKAD. The increase in the activity state was due to a 60% fall in the BCKAD kinase activity, which was the result of a 50% decrease in its protein mass. A coordinated increase (50%-70%) in protein mass of each BCKAD subunit (E1 alpha, E1 beta, and E2) accounted for the increase in the total activity of BCKAD. We conclude that diabetes increases the hepatic BCKAD activity by increasing its protein mass and also by decreasing that of its associated kinase. These alterations appear to occur posttranscriptionally, since diabetes had no effect on the gene expressions of BCKAD subunits (E1 alpha, E1 beta, and E2) or BCKAD kinase.

An active mechanism for completion of the final stage of protein degradation in the liver, lysosomal transport of dipeptides

Accumulation of products of proteolysis (e.g. dipeptides) in lysosomes may have pathological consequences. In the present experiment we have investigated the existence of a dipeptide transporter in a membrane preparation of liver lysosomes using Gly-3H-Gln as the probe. The results showed that (a) there was transport of Gly-Gln into an osmotically reactive space inside the lysosomal membrane vesicles; (b) transport was stimulated by acidification (pH 5.0) of the external medium; (c) there was a coupling between transport of protons and Gly-Gln with a stoichiometry of 1:1; (d) the presence of both acidic pH and membrane potential was necessary for uphill transport of Gly-Gln; (e) a single transporter with a Km of 4.67 mM mediated the uptake of Gly-Gln; and (f) Gly-Gln uptake was inhibited by dipeptides and tripeptides but not by amino acids. The results suggest the presence of a low affinity proton-coupled oligopeptide transporter in the liver lysosomal membrane which mediates transfer of dipeptides from a region of low dipeptidase activity (intralysosome) to a region of high dipeptidase activity (cytosol). In this manner, the transporter provides an active mechanism for completion of the final stage of protein degradation.

Long-term administration of a sucrose-rich diet to normal rats: relationship between metabolic and hormonal profiles and morphological changes in the endocrine pancreas

The aim of the present investigation was to study normal rats fed a sucrose-rich diet (SRD) for a prolonged period (up to 30 weeks) (1) to obtain additional data on the hormonal and metabolic patterns induced by this treatment and (2) to provide information on changes taking place in the pancreatic islet cell populations. We found that long-term feeding with a SRD resulted in a steady state of hypertriglyceridemia and hyperglycemia in which insulin levels remained unchanged and unable to compensate for the increased demands of the developing metabolic changes. The endocrine pancreas showed a significant increase of both islet number and B-cell area, as well as changes in the profile of islet cell distribution. However, these changes were not accompanied by an increase in the pancreatic content of immunoreactive insulin (IRI). It may therefore be postulated that the newly emerged B-cell mass has some sort of derangement with the increased insulin demand resulting from insulin resistance induced by the long-term SRD feeding. Thus, feeding a SRD to normal rats may prove to be an attractive animal model for studying the role of environmental nutritional factors in the unsettled issue of the relationship between insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency. The model might provide key information for understanding the pathophysiology of human diseases such as type II diabetes, dyslipidemia, and a number of entities included in so-called syndrome X.

A sucrose-rich diet affects triglyceride metabolism differently in pregnant and nonpregnant rats and has negative effects on fetal growth

A sucrose-rich diet (SRD) causes hypertriglyceridemia in nonpregnant rats. To determine whether a SRD further enhances gestational hypertriglyceridemia, female rats were divided into the following two groups: 1) rats fed a SRD (63 g sucrose/100 g), and 2) rats that received the same diet except that the sucrose was replaced by an equal amount of cornstarch (CD). Half of the rats were mated and studied at d 20 of gestation. Body weight increase did not differ between virgin rats fed either diet, but the final body weight of pregnant rats fed SRD was lower than that of rats fed CD due to fewer fetuses per litter and lower fetal and placental weights. The SRD enhanced plasma glucose and insulin concentrations in virgin but not in pregnant rats; plasma triglycerides and FFA concentrations and the rate of triglyceride secretion into the plasma were higher in pregnant than in virgin rats fed SRD, but the increase in liver triglycerides due to SRD was higher in virgin rats. Both removal rate of a fat emulsion and adipose tissue lipoprotein lipase activity (LPL) were lower in virgin rats fed SRD than in those fed CD. They were lower in pregnant than in virgin rats fed CD. Placental and fetal liver triglyceride concentration and placental LPL were higher in rats fed SRD than in those fed CD. Both the increased triglyceride secretion by the liver and the decreased triglyceride removal from blood resulting in maternal hypertriglyceridemia may contribute to the negative effect of SRD on the developing fetus.

