PGC-1 & MUSCLE MITOCHONDRIAL DYSFUNCTION IN DIABETES: AIMS 1-4

(Aims 1-3) We are trying to understand how insulin (a type of hormone in the body that regulates how the body regulates how one metabolizes protein and carbohydrates) and exercise alter proteins involved in energy production and metabolism in skeletal muscle. By studying this, they hope to better understand the causes of insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes Insulin is a hormone that is produced normally in the body and causes blood sugar to return to normal after eating. Insulin resistance is a state when the body is not using insulin correctly, and more insulin is needed to keep blood sugar concentrations normal. Insulin resistance can lead to Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a disease in which blood sugar levels are too high. Our studies may help to find out why some people develop Type 2 diabetes and how exercise may prevent this disease. (Aim 4) We are asking patients from aims 1-3 to take part in this research study because they have high triglycerides that could be treated anyway with fibrates, and they do not have diabetes. Triglycerides and cholesterol are the two main kinds of fat that are in blood. People who have high triglycerides have some health risks and are sometimes treated with drugs called "fibrates". This drug turns on a protein in ones body that controls the activity of some of the genes that make it easier for their liver to get rid of triglycerides. We think that maybe this same gene, in ones muscle, can lower the ability of genes in ones muscle to respond beneficially to exercise, but we don't know if this is true.