Researchers used 24-month-old rats and fed them 35% less food for eight weeks. They measured protein phosphorylation, a chemical change that can alter protein activity, and they measured insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in muscle tissue.
Calorie restriction increased insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in both sexes, but females showed greater uptake than males regardless of diet. Insulin changed phosphorylation on more than twice as many protein sites in females compared to males, and 60 sites changed in both sexes. Calorie restriction changed phosphorylation on about 30% more protein sites in males. The team also measured about 1,000 metabolites and found about 40% changed with calorie restriction in each sex.
Difficult words
- protein — Substances that help muscles and the body work.proteins
- sensitivity — The ability to notice changes or respond to them.
- insulin — A hormone that helps control blood sugar.
- glucose — A type of sugar found in food and blood.
- treatment — Medical care for health problems.treatments
- diabetes — A condition that affects blood sugar levels.
- male — A term for a man or boy.males
- female — A term for a woman or girl.females
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think treatments should be specific to each sex?
- How might changing diet affect muscle function?
- What are the implications of improved insulin sensitivity?
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