SOCS-1 deficiency does not prevent diet-induced insulin resistance

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2008 Dec 12;377(2):447-452. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2008.09.158. Epub 2008 Oct 16.

Abstract

Obesity is associated with inflammation and increased expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) proteins, which inhibit cytokine and insulin signaling. Thus, reducing SOCS expression could prevent the development of obesity-induced insulin resistance. Using SOCS-1 knockout mice, we investigated the contribution of SOCS-1 in the development of insulin resistance induced by a high-fat diet (HFD). SOCS-1 knockout mice on HFD gained 70% more weight, displayed a 2.3-fold increase in epididymal fat pads mass and increased hepatic lipid content. This was accompanied by increased mRNA expression of leptin and the macrophage marker CD68 in white adipose tissue and of SREBP1c and FAS in liver. HFD also induced hyperglycemia in SOCS-1 deficient mice with impairment of glucose and insulin tolerance tests. Thus, despite the role of SOCS proteins in obesity-related insulin resistance, SOCS-1 deficiency alone is not able to prevent insulin resistance induced by a diet rich in fat.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • Diet
  • Dietary Fats / administration & dosage*
  • Dietary Fats / adverse effects
  • Fatty Liver / chemically induced
  • Fatty Liver / genetics
  • Gene Expression / drug effects
  • Insulin Resistance / genetics*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Obesity / chemically induced
  • Obesity / genetics*
  • Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 1 Protein
  • Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling Proteins / genetics*

Substances

  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Dietary Fats
  • Rag2 protein, mouse
  • Socs1 protein, mouse
  • Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 1 Protein
  • Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling Proteins