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Muscle GLUT4 in cirrhosis
Peter Holland-Fischer1, Per Heden Andersen, Sten Lund
1Department of Medicine V (Hepatology and Gastroenterology), Aarhus University Hospital, 44 Noerrebrogade, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark. phf@svf.au.dk
In liver cirrhosis, muscle glucose transporter GLUT4 protein levels are normal but its gene expression is reduced, contributing to glucose intolerance. This suggests a mechanism distinct from diabetes.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Metabolism
- Hepatology
Background:
- Glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) is crucial for whole-body glucose uptake.
- Glucose intolerance is common in liver cirrhosis, but its link to GLUT4 is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of GLUT4 in glucose intolerance associated with liver cirrhosis.
Main Methods:
- Oral glucose tolerance tests and muscle biopsies were performed on 30 cirrhosis patients and 7 controls.
- Muscle GLUT4 protein and mRNA levels were quantified using antibody labeling and RT-PCR.
Main Results:
- GLUT4 protein levels were similar between groups but correlated with glucose tolerance in cirrhosis patients.
- GLUT4 mRNA levels were significantly reduced in cirrhosis patients and inversely related to hyperinsulinemia.
Conclusions:
- Cirrhosis patients have intact GLUT4 protein but reduced gene expression, impairing glucose tolerance.
- This suggests a loss of redundancy in the GLUT4 system, potentially linked to decreased gene expression and hyperinsulinemia.
- The mechanism differs from that seen in diabetes, implicating the muscular GLUT4 system in cirrhosis-related glucose intolerance.
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