A protein that may predict diabetes and the likelihood of dying from cancer has been discovered by scientists. Researchers found people with high levels of the protein prostasin were 76 per cent more likely to get diabetes and 43 per cent more likely die from cancer, and more likely to die from all other causes.
The study, published in the journal Diabetologia, unveils an important link between the diseases. It suggests people with elevated prostasin – a protein regulating blood pressure, blood volume and sodium balance – and blood sugar levels are significantly more likely to die from cancer.
Co-lead author of the 24-year study that looked at 4,500 people, Professor Gunnar Engström from Lund University, said: "This is the most comprehensive analysis of its kind to date and sheds new light on the biological connection between diabetes and cancer, Prostasin may be just an indicator that disease might occur, or could be causally relevant, which is exciting because it raises the possibility of targeting this protein with future treatments for both diabetes and cancer."
