Butyrate improves insulin sensitivity and increases energy expenditure in mice.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

We examined the role of butyric acid, a short-chain fatty acid formed by fermentation in the large intestine, in the regulation of insulin sensitivity in mice fed a high-fat diet.

Research design and methods

In dietary-obese C57BL/6J mice, sodium butyrate was administrated through diet supplementation at 5% wt/wt in the high-fat diet. Insulin sensitivity was examined with insulin tolerance testing and homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance. Energy metabolism was monitored in a metabolic chamber. Mitochondrial function was investigated in brown adipocytes and skeletal muscle in the mice.

Results

On the high-fat diet, supplementation of butyrate prevented development of insulin resistance and obesity in C57BL/6 mice. Fasting blood glucose, fasting

SUBMITTER: Gao Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2699871 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature