Asprosin and type 2 diabetes mellitus: a novel potential therapeutic implication

P Bhadel1, S Shrestha2,3, B Sapkota4

  • 1Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan Province, China.

Insights

Asprosin, a hormone linked to fasting, is elevated in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and impaired glucose regulation. Targeting asprosin may offer new therapeutic strategies for T2DM and obesity management.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology and Metabolism
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia, increasing risks of cardiovascular and microvascular complications.
  • Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) pathogenesis involves complex mechanisms, with ongoing research into novel therapeutic targets.
  • Asprosin, a hormone encoded by the FBN1 gene, is secreted by white adipose tissue during fasting.

Discussion:

  • Asprosin acts on the liver via cell membrane receptors, activating the G protein cAMP-PKA pathway.
  • Increased asprosin secretion during fasting serves as a compensatory mechanism for hypoglycemia.
  • Elevated asprosin concentrations are observed in patients with T2DM and impaired glucose regulation.

Key Insights:

  • Asprosin levels are significantly higher in individuals with T2DM compared to healthy controls.
  • Genetic deficiency in asprosin is associated with appetite issues and extreme leanness.
  • Asprosin represents a potential novel therapeutic target for T2DM and obesity.

Outlook:

  • Modulating asprosin activity or levels could lead to innovative treatments for diabetes management.
  • Further research into asprosin's role in metabolic disorders is warranted.
  • Asprosin may serve as a key biomarker and therapeutic target for future diabetes interventions.

Related Concept Videos

Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational01:22

Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational

Type 2 diabetes, characterized by insulin resistance, arises when the insulin receptors on cells lose responsiveness to insulin, diminishing the cell's capacity to take up glucose, resulting in elevated blood glucose levels. To receive a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes, a series of blood glucose tests are necessary to assess whether the blood glucose falls within normal parameters. If the result is out of the normal range, a patient may be diagnosed as prediabetic or diabetic, depending on the...
4.2K
Glucagon-like Receptor Agonists01:24

Glucagon-like Receptor Agonists

Incretins include glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), which stimulate insulin secretion post-meals. In type 2 diabetes, GIP's efficacy is reduced, making GLP-1 a viable drug target. GIP originates from preproGIP.
GLP-1, when administered in high doses intravenously, triggers insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon release, slows gastric emptying, reduces food intake, and restores normal insulin secretion. However, its rapid inactivation by...
761
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Biguanides and Glitazones01:26

Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Biguanides and Glitazones

Biguanides, particularly metformin (Glucophage), are insulin sensitizers that enhance glucose uptake, thereby reducing insulin resistance. Unlike sulfonylureas, metformin doesn't prompt insulin secretion, which helps to curb hypoglycemia risk. Metformin is beneficial in treating conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome due to its insulin-resistance reduction capability. The drug's primary action involves curtailing hepatic gluconeogenesis, a significant contributor to high blood...
534
Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype01:22

Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood glucose levels due to inadequate insulin production, insulin resistance, or both. The condition affects millions worldwide and can significantly impact their health and quality of life.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin, and individuals with...
4.7K
Diabetes: Management and Pharmacotherapy01:15

Diabetes: Management and Pharmacotherapy

The therapy for diabetes aims to alleviate hyperglycemia-related symptoms, prevent acute metabolic decompensation, and reduce chronic end-organ complications. Glycemic control is evaluated through short-term (self-monitoring, continuous glucose monitoring) and long-term (A1c, fructosamine) metrics, enabling near real-time tracking of blood glucose levels and reflecting glycemic control over specific time frames.
Insulin remains the cornerstone of treatment for most patients with type 1 and many...
787
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: α-Glucosidase Inhibitors01:19

Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: α-Glucosidase Inhibitors

α-glucosidase inhibitors, including acarbose (Precose), miglitol (Glyset), and voglibose (Voglib) (primarily available in Asia), are drugs that control blood sugar levels by delaying the digestion of starch and disaccharides. They achieve this by inhibiting α-glucosidase enzymes in the intestine, which slow the absorption of carbohydrates in the intestine, which in turn leads to a prolonged release of the glucoregulatory hormone GLP-1 from intestinal L-cells.
Acarbose and miglitol are...
471