Low expression of insulin signaling molecules impairs glucose uptake in adipocytes after early overnutrition.

Experimental and clinical studies have demonstrated that early postnatal overnutrition represents a risk factor for later obesity and associated metabolic and cardiovascular disturbance. In the present study, we assessed the levels of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT-4), GLUT-1, insulin receptor (IR), IR substrate 1 (IRS-1), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and Akt expression, as well as insulin-stimulated glucose transport and Akt activity in adipocytes from adult rats previously raised in small litters (SL). The normal litter (NL) served as control group.