Researchers have found a few organic compounds that show promising results in combating diabetes and obesity1 .
A series of compounds called polyhydroquinoline were examined in several mice models. The compounds showed glucose lowering effects and significant lipid and triglyceride modulating activity.
The researchers worked with several in vitro diabetes models. Some of the compounds (called 3a-r) exhibited promising protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) inhibitory activity.
Protein tyrosine phosphatase-1B (PTP-1B) belongs to a class of enzymes known as protein tyrosine phophatases (PTPs). They play a very important role in cellular signalling within and between cells.
PTP1B antagonises insulin signalling and is a potential therapeutic target for insulin resistance associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes. The results indicate that inhibition of PTP-1B may be a viable approach for the treatment and prevention of obesity-associated insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
