Acute and chronic metabolic effects of carvedilol in high-fructose, high-fat diet–fed mice: implication of β-arrestin2 pathway

Abstract

We aimed to investigate the acute and chronic effects of carvedilol on insulin resistance in high-fructose, high-fat diet (HFrHFD)-fed mice and the implication of β-arrestin2 pathway. The acute effect of carvedilol (10 mg/kg, i.p.) on glucose tolerance and hepatic lipid signaling in normal and insulin resistant mice was investigated. Then, the chronic effect of carvedilol on insulin resistance and dyslipidemia in HFrHFD-fed mice was examined. Changes in β-arrestin2 and its down-stream signals in liver, skeletal muscle, and adipose tissue were measured. This involved measuring phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) and diacylglycerol (DAG) levels and protein kinase B (Akt)-activity. Carvedilol acutely reduced fasting blood glucose levels in both normal and insulin resistant mice without significantly affecting the glucose tolerance. These acute effects were associated with increased hepatic PIP2 but decreased hepatic DAG levels. Chronic administration of carvedilol significantly ameliorated insulin resistance and dyslipidemia in HFrHFD-fed mice. These chronic effects were associated with increased β-arrestin2, PIP2 and Akt activity levels but decreased DAG levels in the classical insulin target tissues. In conclusion, carvedilol acutely maintains glucose homeostasis and chronically ameliorates insulin resistance and dyslipidemia in HFrHFD-fed mice. The insulin sensitizing effects of carvedilol are highly correlated with the upregulation of β-arrestin2 pathway.

Physalis alkekengi L. Calyx Extract Alleviates Glycolipid Metabolic Disturbance and Inflammation by Modulating Gut Microbiota, Fecal Metabolites, and Glycolipid Metabolism Gene Expression in Obese Mice

“…Moreover, abnormal liver lipid metabolism is related to insulin resistance. Multiple studies have shown that excessive sugar intake leads to impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance [42,43]; this was consistent with the results of the current study. Wu et al showed that the PC water extract could improve the tolerance of mice to sucrose and glucose [44].…”