A recent study conducted on the intestines of mice gives insight to a possible discovery of the origin of diabetes. An article in Science Daily outlines the similarities between humans with diabetes and the observations in the mice being studied. According to the article the mice were found to be lacking an enzyme crucial for the production of lipids in the intestines, FAS (fatty acid synthase). Mice without the FAS enzyme were found to have chronic inflammation in the intestines due to the inability to keep the mucosal layer of the intestines intact. Based on the study proper maintenance of the mucosal layer cannot be upheld without proper production of the FAS enzyme. Without this mucosal layer intact bad bacteria are able to invade the cells of the colon and small intestines causing inflammation. When inflammation occurs insulin resistance results causing the inhibition of insulin production. These findings in mice could only be linked to the recorded symptoms of diabetes patients. Further investigations and tests on diabetes patients are needed to confirm or match any of the data recorded from the study of mice to individuals with diabetes.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Possibly Origin of Diabetes in the Intestines
A recent study conducted on the intestines of mice gives insight to a possible discovery of the origin of diabetes. An article in Science Daily outlines the similarities between humans with diabetes and the observations in the mice being studied. According to the article the mice were found to be lacking an enzyme crucial for the production of lipids in the intestines, FAS (fatty acid synthase). Mice without the FAS enzyme were found to have chronic inflammation in the intestines due to the inability to keep the mucosal layer of the intestines intact. Based on the study proper maintenance of the mucosal layer cannot be upheld without proper production of the FAS enzyme. Without this mucosal layer intact bad bacteria are able to invade the cells of the colon and small intestines causing inflammation. When inflammation occurs insulin resistance results causing the inhibition of insulin production. These findings in mice could only be linked to the recorded symptoms of diabetes patients. Further investigations and tests on diabetes patients are needed to confirm or match any of the data recorded from the study of mice to individuals with diabetes.
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This is a good read. I'd like to know more about how insulin and the inflammatory response interact with each other on a molecular level to produce insensitivity to insulin. The actual mechanism and pathway involved would lend itself to a very engaging discussion.
ReplyDeleteI am always glad to hear about advancements in diabetes research. My uncle is a severe diabetic and I am excited to hear that scientists are making progress.
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