Bentham Science Newsletter

Metabolic Disease Spotlight

News on Metabolic Disease Research.

Metabolic Disease Spotlight | Bentham Science

In this issue, we take a look at some recent news about metabolic disorders like diabetes and obesity.

Take a Keto Break: Long-Term Ketogenic Diet May Induce Aged Cells, Study Finds

A new study from UT Health San Antonio suggests that continuous long-term adherence to a ketogenic diet may cause the accumulation of senescent, or aged, cells in normal tissues,particularly affecting heart and kidney function. However, the research found that intermittent ketogenic diets, which include planned breaks, do not exhibit these pro-inflammatory effects.

Lead author Dr. David Gius and his team discovered that while ketogenic diets are popular for weight loss and diabetes management, prolonged use could have adverse long-term effects. The study highlights the potential benefits of incorporating "keto breaks" to mitigate these risks. The findings emphasize that while ketogenic diets can improve certain health conditions, it is crucial to take periodic breaks to prevent potential long-term damage.

Can Night Shift Work Can Raise Risk of Diabetes and Obesity?

A study by Washington State University and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory found that just a few days on a night shift schedule can disrupt protein rhythms linked to blood glucose regulation, energy metabolism, and inflammation. This disruption can increase the risk of diabetes, obesity, and other metabolic disorders.

Researchers explain that night shifts create a conflict between the brain's master biological clock and other body rhythms, leading to stress and long-term health issues. The study, published in the Journal of Proteome Research, involved volunteers on simulated night or day shifts for three days. Blood samples showed significant changes in protein rhythms for night shift participants, particularly those involved in glucose regulation and insulin sensitivity.

These findings suggest that early intervention could help prevent diabetes and obesity in night shift workers. The next step for researchers is to study real-world workers to see if similar protein changes occur over the long term.

Sweet Taste Receptors: Key Players in Glucose Metabolism and Diabetes Management

A study by researchers from the Monell Chemical Senses Center reveals that the sweet taste receptor TAS1R2-TAS1R3, beyond detecting sweetness in the mouth, also plays a crucial role in glucose metabolism in humans. Published in PLOS One, the research shows that stimulating this receptor with sucralose or inhibiting it with lactisole during a glucose meal can significantly alter blood glucose and insulin levels. This suggests that the receptor acts as part of a metabolic surveillance system for sugar. The findings highlight the potential for manipulating this receptor to manage metabolic disorders like diabetes. The study emphasizes the need for further research on the receptor's role in regulating glucose to develop new strategies for better metabolic health.

Researchers caution that excessive consumption of sweeteners could overstimulate the receptor, leading to improper glucose regulation and increased risk of metabolic syndrome. This research underscores the importance of understanding how sweet taste receptors impact metabolic processes and could pave the way for innovative treatments for metabolic disorders.

Plant-Based Diets Improve Cardiometabolic Health

A recent systematic review and meta-analysis by Neuenschwander et al., reveals that substituting animal-based foods with plant-based alternatives can significantly improve cardiometabolic health and reduce mortality risk. The reviewers analyzed 37 publications from 24 cohorts and discovered that replacing processed meats, red meat, and other animal products with nuts, legumes, whole grains, and olive oil lowers the risk of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and all-cause mortality.

These findings highlight the benefits of plant-based diets for long-term health and longevity. Plant-based diets appear to be a safe nutritional alternative for persons with or at risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.

Can Polyherbal Medicine be used for the Treatment of Diabetes?

Gastric Bypass Surgery Linked to Diabetes Remission through Gut Microbiota Changes

Scientists have recently learned that duodenum-jejunum gastric bypass (DJB) surgery leads to diabetes remission in diabetic mice by altering gut microbiota. Researchers, led by Dr. Xiang Gao from Nanjing University, found that DJB surgery significantly improves glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, which coincided with changes in the gut's bacterial composition. They observed a reduction in pathogenic bacteria and an increase in beneficial microflora, which correlated with better glycemic control.

Additionally, the surgery led to decreased fat accumulation in the liver and adipose tissue and reduced inflammatory markers in these areas, although these anti-inflammatory effects followed the improvements in insulin sensitivity. These results suggest that gut microbiota play a crucial role in the metabolic benefits of bariatric surgery, pointing to potential new avenues for diabetes treatment that target gut bacteria.

Can Polyherbal Medicine be used for the Treatment of Diabetes?

Herbal medicine has been used since ancient times as a remedy for many diseases. A recent review by Goyal et al. in Current Diabetes Reviews examines this question in depth. The review covers data on 76 polyherbal formulations from 147 different plants. These include the classic Gymnema sylvestre leaves and Fenugreek seeds. Many of these formulations are available in commercial markets, particularly in India.

The review notes that the chemical mechanisms still require further research, even though the evidence based on pre-clinical and clinical evaluations suggest that the constituents regulate glucose metabolism in diabetic patients.

Metformin and its potentially beneficial effects on Frailty and Sarcopenia

Metformin is a widely-used medication that effectively lowers blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing hepatic glucose production. It is preferred by doctors for its safety profile, affordability, and additional benefits, such as potential weight loss and cardiovascular protection.

A review by Papanas et al. explores the potential protective effects of metformin on frailty and sarcopenia in individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. While metformin is well-established for managing T2DM due to its safety, low cost, and effectiveness in preventing weight gain and hypoglycemia, its impact on frailty and sarcopenia is emerging. Current evidence suggests a beneficial role, but the results are inconsistent. Further research is needed to determine metformin's definitive impact on these conditions, potentially enhancing the management of T2DM complications associated with muscle mass and strength decline.