Effects of extrogenous hydrogen sulfide on the expression of glucose transporter 4 in 3T3-L1 adipocytes with insulin resistance

Objective To investigate the effect of extrogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) on the expression of glucose transporter 4 (Glut4) in 3T3-L1 adipocytes with insulin resistance and explore the mechanism. Methods 3T3-L1 adipocytes were incubated with high glucose and insulin to induce insulin resistance. The cells were treated with different concentrations of sodium bisulfide (NaHS) (10-5, 10-4 and 10-3 mol/L) for 12, 24 and 48 h. MTT assay was used to detect the cell viability. The glucose consumption in the medium was measured by glucose oxidase method. The glucose uptake was tested by 2-deoxy-[3H]-D-glucose method. The mRNA and protein expressions of Glut4 were measured by Real-time PCR and Western-Blot. Results Compared with control group, the glucose consumption and uptake and expressions of Glut4 were significantly decreased in the IR model group (all P<0.05). Compared with control group, NaHS (10-5, 10-4 and 10-3 mol/L) did not affect the cell viability. Compared with model group, the glucose consumption and uptake and expressions of Glut4 were significantly increased by treatment with NaHS (10-4 and 10-3 mol/L) for 24 and 48 h (all P<0.05). Conclusions Extrogenous H2S improves IR induced by high glucose and insulin in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, and the mechanism may be related with up-regulation of Glut4 by H2S. Key words: Hydrogen sulfide; Insulin resistance; High glucose; High insulin; Glucose transporter type 4