Targeting elevated hepatic glucose production in type 2 diabetes (T2D) represents an attractive therapeutic approach. To investigate this, Axelsson et al. first analyzed liver gene expression in a diabetic mouse model, in combination with other genetic data, to identify a 50-gene liver disease signature. Interrogation of a library of 3800 drug signatures indicated that sulforaphane (SFN) — an isothiocyanate found in broccoli — may reverse this disease signature. In rats fed a high-fat or high-fructose diet, SFN prevented or reversed glucose intolerance. In obese patients with dysregulated T2D, concentrated broccoli extract improved fasting glucose and glycated haemoglobin without adverse effects.
References
Axelsson, A. et al. Sulforaphane reduces hepatic glucose production and improves glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes. Sci. Transl Med. 9, eaah4477 (2017)
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Crunkhorn, S. Broccoli extract lowers glucose levels. Nat Rev Drug Discov 16, 530 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrd.2017.143
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nrd.2017.143