In their study published in the American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism in May 2013, Weksler-Zangen et al. investigate the effects of dietary copper supplementation on β-cell function in Cohen diabetic rats. They explore the potential link between mitochondrial function and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion.
The researchers used Cohen diabetic rats, a model of impaired glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, to study the impact of copper supplementation on β-cell function. They supplemented the rats' diet with copper and assessed its effects on mitochondrial function and insulin secretion in response to glucose.
The results of the study indicated that dietary copper supplementation improved β-cell function in the Cohen diabetic rats. It was observed that copper supplementation positively influenced mitochondrial function, and this enhancement in mitochondrial activity was associated with improved glucose-stimulated insulin secretion.
The findings suggested that copper plays a crucial role in promoting β-cell function by positively affecting mitochondrial function and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. This study provides valuable insights into the potential therapeutic implications of copper supplementation in enhancing insulin secretion and may have implications for diabetes management.
Overall, the research by Weksler-Zangen et al. highlights the link between dietary copper, mitochondrial function, and β-cell function, providing a basis for further investigations into the role of copper in glucose metabolism and its potential as a target for diabetes treatments.