Lisofylline

Lisofylline (LSF) is a synthetic small molecule with novel anti-inflammatory properties. LSF can effectively prevent type 1 diabetes in preclinical models and improves the function and viability of isolated or transplanted pancreatic islets.

As well, LSF improves cellular mitochondrial function and blocks interleukin-12 (IL-12) signaling and STAT-4 activation in target cells and tissues. IL-12 and STAT 4 activation are important pathways linked to inflammation and autoimmune damage to insulin producing cells. Therefore, LSF and related analogs could provide a new therapeutic approach to prevent or reverse type 1 diabetes. LSF also directly reduces glucose-induced changes in human kidney cells suggesting that LSF and analogs have the potential to treat the complications associated with diabetes.

External links

* [http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/internet/news/archives03/diabetes-drug.cfm University of Virginia Research Announcement]
* [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12242464&dopt=Abstract National Institute of Health on Lisofylline]
* [http://dmd.aspetjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/24/11/1174 Metabolism of lisofylline in the human liver]