Grants 2013
The foundations large grant, 100 000 euros in total for two years, was awarded to M.D. Timo Ylikomi from the University of Tampere. Ylikomi’s research group has developed a fat cell model, through which insulin resistance may be studied. In total the Foundation awarded 400 000 euros to 20 researchers.
This year the Diabetes Research Foundation received 80 grant applications of which 55 were centered on type 2 diabetes research, 21 on type 1 diabetes research and 14 on gestational diabetes research. Six applications were focused on other types of diabetes. One application may focus on several types of diabetes.
Almost a third of the applications were sent by researchers working at the University of Helsinki. Researchers from the Kuopio unit of the University of Eastern Finland were the second largest group of applicants.
Since its establishment in 1976 the Foundation has awarded over five million Euros in grant funds. People part of the Foundations administration are not eligible to receive its grants.
The two-year grant, 50 000 euros/year
Ylikomi, Timo, M.D., the University of Tampere
Applying the fat cell model in the study of medicines that cause diabetes and excessive body weight
Fat tissue contains cells from three system organ classes: matured fat cells and their preliminaries, blood vessel cells as well as immune system cells. These three regulate one another’s activity.
Until now, researchers and pharmaceutical developers have not applied models based on human cells. The research group has developed a vascularized fat cell model, where blood vessels originating from adipose tissue have been connected to fat cells. Immune system cells originating from the same patient are added to the model. The model may be used to – either together or separately – study the individual as well as the combined effects of three system organ classes on the development and regulation of insulin resistance.
The research groups goal is to test the model using cells from healthy persons as well as insulin resistant patients. This cell model of human adipose tissue is needed to understand the biological processes connected to diabetes, and to develop diagnostics as well as medicines.
One-year grants, roughly 25 000 euros
Hannukainen, Jarna, D.Sc., the University of Turku, PET-centre, 25 000 euros
The role of physical exercise training in improving and restoring of internal organs’ metabolism in health and type 2 diabetes
The research clarifies the effects of exercise on the metabolism of internal organs in healthy persons and persons with type 2 diabetes. One of the goals is to indicate the advantages of exercise for persons with diabetes.
Exercise is a primary recommendation for the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes. Despite the significant role exercise plays in the treatment of diabetes, its effects are mainly known from a muscular aspect. Earlier results obtained by the research group indicate that exercise reduces the amount of fat in the liver, as well as the use of fatty acids in healthy young adults. Exercise has also been proven to further insulin producing pancreatic beta cell activity.
The goal is now to clarify how exercise affects the metabolism of internal organs, and what significance these possible changes may have on glucose and fat metabolism of the entire body of a person with diabetes. The research consists of PET, MRI and MRS studies performed on humans and rats.
The grant awarded to the research group headed by Hannukainen also includes the following personal grants: Motiani Kummil, MD, 5 month working grant, 10 000 euros, Toivanen Jussi, M.Sc., 3 month working grant, 6 000 euros
Honkanen, Jarno, D.sc., the National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, 25 000 euros
Th17-immunity and T-cell plasticity in the development of type 1 diabetes
T-helper cells manage immune response activity. For now, there is no research data regarding the significance of Th17-cells in the origin of type 1 diabetes. This research venture aims to clarify the significance of Th17-immunity in the development of type 1 diabetes. The research will be conducted by studying the development of Th17-immunity in children with a hereditary risk for type 1 diabetes, and a development of autoantibodies that signify beta cell destruction.
The research results may enable the development of new and improved methods to follow and prevent type 1 diabetes.
Laitinen, Kirsi, docent, D.Sc., the University of Turku, 25 000 euros
Regulating gestational diabetes through nutrition intervention
The research aims to clarify the combined effects of the bacteria and microbes (probiotics) that balance the intestinal flora and n-3 fatty acids (fish oil) on the health of a mother and her child. The innovative approach of this research is the combining of two active ingredients.
The research will involve overweight women who are in the early stages of their pregnancies. The research will produce information that can directly be put into practice regarding whether or not it is possible to affect the incidence of gestational diabetes among high-risk women through probiotic and fish oil supplements. By finding means to reduce the risk of gestational diabetes it is also possible to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. In addition to this, it is possible that the methods used in this research venture may reduce the amount of medication needed to treat gestational diabetes even in mothers who develop gestational diabetes in spite of nutrition intervention.
Lakka, Timo, M.D., professor, the University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, 25 000 euros
Physical Activity and Nutrition in Children (PANIC) Study
PANIC is a two-year physical activity and nutrition intervention study focused on exercise, nutrition, gestational period and infancy progress, physical health, body composition, metabolism, circulatory system activity, cognition and quality of life as well as genetic factors connected to them. The research involves 512 children between the ages of 6 and 8.
The research aims to discover new risk factors for obesity, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and circulatory system diseases, and study the possibility of whether or not these diseases can be prevented through intensified exercise and nutrition counseling.
A preliminary study was performed among the children, and they were divided into research and comparison groups in 2007-2009. The children and parents in the research group received intensified and individual exercise and nutrition counseling. The comparison group did not receive lifestyle counseling. Follow up studies involving 440 children were conducted over a two-year period. The research results help clarify the risk factors for type 2 diabetes as well as its causes, and also aids the prevention of type 2 diabetes.
Lindström, Jaana, D.Sc., docent, the National Institute for Health and Welfare, 25 000 euros
Glucose metabolism and cognition: Memory impairment prevention study (FINGER)
Diabetes and weakened glucose balance can impair thought and information processing (cognition), and cause memory disorders.
