From the Research
In the immediate postprandial state, hexokinase II, glycogen synthase, and phosphofructokinase are the most active enzymes to promote glucose utilization and energy storage, as evidenced by the most recent study 1. These enzymes play crucial roles in glucose metabolism, with hexokinase II phosphorylating glucose to glucose-6-phosphate, glycogen synthase promoting glycogen formation, and phosphofructokinase regulating glycolysis.
- Hexokinase II is a key enzyme in skeletal muscle, where it facilitates glucose uptake and phosphorylation, as shown in studies 2, 1.
- Glycogen synthase is directly stimulated by insulin and promotes glycogen synthesis in liver and muscle, storing excess glucose as glycogen 2.
- Phosphofructokinase holds a critical role in glucose oxidation and glycolysis, although its activity may be primarily allosterically regulated 2. The activity of these enzymes is essential for maintaining glucose homeostasis and preventing the harmful effects of prolonged hyperglycemia, as supported by research on glucose metabolism and insulin resistance 3, 4. Key points to consider:
- Hexokinase II integrates glycolysis and autophagy to confer cellular protection 3.
- The mitochondrial binding domain of hexokinase 1 regulates the metabolic fate of glucose, with implications for glucose flux and the pentose phosphate pathway 4. Overall, the most recent and highest-quality study 1 highlights the importance of hexokinase II, glycogen synthase, and phosphofructokinase in promoting glucose utilization and energy storage in the immediate postprandial state.