RONS-mediated redox signaling in skeletal muscle: Impact on glucose uptake through AMPK and AKT pathways

Abstract

[EN]This study investigates how moderate levels of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), known as oxidative eustress, affect glucose uptake in skeletal muscle. The findings show that a pro-oxidative intracellular environment increases the phosphorylation of AMPK and AKT proteins, promoting the translocation of the GLUT4 transporter to the plasma membrane and enhancing glucose uptake. Using a fluorescent glucose analogue (6-NBDG) along with fluorescence microscopy, western blot, and immunocytochemistry, the researchers demonstrate that RONS-induced activation of AMPK and AKT signaling pathways can facilitate glucose uptake independently of insulin. These results highlight a redox-mediated alternative pathway for glucose metabolism in muscle cells.