April - 1 - 2008
British researchers have discovered that a natural component of grape skins could prevent cellular damage leading to heart disease, retinopathy, and nephropathy in people with diabetes. Resveratrol, found in grape skins, peanuts, and red wine, has been detected by researchers at the Peninsula Medical School as a compound that assists cells in preventing electron leaks. These leaks cause the circulation of free radicals, hazardous by-products of mitochondrial damage, that are linked to increased glucose levels in patients with diabetes. The circulation of free radicals results in conditions leading to heart disease, retinopathy, and nephropathy. Resveratrol's role in preventing free-radical production consists of promoting the cellular enzyme production that prevents electron leakage. Dr. Matt Whiteman, Peninsula Medical School Principal Investigator and Senior Lecturer at the Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Science, said: "Resveratrol or related compounds could be used to block the damaging effects of glucose, which in turn might fight the often life-threatening complications that accompany diabetes." The research is published in the journal Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism. FROM ADA NEWSLETTER