Diabetes Gene: Question of Genes and Explanation
Question of genes
From a genetic standpoint, diabetes can be monogenic (when only one gene is involved and is variable) or polygenic (more than one gene). “From the study of families with the first form of the disease, we identified some genes that, in particular, influence the development of the disease in individuals under 40 years and with many families affected.”
In general, “these nuclei we find that one of the parents, grandparents and siblings have early-onset diabetes. And by studying their genes have been detected are also more complex forms of the disease,” Dr. Tusi Luna abounds.
One of the genes that have been identified more recently is a cholesterol transporter, which codes for a certain protein in the membrane of many cells. Its function is to remove cholesterol from the latter and deposited in the liver for disposal.
“This gene is found in pancreatic cells that produce insulin (a hormone that regulates blood glucose levels). Then, when the carrier does not work or function is decreased, more concentrated amount of cholesterol in the structures that produce insulin. Consequently, the cell can not release the hormone efficiently when food is eaten, causing the elevation of blood sugar levels, “explains the scientist.
Explanation
Notably, the gene and alteration of the same are of great interest for our country, as only affecting Mexican mestizos and not Caucasian populations, Asian or African.
“It is believed that this variation occurred as a result of developments during the migration process in the Americas. At some point may have conferred some advantage in the sense of optimizing the energy consumed through foods, so it is selected. The problem now is that people eat more food to those necessary and does not practice enough physical activity, which makes such a variation at a disadvantage because diabetes develops, “explains Dr. Tusi Moon.
According to the researcher, also found other genres related to illness, the effects are smaller and would be involved between 1 and 5% of the risk. In contrast, variation of cholesterol transporter gene is linked to more than a third of cases.
“The effect of the gene described allow us to study what happens to patients who have this variant, how they respond to different treatments and exercise, and know what other drugs could be designed specifically to counteract the dysfunction of the transport of cholesterol-producing cells insulin. It would be a new strategy in the management of patients, “says the expert.
Finally, Dr. Tusi Luna noted that the variant in the carrier of cholesterol not only predisposes to diabetes, but low levels of good cholesterol and obesity.