New Drug Shows Promise in Preventing Diabetes Complications beyond Blood Sugar Control
A newly identified drug compound is demonstrating potential too prevent diabetes complications-even in patients with well-managed blood sugar levels-according to a recent study. Researchers have pinpointed a molecule that appears to interrupt a key inflammatory process driving damage in diabetes, offering a potential new avenue for treatment and prevention.
Teh research, stemming from an initial screening of 58,000 molecules, focuses on the interaction between RAGE (receptor for advanced glycation end products) and DIAPH1. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) accumulate in the body over time, and their interaction with RAGE triggers inflammation that contributes to diabetes-related complications like kidney disease and heart ischemia.
In laboratory tests using cells from patients with type 1 diabetes, the drug compound successfully blocked the RAGE-DIAPH1 interaction, reducing inflammatory signals. Further experiments with diabetic mice showed that topical application of the compound accelerated wound healing and reduced inflammation. The drug also reduced inflammation in mice with allergies when administered orally,though this delivery method wasn’t tested in diabetic mice.
“You’d want to ‘mitigate that spiral of constantly making more AGEs,'” explained researcher schmidt, suggesting the drug would be most effective when used early in a diabetes diagnosis, alongside existing blood sugar control methods.
While the initial molecule showed promise, researchers utilized an analogue with a better safety profile for the new study.Further animal testing is required before human trials can begin. Experts also note the importance of studying RAGE’s function across different cell types,as it’s role likely varies.
Beyond diabetes, the RAGE pathway is implicated in other inflammatory diseases, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), potentially expanding the drug’s future applications.
