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Oxidative stress and diabetes: what can we learn about insulin resistance from antioxidant mutant mouse models?
Jennalynn Styskal1, Holly Van Remmen, Arlan Richardson
1The Sam and Ann Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78245-3207, USA.
Abstract:
The development of metabolic dysfunctions like diabetes and insulin resistance in mammals is regulated by a myriad of factors. Oxidative stress seems to play a central role in this process as recent evidence shows a general increase in oxidative damage and a decrease in oxidative defense associated with several metabolic diseases. These changes in oxidative stress can be directly correlated with increased fat accumulation, obesity, and consumption of high-calorie/high-fat diets. Modulation of oxidant protection through either genetic mutation or treatment with antioxidants can significantly alter oxidative stress resistance and accumulation of oxidative damage in laboratory rodents. Antioxidant mutant mice have previously been utilized to examine the role of oxidative stress in other disease models, but have been relatively unexplored as models to study the regulation of glucose metabolism. In this review, we will discuss the evidence for oxidative stress as a primary mechanism linking obesity and metabolic disorders and whether alteration of antioxidant status in laboratory rodents can significantly alter the development of insulin resistance or diabetes.
Insights
Oxidative stress contributes to metabolic disorders like diabetes and obesity. Modifying antioxidant defenses in rodents may offer insights into preventing insulin resistance and metabolic disease.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Metabolic disease research
- Oxidative stress mechanisms
Background:
- Metabolic dysfunctions such as diabetes and insulin resistance are influenced by multiple factors.
- Growing evidence links increased oxidative damage and reduced oxidative defense to metabolic diseases.
- Oxidative stress is correlated with obesity, fat accumulation, and high-fat diets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence supporting oxidative stress as a key link between obesity and metabolic disorders.
- To explore the potential of altering antioxidant status in rodents to impact insulin resistance and diabetes development.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on oxidative stress and metabolic diseases.
- Examination of studies utilizing antioxidant mutant mice in disease models.
- Analysis of research on antioxidant interventions and their effects on oxidative damage.
Main Results:
- Oxidative stress plays a significant role in the development of metabolic dysfunctions.
- Genetic or therapeutic modulation of antioxidant capacity affects oxidative stress resistance.
- Rodent models with altered antioxidant status offer a platform to study metabolic regulation.
Conclusions:
- Oxidative stress is a critical factor in the pathophysiology of obesity and related metabolic disorders.
- Manipulating antioxidant status in animal models is a viable strategy to investigate therapeutic interventions for insulin resistance and diabetes.
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