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According to a new study, which the journal Cell recently published, it seems that Vitamin D, or the enhanced activation of it by protecting the beta cells might represent a brand-ne approach to treating cancer, diabetes, and many other diseases. The beta cells are the cells found in the pancreas that produce, store and release the hormone called insulin. The problem is that when they no longer function, the body cannot produce any more insulin to regulate the blood sugar levels. Because of this, the glucose levels can become dangerously high, even fatal sometimes.
Research suggests that Vitamin D might be beneficial when it comes to treating and repairing these dysfunctional beta cells. Apart from this, with this study, the researchers provided new details about gene regulation. Also, about how this could be used to treat many other diseases, including cancer. According to Ronald Evans, who was part of this new study, it’s not a secret that an inflammation causes diabetes. The main idea is that this Vitamin D receptor can reverse both inflammation and ensure the survival of the beta cells.
Vitamin D might be able to treat diabetes, cancer, and other diseases
In order to reach this conclusion, the team of experts used embryonic stem cells and created beta cells. This was how they managed to identify the compound called iBRD9. This seemed to enhance the Vitamin D receptor activation but only when they combined it with Vitamin D. That improved the survival rate of the beta cells.
The team also conducted a screening test on a dish to look for certain compounds that could improve the beta cells’ survival. They then tested this combination on a mouse model and proved that it decreased the glucose levels back to normal. However, before clinical trials are greenlit, the team needs to conduct even more research to make sure that there are no side effects to this therapy.
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