Sequence of the primers used in this study.

IntroductionObesity-associated hyperinsulinemia is hypothesized to disrupt linear growth trajectories, though the mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigates these mechanisms using a high-fat diet-induced rat model.MethodsTwelve healthy 1-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats (60–80 g) were randomized into two groups: a control group fed a standard diet and an obese group fed a high-fat diet. After 6 weeks of dietary intervention, weekly body weight and naso-anal length were recorded. At the end of the study, all rats were euthanized, and blood samples were collected for further analysis. Serum biochemical parameters, including insulin levels, were measured by ELISA. Tibiae and humeri were harvested for bone length measurement. Growth plates were isolated for histological analysis, immunohistochemistry, radioimmunoassay, PCR, and Western blotting.ResultsHigher serum insulin levels were observed in the obese group than in the control group (36.46 ± 1.69 mU/L, vs 22.96 ± 1.99 mU/L, p ConclusionIn this study, we found a significant increase in the expression of insulin receptors, indicating that insulin signaling regulates aromatase expression, thereby affecting epiphyseal growth plate development. However, the molecular mechanisms by which insulin receptors regulate aromatase expression remain unclear.