SIRT1 activation attenuates palmitate induced apoptosis in C2C12 muscle cells

Gholamreza Taheripak1,2, Niusha Sabeti2,3, Naba Najar1,2

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

Molecular Biology Reports
|February 24, 2024
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Activating SIRT1 combats palmitate-induced apoptosis in skeletal muscle cells, improving mitochondrial biogenesis and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes. This research highlights SIRT1

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Metabolic Diseases
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Type 2 diabetes involves insulin resistance, primarily in skeletal muscles.
  • Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) is implicated in insulin signaling pathways.
  • The precise role of SIRT1 in palmitate-induced apoptosis requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of SIRT1 in palmitate-induced apoptosis in skeletal muscle cells.
  • To determine if activating SIRT1 can mitigate palmitate-induced insulin resistance and apoptosis.

Main Methods:

  • C2C12 skeletal muscle cells were treated with palmitate to induce insulin resistance.
  • SIRT1 expression levels were monitored during palmitate-induced apoptosis.
  • The effects of SIRT1 activation and inhibition on apoptosis, mitochondrial biogenesis, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were assessed.

Main Results:

  • Palmitate-induced apoptosis downregulated SIRT1 and suppressed mitochondrial biogenesis via PGC-1 reduction.
  • SIRT1 overexpression enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis, while the SIRT1 inhibitor sirtinol decreased it.
  • Palmitate treatment increased ROS levels, which were mitigated by ROS inhibitors and by boosting SIRT1 expression, thereby inhibiting apoptosis.

Conclusions:

  • SIRT1 activation can improve insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes.
  • SIRT1 mitigates lipo-apoptosis and enhances mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle cells.
  • Targeting SIRT1 may offer a therapeutic strategy for type 2 diabetes.