The role of sirtuin proteins in obesity

Although the progressive metabolic changes associated with obesity are complex, it is well-recognized that obesity is a risk factor for the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Because both obesity and type 2 diabetes are associated with insulin resistance, there is significant interest in defining the mechanistic basis for insulin resistance. Recent studies involving SIRT1, the most intensely studied sirtuin family member, have shown that it regulates many metabolic adaptations linked with obesity. SIRT1 has been shown to regulate the expression of adipokines, repress the activity of factors required for maturation of fat cells, regulate insulin secretion, modulate plasma glucose levels and insulin sensitivity and alter mitochondrial capacity. Moreover, some investigators have suggested that altering SIRT1 activity may be a promising new therapy for type 2 diabetes. In this review we focus on the role of sirtuins in obesity with particular emphasis on the contribution of SIRT1.