Study of the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in Insulin Resistance (IR), Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM2) and its associated diseases, such as Atherosclerosis

• Grant number: 24/11222-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Support Program for Fixating Young Doctors
• Start date: August 01, 2024
• End date: July 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Medical Clinics
• Agreement: CNPq
• Principal Investigator: Mario Jose Abdalla Saad
• Grantee: Tamires Marques Zanotto
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Médicas (FCM). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 24/01622-0 - Study of the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in Insulin Resistance (IR), Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM2) and its associated diseases, such as Atherosclerosis, AP.R

Abstract

Obesity is characterized by a chronic low-grade inflammation in body tissues, especially in adipose tissue, where there is an increase in the release of inflammatory mediators, capable of interfering with the insulin signaling pathway, impairing the intracellular transport of glucose and establishing the Insulin Resistance (IR), which can later evolve into Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, when the capacity of pancreatic cells to produce insulin does not overcome IR. DM2 and obesity are highly prevalent diseases, affecting around 9.45% of the world population, therefore presenting epidemic proportions worldwide. According to the WHO (World Health Organization), obesity has already affected more than 1 billion people, of all age groups, in the world in 2022, a number that will likely grow exponentially. The incidence of DM2 has increased, and estimates indicate that the number of people with diabetes could reach 592 million people in 2035, with a significant increase in South America, and its treatment imposes high medical and socioeconomic costs for the healthcare system. Furthermore, obesity leads to a predisposition to a series of other diseases, such as systemic arterial hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, dyslipidemia, cancer, non-fatty liver disease, among others. Considering the serious public health problem related to obesity and DM2 in Brazil, the objective of this project is to develop basic research, being part of a highly experienced and qualified research group in this area. In addition, innovative research will be conducted with international competitive standards for the development of new therapies, completing the translational process, based on the pathophysiology of DM2 and its associated diseases, such as atherosclerosis. (AU)