Date of Award

Fall 2023

Document Type

Open Access Dissertation

Department

Biomedical Science

First Advisor

Reilly Enos

Abstract

This dissertation aimed to investigate the influence of modifying steroid receptor content and steroid production within skeletal muscle on glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity within the context of diet-induced obesity. Specifically, our research focused on three key aspects:1) determining the role that skeletal muscle androgen receptor has on glucose metabolism and insulin action in male mice fed a high-fat diet and 2) determining if inducible skeletal muscle aromatase overexpression improves glucose intolerance and insulin action in male mice fed a high-fat diet and 3) determining if inducible skeletal muscle estrogen-receptor alpha (ER-α) overexpression improves glucose intolerance and insulin action in male mice fed a high-fat diet. Collectively, the findings from these investigations indicate that manipulating steroid receptors and local hormone production within skeletal muscle holds promise as a potential therapeutic approach to mitigate the adverse effects of diet-induced obesity on glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Nevertheless, the efficacy and potential adverse effects of these interventions require further scrutiny to facilitate the development of future translational research-based therapeutic options. Subsequent studies should delve into elucidating the underlying mechanisms of action and identifying potential therapeutic targets, both in preclinical and clinical settings.

Rights

© 2024, Christian Aaron Unger

Available for download on Wednesday, December 31, 2025

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