Impaired Glucose Transporter Activity in Pressure-Overload Hypertrophy Is an Early Indicator of Progression to Failure

Abstract

Glucose uptake rate is maintained during compensated hypertrophy. However, coinciding with severe hypertrophy, preceding ventricular dilatation, and glucose transporter protein downregulation, glucose uptake is significantly decreased. Because of the increased dependence of the hypertrophied hearts on glucose use, we speculate that this impairment may be a contributing factor in the progression to failure.