Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Static Strength Training Method for Type 2 Diabetic Mice
Published on: March 29, 2024
Skeletal muscle uncoupling protein-3 restores upon intervention in the prediabetic and diabetic state: implications
M Mensink1, M K C Hesselink, L B Borghouts
1Department of Human Biology, Nutrition and Toxicology Research Institute NUTRIM, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands. m.mensink@hb.unimaas.nl
Aim:
Skeletal muscle uncoupling protein-3 (UCP3) is reduced in type 2 diabetes, and in the pre-diabetic condition of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). Here we examined whether intervention programs known to improve insulin sensitivity are paralleled by an increase in skeletal muscle UCP3 protein levels.
Methods:
Skeletal muscle UCP3 protein content was measured before and after one year of an exercise intervention in muscle biopsies of eight diabetic subjects. In addition, UCP3 was measured in IGT subjects before and after 1 year of following a lifestyle-intervention program or serving as control.
Results:
In the diabetic patients a significant increase of approximately 75% in UCP3 protein was found after 1 year of exercise training (P < 0.05). In IGT subjects UCP3 protein increased in the intervention group (P = 0.02), while UCP3 remained unaltered in the control group (P = 0.64).
Conclusion:
Both, exercise training and a lifestyle-intervention program increase UCP3 protein content in skeletal muscle of subjects with reduced glycaemic control, indicating a restoration towards normal UCP3 levels. These data support the idea that UCP3 has a role in the aetiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Related Concept Videos
Type I Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
Pathophysiology of Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility, suggesting a...
Diabetic Ketoacidosis ll: Pathophysiology
Type I Diabetes III: Clinical Manifestations
Type II Diabetes I: Introduction

