Posted on 02/29/2008 11:23:46 AM PST by null and void
US scientists have managed to rid diabetic mice of the effects of the disease using a cocktail of drugs.
The mice, who had type 1 diabetes, started producing their own insulin after taking a mixture of four drugs.
Previously the same team at Harvard University had only been able to stop the destruction of the cells which make insulin, not regenerate them.
But in a study reported in the New Scientist, they say adding another drug to the original cocktail did just that.
They now hope to start trials in humans.
Type 1 diabetes is usually managed through regular injections of insulin and until now, research into a cure has focused on transplanting the pancreatic beta cells which produce the hormone from donors.
However this is complicated - both because of the difficulty in finding a donor and the problems of rejection - so regenerating a person's own cells is seen as far better option.
Extra enzyme
Last year, Dr Terry Strom and his team demonstrated that they could stop the on-going destruction of insulin-producing beta cells in mice using a combination of three drugs, although they were unable to regenerate the cells.
However, when they added an extra ingredient - an enzyme called alpha 1 anti-trypsin - a significant rise in the number of beta cells was seen.
It is thought this extra drug may ease the inflammation of pancreas, a key feature of the disease.
"It would appear that by altering the inflammatory state that surrounds this autoimmune disease, you can create an environment that enables expansion of the beta cell mass," said Dr Strom.
"It is exciting that these drugs could stop the immune system from attacking insulin-producing cells, but it is too early to tell whether these cells recovered in the mice or if new cells were produced"
He added that it was too early to say whether the beta cells which had stopped making insulin had recovered, or whether new ones were being produced.
Dr Iain Frame, director of research at Diabetes UK said: "This could potentially be very important research in finding a better treatment for diabetes.
"More research is needed as initial studies have only been conducted in mice, but Diabetes UK is pleased that clinical trials are planned and look forward to hearing the results."
I am now a more well-formed FReeper. Thanks to all who enlightened me!
They can also cure cancer in mice nearly 100% of the time. Call me when there’s successful human trials.
Awesome! lol!
This WILL not happen under either Obama’s or Clinton’s Great Plan.
If only we could quit making mice sick in labs, there would be no need to cure them.
You’re right. I shouldn’t have posted this.
Sorry.
You're talking about Type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease which usually strikes in childhood. It's related to MS and autoimmune thyroid disease (the cause, not the symptoms). In Type 1 diabetes the islet cells (insulin producing cells) are destroyed by the body's own immune system.
It can't be caused by a bad diet and exercise and is nobody's fault.
To be fair, you can be thin or of average build and develop Type 2 diabetes. Genetics plays a large part in that. (Obesity doesn't help the situation.)
They don’t have type 1.
Why not? It's good to seen innovation. Progress *is* being made.
Don't let us cynics throw you off. Keep posting these items! :-)
Don't be an idiot.
BTTT
The key point is insulin resistence, which is usually related to diet but yes to be fair, there are a couple of thin people with type II diabetes out there.
lol
Next we spend millions of dollars on ED medicine for mice. I can see the mice sitting in bathtubs watching the sunset now.
I wasn’t being an ass to you, I just think researchers too often tout something as the next wonder drug before it’s time.
Have a great weekend!
That they do!
You have a wonderful weekend, too!
Pill control Diabetes can be controlled with diet and exercize. People who cna’t make insulin must take injections.
Thanks for the links.
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