Dietary fish oil normalize dyslipidemia and glucose intolerance with unchanged insulin levels in rats fed a high sucrose diet

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the lipid-lowering effects of fish oils and concomitant consequences on glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in an experimental animal model of hypertriglyceridemia induced by high sucrose intake. To achieve this goal, male Wistar rats were fed a semi-synthetic sucrose rich diet (SRD) (w/w: 62.3% sucrose, 8% corn oil, 17% protein) for 90 days. At the time, a well established and permanent hypertriglyceridemia accompanied by glucose intolerance was present. After that, one half of the animals continued on the SRD up to 120 days. The other half received an SRD in which the source of fat was substituted by cod liver oil (w/w 7% CLO plus 1% corn oil) from day 90 to 120 (SRD+CLO). Control rats were fed a semi-synthetic diet (CD) (w/w: 62.5% corn starch, 8% corn oil, 17% protein) throughout the 120 days experimental period. Results obtained after the experimental period show that the hypertriglyceridemia and glucose intolerance ensuing long term feeding normal rats with a sucrose-rich diet could be completely reversed mediating no change in circulating insulin levels by shifting the source of fat in the diet from corn oil to cod liver oil. These findings suggest that manipulation of dietary fats may play a role in the management of the lipid disorders associated with glucose intolerance and insulin resistance.

Effect of moderate levels of dietary fish oil on insulin secretion and sensitivity, and pancreas insulin content in normal rats

The effect of omega-3 fatty acids derived from fish and marine mammals on subjects with normal glucose tolerance is still unclear. The aim of the present study was to test whether the hypolipidemia that follows the chronic administration of cod liver oil, rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3), to normal rats is accompanied by changes in glucose metabolism, insulin secretion and sensitivity, and pancreatic insulin content. To achieve this goal, male Wistar rats were fed with a semisynthetic diet (w/w): 62.5% cornstarch, 7% cod liver oil plus 1% corn oil, and 17% protein (CD + CLO). Control rats were fed with the same semisynthetic diet with the only exception that the source of fat was 8% (w/w) corn oil (CD). Both diets were administered ad libitum for 1 month. At the end of the experimental period, the results obtained were as follows (mean +/- SEM): serum triacylglycerol (mM): CD + CLO 0.21 +/- 0.04 vs. CD 0.58 +/- 0.05 (p < 0.05); free fatty acids (microM): CD + CLO 257 +/- 20 vs. CD 288 +/- 22 (p = NS); total cholesterol (mM): CD + CLO 1.13 +/- 0.09 vs. CD 1.82 +/- 0.06 (p < 0.05); high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (mM): CD + CLO 0.58 +/- 0.08 vs. CD 1.07 +/- 0.04 (p < 0.05); plasma glucose (mM): CD + CLO 6.30 +/- 0.29 vs. CD 6.28 +/- 0.10 (p = NS); liver triacylglycerol (mumol/liver): CD + CLO 104.1 +/- 11.4 vs. CD 136.8 +/- 4.3 (p < 0.05); glycogen (mumol/g wet weight): CD + CLO 298.3 +/- 21.0 vs. CD 297.0 +/- 19.0 (p = NS); glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (U/liver): CD + CLO 37.9 +/- 2.2 vs. CD 58.8 +/- 5.0 (p < 0.05); triacylglycerol secretion (nmol/min/100 g body weight): CD + CLO 101.0 +/- 2.0 vs. CD 166.0 +/- 9.7 (p < 0.01); removal of fat emulsion (K2% min-1): CD + CLO 15.0 x 10(-2) +/- 0.8 x 10(-2) vs. CD 8.2 x 10(-2) +/- 0.2 x 10(-2) (p < 0.01); intravenous glucose tolerance (kg 10(-2): CD + CLO 2.68 +/- 0.37 vs. CD 2.70 +/- 0.14 (p = NS); immunoreactive insulin (microU/ml/ min): with the area under the curve between 0 and 30 min CD + CLO 544 +/- 60 vs. CD 1,050 +/- 38 (p < 0.05), with the area under the curve between 0 and 60 min CD + CLO 1,188 +/- 150 vs. CD 2,160 +/- 137 (p < 0.05), and pancreas insulin content (microU/mg pancreas): CD + CLO 1.85 +/- 0.29 vs. CD 2.04 +/- 0.12 (p = NS). In conclusion, the present study shows that the strong hypolipidemic effect produced by the administration of low doses of fish oil to normal rats is accompanied by a significant reduction of plasma insulin levels without changes in glucose tolerance. Since no changes in pancreatic insulin content were observed, lower plasma insulin levels, both basal and after an intravenous glucose challenge, may be the result of an increased peripheral insulin sensitivity in normoglycemic animals.

