Newly discovered class of fats could revolutionize therapy – healing practice

Identified lipids for the treatment of diabetes

Researchers have one new class of fats identified who the insulin sensitivitythe blood sugar control and other metabolic parameters influence. Discovery opens the door to potential new treatment options for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

A working group of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston (USA) have the function of a special group of lipids, the so-called FAHFAs, decrypted. The fats affect blood sugar, insulin sensitivity and metabolism and are therefore a highly interesting target for the treatment of diabetes. The results were recently published in the journal “Nature” presented.

Diabetes is a widespread metabolic disease

Worldwide are round 422 million people have diabetesaround 1.5 million people die each year from the metabolic disease.

type 1 diabetes is a chronic disease in which the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas no insulin produce more.

type 2 diabetes occurs when the body resistant or insensitive to insulin becomes.

insulin however, is essential for the body to control blood sugar. Both variants of the disease regularly lead to elevated blood sugar levels, which over time can cause serious damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys and nerves.

Despite treatment, complications can occur

There are numerous treatment options to bring the metabolic disease under control, such as one targeted nutrition and the Injecting insulinbut many sufferers have difficulty controlling their blood sugar levels despite treatment, leading to risk of complications is increased.

A new class of lipids discovered

The American research team has now identified a key enzyme for the synthesis of a new class of lipids called FAHFAs, which are formed in human tissue. FAHFAs have beneficial effects on insulin sensitivity, glycemic control, and other metabolic parameters.

“The long-term goal is to safely replace the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas in people with type 1 diabetes, but this would require protecting these cells from attack by the immune system.”explained professor dr Barbara B. Kahn from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.

Breakthrough in diabetes research

“We have shown that these FAHFA lipids protect beta cells from immune attack and metabolic stress”, according to Dr. barge. the Increase in FAHFA levels could, according to the working group, both to Treatment of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes be suitable.

“Our new discovery is a breakthrough because for the first time we know how these lipids are formed in mammalian tissues”emphasizes the expert.

FAHFAs discovered back in 2014

Back in 2014, Kahn’s team, working with Professor Alan Saghatelian (now at the Salk Institute), discovered the previously unknown class of lipids dubbed FAHFAs—an acronym for fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids.

FAHFAs are directly linked to insulin sensitivity

According to the scientists, the FAHFA level in humans is directly linked to insulin sensitivity. The team has already been able to show in obese mice that administration of the FAHFAs Improved glycemic control of the animals and lowered pro-inflammatory immune responses.

The researchers were also able to demonstrate that the lipids protect the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas attacks by immune cells and before cellular stress protection. In people with obesity is the natural levels of FAHFAs often too lowemphasizes the research team.

An enzyme as a missing piece of the puzzle

As part of the current study, the team led by Dr. Kahn now found that an enzyme called adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) plays a key role in the synthesis of the FAHFA lipids. ATGL is the main biosynthetic enzyme for FAHFAs in adipose tissue.

In addition, the researchers were able to show that obese and insulin-resistant people have lower levels of ATGL in white adipose tissue as slim people. ATGL appears to be associated with reductions in FAHFAs in insulin-resistant people.

Overall, the working group believes that the factors mentioned here lead to a increasing the severity of diabetes. Adjusting the ATGL and FAHFA seals could be a new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of diabetes represent.

Preventing Type 2 Diabetes Through FAHFAs

“Ideally, the new findings could be used to increase FAHFA levels in people at risk for type 2 diabetes to prevent it, or to improve glycemic control in people who already have type 2 diabetes.” “sums up Professor Kahn.

“Understanding the regulation of ATGL could lead to strategies to increase these beneficial lipids in metabolic and immune-mediated diseases”, adds Kahn in conclusion. (vb)