This paper showed that reducing vascular endothelial growth factor B (VEGFB) signalling improves type 2 diabetes by preventing the pathological deposition of lipids into tissues. Administration of a VEGFB-targeted antibody to diabetic mice enhanced glucose tolerance, improved β-cell function and ameliorated dyslipidaemia. In rats that were fed a high-fat diet, the antibody normalized insulin sensitivity and increased glucose uptake in skeletal muscle and the heart, suggesting that VEGFB antagonism — which targets the lipid-transporting properties of the endothelium — could be a novel therapeutic approach for type 2 diabetes.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH PAPER
Hagberg, C. E. et al. Targeting VEGF-B as a novel treatment for insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Nature 490, 426–430 (2012)
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Harrison, C. Targeting lipid transport in diabetes. Nat Rev Drug Discov 11, 908 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrd3901
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nrd3901