Multiphasic metabolic changes in the heart of rats fed a sucrose-rich diet

Long term feeding a sucrose-rich diet (SRD) to normal Wistar rats led to multiphasic changes in the activity of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDH), characterized by a significant decrease in PDHa (active form) in the short term on SRD (3 weeks) when compared to control rats fed the standard chow (STD). Although PDHa returned spontaneously to control values in the medium term (6-8 weeks) on SRD, an even more pronounced decrease was recorded when rats were kept long term on the SRD (15 weeks). Low PDHa levels recorded in the short and long term were accompanied by a two fold increase in heart acetyl-CoA concentration and the acetyl-CoA/CoASH ratio. Tissue long-chain acyl-CoA and triacylglycerol levels were also significantly higher in SRD fed rats. Spontaneous normalization of all the above metabolic parameters was observed during the medium term on SRD. Glucose-6-phosphate levels remained within control values during the short and medium term, in contrast to a two fold increase recorded in the long term on SRD. Glycogen concentrations were found moderately elevated only in the long term. Citrate concentrations were slightly increased in the short and greatly in the long term, and the fructose-2,6-bisphosphate/citrate ratio was found significantly decreased only during the long term on SRD. After 3 weeks on SRD, the protal vein Insulin/Glucagon (I/G) molar ratio was three times higher in SRD than STD rats, as opposed to an unchanged I/G ratio found in the long term.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Chronic consumption of brominated vegetable oils: their effect on liver secretion and catabolism of plasma lipoproteins]

We have previously reported that normal Wistar rats fed during 105 days with standard laboratory chow, supplemented with 0.5g of brominated vegetable oil (olive, sunflower) per 100 g of diet showed a significant increase of triglyceride and cholesterol content in both heart and liver. This was accompanied by a significant decrease of plasma lipid levels. Fluctuations in plasma triglyceride concentrations may be a result of either variations in the liver secretion rate of very low density lipoprotein-triglyceride (VLDL-TG), or changes in their removal rate by extrahepatic tissues or both. In the present work we have studied the contribution of both VLDL-TG secretion, and removal rates of plasma TG in the decrease of plasma TG levels, in rats fed during 105 days with a standard laboratory chow supplemented with 0.5 g per 100 g of brominated vegetable oil. VLDL-TG secretion was estimated by measuring the accumulation of plasma TG following the injection of TRITON WR 1339 and the removal rate of plasma TG by assaying plasma post-heparin lipolytic total (PHLA) and hepatic (H-TGL) lipase activities. In addition, the major lipid composition of plasma lipoprotein fractions were measured. Results were compared to those of a control group fed a laboratory chow diet during the same period of time. Our results show a decrease in both VLDL-TG secretion and plasma TG pool size accompanied by normal PHLA and H-TGL activities in animals fed the diet supplemented with brominated oils. However, the proportion of the major lipid components of the plasma lipoproteins fractions were unchanged.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

"In vitro" effects of insulin on the PDH complex of the isolated perfused heart of rats fed a sucrose-rich diet

