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Published on: January 4, 2018
Insulin signaling and life span
Angelo Avogaro1, Saula Vigili de Kreutzenberg, Gian Paolo Fadini
1Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy. angelo.avogaro@unipd.it
Pflugers Archiv : European Journal of Physiology
|September 17, 2009
Summary
Insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia shorten lifespan by impairing insulin signaling pathways. This review explores how these conditions affect cellular processes, oxidative stress, and inflammation, impacting longevity.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Diseases
- Longevity Research
Background:
- Hyperinsulinemia and metabolic diseases are linked to reduced lifespan.
- Insulin resistance selectively impairs insulin signaling, impacting longevity.
- Insulin pathways regulate cellular proliferation and apoptosis, key to lifespan.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review intracellular pathways regulated by insulin and altered by hyperinsulinemia/insulin resistance.
- To summarize mechanisms underlying the link between insulin signaling and lifespan.
- To provide evidence from animal models and human studies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on insulin signaling pathways.
- Analysis of mechanisms involving cellular proliferation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress.
- Examination of evidence from experimental and human studies.
Main Results:
- Insulin resistance promotes reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammation, reducing lifespan.
- Impaired phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway and decreased sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) activity are implicated.
- Association between insulin resistance, diabetes, and telomere shortening observed.
Conclusions:
- Insulin signaling plays a crucial role in regulating lifespan.
- Alterations in insulin signaling pathways contribute to reduced longevity in metabolic diseases.
- Understanding these mechanisms may offer insights into promoting healthy aging.
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