Metabolic Disorders
The condition of having excess iron in the body is directly related to the disruption of metabolism. Here at Protheragen, we are one of the foremost research service providers in the field of iron metabolism and related disorders. We provide a complete one-stop service in diagnosis, therapeutics, model development of disease, and preclinical research in order to expedite the work of researchers and scientists around the globe. Understanding the importance of integrating the two domains of iron disorders and metabolic disorders, we offer a metabolic disorder-specific integrated therapeutic development solution.
Overview of Metabolic Disorders
Metabolic disorders are a group of diseases stemming from problems with energy expenditure and utilization in the body. Of great concern are the chronic disorders diabetes, obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and metabolic syndrome, which result from the imbalance in the body's handling of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Metabolic disorders are becoming increasingly common in all parts of the world, creating serious health problems.
Fig.1 Ferroptosis and metabolism in human diseases. (Li, S., et al., 2024)
Iron Metabolism Abnormalities in Metabolic Disorders
Recent studies showcase a deep and sometimes intricate connection between iron metabolism and the onset and advancement of several Metabolic Disorders. An essential micronutrient, iron is critical to oxygen transport, energy generation, and DNA synthesis. Metabolic health can, however, be adversely affected by iron deficiency and iron overload.
- Iron Deficiency
Alongside anemia, iron deficiency is known to limit metabolic processes, which, in turn, impacts mitochondrial function as well as energy metabolism. Such a deficiency reduces cellular energy (ATP) output, diminishes oxidative phosphorylation capability, and may disrupt lipid metabolism.
- Iron Overload
Iron overload leads to oxidative stress, as well as tissue damage and inflammation, which have been shown to drive metabolic disorders and contribute to insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis, and even cardiovascular complications. Such conditions, as illustrated by hereditary hemochromatosis, show this relationship well.
Therapeutics Development for Metabolic Disorders
| Diseases | Drug Name | Mechanism of Action | Targets | Research Phase |
| Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) | FerroTerminator1 | Inhibits hepatic iron accumulation and c-Myc-Acsl4-driven ferroptosis in certain MASH models. | Iron overload | Preclinical |
| Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) | rPR-DFO | Safely extending the circulation time of DFO while accelerating the clearance of iron chelates from the liver. | Nanochelator | Preclinical |
| Type 2 Diabetes | Melatonin | Markedly reduced ferroptosis of MC3T3-E1 cells through Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway activation in vivo and in vitro. | Ferroptosis | Preclinical |
Disclaimer: Protheragen focuses on providing preclinical research services. This table is for information exchange purposes only. This table is not a therapy plan recommendation. For guidance on therapy options, please visit a regular hospital.
Our Services
At Protheragen, we offer an integrated suite of services to aid every part of your metabolic disorder drug development journey, emphasizing the effect on the systems of iron metabolism. Utilizing sophisticated analytical methodologies, we develop and validate distinct biomarkers and offer comprehensive diagnostic development, therapeutic development, and disease model development services. Pharmacokinetics and drug safety evaluation for your drug candidates is part of our comprehensive preclinical services.
Types of Metabolic Disorders
- Adrenal Insufficiency
- Hypogonadism
- Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
- Growth Hormone Deficiency
- Obesity
- Haemochromatosis
- Porphyria Cutanea Tarda
- Hyperlipidemia
- Hypoparathyroidism
- Hypothyroidism
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)
Animal Model Development Services for Metabolic Disorders
The advanced animal model development services offered by our company are crucial for preclinical efficacy and safety testing. We excel in creating and leveraging a wide variety of animal models of human metabolic diseases and their iron metabolism disturbances for your research.
| Animal Models | Diseases | Types |
| Western diet+CCl4-induced model | MASH | Multi-factor induced animal model |
| Methionine-choline-deficient (MCD) diet-induced model | MASLD, MASH | Diet-induced model |
| Hepatocyte‐specific Sirt6 Knockout Model | MASLD | Genetically engineered model |
| Streptozocin (STZ)-induced model | Type 2 Diabetes, Gestational Diabetes Mellitus | Chemical-induced model |
| Alloxan (ALX)-induced model | Type 2 Diabetes, Gestational Diabetes Mellitus | Chemical-induced model |
| High sugar and high fat diet (HFSD) induced model | Gestational Diabetes Mellitus | Diet-induced models |
| Partial pancreatectomy model | Type 2 Diabetes | Surgical animal model |
| Hfe-/- model | Haemochromatosis | Genetically engineered model |
| Pou1f1 CKO model | Growth Hormone Deficiency | Genetically engineered model |
Pharmacokinetics and Drug Safety Evaluation Services
Work with Protheragen and speed up your research on metabolic disorders while making use of our specialized knowledge of iron metabolism. Get in touch with us today to explore your exact research requirements and learn how we can assist in your path from discovery to marketization.
Reference
- Li, Shuangwen et al. "Ferroptosis at the nexus of metabolism and metabolic diseases." Theranostics 14.15 (2024): 5826-5852.