Liver Inflammation Increases Cholesterol in Diabetes Patients

The answer lies within the connection between disrupted metabolic processes and the long term complications that arise from developing diabetes. Dr. Stephan Herzig, department chair of the Molecular Metabolic Control at TUM and his team are focusing on cytokine TNF-α, also known as tumor necrosis factor a. This inflammation-inducing gene has been associated with insulin resistance and autoimmune conditions. It has also involved with functions like cell proliferation, metabolism of lipids, and coagulation.

Since this gene instigates the formation of ROS (reactive oxygen species) in the liver which impedes the activation of vital proteins such as GA-binding protein and AMPK, how food is digested and transformed is negatively impacted. Consequently, too much cholesterol builds up and plaque starts clogging the arteries. According to Dr. Katharina Niopek, results from a previous study suggests that the liver plays a major role in the onset of vascular diseases in diabetic patients. Therefore as fatty liver occurs, so do a number of heart-related complications seemingly in spite of control of blood sugar levels.