SHP2 knockdown ameliorates liver insulin resistance by activating IRS‐2 phosphorylation through the AKT and ERK1/2 signaling pathways

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by insulin resistance (IR). SHP2 has previously been identified as a potential target to reduce IR in diabetes. Here, we examined the effects of SHP2 on glucose consumption (GC), IR level and the expression of insulin receptor substrate (IRS), AKT and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 proteins in a cellular and animal model of diabetes. IR was induced in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells, and SHP2 was up‐regulated or down‐regulated in cells. Diabetic rats were treated with SHP2 inhibitor. GC of cells, and the weight, total cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, homeostasis model assessment‐IR index and insulin sensitivity (ISI) of the rats were analyzed. The levels of SHP2 and the activation of IRS‐2, AKT and ERK1/2 in cells and rats were measured by quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR) or western blot. GC was reduced, but expression of SHP2 was enhanced in IR HCC cells. Phosphorylation of IRS‐2 and AKT in IR HCC cells and diabetic rats was decreased, whereas phosphorylation of ERK1/2 was enhanced. In both the cell and animal models, SHP2 knockdown enhanced GC, ameliorated IR, activated IRS‐2 and AKT, and inhibited ERK1/2 phosphorylation, in contrast with the effects of SHP2 overexpression. SHP2 knockdown may enhance GC and ameliorate IR through phosphorylation of IRS‐2 via regulating AKT and ERK1/2 in liver.