The ‘Dark Side’ of Microbiota: It May Trigger Diabetes

The vast majority of studies on microbiota They influence its useful functions, but the millions of microorganisms that inhabit our intestines do not always work in our favor. In this spirit, the discovery of scientists from Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technologies (IATA)depends on CSIC: They found that bacteria present in the gut microbiota produce enzymes that inactivate hormones responsible for blood glucose control. The study, published in a scientific journal “Genomic Biology”opens up opportunities for improved treatment methods diabetes type 2.

“Microbiota may be worsening our metabolic health”

explains the researcher in a CSIC note. Marta Olivares Sevillaone of the study’s authors. The mechanism is as follows: our bodies contain hormones called incretins, which cause the pancreas to secrete insulin. insulinIn turn, this is another hormone that is known to be secreted by the pancreas when we eat food and allows glucose to enter the cells. diabetes type 2 – which affects 90% of diabetics and is almost always associated with obesity – exists insulin resistanceUntil now, it was known that in our body there is a protein called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4)destroys incretins, in particular the polypeptide gastric inhibitor (GIP) and a peptide similar to glucagon type 1 (GLP-1). It is the new drugs against type 2 diabetes that are already known Ozempic And veganwhich have as an active ingredient semaglutideblock the degradation of incretin hormones such as GLP-1 and may increase their natural levels in the circulation, thereby promoting glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Well, CSIC researchers found that enzymes produced by certain bacteria in the intestinesespecially the floor Parabacteroides Merdaeshow me behavior is identical to DPP-4 proteinby destroying incretins and therefore impairing insulin secretion.

Alfonso BenitezThe CSIC IATA scientist and author of the study recalls that pharmaceutical research into the treatment of type 2 diabetes has focused on the interaction between the DPP-4 protein and incretins, trying to extend their useful life by inhibiting DPP-4 activity. “These drugs were designed to target human DPP-4, but we didn’t know that some intestinal bacteria produce enzymes that act in the same way– explains Benitez. “Our results show the need to take this factor into account in order to achieve more effective treatments for type 2 diabetes,” the researcher concludes.

Scientific reference:

Olivares M., Hernandez-Calderon P., Cardenas-Brito S., et al. Levels of DPP4-like enzymes in gut microbiota are increased in type 2 diabetes and promote incretin inactivation.. Genomic biology. DOI: doi.org/10.1186/s13059-024-03325-4.