The University of Les Illes Balears (UIB) and the Llàtzer hospital yesterday presented a patent based on the use of phytate, an organic acid that contains phosphorus and that is present in vegetables, especially in seeds and fiber, to prevent developmentof diabetes -related diseases.
In the case of diabetic patients, the development of these pathologies is related to the formation of Advanced Glycation Final Products (AGE), the researchers explained yesterday.
These compounds are the result of a process known as non -enzymatic protein glycation, which leads to structural and functional deterioration of molecules, which can involve the development of pathologies such as neuropathy, nephropathy, arterosclerosis, vascular calcification and diseases and diseasesneurodegenerative such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
The Research Laboratory in renal lithiasis and biomineralization of the UIB and the Son LLàtzer hospital have launched this patent based on the action of phytate or phytic acid as an AGE formation inhibitor.The phytate, they explained, is a phosphorated compound of natural origin present in numerous foods, mainly in legumes, whole grains and nuts.
In the presentation of this new patent, the rector of the UIB, Llorenç Huget;the director of the Research Laboratory in Renal Lithiasis and Biomineralization and Director of the University Institute for Research in Health Sciences, Fèlix Grasses, and the head of the Hospital Endocrinology and Nutrition Service Son Llàtzer, Lluís Masmiquel.
The Rector, Dr. Grasses and the researchers showed their satisfaction with the joint work of university researchers and public hospitals, which can be enhanced with the creation of the new Balearic Islands Faculty.
In previous works, the UIB researchers had already identified the phytate as a compound that exerts an effect of prevention of calcium renal calculations, the pathological calcifications of soft tissues and also of osteoporosis.
Patented its therapeutic use
They have now confirmed that phytate, accompanied by another natural compound how pyridoxamine is, a vitamin B6, acts as an AGE formation inhibitor, and have patented their therapeutic use for the treatment of diseases that appear as a result ofAGE formation.
