A team of researchers have discovered a protein in muscle that contributes to the development of type 2 diabetes later in life.
A new study by the Montreal research team led by Jennifer Estall at the IRCM indicated that the protein could be a promising early predictor of increased diabetes risk.
"My team and I studied PGC-1a, a protein responsible for regulating the production of energy in cells," Dr. Estall explained. "Surprisingly, we found that young mice lacking this protein in their muscle tissue appeared healthier, as they had lower blood sugar levels before and after meals. So, at first, we thought having less of this protein was actually better."
It was found that as they aged, the mice lacking the PGC-1a protein developed significant glucose intolerance and insulin resistance, which are hallmarks of type 2 diabetes.
The researcher therefore said that they discovered that chronically low levels of this protein in muscle may contribute to the development of diabetes later in life.
While the levels of PGC-1a were only altered in muscle, the scientists observed detrimental effects on the health of other tissues. The study showed that the absence of PGC-1a in muscle increases inflammation in the liver and adipose tissue (fat), revealing a novel link between muscle metabolism and the chronic inflammatory state of the body often associated with metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
The study was published in journal American Journal of Physiology - Endocrinology and Metabolism.