Abstract

ARAUJO, João R.  and  MARTEL, Fátima. Regulation of Intestinal Sugar Transport. Arq Med [online]. 2009, vol.23, n.2, pp.35-43. ISSN 2183-2447.

Intestinal glucose absorption involves two components. One is mediated by an active sodium-dependent glucose transporter (SGLT1) and the other one is mediated by a facilitated sodium-independent glucose transporter (GLUT2). SGLT1 is present in the apical membrane of the enterocyte where it acts as a glucose sensor, regulating membrane insertion of apical GLUT2. Together, these two transporters are responsible for intestinal glucose absorption. Intestinal absorption of glucose derived from the diet plays an important role in blood glucose homeostasis. Blood glucose levels, in turn, play a role in the control of food intake and in the regulation of insulin secretion by the pancreas. Hyperinsulinemia and its consequent peripheral insulin resistance (with its associated glucose intolerance) are closely linked to the development of metabolic syndrome, a multifactorial condition leading to accelerated atherosclerosis and increased risk for diabetes, major cardiovascular events and a high mortality rate. So, the main aim of this article is to briefly describe the mechanisms involved in intestinal glucose absorption and its modulation, emphasizing its importance in the prevention and therapeutics of diseases such as diabetes, obesity and metabolic syndrome.

Keywords : intestine; glucose; absorption; SGLT1; GLUT2; diabetes.

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