Hormone-sensitive lipase deficiency suppresses insulin secretion from pancreatic islets of Lepob/ob mice

It has long been a matter of debate whether the hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL)-mediated lipolysis in pancreatic β-cells can affect insulin secretion through the alteration of lipotoxicity. We generated mice lacking both leptin and HSL (Lepob/ob/HSL−/−) and explored the role of HSL in pancreatic β-cells in the setting of obesity. Lepob/ob/HSL−/− developed elevated blood glucose levels and reduced plasma insulin levels compared with Lepob/ob/HSL+/+ in a fed state, while the deficiency of HSL did not affect glucose homeostasis in Lep+/+ background. The deficiency of HSL exacerbated the accumulation of triglycerides in Lepob/ob islets, leading to reduced glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. The deficiency of HSL also diminished the islet mass in Lepob/ob mice due to decreased cell proliferation. In conclusion, HSL affects insulin secretary capacity especially in the setting of obesity.