Discovering Insulin - Lecture 15 PDF

discovering insulin - lecture 15 Created @December 10, 2024 10:09 PM Class drug discovery and disease 1. Introduction to the Topic Lecture Focus: The discovery of insulin and it...

discovering insulin - lecture 15 Created @December 10, 2024 10:09 PM Class drug discovery and disease 1. Introduction to the Topic Lecture Focus: The discovery of insulin and its connection to Aberdeen. Broader significance in drug discovery. Global Importance of Diabetes: Over 400 million people affected worldwide. 10% of NHS budget spent on diabetes in the UK. Types of Diabetes: Type 1: Lack of insulin production. Type 2: Body’s ineffective use of insulin. 2. Historical Context and Early Understanding Definition of Diabetes: Characterized by high blood sugar levels. Historically identified through the sweetness of urine. Role of Insulin: A hormone produced by beta cells in the pancreas. Acts as a "key" to help cells absorb glucose from the blood. Without Insulin: Glucose cannot enter cells, leading to high blood sugar and starvation at the cellular level. discovering insulin - lecture 15 1  3. Early Attempts at Treatment Initial remedies included ineffective methods like: Opiates (for pain management). Digestive enzymes (poorly targeted therapies). 4. The Discovery of Insulin Key Figures: John MacLeod: Aberdeen graduate and Professor of Physiology in Toronto. Frederick Banting: Canadian doctor who proposed the idea. Charles Best: Banting’s assistant. James Collip: Biochemist who refined the insulin extraction process. Timeline: 1920: Banting proposes tying off pancreatic ducts in dogs to isolate insulin-producing tissue. 1921: Early experiments succeed in reducing blood sugar in dogs. 1922: First human trial with Leonard Thompson, a 14-year-old diabetic patient, shows success. 5. Challenges in Development Experimental Hurdles: Inconsistent results in early extracts. Conflicts among researchers about methodology and credit. Breakthrough: James Collip’s biochemical expertise allowed for consistent insulin extraction. 6. Production and Global Impact discovering insulin - lecture 15 2  Commercialization: Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk began industrial-scale insulin production. Used pig pancreases to extract insulin initially. Effect on Patients: Transformed diabetes from a fatal disease to a manageable condition. Allowed patients to live full lifespans, a significant improvement from the pre-insulin era. 7. Legacy and Recognition Nobel Prize: Awarded in 1923 to Banting and MacLeod. Prize money shared among the team despite personal conflicts. Aberdeen Connection: MacLeod returned to Aberdeen as Regius Professor of Physiology. Memorials to MacLeod exist in Aberdeen, including a bronze bench in Duthie Park. 8. Modern Diabetes Treatments Insulin Administration: Requires injections; oral or inhaled insulin remains ineffective due to side effects. Advancements: Research on stem cell therapy to regenerate insulin-producing beta cells. Islet cell transplants provide temporary relief but are hindered by immune rejection. Ongoing Challenges: Diabetes management still poses a significant financial burden, costing the NHS over £10 billion annually. discovering insulin - lecture 15 3  9. Final Thoughts The discovery of insulin: A remarkable achievement completed within two years. Demonstrates rapid innovation under necessity. Continues to save millions of lives and influence medical science today. discovering insulin - lecture 15 4