Horm Metab Res 2006; 38(8): 543-545
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-949528
Short Communication

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Chemical Inhibition of Citrate Metabolism Alters Glucose Metabolism in Mice

F. Isken 1 , 2 , T. J. Schulz 3 , M. Möhlig 1 , 2 , A. F. H. Pfeiffer 1 , 2 , M. Ristow 1 , 2 , 3
  • 1Department of Clinical Nutrition, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbrücke, Nuthetal, Germany
  • 2Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition, Charité Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
  • 3Department of Human Nutrition, Institute of Nutrition, University of Jena, Jena, Berlin
Further Information

Publication History

Received 7 November 2005

Accepted after revision 15 February 2006

Publication Date:
29 August 2006 (online)

Introduction

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most frequent health problems in westernized countries [1]. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is caused by a combination of impaired insulin secretion and decreased insulin sensitivity [2]. Recently, it was suggested that impaired mitochondrial metabolism precedes the development of diabetes mellitus, and may be found in insulin-resistant but otherwise healthy offspring of parents with type 2 diabetes [3]. Furthermore, impaired expression of mitochondrial and mitochondria-related genes has been observed in muscle biopsies from patients with type 2 diabetes [4] [5]. Impaired activity of mitochondrial aconitase (Aco-2) has been hypothetically linked with obesity [6], and hence might as well contribute to a diabetic phenotype.

We aimed to test this hypothesis by employing fluoroacetate, a competitive non-metabolizable inhibitor of aconitase and therefore citrate metabolism. We have chronically exposed C57bl6 mice to this particular substance, which leads to significant alterations in citrate metabolism and glucose metabolism, indicating specifically an improvement in insulin sensitivity.

References

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Correspondence

Michael Ristow

Department of Human Nutrition·Institute of Nutrition·University of Jena

29 Dornburger St.·07743 Jena·Germany

Phone: +49/3641/94 96 30

Fax: +49/3641/94 96 32

Email: michael.ristow@mristow.org

URL: http://www.mristow.org