[Molecular mechanisms of the alternative lipogenic function of insulin]

The proposed hypothesis suggests that major function of insulin is stimulation of triglyceride accumulation in adipose tissue and glycogen synthesis in liver and muscles. The impairment of insulin functioning diminishes triglyceride storage in adipose tissue, elevates the level of its metabolite in periphery and suppresses glucose intake by cells. Leptin disturbs direct insulin action on adipocytes, and prevents fat accumulation. Leptin deficiency or impairment of its functioning facilitate lipogenic effect of insulin, and induce obesity. Lipodystrophy decreases leptin secretion and enhances triglyceride production activated by insulin. Triglycerides are not accumulated in adipose tissue because of its deficiency, and overwhelm peripheral tissues. Lipid metabolites decrease glucose consumption and induce lipoatrophic diabetes. The hypothesis on the lipogenic insulin functioning is confirmed by specific knockout of Insr gene in only tissue: muscles, adipose tissue and other, and by the restoration of its expression in transgenic mice.