Investigating the mechanisms of IGFBP-1 mediated protection from obesity-induced insulin resistance
The majority of people with diabetes die from heart and circulatory disorders so continuing to search for new ways to prevent and treat diabetes is central to tackling cardiovascular disease. Dr Stephen Wheatcroft and BHF Professor Mark Kearney are exploring the link between diabetes and onset of cardiovascular disease. Patients with diabetes are unable to regulate their blood sugar levels because the body becomes desensitised to the effects of insulin. Researchers call this a state of ‘insulin resistance’, which in turn can damage cells in the circulatory system. The team is interested in a protein produced by the liver called insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1 (IGFBP-1). Low levels of IGFBP-1 in the circulatory system have been associated with the onset of insulin resistance. They will look at the effects of increasing IGFBP-1 levels in obese mice to see if and how it improves sensitivity to insulin. If higher levels of IGFBP-1 prevent insulin resistance from occurring, it could pave the way for future research of IGFBP-1 as a new way to treat diabetes.
Project details
| Grant amount | £258,422 |
|---|---|
| Grant type | Project Grants |
| Application type | Project Grant |
| Start Date | 01 April 2013 |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Reference | PG/12/56/29748 |
| Status | Complete |
