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Triglyceride Accumulation in Adipocytes Modulated by Insulin Dynamics.

Tatiana Yu Plyusnina1, Yulia A Chistyakova1, Polina V Fursova1

  • 1Department of Biophysics, Biological Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory 1-24, Moscow 119234, Russia.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|December 30, 2025
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Meal frequency impacts fat storage by altering insulin dynamics, not just calorie intake. Frequent meals increase triglyceride accumulation, while fewer meals decrease it, influencing overall fat mass.

Keywords:
adipocyte triglycerides accumulationinsulin profileisocaloric feedinglipolysismathematical modeling

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Area of Science:

  • Metabolic studies
  • Nutritional science
  • Mathematical modeling

Background:

  • Triglyceride accumulation in adipocytes is a key factor in fat mass regulation.
  • Insulin plays a crucial role in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.
  • The impact of meal frequency on lipid metabolism under isocaloric conditions requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of meal frequency on triglyceride accumulation in adipocytes.
  • To determine the role of insulin dynamics, specifically peak amplitude, duration, and overlap, in regulating lipid metabolism.
  • To differentiate the influence of insulin's temporal profile versus its average concentration on fat accumulation.

Main Methods:

  • A mathematical model of carbohydrate-lipid metabolism was employed to simulate various feeding regimens (1-8 meals/day) under isocaloric conditions.
  • A simplified model allowed for independent variation of insulin peak characteristics (amplitude, width, overlap).
  • Metabolic flux analysis was used to examine the mechanisms driving triglyceride accumulation, focusing on synthesis and lipolysis.

Main Results:

  • Infrequent meals (1-2/day) decreased, while frequent meals (5-8/day) increased triglyceride accumulation compared to thrice-daily feeding.
  • These effects were most pronounced in healthy individuals and attenuated in type 2 diabetes.
  • Fat accumulation correlated with the dynamic profile of insulin (amplitude, duration, overlap) rather than average insulin levels.

Conclusions:

  • Meal timing, by defining the insulin signal's temporal structure, significantly shapes fat mass.
  • Insulin dynamics, not mean concentration, are the primary regulators of lipid metabolism.
  • Dietary guidelines should consider meal patterns alongside composition and total energy intake for effective metabolic management.