Diabetes foretold by a gene, 10 yrs in advance
As per a study published in the journal Cell Metabolism, Gene ‘SFRP4’, behind the release of protein 4, could be an effective biomarker to predict diabetes well ahead of the appearance of its symptoms. Diabetologists in India say the development holds out the possibility of a prospective patient incorporating lifestyle modifications well ahead of time to delay or prevent onset of the disease.
According to estimates of the International Diabetes Federation, India has 63 million — or more than 9 per cent of its population — suffering from the disease. An estimated 90 per cent of the cases are of Type 2, caused by insufficient amounts of insulin being available for reduction of blood glucose levels.
The team, which also included researchers from the US, China, Spain and Switzerland, explored the pathophysiology of Type 2 diabetes and found the SFRP4 gene was overexpressed in the islet cells of the pancreas of patients with this disease. “ SFRP4 expression correlated with inflammatory markers... SFRP4 thus provides a link between islet inflammation and impaired insulin secretion. Moreover, the protein was increased in serum from T2D patients several years
Be the first to comment.
