Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Production and Detection of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in Cancers
Published on: November 21, 2011
Reactive oxygen species enhance insulin sensitivity
Kim Loh1, Haiyang Deng, Atsushi Fukushima
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Victoria 3800, Australia.
Mice lacking glutathione peroxidase 1 (Gpx1) showed improved insulin sensitivity and were protected from diet-induced insulin resistance. This suggests reactive oxygen species (ROS) enhance insulin signaling in vivo.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cellular Biology
- Metabolic Diseases
Background:
- Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production is implicated in insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
- Physiological ROS may modulate cell signaling by oxidizing protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of glutathione peroxidase 1 (Gpx1) in diet-induced insulin resistance.
- To determine if ROS signaling enhances insulin sensitivity in vivo.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Gpx1 knockout (Gpx1(-/-)) mice fed a high-fat diet.
- Assessed insulin sensitivity, glucose uptake, and PTP oxidation.
- Administered the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine.
Main Results:
- Gpx1(-/-) mice were protected from high-fat-diet-induced insulin resistance.
- Insulin sensitivity in Gpx1(-/-) mice was linked to enhanced phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/Akt signaling and muscle glucose uptake.
- Antioxidant treatment reversed the increased insulin sensitivity.
- Observed enhanced oxidation of PTEN, a PTP that negatively regulates PI3K signaling.
Conclusions:
- These findings provide causal evidence that ROS enhance insulin signaling in vivo.
- Targeting ROS elimination pathways may offer therapeutic strategies for insulin resistance.
More Related Videos
12:32High-resolution Respirometry to Measure Mitochondrial Function of Intact Beta Cells in the Presence of Natural Compounds
Published on: January 23, 2018
06:13Randomized Controlled Trial to Study the Acute Effects of Strength Exercise on Insulin Sensitivity in Obese Adults
Published on: December 1, 2023
Related Concept Videos
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Biguanides and Glitazones
Hormones Regulating Blood Glucose
In addition to accelerating glucose uptake and utilization, insulin has...
Insulin: The Receptor and Signaling Pathways
Glucose Homeostasis: Pancreatic Islets and Insulin Secretion
Insulin and C-peptide are co-secreted in...
Radical Autoxidation
Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology