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Diabetes damages the liver and cholesterol levels also increase
Diabetes can lead to dangerous consequential damages. Researchers have now found that inflammation in the liver in people with diabetes causes the cholesterol levels of those affected to increase. Thus, the probability of certain sequelae on the vessels increases.
A team of scientists from the Technical University of Munich (TUM), the Helmholtz Zentrum München and the University Hospital of Heidelberg found in his study that damage to the liver of diabetes patients can increase people's cholesterol levels. The physicians published the results of their study in the journal "Cell Reports".
Physicians have now discovered why people with diabetes often develop serious sequelae. Inflammation of the liver can increase the cholesterol level of those affected and diseases of the vessels are the result. (Image: pittawut / fotolia.com) Cholesterol is an important factor in secondary diseases
When people have diabetes, this often leads to complications. Vascular diseases play a very important role here. These include, for example, diseases of the cardiovascular system such as arteriosclerosis. In 75 percent of admissions to hospitals cardiovascular complaints are the cause, explain the experts. These would also lead with a probability of 50 percent to the death of those affected. The experts found in their investigation a previously unknown mechanism, which could be related to dangerous sequelae. Increased cholesterol levels are an important factor in the risk of developing circulatory disorders, vascular complications and atherosclerosis, the researchers explain.
Inflammation contributes to long-term consequences in metabolic disorders
Even if the levels of blood sugar are normal, there is an increased likelihood that some of them will suffer consequential damages in later life. The experts now tried to find out why this effect arises. To do this, the researchers investigated different factors and especially the processes involved in inflammation. These can occur in numerous metabolic disorders (such as obesity and type 2 diabetes). Inflammations contribute significantly to the long-term effects of metabolic disorders.
Why does excess cholesterol form in the body?
The experts were particularly interested in the so-called inflammatory messenger TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor α). This generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the human liver, experts say. Such ROS deactivate the transcription factor complex GAbp (GA-binding protein). This loss then inhibits the values of an energy sensor of the cells of the protein AMPK, the physicians report from their findings. This inhibition of AMPK results in excess cholesterol in the body and the typical features of atherosclerosis.
Liver plays a central role in diabetic vascular disease
Author Dr. Katharina Niopek of the Technical University of Munich (TUM) emphasizes that the data suggest a central role of the liver in the development of frequent diabetic vascular diseases. "GAbp appears to be a molecular driver at the interface between inflammation, cholesterol and atherosclerosis," adds the expert. If the protective effect of GAbp is not present, it could lead to hypercholesterolemia. In addition, there is an increased fat deposition in the arteries of the affected people, the researcher continues.
New signaling pathway could be used in therapeutic interventions
Findings from patients, according to the scientists support the results of the investigation. The newly discovered signaling pathway could play an important role in the development of consequential damage from diabetes, explain the experts. The so-called blood sugar control of those affected is irrelevant. It is probably possible that this signaling pathway can be used for therapeutic measures, emphasizes the head of the study, Stephan Herzig of the Technical University of Munich.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes mellitus is a condition commonly referred to as diabetes. This chronic metabolic disease occurs in two different forms: type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Most diabetics suffer from type 2 diabetes.
What is Type 1 Diabetes??
Type 1 diabetes refers to a deficiency of the normal hormone insulin in the body. The disease often begins already in childhood. The cause is often considered a malfunction of the immune system, by which the insulin-producing cells die in the pancreas. This causes the blood sugar level of the patient to rise. Patients have to inject insulin from this point on.
What causes Type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is more likely due to an unhealthy diet, obesity, and lack of exercise. Various mechanisms are triggered by this unhealthy lifestyle. They also cause so-called insulin resistance to develop and the levels of glucose in the blood are much too high. A healthy diet, physical activity, and medications can help sufferers get their blood sugar back under control. But there are also cases in which sick people need to use insulin syringes. (As)