When intestinal flora protects against diabetes
More specifically, the flora produces a compound (the metabolite 4-Cresol) capable of stimulating the growth of pancreatic beta cells. These are the producers of insulin, the hormone essential for regulating blood sugar levels, which is lacking in diabetics.
The study data were derived from the analysis of 148 metabolic samples taken from adult diabetic patients and volunteers unaffected by the disease. "A product of intestinal flora metabolism, the metabolite 4-Cresol appears to be a marker of resistance to diabetes. In particular, lower amounts of 4-Cresol are found in the serum of diabetic patients than in non-diabetic individuals," explains François Brial, lead author of the study.
A treatment under study
As the scientists hope, "these results open the way to new therapeutic avenues that could improve the situation of millions of patients."
In mice, results have already been obtained in this regard: at low doses, treatment with the metabolite 4-Cresol significantly improves diabetes. Main developments: "a reduction in obesity and fat accumulation in the liver, an increase in pancreatic mass, stimulation of insulin secretion and proliferation of pancreatic beta cells." In addition to diabetes, this therapeutic approach is therefore effective against obesity and hepatic steatosis (fatty liver disease).
Improving diabetes prevention is a public health priority: this metabolic disorder promotes the development of serious cardiovascular diseases. The next step for scientists is therefore to "identify the bacteria that naturally produce the metabolite 4-Cresol, and then define which ones could prove to be potential, safe, and effective treatments for insulin deficiency syndromes."
Note: In France, type 1 and 2 diabetes affect 3 million patients.
*“Environmental toxicity, therapeutic targets, cell signaling and biomarkers” (Inserm/University of Paris), in collaboration with colleagues from Kyoto University (Japan) and McGill University (Canada).
SudOuest