We have recently reported that the "in situ" myocardial concentrations of the active form of the Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex (PDHa) were significantly decreased in hearts obtained from normal rats fed for 3 weeks on an isocaloric sucrose rich (63%) diet (SRD) when compared to age matched controls fed on the standard laboratory chow (STD). Since, on the one hand SRD rats present glucose intolerance and impaired "in vivo" insulin action and, on the other hand the effects of insulin on the interconversion of heart PDH remains a controversial matter, we found it relevant to study the effects of insulin on the PDH complex in the "in vitro" perfused (Langendorff technique) heart preparations obtained from SRD rats. After a 35 minute perfusion period with 5.5 mM glucose as the only nutrient in the perfusate, PDHa as a percentage of total PDH was found to remain significantly lower in SRD hearts (M +/- SEM 32.6 +/- 2.3) when compared to STD hearts (68.3 +/- 4.6, P less than 0.05) in spite of comparable total PDH activities in both groups of animals. Although the addition of insulin to the perfusate (20 mu/ml) resulted in a significant increase in the percentage of PDHa (45.8 +/- 3.4) of SRD heart, values attained still remained significantly lower than those obtained in STD controls (67.5 +/- 3.6; P less than 0.05). Simultaneously, the addition of insulin to the perfusate, significantly reduced the Acetyl-CoA/CoASH ratio in SRD hearts although this ratio remained still much higher than those observed in STD controls under the same experimental conditions.

High-protein diet: effect on insulin secretion patterns from streptozotocin-diabetic rats and mice

In the present study we have investigated the effect of a high-protein feeding on glucose induced-insulin secretion patterns from high dose streptozotocin (SZ) injected rats and mice, and from mice given multiple low doses of SZ. For this purpose male rats and mice were fed either a high-protein, carbohydrate-free diet, or control diets, before and after i.p. injections of SZ, or citrate buffer only. Our results show that when SZ was given as a single diabetogenic dose, rats and mice kept on the high-protein diet presented lower serum glucose levels, normal basal insulin values, and higher first and second phases of stimulated insulin release, when compared with diabetic animals on control diets. Furthermore, when rats prolonged their high-protein feeding from 4 to 11 days after SZ injection, there was an additional increment in insulin secretory capacity with a further diminution in serum glucose levels. We also show that high-protein feeding in mice given multiple low doses of SZ (a model of autoimmune diabetes), produced a diminution in serum glucose values, and an improvement in both phases of stimulated insulin release. Thus, in the two models of experimental diabetes used here, high-protein feeding exerts beneficial effects in beta cell responsiveness to glucose.

Biochemical abnormalities in the heart of rats fed a sucrose-rich diet: is the low activity of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex a result of increased fatty acid oxidation?

We have previously shown that normal Wistar rats fed for 3 weeks with an isocaloric sucrose-rich (63%) diet (SRD) develop high levels of plasma free fatty acids and increased triacylglycerol content in the myocardium. We are now reporting that these changes are accompanied by remarkably low levels of the active form of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDHa; mean +/- SEM, 37.2% +/- 3.7% of the total activity) when compared with levels found in hearts donated by control rats fed the standard chow diet (STD; 71.0% +/- 2.8%; P less than .01). Increased concentrations of both long-chain acyl-CoA (0.21 +/- 0.03 v 0.06 +/- 0.01 mumol.g dry weight-1 found in STD; P less than .01) and acetyl-CoA (0.17 +/- 0.05 v 0.09 +/- 0.01 found in STD; P less than .01), as well as a relative decrease in coenzyme A (CoASH) (0.21 +/- 0.02 v 0.32 +/- 0.05 from STD; P = NS), resulting in an increased acetyl-CoA/CoASH ratio (0.80 +/- 0.13 v 0.29 +/- 0.03 in STD; P less than .01) may have stimulated the PDH kinase, leading in turn to an inactivation of the PDH complex. The above enzymatic and metabolic changes in the in situ heart of SRD-fed rats were still present after perfusing them for 35 minutes with a Krebs-Henseleit buffer containing 11 mmol/L glucose as the only exogenous substrate.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Specificity and mechanism of influence of amino acid residues on hepatic clearance of oligopeptides

