The Journal of Toxicological Sciences
Online ISSN : 1880-3989
Print ISSN : 0388-1350
ISSN-L : 0388-1350
Letter
Imidacloprid, a neonicotinoid insecticide, induces insulin resistance
Jonggun KimYooheon ParkKyong Sup YoonJ. Marshall ClarkYeonhwa Park
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2013 Volume 38 Issue 5 Pages 655-660

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Abstract

Recently, scientific evidence supports a connection between environmental chemical exposures, which includes insecticides, and development of type 2 diabetes. However, there is limited information about the link between influences of neonicotinoid insecticides and incidence of type 2 diabetes. Thus, the purpose of the study was to determine effects of imidacloprid, a neonicotinoid insecticide, on glucose metabolism. Three different cell models were used; adipocytes (3T3-L1), hepatocytes (HepG2), and myotubes (C2C12). These cells were treated with imidacloprid (0, 10, and 20 μM) for 4-6 days followed by treatment with insulin for 15 min to determine responses. Insulin stimulated glucose uptake was reduced by imidacloprid in all three cell culture models. Treatment with imidacloprid reduced phosphorylation of protein kinase B (AKT), one of the major regulators of insulin signaling, without changing overall AKT expression. Subsequently, imidacloprid reduced phosphorylation of ribosomal S6 kinase (S6K), which is a downstream target of AKT and also a feed-back inhibitor of insulin signaling. These results suggest that imidacloprid could induce insulin resistance by affecting the insulin signaling cascade, particularly up-stream of AKT, in adipocytes, liver, and muscle.

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© 2013 The Japanese Society of Toxicology
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