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Circulating N-Acetylaspartate Levels Associate with Measures of Peripheral and Tissue-Specific Insulin Sensitivity
Eleni Rebelos1,2,3, Miikka-Juhani Honka1, Aino Latva-Rasku1
1Turku PET Centre, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|June 13, 2025
Summary
Insulin administration slightly lowers circulating N-acetylaspartate (NAA) levels. These NAA levels correlate with key markers of insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake in various tissues.
Area of Science:
- Metabolic Research
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
Background:
- N-acetylaspartate (NAA) is abundant in the brain, but its peripheral role is unclear.
- Understanding NAA's role in metabolism and insulin sensitivity is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the acute effects of insulin on circulating NAA concentrations.
- To determine associations between NAA levels and markers of insulin sensitivity.
Main Methods:
- A euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp with [18F]FDG-PET imaging was used in individuals with obesity and lean controls.
- Plasma NAA was measured using HPLC-MS-MS; glucose uptake and acetate levels were also assessed.
Main Results:
- Insulin administration caused a 5% decrease in circulating NAA levels.
- NAA levels correlated with waist-hip ratio, free fatty acids, HDL cholesterol, adiponectin, and whole-body insulin sensitivity.
- NAA was directly related to glucose uptake in skeletal muscle and visceral adipose tissue.
Conclusions:
- Circulating NAA decreases with acute insulin administration.
- NAA is associated with metabolic health and insulin sensitivity, suggesting a role in whole-body homeostasis.
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