We have investigated the influence of amino acid residues on hepatic clearance of oligopeptides by determining the rate of disappearance (nmol.(min.g liver)-1) of selective oligopeptides from the medium during isolated rat liver perfusion. (a) N terminus: the rate of disappearance of Ala-Leu was greater (p less than 0.01) than those of Gly-Leu, Phe-Leu, and Arg-Leu (208 +/- 13, 135 +/- 13, 116 +/- 12, and 127 +/- 12, respectively). (b) C terminus: the rate of disappearance of Leu-Ala (244 +/- 18) was significantly greater (p less than 0.01) than that of Leu-Gly (145 +/- 16). (c) Number of residues: with each increase in the number of alanine residues (2-4) there was a significant increase in the rate of peptide disappearance, and conversely, with each increase in the number of glycine residues (2-6) there was a significant decrease in the rate of peptide disappearance. Further studies showed no peptide transport by isolated liver plasma membrane vesicles and no significant correlation between the rates of peptide disappearance and hydrolase activities of the perfusion medium but highly significant correlation with hydrolase activity of plasma membrane. We conclude that certain amino acid residues, such as alanine, enhance hepatic clearance of oligopeptides by increasing their affinity as substrates for plasma membrane peptide hydrolases.

Long-term hypertriglyceridemia and glucose intolerance in rats fed chronically an isocaloric sucrose-rich diet

We have previously shown that short-term feeding [20 to 25 day induction period (IP)] normal rats a sucrose-rich diet (SRD) results in an increase of plasma (P), liver (L), and heart (H) triacylglycerol (TG) levels, accompanied by a drop in plasma postheparin total (T-TGL) and hepatic (H-TGL) triglyceride lipases activities, IV glucose intolerance (low Kg) and hyperinsulin responses both in vivo and in vitro, suggesting that a state of insulin resistance had developed. Since normalization of P-TG ensued in the medium term [40 to 55 day adaptation period (AP)] we decided to carry out a longitudinal, long-term (90 to 120 day) follow-up study to observe the dynamic behavior of the above metabolic and hormonal parameters as compared to the appropriate time course control rats were fed the standard chow (STD).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Toxicological effects induced by the chronic intake of brominated vegetable oils]

Several biochemical parameters of male Wistar rats fed during 15 weeks with standard laboratory chow, supplemented with 0.1 g of brominated vegetable oil (olive, sunflower) per 100 g of diet, were compared to those of a control group fed a normal diet during the same period of time. The former group showed a significant increase of triglyceride content in both heart and soleus muscle, as well as of total and sterified cholesterol in heart muscle. This increase was accompanied by decreased plasma levels of total and HDL-cholesterol. Some of these abnormalities were similar to those observed in rats fed the same standard laboratory chow, supplemented with 0.5 g of brominated oil per 100 g of diet. The hepatic levels of triglycerides, total proteins and glycogen, as well as the weight gain and caloric intake of the animals which were fed 0.1 g of brominated oil per 100 g diet, were similar to those of the control group. In summary, the toxicologic effects observed during the chronic intake of diets supplemented with relatively low doses of brominated oils, suggest the need to undertake wider and deeper biochemical studies. The authors consider that these are necessary in order to ascertain the maximum tolerance levels for the use of these compounds, to minimize the risk of inducing important biological alterations.

Diazoxide prevents the development of hormonal and metabolic abnormalities present in rats fed a sucrose rich diet

We have previously reported that normal Wistar rats fed an isocaloric, sucrose-rich (63%) diet (SRD) developed glucose intolerance and elevated triglyceride levels in plasma (P) as well as in heart (H) and liver (L) tissue. This metabolic state was accompanied by hyperinsulinism both in vivo and in vitro, suggesting that a state of insulin resistance has developed. In order to gather information on the role of hyperinsulinemia and glucose intolerance in the development of the above lipid metabolism abnormalities, diazoxide, a known insulin release blocking agent was administered (120 mg/kg/day) together with the diet (SRD + DZX) for 22 days. Control groups fed a standard chow (STD) or the STD plus diazoxide (STD + DZX) were included in the study. Under the present experimental design, DZX was able to prevent the development of hyperinsulinism, glucose intolerance and elevated levels of triacylglycerol in plasma, heart and liver present in animals fed on a sucrose rich diet. Our results suggest that mechanisms involved in the development of this nutritionally induced syndrome may include an interaction of hyperinsulinemia, with a direct effect of sucrose on several steps of lipid metabolism.

