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Cell Transplantation reports consistent and successful islet isolations offer diabetes hope

A team of researchers has developed a more consistent method for isolating pancreatic islet cells from brain-dead donors using ductal injection, resulting in three type 1-diabetes patients becoming insulin-independent. The study's success rate surpasses the standard 50% with an impressive 80% clinical islet transplantation rate.

New pathway to cheap insulin

Scientists from the Helmholtz Centre in Braunschweig, Germany, have created a new and cheaper way to produce insulin. The new method uses yeast Pichia pastoris to increase the yield of an insulin precursor, reducing costs. This breakthrough could make insulin more affordable for people in developing countries.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalMicrobial Cell Factories·DateMay 26, 2010

Muscle loss in elderly linked to blood vessels' failure to dilate

Research at the University of Texas Medical Branch found that elderly people's muscles don't respond to insulin by expanding their blood vessels like younger people do. This response is necessary for muscle protein synthesis and growth, with implications for improving strength and health in older adults.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMay 19, 2010

Insulin reduces inflammation caused by obesity

Researchers discovered insulin's properties reduce inflammation in fat tissue, a key factor in developing insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Identifying the inflammatory molecule IL-6 and protein PKCdelta improved understanding of signalling mechanisms that can lead to medicines to reduce inflammation and related disorders.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalDiabetologia·DateMay 9, 2010

Your arteries may be suffering insulin resistance, too

A new report in Cell Metabolism shows that insulin-resistant blood vessels develop plaques twice as large as normal ones and are more prone to atherosclerosis. Insulin signaling helps prevent fatty plaque buildup, suggesting treatments targeting blood vessels may be beneficial for people with diabetes.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMay 4, 2010

JCI online early table of contents: April 19, 2010

Researchers have identified small molecules that bind to TrkB, a protein involved in nerve cell survival, and demonstrated their potential in treating neurodegenerative conditions. Additionally, a new compound has been found to prevent anaphylactic shock by targeting the SphK1-S1P pathway, which may lead to the development of new thera...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 19, 2010

Leptin therapy in animal models shows promise for type 1 diabetes, UT Southwestern study finds

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that leptin administration showed better management of blood-sugar variability and lipogenesis, the conversion of simple sugars into fatty acids. Leptin therapy also reduced food intake and increased lean body mass in non-obese type 1 diabetic mice.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 23, 2010

JDRF-funded research advances potential for regeneration as a possible cure for type 1 diabetes

Researchers at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies have made a breakthrough in understanding how stress hormones affect insulin-producing cells. The study found that the hormone CRF can increase the rate of cell growth and proliferation, which could potentially lead to new approaches for treating type 1 diabetes.

SourceJDRF·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 3, 2010

Insulin research points way to better diabetes treatments

Scientists have identified common features of super active insulins, shedding light on their molecular structure and interaction with insulin receptors. The research holds promise for developing more sophisticated treatments for Type I diabetes, potentially offering controlled or injection-free therapies.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 25, 2010

2009 winner of the Manpei Suzuki international prize for diabetes research announced

Dr. Donald F. Steiner has made significant contributions to understanding insulin secretion and glucose metabolism, including the discovery of proinsulin and clinical applications of C-peptide radioimmunoassay. He will receive a Certificate of Honor and US$150,000 in recognition of his outstanding research achievements.

Systems biology approach provides insulin resistance insights

Researchers from UC San Diego used a systems biology approach to determine how core biochemical pathways are altered in skeletal muscle cells and fat cells in people with insulin resistance. The study found that common drugs for treating insulin resistance, such as TZDs, alter these pathways, leading to improved drug therapies.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 20, 2009

Intensive glucose control halves complications of longstanding type 1 diabetes

A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that intensive glucose control halves the rate of eye and kidney damage in people with longstanding type 1 diabetes. The study also showed lower rates of cardiovascular disease events and improved vision loss rates compared to conventional control.

Einstein scientists link elevated insulin to increased breast cancer risk

Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine found a strong association between elevated insulin levels and increased breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women. Women with higher insulin levels were more than twice as likely to develop breast cancer compared to those with lower insulin levels, especially among lean women.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateJul 9, 2009

Link between obesity and diabetes discovered

A Monash University study has discovered a critical link between obesity and Type 2 diabetes, revealing that fat cells release PEDF, which triggers insulin resistance. Blocking PEDF reverses these effects, suggesting a potential breakthrough in treating the disease.

SourceMonash University·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJul 7, 2009

Medical therapy equal to bypass, angioplasty in patients with diabetes and stable heart disease

A new study finds that optimal medical therapy is equally effective as revascularization procedures like bypass surgery or angioplasty in lowering the risk of death and cardiovascular events in patients with diabetes and stable coronary heart disease. Insulin-providing and insulin-sensitizing drugs are also shown to be equally effective.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 7, 2009