Resveratrol.com

Canadian scientists at the University of Alberta have discovered Resveratrol can prevent metabolic syndrome – including diabetes and stomach fat - from developing later in life. 

Specifically, the scientists fed resveratrol to recently born mice who struggled to develop in their mother’s wombs. Amazingly, the resveratrol fed mice did not develop metabolic syndrome, including diabetes and excess fat around the stomach (Note: in an earlier study these same scientists demonstrated that mice who struggle to grow in utero often develop metabolic syndrome later in life).

The scientists theorized that resveratrol fed to recently born human children who struggled to develop in their mother’s wombs could help prevent metabolic syndrome later in life. 

Editor’s Note: Resveratrol has already been shown treat Type II diabetes in humans. These new findings indicate resveratrol might be able to prevent Type II diabetes altogether, if given within a certain “window” after birth. This result would be very welcome considering US obesity rates continue to explode. For instance, a recent study published in the medical journal The Lancet projected that a whopping 50% of men and 52% of women may be obese by 2030 (up from 32% and 35%, respectively, in 2008). If that projection holds true, Type II diabetes, along with cancer and heart disease would likely explode – further increasing the nation’s healthcare costs.   For its part, resveratrol also is a powerful anticancer agent and helps to prevent heart disease.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chinese scientists have discovered a mechanism of how resveratrol improves insulin sensitivity. Appearing in the Journal Metabolism, the scientists fed one group of mice a high fat diet and another group a high fat diet supplemented with resveratrol. This regimen lasted for 8 weeks. 

The mice fed a high fat diet only developed insulin resistance as well as intramuscular fat accumulation (two symptoms of type 2 diabetes). What’s more, SIRT1 activity was greatly decreased in these mice (SIRT1 activation is thought to be a main benefit resveratrol – see the “Life Extension” page of Resveratrol.com for more information). 

On the other hand, the mice fed the high fat diet with resveratrol were protected from reduced insulin sensitivity, intramuscular fat accumulation, and low SIRT1 levels. The resveratrol fed mice also experienced increased mitochondrial biogenesis – the process of mitochondria production in the cell (Mitochondria turnover is essential for healthy aging as mitochondria are particularly susceptible to damage. What’s more, increased mitochondria production helps to promote increased energy levels and the reduction of oxidative stress – i.e. free radicals). 

According to the study, “resveratrol ameliorates insulin sensitivity consistent with an improved balance between skeletal muscle lipid transportation and SS mitochondrial β-oxidation…”

A recent study conducted by scientists at Northwestern University concluded that resveratrol might be effective in treating or preventing type 1 diabetes. In the study resveratrol was fed orally or injected into non obese diabetic mice. The mice given resveratrol exhibited altered expression of inflammatory genes (whereas the control group not given resveratrol did not).  Specifically, the mice given resveratrol showed dramatic decrease in expression of the Ccr6 gene and the inhibition of CCR6-mediated migration of inflammatory cells.

According to the study’s authors, “…resveratrol may provide a powerful approach for treatment of type 1 diabetes and possibly of other inflammatory diseases”.

Findings presented at the meeting of the American Diabetes Association this month revealed that resveratrol supplementation can increase insulin sensitivity in both overweight and older adults. Reduced insulin sensitivity (i.e. insulin resistance) is a condition associated with Type II diabetes where insulin does not effectively lower blood glucose levels. Where glucose remains too high for an extended period of time, kidney, heart, and eye diseases may result (among others).

Editor’s Note: The results of this study are not surprising as Sirtris Pharmaceuticals also has demonstrated that resveratrol increases insulin sensitivity in humans. Might resveratrol supplementation be used to fight diabetes in the near future?