Effect of brominated vegetable oils on heart lipid metabolism

Normal rats fed for 105 days on an experimental diet made up of standard laboratory chow supplemented with 0.5% of a mixture of brominated sunflower-olive oil (BVO) developed a significant increase in the triacylglycerol content of the heart, liver and soleus muscle compared to controls. In addition, BVO-treated rats had a decrease in plasma levels of triacylglycerol and total and HDL cholesterol. Plasma fatty acid levels and plasma post-heparin lipolytic activities, such as H-TGL, LPL, T-TGL and MGH were similar to those of control animals fed the standard chow alone. Heart PDHa (active portion of pyruvate dehydrogenase) was dramatically decreased in the BVO-fed rats. A faster rate of spontaneous lipolysis was recorded in the isolated perfused preparation of hearts from the experimental animals. The addition of 10(-7) M of glucagon to the perfusate, however, revealed a lipolytic effect comparable to the one observed in the control rats. In summary, our findings of normal fatty acids and low triacylglycerol plasma levels associated with normal activities of the various PHLA (post-heparin lipolytic activity) enzymes suggest that accumulation of triacylglycerol in heart muscle may not be explained essentially in terms of an elevated uptake and/or increased delivery of plasma fatty acids or plasma triacylglycerol. A decreased in situ catabolism of tissue triacylglycerol also appears unlikely because the spontaneous as well as the glucagon induced lipolysis in the heart both were found to be unimpaired.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effects of tiadenol and clofibrate on plasma post heparin lipolytic hepatic, extrahepatic and monoglyceride hydrolase activities in rats with hypertriglyceridemia induced by a sucrose rich diet

Normal rats fed an isocaloric sucrose-rich diet (SRD) for 3 weeks developed high levels of triacylglycerol in plasma (P) (mmol triacylglycerol I-1) heart (H) and liver (L) tissues (mumol triacylglycerol mg DNA-1) as compared to control rats fed the standard chow (STD) (X +/- SEM; P: SRD 1.32 +/- 0.06 vs STD 0.49 +/- 0.05, P less than 0.001; H: SRD 2.1 +/- 0.17 vs STD 0.94 +/- 0.01, P less than 0.001; L: SRD 8.48 +/- 1.47 vs STD 1.71 +/- 0.12, P less than 0.001). A simultaneous drop in the activities (mumol glycerol ml-1 hr-1) of several plasma post heparin lipolytic enzymes was observed; total triglyceride lipase (T-TGL): SRD 5.32 +/- 0.34 vs STD 7.48 +/- 0.64, P less than 0.01; lipoprotein lipase (LPL): SRD 1.61 +/- 0.26 vs STD 2.42 +/- 0.41, P less than 0.05; hepatictriglyceride lipase (H-TGL): SRD 3.71 +/- 0.28 vs STD 5.05 +/- 0.69, P less than 0.05 and monoglyceride hydrolase (MGH) (mumol glycerol I-1 min-1): SRD 558 +/- 108 vs STD 1165 +/- 45, P less than 0.001. Rats fed the SRD presented glucose intolerance after i.v. glucose (Kg X 10(-2); 1.06 +/- 0.09 vs 2.61 +/- 0.14 of STD, P less than 0.001) in spite of the presence of hyperinsulinism (sigma plasma IRI microU/ml from 0 to 30 min: 184.6 +/- 23.6 vs 100.5 +/- 9.7 of STD, P less than 0.01) suggesting that a state of insulin resistance had developed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

A metabolic profile of fed and fasting genetically obese mice at 4-5 months of age

Indices of both carbohydrate and lipid metabolism were examined in obese (C57BL/6J ob/ob) mice and lean controls at 4-5 months of age in both the fed and fasted condition. Swiss albino mice (1.5-2 months in age), weight-matched to the inbred lean mice, were also investigated but differences in the metabolic parameters between these groups of mice were confounded by the dissimilarity in age. The concentrations of lactate and alanine in plasma were significantly higher in ob/ob mice than the lean controls in the fed state but this difference disappeared with fasting. Plasma levels of FFA and glycerol were similar in all three groups of mice in both the fed and fasted states. The significantly lower concentrations of plasma ketone bodies in ob/ob mice than the lean controls after a 24 h fast would suggest that the transition from the fed to fasted condition in the hepatic metabolism of the obese mouse does indeed occur more slowly. Yet after a 48 h fast, ob/ob mice had significantly higher levels of hepatic glycogen than comparably fasted lean control. Likewise, plasma glucose values decreased in ob/ob mice during food deprivation but remained significantly higher than those of the lean controls after 48 h fast. Excessive accumulation of triacylglycerols in liver and heart found in ob/ob mice in the fed condition was maintained during a fast of 48 h even though their level in plasma was significantly lower than in the comparably fasted lean control. We propose that an increase in the concentration of triacylglycerols in liver, heart and skeletal muscle may be an intracellular index of decreased insulin effectiveness in the genetically obese mouse.

