A study that could help in the early prevention of the development of metabolic disorders has been conducted by a group of scientists led by Dr Abdelilah Arredouani of the Diabetes Research Centre at the Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), a research institute of Hamad Bin Khalifa University, and Dr Mario Falchi of the Department of Twin Research at Kings
College in London.
The research study offers insight into the biological mechanisms behind metabolic differences and may have an impact in helping identify predictive markers of insulin resistance, diabetes, and obesity, making preventative care possible in Qatar and
beyond.
The research was recently featured in the prestigious journal Diabetes and concluded that individuals with low levels of a specific salivary protein, alpha-amylase, which is produced by the salivary glands and released in saliva, may cause the body’s energy production sources to switch from sugars to fatty acids.
Dr Arredouani, one of the authors of the paper, along with colleagues from England, Italy and France arranged the study by carefully selecting two groups of healthy women for the research project: one group of women with a low level of the salivary protein and one with a high level.
By using a technique called ‘metabolomics profiling,’ and advanced statistical analysis methods, the scientists used serum samples from the women to compare their metabolism and gain an instantaneous snapshot of the physiology of their whole body. Their research indicated a significant difference between the metabolic profiles of the two groups.
Dr Arredouani said that interestingly, the difference between the two groups studied seems to be due mainly to differences in the use of fatty acids. The results suggest that low levels of salivary alpha-amylase somehow reduces the uptake of glucose, the primary source of energy for the cells, and therefore the body shifts towards fatty acids usage to
derive energy.
“If confirmed in bigger studies, the outcome may have clinical importance. Thus, low salivary amylase individuals who chronically ingest starch, in the form of rice for example, as is the case in the Middle East region, should eventually be considered to be at-risk of developing metabolic disorders, and therefore preventive nutritional and behavioural counselling should be provided to them.”
Dr Omar El Agnaf, acting executive director of QBRI, added: “This QBRI-supported study furthers our aim to take an integrative and multidisciplinary approach in providing crucial insights into a key healthcare concerns in Qatar. By participating in collaborative studies like this one, we hope to continue to advance knowledge and champion the cause of fostering innovation in research.”