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A protein has been discovered by scientists in the fat cells of mice, which when targeted has the capability to reverse or prevent Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and 1 in 10 people suffers from it. When we eat more calories than our body needs, a type of fat called white adipose tissue (WAT) expands to store the excess energy as fat. However, if we take on more energy than we need for more extended periods, this system cannot cope, eventually leading to insulin resistance. Researchers used mice that lacked the gene that codes for CD248 in their WAT (although other cell types were still producing CD248). In these experiments, the researchers found that the mice were protected from developing insulin resistance and T2D. The mice did not develop diabetes, even when they were fed a high-fat diet and became obese. A most interesting finding was that the insulin sensitivity of mice that already have diabetes can be improved by reducing CD248 levels in the fat cells, even while they remain obese." Says Co-senior author Dr. Edward Conway. However, scientists say that the journey from research in cells and mice to treating human patients is a long, expensive, and often unsuccessful one.

(Source: www.medicalnewstoday.com)

In humans, Bacteria are an essential part of overall good health and human gut microbiome is made up of over 1,000 species of bacteria. Scientists have recently seen that gut bacteria are interfering with working of medications. "This kind of microbial metabolism can also be detrimental. Maybe the drug is not going to reach its target in the body, maybe it's going to be toxic all of a sudden, maybe it's going to be less helpful" says Vayu Maini Rekdal, a graduate student. The new study, however, has already resulted in at least one positive finding; the researchers have found a specific molecule that can inhibit the bacteria without completely destroying them. "The molecule turns off this unwanted bacterial metabolism without killing the bacteria; it's just targeting a nonessential enzyme," says Maini Rekdal. There is currently no cure for Parkinson's, but treatment options are available. Therapies vary by person but can include medication and surgery. Further research into the treatment of Parkinson's is ongoing, and the hope is that this new study — which has uncovered why L-dopa does not work as well as it should — may lead to better treatments for Parkinson's in the future.

(Source: www.medicalnewstoday.com)