Canadian researchers have identified how vitamin K helps prevent diabetes, a finding that could lead to new therapeutic applications for a disease that affects one in 11 people worldwide and has no cure.
Several studies have previously suggested a link between a reduced intake of vitamin K and an increased risk of diabetes. However, the biological mechanisms by which vitamin K protects against diabetes remained a mystery until now.
The team from the Universite de Montreal (UdeM) found a potentially protective role of vitamin K and gamma-carboxylation in beta cells.
Vitamin K is a micronutrient known for its role in blood clotting, in particular in gamma-carboxylation -- an enzymatic reaction essential to the process.
The study, published in the journal Cell Reports, determined that the enzymes involved in gamma-carboxylation and therefore in the use of vitamin K were present in large quantities in pancreatic beta cells, the very cells that produce the precious insulin that controls blood sugar levels.
"Diabetes is known to be caused by a reduction in the number of beta cells or by their inability to produce enough insulin, hence our keen interest in this novel finding," said Mathieu Ferron, associate research professor of medicine at UdeM.
"We were able to identify a new gamma-carboxylated protein called ERGP," added Julie Lacombe, who conducted the work in Ferron's laboratory.
"Our study shows that this protein plays an important role in maintaining physiological levels of calcium in beta cells in order to prevent a disturbance of insulin secretion. Finally, we showed that vitamin K through gamma-carboxylation is essential for ERGP to perform its role."
This is the first time in 15 years that a novel vitamin K-dependent protein has been identified, opening a new field of research in this area.
Mindfulness is now being examined scientifically as it plays a key role to reduce stress and anxiety, improving attention and memory, and promoting self-regulation and empathy. It is known to improve one's overall well-being - physical and mental. Although mindfulness is an easy practice, one needs a guide and ways to get started with it.
Research has proven that mindfulness training reduces stress. With mindfulness-based therapy, it may be feasible to change the affective and cognitive processes that are at the root of a number of clinical disorders.
For those who are unsure of what CrossFit is, fitness experts at BarBend provide all the information you need, including how many calories it burns, what it entails, the advantages, and how you can perform it at home. A representative for BarBend said, "CrossFit is one of the most effective workouts to build muscle, burn fat, and tone your body, so it's no surprise to see that Kate Middleton is a huge fan.
It is important to note that eating junk or processed food should be strictly avoided as it can make you sick during your journey. The Rooted Co shares a list of seven healthy and energy-filled snacks you'd be fighting for right after the fight to shotgun the passenger seat.
When employed by experienced and skilled experts, music therapy is an evidence-based, efficient, and safe method of treatment that is used to treat people who require mental healthcare. Numerous emotional effects that music has on people have been demonstrated by studies. The following are some advantages of music therapy for general mental health.
Maintaining good health, supporting muscles, and aiding in blood sugar control all depend on regular exercise. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every week.
