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On the TRAIL of obesity and diabetes

Hanis H Harith1, Margaret J Morris, Mary M Kavurma

  • 1Centre for Vascular Research, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, 43400.

Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism: TEM
|August 17, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is linked to obesity and diabetes. This review explores TRAIL

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Metabolic diseases
  • Cancer biology

Background:

  • Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is known for inducing cancer cell apoptosis.
  • Emerging evidence suggests TRAIL also plays roles in metabolic disorders like obesity and diabetes.
  • Understanding TRAIL's function beyond cancer is crucial for metabolic health research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent findings on the association between TRAIL and obesity and diabetes.
  • To discuss the controversies and complexities of TRAIL signaling in these conditions.
  • To highlight the potential of TRAIL as a therapeutic target for metabolic diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of human and experimental studies.
  • Analysis of current research on TRAIL signaling pathways.
  • Discussion of conflicting data and unresolved questions regarding TRAIL function.

Main Results:

  • Growing evidence links TRAIL to the pathogenesis of obesity and diabetes.
  • TRAIL signaling pathways are implicated in metabolic dysregulation.
  • Controversies exist regarding TRAIL's precise role and mechanisms in metabolic diseases.

Conclusions:

  • TRAIL is increasingly recognized for its involvement in obesity and diabetes.
  • Further research into TRAIL mechanisms is needed to develop new therapeutic strategies.
  • Targeting TRAIL may offer novel approaches to combat the global obesity and diabetes pandemic.
Keywords:
TRAILapoptosisdiabetesnon-apoptotic signalingobesity

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