Lipotoxicity of the pancreatic beta-cell is associated with glucose-dependent esterification of fatty acids into neutral lipids.

ABSTRACT: Prolonged exposure of isolated islets to supraphysiologic concentrations of palmitate decreases insulin gene expression in the presence of elevated glucose levels. This study was designed to determine whether or not this phenomenon is associated with a glucose-dependent increase in esterification of fatty acids into neutral lipids. Gene expression of sn-glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (GPAT), diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT), and hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL), three key enzymes of lipid metabolism, was detected in isolated rat islets. Their levels of expression were not affected after a 72-h exposure to elevated glucose and palmitate. To determine the effects of glucose on palmitate-induced neutral lipid synthesis, isolated rat islets were cultured for 72 h with trace amounts of

SUBMITTER: Briaud I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3547289 | biostudies-literature | 2001 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature