Mitochondrial dysfunction and insulin resistance: An update

Abstract

Mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in the development of insulin resistance (IR); owever, a large variety of association and intervention studies as well as genetic anipulations in rodents have reported contrasting results. Indeed, even 39 years after the irst publication describing a relationship between IR and diminished mitochondrial unction, it is still unclear whether a direct relationship exists, and more importantly if hanges in mitochondrial capacity are a cause or consequence of IR. This review will take a ourney through the past and summarise the debate about the occurrence of mitochondrial ysfunction and its possible role in causing decreased insulin action in obesity and type 2 iabetes. Evidence is presented from studies in various human populations, as well as odents with genetic manipulations of pathways known to affect mitochondrial function nd insulin action. Finally, we have discussed whether mitochondria are a potential arget for the treatment of IR.