Gene linked to harmful glucose levels
Friday, 02 May 2008 11:02
Scientists say the genetic mutation increase glucose levels
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Scientists say they have identified a change in a gene that can raise the amount of glucose in a person's blood to harmful levels.
One fifth of people in the UK has a high glucose level, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and early death.
Scientists from France, the UK and Canada found an association between high levels of blood glucose and a mutation in a gene known as G6PC2 or IGRP.
They discovered that the mutated IGRP blocks the action of a sensor called glucokinase, which tells cells when to secrete insulin.
By preventing this action the body loses its control of its levels of blood glucose.
The researchers argue that the IGRP mutation could cause a glucose increase of about five per cent; a level high enough to raise a person's risk of health problems.
Presenting their findings in the journal Science, the researchers say they raise the possibility of developing a therapy to stop the defective IGRP gene from blocking the glucokinase sensor.
"Our study helps unravel the genetic reasons why some people have higher levels of glucose in their blood than others," said the study's lead author, Professor Philippe Froguel from the French National Research Institute and the Department of Genomic Medicine at Imperial College London.
"At present, doctors advise people with high blood glucose levels to lose weight and exercise.
"We hope that ultimately our research will mean we can develop new treatments to stop people from developing high blood glucose levels, which would enable them to live longer and healthier lives."
