Endocrine Abstracts

Background: Intermittent fasting increase maximum lifespan in several species and this effect is associated with reduced protein synthesis signaling. During fasting, a progressive loss of protein in human skeletal muscle is evident. Furthermore, fasting is associated with increased lipid oxidation and insulin resistance.Aim: To define which protein metabolic mechanisms are activated in skeletal muscle during fasting.Methods: We inv...

Introduction: Vitamin D insufficiency is common in subjects with type 2 diabetes. Observational studies suggest that vitamin D plays a role in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. However, results of intervention studies have been inconsistent. We investigated the effects of improving vitamin D status on insulin sensitivity and inflammatory markers in type 2 diabetic patients with vitamin D insufficiency.Methods: A double blind, randomized, placebo contr...

Introduction: Cytokine TNF-alpha has widespread metabolic actions, including induction of insulin resistance, lipolysis and cachexia. Systemic TNF-alpha administration, however, generates complex hormonal and metabolic scenario. No studies employing regional, placebo controlled TNF-alpha infusion exist. Our study was designed to test the hypothesis that local leg perfusion with TNF-alpha directly induces insulin resistance, lipolysis and protein breakdown.<p class="abstext...

Introduction: In humans bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS/endotoxin) causes chronic low-grade and acute inflammatory responses, which decrease insulin sensitivity and may lead to chronic type 2 diabetes and acute stress diabetes. Systemic LPS invariably generates cytokine release, which triggers release of anti-insulin stress hormones and it is not known whether insulin resistance is secondary to stress hormones or LPS per se. Our study was designed to test whether local place...