Oral Treatment with γ-Aminobutyric Acid Improves Glucose Tolerance and Insulin Sensitivity by Inhibiting Inflammation in High Fat Diet-Fed Mice
2011

GABA Treatment Improves Glucose Tolerance and Insulin Sensitivity in Mice

Sample size: 20 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Tian Jide, Dang Hoa N., Yong Jing, Chui Wing-Sheung, Dizon Matthew P. G., Yaw Catherine K. Y., Kaufman Daniel L.

Primary Institution: Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California Los Angeles

Hypothesis

Can oral treatment with GABA modulate high fat diet-induced obesity, glucose intolerance, and insulin resistance?

Conclusion

Oral treatment with GABA reduces obesity and improves glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in mice fed a high fat diet.

Supporting Evidence

  • Oral treatment with GABA did not affect food and water consumption but reduced body weight gain in mice.
  • GABA treatment significantly lowered fasting blood glucose levels in mice.
  • GABA improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in high fat diet-fed mice.
  • GABA reduced adipocyte size and macrophage infiltration in adipose tissues.
  • GABA increased the frequency of regulatory T cells in mice.

Takeaway

Giving GABA to mice helps them not get as fat and makes their bodies better at using sugar, even if they already have diabetes.

Methodology

C57BL/6 mice were fed a high fat diet and treated with GABA for 20 weeks, measuring body weight, fasting blood glucose, glucose tolerance, and insulin sensitivity.

Potential Biases

Potential bias in animal model selection and treatment administration.

Limitations

The study was conducted in mice, and results may not directly translate to humans.

Participant Demographics

Male C57BL/6 mice, 4 weeks old at the start of the study.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0025338

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