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Updated: Jul 2, 2026

An Adipocyte Cell Culture Model to Study the Impact of Protein and Micro-RNA Modulation on Adipocyte Function
Published on: May 4, 2021
[Effect of sodium tungstate on glucose metabolism in adipocytes]
Yan Yang1, Zhao-hui Mo, Ke Chen
1Department of Endocrinology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China.
Objective:
To explore the effect of sodium tungstate on glucose metabolism in adipocytes and its mechanism.
Methods:
After 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were differentiated into adipocytes, these adipocytes were incubated with sodium tungstate (0, 150, 300, 500, and 700 micromol/L) for 48 h, and then glucose consumption of the adipocytes was detected by glucose-oxidase assay. Glucose transport was determined by the uptake of 2-deoxy-[3H]-D-glucose, and the expression of glucose transport-4 (GLUT-4) mRNA was identified by semi-quantitative RT-PCR.
Results:
Sodium tungstate (150 approximately 700 micromol/L) could significantly increase the glucose consumption and glucose transport with a concentration dependent-effect. Sodium tungstate could increase GLUT-4 mRNA expression.
Conclusion:
Sodium tungstate can enhance the glucose metabolism of adipocytes by up-regulating the expression of GLUT-4 mRNA.
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