Diabetes Type 2: Liver Hormone Causes Insulin Resistance
November 4th 2010 -
On the development of diabetes mellitus type 2 apparently also the liver is involved. Japanese researchers at Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Science have discovered a previously unknown liver hormone involved in the reduced sensitivity of cells to insulin play a role. Since Insulin resistance is the cause of type 2 diabetes, the findings could lead to an approach for a new treatment.
A comprehensive gene expression analysis showed that the body cells of people with type 2 diabetes are increased selenoprotein P (SeP). In mouse studies, the scientists also discovered that there is a direct relationship between SeP and a low sensitivity to insulin. When the researchers administered SeP healthy mice, they developed a resistance to insulin and their blood sugar levels rose. They gave overweight, suffering from diabetes mice a compound that SeP blocked, increased the sensitivity of cells to insulin and blood sugar level dropped.
The researchers do not believe that SeP is the sole cause of insulin resistance. Fatty tissue that certain hormones (called adipokine) produced is known to be the main cause. But apparently the Liver Hormone SeP also plays a role in the development of disease. Further research should clarify the exact relationships now.
Tags: adipokine, diabetes mellitus type 2, insulin resistance, liver hormone, selenoprotein P, SeP
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