Inhibition of Insulin Secretion and Increase of Plasma Non-Esterified Fatty Acids Induced by Biotin Deficiency in Osteogenic Disorder Shionogi Rats

Abstract

We determined the changes in the sources of energy supply in biotin-deficient osteogenic disorder Shionogi rats. Plasma glucose level of biotin-deficient rats decreased gradually and steadily from the 59th day of the dietary regimen. Plasma insulin decreased sharply on day 59, although plasma glucose was still sufficient. Plasma insulin in response to an oral glucose load in the deficient rats was approximately one-third less in concentration than that of the control. The decrease in the insulin level may be induced by biotin deficiency in the early stage in the deficient rats. In the later stage of the deficiency period, when plasma glucose decreased to under 50% compared with the control level, the plasma non-esterified fatty acid level greatly increased. This suggests that the source of energy supply in the biotin-deficient rats changed from glucose to non-esterified fatty acid supplied by adipose tissue. The time of increase in the plasma non-esterified fatty acid level coincided with the onset of the clinical features of biotin deficiency in the rats.