Ketogenic diet alleviates β-cell dedifferentiation but aggravates hepatic lipid accumulation in db/db mice

The aim of this study was to explore the effect of the ketogenic diet (KD) on β-cell dedifferentiation and hepatic lipid accumulation in db/db mice.

After a 3-wk habituation, male db/db mice ages 8 wk were assigned into one of three groups: normal diet (ND), KD, and 75% calorie restriction (CR) group. Free access to a standard diet, a KD, and 75% of a standard diet, respectively, were given to each group. Additionally, sex-matched 8-wk-old C57BL/6 mice were used to construct a control (C) group. After a 4-wk dietary intervention, mouse body weight, fasting blood glucose (FBG), blood lipids, fasting insulin (FINS), glucose tolerance, and β-hydroxybutyric acid level were measured. The morphologies of the islet and liver were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Positive expressions of β-cell-specific transcription factors in mouse islets were determined by double immunofluorescence staining. The size and number of lipid droplets in mouse liver were examined by Oil Red O staining. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction detected relative levels of adipogenesis-associated and lipolysis-associated genes in mouse liver. Additionally, expressions of CD36 protein in the mouse liver were determined by immunohistochemical staining and Western blot.

After a 4-wk dietary intervention, FBG, FINS, and glucose area under the curve in the KD group became significantly lower than in the ND group (all P < 0.05). Regular morphology of mouse islets was observed in the KD group, with an increased number of islet cells. The KD significantly reversed the decrease in β-cell number, disarrangement of β-cells, decline of β/α-cell ratio, and downregulation of β-cell-specific transcription factors in db/db mice. Serum levels of triacylglycerol, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were comparable between the ND and KD groups. In contrast, serum triacylglycerol levels were significantly lower in the CR group than in the ND group (P < 0.05). Vacuolar degeneration and lipid accumulation in the liver were more prominent in the KD group than in the ND and CR groups. The mRNA levels of Pparα and Acox1 in the KD group were lower than those in the ND group, although no significant differences were detected. Relative levels of Cd36 and inflammatory genes in the mouse liver were significantly higher in the KD group than in the ND group (all P < 0.05).

The KD significantly reduced FBG and FINS and improved glucose tolerance in db/db mice by upregulating β-cell-specific transcription factors and reversing β-cell dedifferentiation. However, the KD also induced hepatic lipid accumulation and aggravated inflammatory response in the liver of db/db mice.