Type 2 Diabetes
The proper functioning of the endocrine system relies on the body maintaining balanced iron levels. An increasing number of studies indicate that ferroptosis is intricately involved in the development and progression of complications associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus. At Protheragen, we specialize in research on iron metabolism, providing integrated solutions to the diagnosis and therapy of disorders of iron metabolism. Our primary interest is in type 2 diabetes, and we strive to accelerate the innovation of therapeutic solutions by understanding diabetes's pathogenesis and iron's intricate role in it.
Overview of Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia. It occurs when either there is low production of insulin or, in cases, when there is low insulin utilization in the body. This is what is termed insulin resistance. The increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes is a global health issue of considerable concern, and is especially pronounced among the younger population. While the roles of genetics, lifestyle choices, and obesity are well recognized, there is new research underscoring the growing importance of iron metabolism.
Fig.1 Iron metabolism and β-cell insulin secretion. (Miao, R., et al., 2023)
Iron Homeostasis Abnormalities in Type 2 Diabetes
Excessive ferroptosis caused by numerous metabolic pathways and signals can trigger insulin resistance (IR) alongside abnormal metabolic activity in the liver and fat tissues, and even lead to neurodegenerative and vascular diseases. Ferroptosis is gaining more recognition as mediating the pathogenesis and progression of type 2 diabetes mellitus. It has been demonstrated that ferroptosis occurring in pancreatic β cells results in insulin secretion deficiency, and ferroptosis in the liver, fat, and muscle tissues leads to insulin resistance.
Therapeutics Development for Type 2 Diabetes
| Drug Name | Mechanism of Action | Targets | Research Phase |
| Quercetin | Substantially restores GSH levels and SOD activity of pancreas β cells. | Ferroptosis | Preclinical |
| Melatonin | Markedly mitigated ferroptosis of MC3T3-E1 cells via Nrf2/HO-1 pathway activation both in vivo and in vitro. | Ferroptosis | Preclinical |
| Vitamin D | Inhibit ferroptosis in diabetic pancreatic β cells through NF-κB-DMT1 signaling. | 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 provide comprehensive, integrated services designed to enable efficiency in accelerating type 2 diabetes drug development programs, with emphasis on iron metabolism. Employing modern iron biological analysis techniques, we develop and validate novel biomarkers. Moreover, we provide one-stop service for diagnostic development, therapeutic development, and disease model development. Enhanced preclinical services in pharmacokinetics and safety evaluation for drug candidates are also available.
Therapeutic Development Services
- Small Molecule Drug Development
- Cell Therapy Development
- Gene Therapy Development
- Therapeutic Peptide Development
- Therapeutic Protein Development
Animal Model Development Services for Type 2 Diabetes
For mechanistic inquiries, preclinical efficacy assessments, and safety evaluations, animal models offer crucial translational value for drug development. Our company specializes in creating tailored animal models that replicate human type 2 diabetes and its intricacies of iron metabolism dysregulation, to support your research project.
These models are created through genetic engineering or spontaneous mutations to induce certain characteristics that make the animal prone to insulin resistance or impaired glucose metabolism.
- db/db mouse model
- ob/ob mouse model
- Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) rat model
- And more
These models usually include surgical procedures such as partial pancreatectomy, which decreases the insulin-secreting beta cell mass, therefore inducing type 2 diabetes like symptoms.
- Partial pancreatectomy model
- Bariatric surgery model
- Renal denervation model
- And more
Animals are put on certain diets, usually high-fat and/or high-sucrose diets, for a long time to develop obesity, insulin resistance, and later on, type 2 diabetes phenotypes.
- High-fat diet (HFD)-induced model
- Energy-dense (ED) diet-induced model
- And more
In these models, type 2 diabetes is chemically induced by selectively destroying the beta cells of the pancreas, which impairs insulin secretion.
- Streptozocin (STZ)-induced model
- Alloxan-induced model
- And more
Pharmacokinetics and Drug Safety Evaluation Services
Collaborate with Protheragen to streamline processes in type 2 diabetes drug development and leverage valuable expertise from iron metabolism to expedite transformative therapy. Reach out to us today to explore your unique research requirements and learn how we can help you move from discovery to commercialization.
References
- Miao, Runyu et al. "Iron metabolism and ferroptosis in type 2 diabetes mellitus and complications: mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities." Cell death & disease 14.3 (2023): 186.
- Liu, Jingfang et al. "Iron metabolism and type 2 diabetes mellitus: A meta-analysis and systematic review." Journal of diabetes investigation 11.4 (2020): 946-955.