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Smart insulin nanostructures pass feasibility test, UT study reports

Researchers at UT Health Science Center have developed a smart particle insulin release system that detects blood sugar spikes and releases insulin to counteract them. The system, which consists of a blood sugar sensing protein and liposomes loaded with insulin, stabilized blood sugar levels in animal models for up to six hours.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalInternational Journal of Nanomedicine·DateSep 20, 2007

Pumpkin: A fairytale end to insulin injections?

Researchers found that pumpkin extract promotes regeneration of damaged pancreatic cells in diabetic rats, boosting insulin levels and reducing the need for daily insulin injections. The extract's protective effect is attributed to antioxidants and D-chiro-inositol, which may provide a new source of medication for diabetics.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·DateJul 8, 2007

JCI Table of Contents -- July 2, 2007

Two studies published in JCI uncover regulators of squamous cell carcinoma development, highlighting the critical role of p53 tumor suppressor gene mutations and chemokine receptor D6. The findings suggest that certain p53 mutations accelerate SCC progression and that inflammation sensitizes skin cells to tumor formation.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 2, 2007

Adult stem cells from human cord umbilical cord blood successfully engineered to make insulin

Researchers have successfully engineered adult stem cells from human cord blood to produce insulin, a potential breakthrough in treating type 1 diabetes. The discovery uses complex signals produced by embryonic mouse pancreas to direct adult stem cells into islet-like cells, producing C-peptide and insulin.

High insulin levels impair intestinal metabolic function

Researchers at the University of Alberta found a connection between high insulin levels and impaired intestinal lipid metabolism in an animal model, supporting the role of intestinal metabolic dysfunction in cardiovascular disease. Excessive insulin slows chylomicron removal from the bloodstream, leading to blockages and heart problems.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalAtherosclerosis·DateApr 24, 2007

Insulin -- in need of some restraint?

Researchers at the Salk Institute found that knocking out the urocortin 3 gene protects mice against high-fat diet's harmful effects by reducing insulin production. This study suggests a new peptide plays a role in insulin secretion, offering potential therapeutic benefits for treating type 2 diabetes.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 6, 2007

Weight-loss supplement shows good and bad traits

Researchers studying mice and rats found that CLA supplementation led to rapid weight loss in mice but excessive liver fat accumulation, a common side effect of rapid weight loss. In contrast, rats on a CLA-supplemented diet showed decreased insulin resistance despite not losing weight.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·DateJan 30, 2007

JDRF forms partnership with MacroGenics

JDRF is providing up to $2 million in funding for the 'Protégé' trial of teplizumab, a proprietary MacroGenics compound that has shown promise in slowing type 1 diabetes progression. The trial aims to assess teplizumab's capacity to reduce insulin requirements and maintain normal blood sugar levels.

SourceJDRF·DateJan 3, 2007