Study obesity and diabetes through stress

Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry: Stress protein promotes obesity and diabetes

Excessive stress is associated with numerous negative health consequences. According to a recent study, an increased risk of obesity and diabetes apparently has to be counted. Scientists at the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry (MPI) have shown that the development of obesity and diabetes is promoted by a stress protein.

According to their own statements, the MPI scientists were able to show a new surprising role for the stress protein FKBP51. This acts as a molecular link between the stress regulation system and metabolic processes in the body. The presence of the protein in the muscle tissue leads to an increased risk of obesity and diabetes. This knowledge could also open up completely new approaches to treatment. The researchers have published the results of their current research in the journal Nature Communications.

Far-reaching effect of the stress protein

Previous studies have already shown that the protein FKBP51 is associated with depressive disorders and anxiety disorders. Because it plays an important role in the regulation of the stress system and if this is disturbed, can develop mental illness, the researchers explain. However, the connection with the metabolic processes in the body has not been known so far. "FKBP51 influences a signal cascade in the muscle tissue that leads to glucose intolerance if the calorie intake is too high, ie the core symptom of type II diabetes," reports project manager Mathias Schmidt from the MPI.

Blockade of the protein prevents diabetes

Basically, a high intake of high-fat, unhealthy diets stress for the body, whereupon increased FKBP51 is formed in the muscle, the scientists explain. However, this unfortunately leads to decreased glucose intake, which can lead to diabetes and obesity. If FKBP51 is blocked, it will not cause diabetes, even if calories continue to be over-supplied, so the stress on the body remains, according to the experts. Less FKBP51 in the muscle tissue means less glucose intolerance and thus a normal metabolism.

New treatment approaches in sight?

The scientists hope in the future for a therapeutic benefit of their research, because the stress protein FKBP51 can be pharmacologically inhibited by special molecules that were developed at the MPI. "These findings provide a completely new approach to diabetes and other metabolic diseases," said Alon Chen, director of the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry. (Fp)