Interrelationships between the metabolic effects of glucagon and ethanol in the perfused mouse liver

Effects of glucagon and ethanol on hepatic metabolism were examined with in situ perfused livers from fasted Swiss albino mice. In the absence of added gluconeogenic substrate, the presence of glucagon with ethanol effectively restored hepatic glucose production to a rate found with livers perfused with the hormone alone. When lactate was added to the perfusate, the presence of ethanol almost completely suppressed glucose formation but glucagon only partially overcame this inhibition. Ethanol and/or glucagon inhibited hepatic alpha-amino acid N release both in the absence and presence of added gluconeogenic substrate. Ketone body formation was increased three-fold when both glucagon and ethanol were added together to the medium of livers perfused in the absence of exogenous gluconeogenic precursor, yet neither agent alone had an effect. Ethanol utilization by the perfused liver was markedly inhibited by glucagon in the absence of added lactate. The presence of exogenous lactate also decreased ethanol removal by the liver and the addition of glucagon with lactate diminished ethanol clearance further. Thus, interrelationships between the consequences of glucagon and ethanol on hepatic metabolism have been delineated in the perfused mouse liver.

Postheparin lipolytic activities in Zucker rats fed with sucrose- or cornstarch-rich diets

In order to study the metabolic effect of dietary sucrose or cornstarch on plasma total triglyceride lipase (T-TGL), hepatic triglyceride lipase (H-TGL) and monoglyceride hydrolase (MGH) activities, young male Zucker fatty and lean rats were pair-fed or fed ad libitum for 4 weeks with diets containing 68% carbohydrate as either sucrose or cornstarch. Our results show that ad libitum feeding of fatty rats with both diets produced an intensification of plasma hypertriglyceridemia which was accompanied by high levels of all plasma postheparin lipolytic activities. These diets did not affect the enzyme activities of lean littermates. Pair-feeding the fatties with sucrose-rich diet produced an increase in T-TGL, H-TGL and MGH. If cornstarch was the carbohydrate included in the diet no difference in postheparin lipolytic activities was found between phenotypes.

Effect of carbohydrate diet type upon obesity and hyperlipemia in the Zucker fa/fa rat

20 fa/fa Zucker rats were submitted to a normalization of their food-intake energy level by pair-feeding using control Fa/-rats, for 4 weeks. Two diets were tested. The first was a starch-based diet (A) (66% starch w/w) and the second a sucrose-based diet (S) (66% sucrose w/w). The food-intake levels and the efficiency of storage of energy were thus comparable for the two diets. Though the fa/fa hyperinsulinemia decreased for the 4 weeks of experiment and was comparable with the (S) and (A) diets, the hypertriglyceridemia was lower with the (S) diet than that for the (A) diet. This could be in relation to the increased post-heparin lipase activity in the (S) diet, compared to the (A) diet.

Effect of sucrose diet on insulin secretion in vivo and in vitro and on triglyceride storage and mobilisation of the heart of rats

Basal heart triacylglycerol (TG) (mumole triacylglycerol/g of dry weight) (- before "in vitro" Langendorff perfusion -) was significantly higher in animals rendered chronically hypertriglyceridaemic (H) by a 63% sucrose-rich diet than in controls (C, standard diet); 28 +/- 2.6 means + SEM vs. 19.3 +/- 1.2; respectively (p less than 0.01). After 40' perfusion with Krebs-Henseleit buffer + 5.5 mM glucose, 2.5 mM Ca++, TG content fell to 14.2 +/- 0.6 in C and 14.9 +/- 1.9 in H (n.S.). Administration of 1 n mol x min-1 of glucagon (Gn) from min 20 to 40 reduced TG to 9.0 +/- 0.5 in C (p less than 0.05). In contrast no effect of Gn was observed in H (TG at min 40: 16.7 +/- 2.5). Glycogen (Gly) content (mumol/g of dry weight) after Gn perfusion fell from 30 +/- 1.9 to 17 +/- 2.1 (p less than 0.01) in C, while again no effect was recorded in H. "In vivo" plasma glucose fractional coefficient disappearance rate was lower (p less than 0.001) in H: 1.01 x 10(-2) +/- 0.09 x 10(-2) vs 2.61 x 10(-2) +/- 0.14 x 10(-2) in C, in spite of H showing hyperinsulin secretion. Hyperinsulinism was further documented by "in vitro" Iri release studies from incubated pancreas pieces. In the absence of glucose (G) from the incubation medium H produced 541 +/- 19.8 mU/mg weight Tissue/20', while C produced 91.2 +/- 12.7 (p less than 0.001). With 100 mg% G, H released 1058 +/- 259 and C 377 +/- 82.5 (p less than 0.001). It is suggested that hyperinsulin secretion plus insulin resistance may account for the above findings.

