[Effect of homocysteine on gluconeogenesis in mice].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the expressions of glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) in the liver of mice with hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) and explore the mechanism of gluconeogenesis induced by homocysteine.

METHODS

Fifty mice were randomly divided into normal control group (n=25) and HHcy group (n=25) and fed with normal food and food supplemented with 1.5% methionine, respectively. After 3 months of feeding, the fasting blood glucose and insulin levels were determined, and HOMA insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) was calculated. The expressions of G6Pase and PEPCK in the liver of mice were detected using RT-PCR and Western blotting.

RESULTS

The fasting blood glucose and insulin levels and HOMA-IR were significantly higher in HHcy group than in the control group (P<0.05). RT-PCR and Western blotting showed that the hepatic expressions of G6Pase and PEPCK mRNA and proteins increased significantly in HHcy group compared with those in the control group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Homocysteine promotes gluconeogenesis to enhance glucose output and contribute to the occurrence of insulin resistance.