Figures & data
Figure 1. The effect of HS and MES on the synthesis and fate of HSP72. HSP72 mRNA induction is stimulated by stress such as heat shock (HS), leading to the production of HSP72 protein, which is subject to proteasomal degradation. Through an as yet undefined mechanism, MES inhibits the degradation of HSP72 and this leads to increased expression of HSP72.
Figure 2. The effect of HS and MES on the insulin signalling pathway. Insulin activates the insulin receptor, initiating a signalling cascade that results in activation of the protein kinase Akt. Increased AKT phosphorylation regulates different metabolic pathways including activation of glucose uptake in muscle and fat. JNK increases serine phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate (IRS) to impair the insulin signalling pathway. On the other hand, MES and HS increase the expression of Hsp72, which is known to inhibit JNK. Thus, the effect of MES and HS is to enhance insulin signalling by inhibiting JNK through Hsp72.
Figure 3. The apparatus for MES + HS treatment. The upper panel shows the generator or Biometronome™ that delivers MES and/or heat shock in which current and heat can be controlled. The lower panel shows the apparatus used in our experimental work for in vivo treatment. The mouse is placed in the well ventilated chamber in contact with moistened cloth-padded rubber electrodes which are connected to the Biometronome™.
