Diabetes (Photo : Twitter/@OECD)
A drug that is used to treat osteoporosis can help manage diabetes, research says.
Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism Institute lead investigator Rupangi Vasavada conducted a trial, which aimed to study the correlation between an osteo-pathway and the production of pancreatic beta cells, according to Science Daily.
Vasavada said that the team has spotted a molecule that inhibits the multiplication of both cells in mice and humans. He added that two protein molecules and an FDA-licensed osteoporosis drug, Denosumab, trigger the creation of the beta cells in both species.
The study is inspired by the investigator's earlier study on lactogenic hormones, which are produced by the pituitary gland, as per Medical Xpress. The hormones are responsible for lactation in females and they are known to boost the continued existence and growth of pancreatic beta cells.
Vasavada and her team identified a bone-related protein, which is called osteoprotegerin (OPG) when they looked for proteins that are controlled by lactogens in beta cells. They linked this protein with medical literatures, revealing that OPG is increased in conditions like pregnancy and obesity, which promote the expansion of beta cells.
Based from the team's discovery of OPG and the information from medical literatures, Vasavada's team came into conclusion that the OPG protein helps in the management of diabetes by binding to another protein to allow the replication of beta cells.
Vasavada is interested in exploring the manner OPG and Denosumab control the physiology and growth of beta cells. In addition, she is planning to conduct clinical trials involving Denosumab and OPG as part of therapeutics for diabetic patients.
