Metabolic studies in a case of Werner's syndrome

A case of Werner's syndrome was investigated with regard to the immune system and peripheral insulin sensitivity. Routine immunological screening revealed no abnormality in either humoral or cell-mediated immune response. Intravenous glucose tolerance test showed a reduced glucose tolerance coupled with very high insulin levels. There was no evidence for increased levels of antagonistic hormones e.g., corticosteroids, growth hormone or thyroid hormones. Serum insulin binding capacity was normal. Adipose tissue metabolism revealed a reduced sensitivity to the effects of insulin both on glucose metabolism and on the antilipolytic effect. This was purely due to a shift in the dose-response curve to the right since maximal effects were the same as those found in control subjects. This reduced insulin sensitivity seems to be due to a reduction in the number of cellular insulin receptors.