Searching the origin of the insulin resistance syndrome

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are toxic and hazardous chemicals omnipresent in our environment and food chains. These pollutants are of particular public health concern since their bio-accumulate in humans for many years because of their resistance to metabolic degradation. Recently, exposure to POPs commonly found in food chains was found to contribute to insulin resistance and metabolic disorders like obesity, type 2 diabetes and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Yet, the molecular mechanisms by which POPs interact with insulin and impair glucose/lipid homeostasis remain relatively unexplored. In the present project, we will investigate the mechanims by which POPs may mediate their deleterious health effects.