The regulatory role of insulin in energy metabolism and leukocyte functions

• Published in: Journal of leukocyte biology Vol. 111; no. 1; pp. 197 - 208
• Main Authors: Cruz‐Pineda, Walter David, Parra‐Rojas, Isela, Rodríguez‐Ruíz, Hugo Alberto, Illades‐Aguiar, Berenice, Matia‐García, Inés, Garibay‐Cerdenares, Olga Lilia
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States John Wiley and Sons Inc 01-01-2022
• Subjects: Animals; Author‐initiated Review ‐ Unsolicited; Energy Metabolism; Glucose - metabolism; Humans; insulin; Insulin - metabolism; Insulin Resistance; insulin signaling; leukocytes; Leukocytes - cytology; Leukocytes - metabolism; Lipid Metabolism; Reviews; Signal Transduction; leukocytes; insulin signaling; insulin; insulin resistance
• ISSN: 0741-5400; 1938-3673
• DOI: 10.1002/JLB.2RU1220-847R

Insulin is the hormone responsible for maintaining glucose homeostasis in the body, in addition to participating in lipid metabolism, protein synthesis, and the inhibition of gluconeogenesis. These functions are well characterized in the classic organ target cells that are responsible for general energy regulation: the liver, skeletal muscle, and adipose tissue. However, these actions are not restricted to these tissues because insulin has been shown to affect most cells in the body. This review describes the role of insulin in leukocyte signaling pathways, metabolism and functions, and how insulin resistance could affect this signaling and deteriorate leukocyte metabolism and function, in addition to showing evidence that suggests leukocytes may substantially contribute to the development of systemic insulin resistance.
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Review on the role of insulin in metabolism and leukocyte function