It's not nice to try to fool Mother Nature
Last Updated Aug 2007
As we begin to understand the molecular biology of how genes are turned on and off,
the less beneficial drugs become. Our mechanisms of gene expression and the
nutrients to which they have been expressed for more than millions of years of
evolution work through a very tight coordination. This is especially true for
transcription factors in your cells. These transcription factors once bound to
their natural activating agents (i.e., nutrients) are activated to go into the DNA
and cause the expression of very specific proteins. One of these transcription
factors is call PPAR gamma. If activated, it causes the expression of specific
proteins that reduce insulin resistance. For years the drug companies have tried
to find compounds that can activate this transcription factor as well as its
natural activator, an eicosanoid known as deoxy-15-PGJ2. These new drugs called
thioglitazones generate billions of dollars each year. Unfortunately, they also
generate a lot of side effects. The first blockbuster drug was called Rezulin, and
it was taken off the market because it caused liver toxicity. The newest
blockbuster drug is called Avandia, and it was just recently found in a study to
increase heart attacks. In fact, it is estimated this drug has caused up to
100,000 heart attacks in diabetic patients who are taking it.
Bottom line: When it comes to activating gene transcription factors, stick it the
natural way that has no side effects. Once a bad drug meddles with your genes, the
side effects are very onerous. That's why it's not nice to try to fool Mother
Nature