Weight Loss Partially Restores Glucose-Driven Betatrophin Response in Humans.

Context: Recently a potential role of betatrophin was shown in the postprandial switch from lipid to glucose metabolism. Objective: The objective of the study was to analyze whether obesity is associated with altered postprandial betatrophin response and whether this could be restored by weight loss. Design, Setting, Participants, and Intervention: Oral glucose load was performed in 12 lean individuals at baseline as well as in 20 obese subjects before and after a 12-week structured weight-loss program at an endocrinology research center. Euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamps were performed in the obese cohort. The effect of insulin and different glucose concentrations on betatrophin expression were analyzed in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Main Outcome Measure: Circulating betatrophin levels during a glucose challenge were measured. Results: The betatrophin level decreases after an oral glucose intake (P < .001). This correlates with the increase of glucose levels (r = −0.396; P < .05). Hyperinsulinemia results in an ...