A featured periodic article by Dr. Barry Sears
It's not nice to try to fool Mother Nature
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
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