Insulin resistance induced by zymosan as a new animal model in mice.

Abstract

Insulin resistance (IR) is known as a main problem in diabetic disorders. Some animal models for research in IR have been mentioned. Each model shows merit with some disadvantages. Thus, a new animal model for IR is required. The present study used zymosan, a mixture of cell-wall particles from the yeast named Saccharomyces cerevisiae, to establish a new model of IR in mice. Also, we compared the difference of this model with fructose-rich chow-induced model and found some merits of this model. Moreover, we identified that this model induced by zymosan is reversible and IR can be reversed gradually after termination of treatment. Taken together, we suggest zymosan as a useful agent to induce IR through inflammatory pathway in mice.