Time dependent evaluation of potential protein biomarkers in spontaneously diabetic mice

• Grant number: 13/03543-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: May 01, 2013
• End date: August 31, 2015
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Physiology - Physiology of Organs and Systems
• Principal Investigator: Dulce Elena Casarini
• Grantee: Isabela Bezerra Loyola
• Host Institution: Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus São Paulo. São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 10/51904-9 - Renin angiotensin and kallikrein kinin systems in hypertension, obesity, diabetes, desnutrition and sepsis: molecular, cellular and physiopathologic mechanisms, AP.TEM

Abstract

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is defined as a metabolic disorder with a complex origin, characterized by chronic hyperglycemia. It is a highly prevalent disease and it is considered a worldwide epidemic. Because of its complex origin and its various complications, it is of great importance to understand its progression in the development of new strategies for prevention and treatment. One of the methods that have been of enormous importance to such understanding is proteomics, a very promising field for the discovery of early biomarkers of various diseases. Biomarkers are substances that indicate normal or pathological biological states, which can be quantified and monitored. They are so great tools for the diagnosis and prognosis of various diseases, and may even aid in prevention. This study involves the serpin family proteins (alpha-1-antitrypsin), the vitamin D binding protein, and kininogen. Based on previous studies, these proteins have been involved in some way in the development of diabetes. This study aims to validate these proteins, which have the potential for susceptibility biomarkers and/or progression of diabetes in non-obese diabetic mice (NOD). We hope they may become useful in the early diagnosis of diabetes and its complications. (AU)