New Study Finds Fish Oils Help Activate Anti-diabetic Genes

By Author: xaviersascha
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New research suggests that fish oils may activate the genes that regulate fat cell differentiation and glucose reactions.
The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry has published a study that suggests that supplementing a normal diet with fish oils (such as Barlean's Supplements) can help maintain glucose levels and regulate fat cells. In the long-term, this may be able to help people at risk for diabetes abate their chances of developing the disease.
The fish oil activates something called PPARy, which has been a target for many anti-diabetic drugs currently being tested. Though the study has not been replicated in human trials, the researchers are optimistic that the effects will be the same.
The study said, We demonstrated that adipogenic genes and glucose metabolism genes were elevated in PPARy transgenic mice when fed fish oil.
Researchers also added that the transgenic mouse model provided direct evidence to demonstrate regulated glucose homeostasis, which is a vital aspect in combating diabetes.
PPARy - peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor y - is a key factor in regulating fat cell differentiation. ...
... It also positively affects glucose homeostasis. Polyunsaturated fatty acids like fish oil have been known to encourage PPARy activity.
Humans with PPARy abnormalities are more likely to develop diabetes. Mice with PPARy problems were given fish oil supplements over the course of four months to determine whether it abated irregular PPARy activity. They found that the mice who took fish oil showed a significant decrease in body weight and fat pad weight. Blood tests showed the mice had no surplus fat accumulation in their muscles and had an overall reduced concentration of glucose.
The researchers say their findings lead them to believe that polyunsaturated fats like Barlean's Supplements' fish oil serve as natural regulators for glucose in the body. In other words, the fish oil helped the mice maintain normal levels of fat and glucose and lessened their chances of developing diabetes.

For more information about fish oil please visit www.barleans.com