The Sound of Evolution
Insulin
Mechanism of action:
Insulin is a peptide hormone secreted by pancreatic β cells and is the central hormone responsible for maintaining blood glucose homeostasis and regulating energy metabolism. After binding to the insulin receptor on the cell membrane, it induces receptor autophosphorylation, which then phosphorylates insulin receptor substrate (IRS) proteins. This activates the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, leading to translocation of glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) to the cell membrane, thereby increasing glucose uptake into cells, promoting glycogenesis in the liver and muscles, suppressing hepatic gluconeogenesis, inhibiting lipolysis, and promoting lipid and protein synthesis.
Reference(s):
1. Herrmann BL et al. (2013). Comparison of insulin aspart vs. regular human insulin with or without insulin detemir concerning adipozytokines and metabolic effects in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes.
2. Lepore M et al. (2000). Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of subcutaneous injection of long-acting human insulin analog glargine, NPH insulin, and ultralente human insulin and continuous subcutaneous infusion of insulin lispro. Diabetes.
3. Owens DR et al. (2000). Pharmacokinetics of ¹²⁵I-labeled insulin glargine (HOE 901) in healthy men: comparison with NPH insulin and the influence of different subcutaneous injection sites. Diabetes Care.