Tuesday, 14 November 2023 14:55

Wool-derived protein may help diabetes management

Written by  Staff Reporters
A wool-derived protein could be the key to diabetes management, according to new research. A wool-derived protein could be the key to diabetes management, according to new research.

New research has provided insight into the functional potential of wool-derived protein, with an initial trial revealing it can influence how the body responds to insulin.

Professor David Rowlands from Massey University’s School of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition has been engaging in this research in collaboration with Professor George Dias and Professor Margreet Vissers from the University of Otago as part of a Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) Smart Ideas grant.

As part of the grant in 2015, Rowlands developed a hypothesis building on research and trials conducted by Dias.

Given the unique amino acid composition of keratin, Rowlands says he suspected it could be used to increase insulin sensitivity in people with diabetes.

“It was an out there idea, but we wanted to trial edible keratin protein derived from sheep’s wool which is particularly rich in cysteine, glycine and arginine which are important for insulin to function,” says Rowlands.

“As humans, we don’t have natural keratinase enzymes in our gastrointestinal tract, so we had to find a way to make the keratin digestible to unlock its potential.”

Before beginning the process, the wool is washed several times before undergoing a novel method using what is essentially a high-pressure microwave oven to break down the sulphur double bonds that tightly bind the keratin together. This unwinds the protein, allowing it to be reduced into smaller fragments and make it digestible.

To investigate the effects of the edible keratin protein, 35 participants with type 2 diabetes engaged in a 14-week trial. They consumed 17 grams of keratin blended with whey protein daily, via muffins and capsules, and took part in a standardised exercise programme.

The pilot clinical trial specifically focused on the peripheral tissues of the skeletal muscle, as those with type 2 diabetes often face challenges of being unable to respond effectively to insulin.

Rowlands says the combination of keratin supplementation and exercise across the 14-week period led to a substantial improvement in glucose delivery from the bloodstream into muscle tissues.

“Muscles are where most of the glucose ends up in the body, entering via the bloodstream through glucose transporters,” he explains. “Insulin facilitates glucose intake by increasing the number of glucose transporter proteins, GLUT4, in the cell membrane, allowing more glucose to enter.”

“Our results, measured from the participants’ muscle biopsies, demonstrated an improved GLUT4 response to insulin, enhanced insulin-stimulated microvascular blood flow and increased muscle sensitivity to insulin.”

Rowlands says the keratin protein contains high levels of cystine and glycine, two of the three precursors needed for production of the antioxidant glutathione.

“This antioxidant is vital for protecting cells from oxidative stress,” he adds.

“While further research is needed, our study indicated an increase in insulin-sensitive glutathione-system associated redox signalling. This suggests that over the course of the trial, there was a shift in the body’s redox environment balance, improving cellular response to insulin,” Rowlands says. “This helps with blood sugar control and may promote a healthier internal environment, with less stress on muscle tissues.”

While there is more work to come before the keratin protein can become a pantry staple, Rowlands says it could make a difference in the health of people with type 2 diabetes.

“With the keratin protein encouraging enhanced insulin sensitivity, it could improve blood sugar control, reducing the risk of hyperglycaemia, as well as improving energy regulation and production and potentially a reduced medication dependency for a better quality of life.

“As it currently stands, the wool-derived keratin protein is still a prototype food product, so we’re trying to improve it. We’re not quite there yet, but if we can continue driving it forward, there’s good potential,” Rowlands concludes.

More like this

Massey study tests impact of solar panels on grass growth

Many farmers have invested in solar energy for dairy sheds or houses, but little hard data exists on the viability of solar panels in open paddocks or the loss of drymatter this may cause. Massey University scientist Dr Sam Wilson is conducting research to get more information about this. Rural News reporter Peter Burke went to investigate.

From Nelson to Dairy Research: Amy Toughey’s Journey

Driven by a lifelong passion for animals, Amy Toughey's journey from juggling three jobs with full-time study to working on cutting-edge dairy research trials shows what happens when hard work meets opportunity - and she's only just getting started.

Featured

'One more push' to eliminate FE

Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is calling on farmers from all regions to take part in the final season of the Sheep Poo Study aiming to build a clearer picture of how facial eczema (FE) affects farms across New Zealand.

Winston Peters questions Fonterra divestment plan

Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has joined the debate around the proposed sale of Fonterra’s consumer and related businesses, demanding answers from the co-operative around its milk supply deal with the buyer, Lactalis.

National

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Quid prod quo?

OPINION: Ageing lefty Chris Trotter reckons that the decision to delay recognition of Palestinian statehood is more than just a fit…

Deadwood

OPINION: A mate of yours truly recently met someone at a BBQ who works at a big consulting firm who spent…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter