Glucocorticoid-Induced Metabolic Disturbances are Exacerbated in Obesity

Abstract

Obesity and chronically elevated glucocorticoids result in similar co-morbidities, but the effect of a combination of these ailments on metabolic outcomes is unclear. Measures of glucose homeostasis and markers of hepatic lipid accumulation were assessed to determine whether obesity exaggerated the effects of dexamethasone-induced metabolic disturbances. The combination of obesity and glucocorticoids resulted in hepatic steatosis and synergistic impairments in insulin sensitivity and this was matched with synergistic elevations in markers of lipolysis. These findings suggest lipolysis may be a key player in glucocorticoid-induced insulin resistance and fatty liver in people with obesity.