Posted on 07/31/2009 12:36:25 PM PDT by neverdem
(Ivanhoe Newswire) — Crack open the latest medical textbook to the chapter on type 2 diabetes and you'll be hard pressed to find the term "immunology" anywhere. Metabolic conditions and immunologic conditions are, with a few exceptions, thought to be distant cousins. Recent studies, however, two of which are from Harvard Medical School researchers, have linked type 2 diabetes with immunology in a way that might persuade researchers to start viewing them as siblings.
Type 1 and type 2 diabetes both involve abnormalities in the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas, but their root causes are completely different. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the pancreas, destroying its ability to produce insulin. Type 2 diabetes is a strictly metabolic condition in which cells grow increasingly deaf to insulin signals and thus lose their ability to metabolize glucose. In both cases, blood glucose levels rise, sometimes to fatal levels.
Researchers used two common over-the-counter allergy medications to reduce both obesity and type 2 diabetes in mice. The medications, called Zaditor and cromolyn, stabilize a population of inflammatory immune cells called mast cells.
The Harvard researchers assert that it is becoming increasingly clear that we should also think of type 2 diabetes in the context of immune function. Guo-Ping Shi, biochemist from the Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, began to suspect such a connection when, in a previous study, he found mast cells present in a variety of inflammatory vascular diseases.
Mast cells are immune cells that facilitate healing in wounded tissue by increasing blood flow to the site. In certain conditions, however, mast cells build up to levels far beyond what the body needs. When this happens, these cells become unstable and eventually, like punctured trash bags, leak molecular "garbage" into the tissue. This results in chronic inflammation that can cause asthma and certain allergies.
As Shi and postdoctoral research fellow Jian Liu discovered, mast cells were far more abundant in fat tissue of obese and diabetic humans and mice than they were in fat tissue from individuals of normal weight. This led to the obvious question, by regulating mast cells, could we then control the obesity and diabetic symptoms?
To find out, Shi and colleagues took a group of obese and diabetic mice and, for a period of two months, treated them with either Zaditor or cromolyn.
The mice were divided into four groups. The first was the control group. The second group was simply switched to a healthy diet. The third was given cromolyn or Zaditor. And the fourth group was given the drug and switched to a healthy diet.
While symptoms of the second “healthy diet” group improved moderately, the third “allergy medicine” group demonstrated dramatic improvements in both body weight and diabetes. The fourth group exhibited nearly 100 percent recovery in all areas.
To bolster these findings, Shi and colleagues then took a group of mice whose ability to produce mast cells was genetically impaired. Despite three months of a diet rich in sugar and fat, these mice neither became obese nor developed diabetes. "The best thing about these drugs is that we know it's safe for people," said Shi. "The remaining question now is: Will this also work for people?" Shi now intends to test both cromolyn and Zaditor on obese and diabetic non-human primates.
SOURCE: Nature Medicine, July 26, 2009
Healthy mice. OK.
Perhaps I should inject my Zaditor eye drops.
Whoops, I see they’re talking Type 2. Strike that comment.
>>two common over-the-counter allergy medications to reduce both obesity and type 2 diabetes in mice<<
Are these over the counter?
I thought they were by script only.
Show me. Type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance. Type 1 diabetes is the type associated with autoimmunity and insulin dependence since the islet cells were attacked and can no longer make insulin.
Ping for later
My husband (type 2 diabetic) has been having terrible allergy/drainage problems lately. I want him to read this, thanks for the ping.
Zaditor is a OTC eye drop. Don’t know about the other one.
....Mast cells are immune cells that facilitate healing in wounded tissue by increasing blood flow to the site. In certain conditions, however, mast cells build up to levels far beyond what the body needs. When this happens, these cells become unstable and eventually, like punctured trash bags, leak molecular "garbage" into the tissue. This results in chronic inflammation that can cause asthma and certain allergies.
As Shi and postdoctoral research fellow Jian Liu discovered, mast cells were far more abundant in fat tissue of obese and diabetic humans and mice than they were in fat tissue from individuals of normal weight. This led to the obvious question, by regulating mast cells, could we then control the obesity and diabetic symptoms?...
....The mice were divided into four groups. The first was the control group. The second group was simply switched to a healthy diet. The third was given cromolyn or Zaditor. And the fourth group was given the drug and switched to a healthy diet.
While symptoms of the second “healthy diet” group improved moderately, the third “allergy medicine” group demonstrated dramatic improvements in both body weight and diabetes. The fourth group exhibited nearly 100 percent recovery in all areas.
Ping for later
The newer Claritin type allergy drugs do not suppress appetite so much.
I suppose if you could trigger an allergy to most foods that would tend to fight obesity....
My mother, who died of complications of Type 2, was also extremely allergic to various pollens, dust mites, smoke, (air pollutants). She suffered terribly with sinus drainage, as did her parents (and as do I). We just went with the old adage that blue eyes and allergies go hand in hand.
WOW, thanks!
I guess I’ll be drinking it. XD
And of course, the same product that is banned in Diet Pills, Ephedra, is in asthmas meds. OTC.
I suffered greatly from allergies while a child. Years on shots to get to the point I could function. Multiple bouts of pneumonia resulting from chronic bronchitis.
Now I’m insulin resistant but managing my blood sugars. I’m very tempted to run out and get these OTCs just to try them for a month to see if I lose weight.
GENERIC NAME: CROMOLYN - ORAL CAPSULES (CROW-mow-lin)
BRAND NAME(S): Gastrocrom
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert
USES: This medication is used to treat diarrhea, flushing, headache, nausea, itching or skin rash associated with mastocytosis, prevention of food allergy and certain intestinal diseases.
HOW TO USE: The medication is usually taken 1 half hour before meals and at bedtime as directed. Do not swallow the capsules. The contents of the capsules are used to make a solution. To make the solution, open the capsule and pour powder into a glass half-filled with hot water. Stir to dissolve the powder. While stirring, add cold water to fill the glass. Drink all of the solution. Do not add milk, juice or other liquids to the powder and water solution. For best results, use this medication routinely as directed.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, gas, muscle aches, stomach pain or headache may occur. If any of these symptoms persist or worsen, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor promptly if you experience: mood changes, burning of the mouth or throat. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, allergies. Usage in children under 2 years old is generally not recommended but there may be exceptions. Consult the child’s doctor. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before taking this medication. It is unknown if this drug is excreted into human breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
http://www.medicinenet.com/cromolyn-oral_capsules/article.htm
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