Hormone responsible for diabetes found
Scientists have identified a hormone which may pave the way for the development of more effective treatments for type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance.
Previous studies have pointed out the correlation between a group of genes encoding “secretary proteins” in the liver and type 2 diabetes.
According to a study published in Cell Metabolism, the expression of the gene encoding selenoprotein P (SeP) is higher in the liver of the individuals suffering insulin resistant type 2 diabetes.
SeP is believed to be responsible for the transport of the essential trace element selenium from liver to other parts of the body; its clinical function in glucose homeostasis, however, remains unclear.
"The current study sheds light on a previously underexplored function of the liver; the liver participates in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance through hormone secretion," said lead researcher Hirofumi Misu of Kanazawa University in Japan.
Blocking the activity of SeP in diabetic and obese mice improves the sensitivity to insulin and lowers the blood sugar levels, the study found.
"Our study raises the possibility that the liver functions as an endocrine organ by producing a variety of hepatokines and that the dysregulation or impairment of hepatokine production might contribute to the development of various diseases," Misu added.
Source: presstv.ir