Effect of aging and cellularity on lipolysis in isolated mouse fat cells

The effects of age and cellularity on lipolysis have been investigated in isolated epididymal fat cells from both Swiss albino mice and Sprague-Dawley rats. No significant lipolytic response to glucagon could be demonstrated with adipocytes from either young or old mice, while glycerol output was increased by this hormone with fat cells from young rats. Larger adipocytes from older mice showed significantly greater isoproterenol-stimulated lipolysis than those from younger animals if the glycerol output was expressed on a per cell basis. However, the lipolytic response per cell appeared to be equivalent in young and old rat adipocytes with either isoproterenol or ACTH-(1-24). In a complete aging study, relationships between body weight, epididymal fat pad weight and cellularity were examined covering the life span of the mouse. ACTH-(1-24)- and dibutyryl cyclic AMP-stimulated lipolysis increased with age and cell size but fell at senescence when adipocyte size diminished. Although an effect of aging per se cannot be ruled out with the experimental techniques used in the present study, a dominant influence of adipocyte size on the lipolytic process was demonstrated.

Gluconeogenesis in perfused livers of genetically obese-hyperglycemic (ob/ob) mice

Hypertrophy of liver cells, as measured by decreased mg DNA per g wet liver, from obese mice (C57BL/6J ob/ob) was associated with a marked increase in triacylglycerol content per g wet liver when compared with control lean mice (C57BL/6J ?/+). The difference between the rates of net glucose production from lactate in isolated perfused livers from obese and lean mice was small when expressed per g wet liver. However, calculation of these rates either on a DNA or body weight basis indicated that the rate of gluconeogenesis in livers from obese mice was twice that of lean mice. Using perfused livers from lean mice, the ratio of net uptake of C3-substrate to gluconeogenesis indicated that a major proportion of lactate disappearing from the perfusion medium could not be accounted for in the appearance of glucose; but using the perfused livers of obese mice, almost all of the net lactate disappearance could be accounted for by a net increase in glucose production.

Effect of insulin in vitro on the isolated, perfused alloxan-diabetic rat liver

Withdrawal of exogenous insulin and a subsequent fast (24 h) of alloxan diabetic rats stimulated rates of gluconeogenesis, urogenesis, ketogenesis, and amino acid release by in situ perfused livers when compared to those from normal, fasted rats. The contribution of liver glycogen to the high rates of gluconeogenesis observed with the diabetic liver could be excluded. Perfusate lactate concentrations remained constant during the period when the elevated rate of gluconeogenesis was observed with diabetic liver. Addition of insulin as a bolus (750 mU) and continuous infusion (12.5 mU/min) to the perfusion medium of diabetic livers resulted in constant perfusate levels of glucose, urea and alpha-amino nitrogen indicating a suppression of the catabolic processes present in the fasted, diabetic liver. The rate of ketogenesis was also slowed by insulin to about half the rate prior to addition of the hormone. These data indicate that insulin has an immediate anti-catabolic effect in the perfused, diabetic liver.

[The influence of glucagon on post-heparin plasma lipolytic activity in normal rats and in rats with diabetes induced by alloxan injection]

The authors compared the effect of glucagon on the post-heparinic lipolytic activity in normal and alloxan induced diabetic rats. Within their experimental conditions, it was considered that an injury of the cell stimulates a decrease of the glucagon-stimulating activity on the lipoprotein lipase: this hormone does not seem to have a direct action on the PHLA but an indirect one by the way of the insulin secretion it induces.