Adaptive glucose homeostasis in the desert rodent Acomys cahirinus: high glucose tolerance, liver metabolic shifts, and visceral adiposity

Background Mammals from arid ecosystems face distinct physiological challenges: water scarcity and unpredictable food availability require the integration of energy storage, maintenance of water balance, and flexible switching between nutrients. Our previous study demonstrated lower fasting blood glucose levels in the desert rodent Acomys cahirinus (African spiny mouse), which also possesses a unique regenerative ability. The aim of this study was to evaluate selected aspects of systemic glucose tolerance and its mechanisms in this species. Methods Healthy Acomys cahirinus and Mus musculus mice, used as a classic laboratory rodent control, were maintained under the same conditions in an SPF vivarium. Systemic metabolism was evaluated using insulin and glucose tolerance tests. Pancreas physiology was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Liver state was assessed using tolerance tests with gluconeogenic substrates and histological analysis. Glucose uptake and its metabolic fate were analyzed using radioisotope tracing. Results We have shown that Acomys cahirinus has higher glucose tolerance. The pancreas of Acomys cahirinus is characterized by hyperplastic remodeling with a predominance of insulin-producing cells. Acomys cahirinus shows lower gluconeogenic activity based on pyruvate and glycerol, but it is enhanced on alanine. Acomys cahirinu s takes up glucose predominantly in visceral fat depots, with consequent lipogenesis. In the fed state, Acomys cahirinus prefers to store glycogen in the liver, whereas after starvation it preferentially stores lipids. Conclusions Acomys cahirinus is a desert rodent with adaptations to arid environments that are manifested as enhanced glucose tolerance and altered pancreatic, hepatic, and adipose tissue physiology. Some of these mechanisms can be used as a potential strategy for the treatment of human metabolic diseases.