The research aims to clarify the connection between glucose metabolism and cognition by studying the different areas of cognition, such as memory, activity control and information processing speed. An area of special interest is whether or not the connection depends on a person’s other risk factors, such as weight index, diet or exercise.
The research is carried out as part of the Memory impairment prevention study (FINGER). The 60-77 year old participants run a greater risk of vascular diseases and memory disorders. The participants have previously taken part in population-based follow up studies (FINRISK, D2D).
The research will provide information regarding the significance of glucose metabolism on cognition. The information can be applied when assessing the long-term effects of diabetes and other, more moderate forms of glucose metabolism deviations, on cognition. It will also aid in recognizing who would have the most to gain from intensified diabetes screening and treatment measures.
Otonkoski, Timo, D.Med.Sc., the university of Helsinki, 25 000 euros
Activating STAT3 mutation as the cause of neonatal-onset autoimmune diabetes
The basis of the research venture is a child that was diagnosed with diabetes and strong beta cell autoimmunity directly after birth. The child has recently been found to inhabit a mutation of the STAT3 gene (as have two other similar patients). In other words, activation of the STAT3 signal path leads to diabetes and autoimmunity in newborns. This venture aims to understand these events through experimental research.
The research group’s hypothesis is that activation of the STAT3 gene causes pancreatic developmental failure and autoimmunity through various mechanisms. This theory will be explored using pluripotent stem cells (iPS) from patients, as well as a transgenic mouse model.
Saarma, Mart, professor, the University of Helsinki, 25 000 euros
MANF trophic factor as a potential novel therapeutic agent for type1 diabetes
Identifying the mechanisms that lead to the death of insulin producing beta cells may help to find new prevention methods of type 1 diabetes. MANF (Mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor) protects and restores nervous cells with a dopamine neurotransmitter in the animal model of Parkinson’s disease. In order to study the biological role of MANF, the research group has developed a knockout mouse model (MANF KO). Surprisingly, the MANF KO mouse developed severe diabetes soon after its birth, as a result of advancing beta cell mass reduction.
This research venture studies molecular-level mechanisms where MANF regulates beta cell survival and dissemination in the islet cells of normal knockout mice. In addition to this, the research group aims to develop a transgenic mouse model that can be used when studying whether or not excessive manifestation of MANF can prevent the development of diabetes in mice.
Tuomi, Tiinamaija, D.Med.Sc., docent, Folkhälsan Research Centre, 25 000 euros
FINNMODY – Monogenic diabetes in Finland
Rare forms of diabetes caused by flaws in a single gene are called MODY (Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young) or MIDD (Maternally Inherited Diabetes and Deafness). Because the majority of persons with diabetes are clinically classified as type 1 or type 2 diabetics, little is known about the frequency of monogenic diabetes. The main forms of monogenic diabetes are either weakened insulin response to glucose or a deviation in fetal pancreatic development. Some persons may also exhibit developmental disorders in other organs.
Even though a majority of people who have inherited the genetic flaw fall ill at some point, little is known about what affects the age of onset. Treatment studies have not been performed and patients have not been systematically overseen, so little is known about the development of complications. In order to answer these questions, the research group aims to gather all the information regarding Finnish MODY patients by combining various patient materials and records.
The research aims to: 1) clarify the frequency of the clinical picture of MODY or MIDD diabetes in Finland, and also to what extent the flaws in the most common MODY or MIDD genes explain the clinical picture, 2) clarify the phenotypical features and complication risks connected to various mutations, and based on this create a recommendation for the diagnostics, follow up and treatment of monogenic diabetes forms, 3) clarify the predictive value of various MODY mutation carriers on the development of diabetes, as well as clarify the contributors to weakened glucose tolerance.
Personal grants, roughly 5 000 – 10 000 euros
Eskelinen, Elina Mirjami, M.D., the University of Tampere, TAYS, 8 000 euros
Microvascular flaps as a treatment form for vast, chronic wounds on diabetes patient’s feet at TAYS during 2007-2012
Hakanen, Tiina, M.Sc., the University of Tampere, 10 000 euros
Early detection of risk factors of overweight and obesity among Finnish children
Heikkilä, Harri, MHSc, the University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, 10 000 euros
The effects of nutrition and physical activity on glucose metabolism (large population sample)
Honka, Henri, cand.med., the University of Turku, 6 400 euros
The effects of obesity and type 2 diabetes on pancreatic and intestinal metabolism and blood circulation studied through positron emission tomography (PET)
Hynynen, Riikka, PhD, the University of Helsinki, 9 600 euros
The role of lipid synthesis regulators in metabolic stress caused by food containing sugar
Järvelä, Elina, MHSc, the University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, 8 000 euros
The effects of ACT lifestyle interventions on eating behavior and the risk factors of type 2 diabetes in stressed obese persons of working age
Kolu, Päivi, MHSc, the University of Tampere, 10 000 euros
The cost-effectiveness of lifestyle guidance on gestational diabetes and health care costs
Lithovius, Raija, MSc, the University of Helsinki, 8 000 euros
A longitudinal study of utilization, costs and effectiveness of medication in patients with type 1 diabetes
Mokkala Kati, M.Sc., the University of Turku, 10 000 euros
Origins of diabetes: In vivo and in vitro studies linking diet with metabolic endotoxemia and low-grade systemic inflammation
Soronen, Jarkko, M.Sc., the University of Helsinki, the National Institute for Health and Welfare, 10 000 euros
Novel molecular players in the development of type 2 diabetes
Wasik, Anita, M.Sc., the University of Helsinki, the Haartman Institute, 10 000 Euros
Regulation of glucose transporters trafficking in glomerular epithelial cells