Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic Clamps in Conscious, Unrestrained Mice
Published on: November 16, 2011
[The molecular mechanisms by which PPAR gamma/RXR inhibitors improve insulin resistance]
1Department of Metabolic Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo.
Abstract:
Potent activation of PPAR gamma by thiazolidinediones(TZD) increases TG content of WAT, thereby decreasing TG content of liver/muscle, leading to amelioration of insulin resistance at the expense of obesity. Moderate reduction of PPAR gamma activity by PPAR gamma/RXR inhibitors decreases TG content of WAT/muscle/liver due to increased leptin and increase in fatty-acid combustion and decrease in lipogenesis, thereby ameliorating HF diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance. Moreover, PPAR gamma/RXR inhibitors decrease lipogenesis in WAT, while TZD stimulate adipocyte differentiation and apoptosis, thereby both preventing adipocyte hypertrophy, which is associated with alleviation of insulin resistance presumably due to decreases in FFA, and TNF alpha, and upregulation of adiponectin. We conclude that although by different mechanisms, both PPAR gamma/RXR inhibitors and PPAR gamma agonist improve insulin resistance, which is associated with decreased TG content of muscle/liver and prevention of adipocyte hypertrophy.
Related Concept Videos
Transducer Mechanism: Nuclear Receptors
About 48 different soluble family members of nuclear receptors are identified that can be divided into two main classes:
Insulin: The Receptor and Signaling Pathways
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Biguanides and Glitazones
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: α-Glucosidase Inhibitors
Acarbose and miglitol are typically...
Glucagon-like Receptor Agonists
GLP-1, when administered in high doses intravenously, triggers insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon release, slows gastric emptying, reduces food intake, and restores normal insulin secretion. However, its rapid inactivation by the...
Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 Inhibitors

