Healthy Fat Stems Cells Protect Against Diabetes

19 Sep 2016 --- Fat stem cells in healthy obese individuals can store fat more efficiently than those with increased risk of diabetes, according to a study from the University of Bristol and Anti-Doping Laboratory Qatar (ADLQ).

The study, funded by Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF), explains why some obese people are protected from common diseases associated with obesity, and the researchers hope to use the data to treat obesity-associated diabetes in the future.

The study found that obese people whose bodies’ efficiently store fat, are protected against fat deposition on internal organs such as liver, kidneys and heart, therefore reducing the risk of developing diabetes and other diseases.

The researchers say that understanding the underlying protective mechanisms in the lower risk individuals could help design novel therapeutic strategies targeting those at higher risk of disease.

Dr Wael Kafienah, from the University of Bristol’s School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, explained: “The existence of obese individuals with lower risk of diabetes has received great interest in the past few years, as they may hold the clue to understanding and possibly treating obesity-associated diabetes.”

“Our clinical data confirmed the previously-reported variability in obesity-associated pathology. Here, we have shown that the group with healthy fat stem cells had lower cholesterol and a better liver function.”

Dr Mohamed Elrayess, from ADLQ, said: “In this study we have shown that the impaired ability of fat stem cells to store excess fat was partially due to increased levels of the inflammatory marker interleukin-6 in the blood.”

“Indeed, when fat stem cells isolated from healthy obese individuals were exposed to interleukin-6 in the laboratory, they behaved like those obtained from individuals with risk of diabetes.” 

The researchers claim the study has shed light for the first time on the importance of fat stem cells in the context of diabetes. The collaboration between the two institutions will explore ways to improve the efficiency of fat stem cells in pre-diabetic obese patients, thereby reducing their risk of developing diabetes.