[IPu] Fw: [IP] Could Prevention Of Type 1 Diabetes Be Possible?
----- Original Message -----
From: "John S Wilkinson" <email @ redacted>
To: <email @ redacted>; "Diabetesworld"
<email @ redacted>; "IP" <email @ redacted>
Sent: Thursday, March 24, 2005 5:05 AM
Subject: [IP] Could Prevention Of Type 1 Diabetes Be Possible?
Could Prevention Of Type 1 Diabetes Be Possible?
Yes, in the near future it may be possible to prevent type 1 diabetes in
those who are genetically predisposed to the disease. Researchers at
University of Maryland School of Medicine have discovered a particular
protein, called zonulin, that plays a role in the destruction of islet
cells (the cells of the pancreas that produce insulin).
Zonulin regulates the permeability of the intestines. When too much
zonulin is produced, the intestines become more permeable allowing
toxins, viruses and bacteria through. The immune system responds by
producing antibodies. While these antibodies are supposed to protect the
body, they also destroy the islet cells. People with diabetes or other
autoimmune disorders, such as celiac disease, MS and rheumatoid
arthritis, produce large amounts of zonulin.
The researchers found that when diabetes-prone rats were given a
zonulin-inhibitor, called AT-1001, the vast majority did not develop
diabetes. Lead researcher, Dr. Alessio Fasano, believes this discovery
could lead to a method of halting autoimmune diseases, like diabetes, in
the early stages before damage has been done.
Approval to conduct studies on the effect of AT-1001 on human subjects
with celiac disease has already been requested from the Food and Drug
Administration.
The results of this study are published in the February 22, 2005 issue
of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
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