Study: insulin resistance increases the risk of intestinal cancer

German metabolic researchers deciphered recently of the connection between insulin resistance and colon cancer, and stated this is also why Obesity can cause cancer. During their study, the Team discovered a previously unknown effect of Insulin. Apparently, the insulin signaling pathways in the intestinal mucosa for the maintenance of the intestinal barrier responsible. Insulin is a natural protective function against colorectal cancer.

Researchers from the Max-Planck-Institute for metabolism research identified a new function of Insulin to the intestine. The Team was able to prove that the insulin signaling pathway in the intestinal epithelium, the outermost cell layer in the gut, which ensures to maintain a barrier-attitude of the Bowel. This intestinal barrier protects the intestines mainly from the Infiltration of inflammatory bacteria, promote intestinal cancer. The results of the study were recently presented in the prestigious scientific journal “Nature metabolism”.

Our gut protects itself like Velcro from intruders

As the research team reports that Insulin is important to maintain the natural protective function of the intestine against pathogens is maintained. Because Insulin activates certain genes in the intestinal mucosa, which are important for the formation of so-called Desmosomes responsible. These cell structures link the cells of the outer intestine layer, such as a Velcro fastener, thus ensuring that no pathogens are able to penetrate.

Why the intestinal mucosa is so important

“Through the intestinal mucosa be not only nutrients, but also pathogens and germs get on the food in the intestine,” write the researchers. Therefore, the outermost cell layer of the intestinal mucosa acting skin as a barrier to prevent the Penetration of pathogens. The cells of the intestinal epithelium are connected by using the Desmosomes so tightly that no germs can penetrate.

Insulin resistance makes the gut leaky

This intestine is destroyed a barrier, pathogen free and can cause strong inflammation, which promote the development of colon cancer. “In obese mice, we can observe the so-called ‘leaky gut’,” says Anna Lena Ostermann from the research team in a press release of the study results. Mice with damaged intestinal barrier developed more colon cancer than their thinner counterparts, so the PhD student.

Therefore, being Overweight can lead to colon cancer

“Being overweight promotes the development of insulin resistance and the incidence of developing colon cancer,” warns the Max-Planck-research team. The reason for this is A consequence of Obesity and insulin resistance. Resistance, can no longer respond to the insulin receptors to Insulin. Also, the intestinal epithelium have these insulin receptors. If these intestinal receptors, the Insulin respond, be formed as a result of no protective Desmosomes, and the intestinal mucosa is permeable to germs.

Insulin has a broader function than previously

“The hormone Insulin secreted by the pancreas, if in a result of food intake, the blood sugar rises to signal the cells of these include,” explain the Max-Planck-research the already known function of insulin. But why Insulin does not affect skin on the intestinal mucosa, although this is for food intake great relevant?

“Without the insulin signaling pathway, the body can not live, because the cells can absorb sugar for energy production is necessary,” says head of research Thomas Wunderlich. Likewise, it should be a barrier to the maintenance of the Intestine is essential for survival. Wunderlich assumed, therefore, that these two vital processes to the same Insulin-signaling pathway linked. (vb)