PDX - Natural molecule can treat type 2 diabetes

(Researchers) - Researchers at Laval University School of Medicine, Research Center for Heart Research and Quebec Lung and Research Institute of Functional and Nutrition Food, have discovered a natural molecule Can be used to treat insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. This molecule, a derivative of omega-3 fatty acids, simulates the effects of exercise on blood sugar levels.

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The details of this discovery were made by Professor André Marette and his research team published in the journal Nature Medicine on May 12, 2014.

It is well known that omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce insulin resistance caused by a high saturated fat diet. In their previous study, André Marette and his colleagues linked these effects to a bioactive fat called protectin D1 .

In further study, they found another substance of the same family called protectin DX (PDX) that causes the production and release of interleukin 6 (IL-6) in muscle cells, counteracting This application also occurs during exercise. Once in the bloodstream, IL-6 controls glucose levels in two ways: it signals the liver to reduce sugar production and act on the muscle directly to increase glucose absorption , "said a researcher. At the same time, he is the Scientific Director of the Institute of Functional Foods and Nutrition of Laval University.

The researchers used genetically modified mice lacking the IL-6 gene to reflect the link between PDX and IL-6 . PDX has little effect on blood sugar control in these mice. In similar experiments performed on obese diabetic mice, PDX has been shown to significantly improve response to insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar. 'The mechanism of action described for PDX offers a new treatment strategy to improve glycemic control , ' the researchers said. 'Its efficacy is comparable to that of some drugs currently used to control blood sugar'.

Although PDX appeared to simulate the effect of exercise by inducing IL-6 secretion in the muscles, André Marette warned that it could not replace physical activity.'Exercise is beneficial to the heart and the benefits of other hormones far outweigh the metabolic effects of PDX on muscles,' added André Marette. Research by André Marette and colleagues is supported by the Canadian Institute of Health Research and the Canadian Diabetes Association.

Professor Marette and Laval University applied for patents for PDX and its therapeutic applications.'For us, the next step is to demonstrate the effect of treating human diabetes and identify the receptors through which PDX works.' In addition to André Marette, other authors of the study include: Phillip White, Philippe St-Pierre, Alexandre Charbonneau, Patricia Mitchell, Emmanuelle St-Amand, and Bruno Marcotte.