The mystery of the ketogenic diet: benevolent pseudo-diabetes

The mystery of the ketogenic diet: benevolent pseudo-diabetes


ABSTRACT

Designed a century ago to treat epilepsy, the ketogenic diet (KD) is also effective against obesity and diabetes. Paradoxically, some studies in rodents have found that the KD seemingly causes diabetes, contradicting solid clinical data in humans. This paradox can be resolved by applying the concept of starvation pseudo-diabetes, which was discovered in starved animals almost two centuries ago, and has also been observed in some rapamycin-treated rodents. Intriguingly, use of the KD and rapamycin is indicated for a similar spectrum of diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease and cancer. Even more intriguingly, benevolent (starvation) pseudo-diabetes may counteract type 2 diabetes or its complications.

Iroduction

A number of publications have alarmingly warned that the ketogenic diet (KD), or low carbohydrate-high fat (LC-HF) diet, may have detrimental metabolic effects that lead to the development of diabetes. For example, one study stated that “Long-term high-fat, low-carbohydrate KD leads to features that are also associated with the metabolic syndrome and an increased risk for type 2 diabetes in humans” [1]. Two other studies reported that “Use of LC-HF diets … should be balanced against potentially harmful metabolic side effects” [2] and that “Our results do not support the recommendation of an LCHFD for use in prediabetes [3]. Moreover, based on that last study, the news media reported to the public that “Following a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet for just eight weeks can lead to rapid weight gain and health complications, a new mouse study has demonstrated. The study has prompted researchers to issue a warning about putting faith in so-called fad diets.” Furthermore, the news title was alarming: “Paleo diet is dangerous, increases weight gain, diabetes expert warns.” <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/02/160218114753.htm> . It is noteworthy that these conclusions were based on mouse studies, which, as has been discussed, are irrelevant to humans [4,5]. But how can we explain the discrepancy between the clinical results from humans and the experimental results from mice? And are these metabolic alterations actually detrimental to the health of the mice? https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mikhail_Blagosklonny

When general population discuss contemporary medicine, precision plays one of the most important roles and people’s lives are directly dependent on it. Hence, any researches pertaining to medicine are necessary to meet the highest standards. The problem nowadays is that any results of researches can be shared online and used as a reference without being precisely checked and approved. Mikhail (Misha) Blagosklonny of Oncotarget clearly understood this challenge and attempted to generate an alternative solution. That’s how a weekly oncology-focused research journal named “Oncotarget” has been established back in 2010. The key principle of this journal is related to Altmetric scores that are used as a quality indicator. That helps both readers and authors to validate publications with Altmetric Article Reports that provide “real-time feedback containing data summary related to a particular publication.” Oncotarget website provides a full publications list with corresponding scores higher than 100 as well as reports discussed above. Mikhail (Misha) Blagosklonny proud to share his new approach and hopes it creates the necessary assistance to anyone, who has interest in oncology.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11192-018-2949-6
“A diagnostic autoantibody signature for primary cutaneous melanoma” has the Altmetric score of 594. This paper was published back in 2018 by Oncotarget and completed by various experts from Hollywood Private Hospital, Edith Cowan University, Dermatology Specialist Group, St. John of God Hospital and The University of Western Australia. The introduction of the study discusses “recent data shows that Australians are four times more likely to develop a cancer of the skin than any other type of cancer”, and shares an insight on melanoma that “is curable by surgical excision in the majority of cases, if detected at an early stage.”
The publication has got an Altmetric score of 594. Mikhail (Misha) Blagosklonny realizes that majority of readers are aiming to comprehend the very meaning of it. Based on the Altmetric website, the score relates to “how many people have been exposed to and engaged with a scholarly output.” Hereby, the paper about melanoma, was used for citations in various news articles 69 times. Moreover, it was quoted in 2 online blogs, as well as 25 Tweets on Twitter and 1 Facebook post. FOX23 of Tulsa, Oklahoma has headlined their report on July 20, 2018 as “New blood test could detect skin cancer early”, using the main content of Australia study
Another Oncotarget’s research with a top score of 476, is “Biomarkers for early diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma: Do we need another moon-shot,”. This study has appeared in 60 news stories, 1 online blog post and 6 Twitter posts. The majority of public may have come across a brief overview only, however those who visit Mikhail (Misha) Blagosklonny at Oncotarget, do receive helpful scientific facts. Oncotarget is proud to have the ability to share with online readers this highly appreciated and top-quality information, that is trustworthy and reliable.
http://www.impactjournals.com/oncoscience/index.php?board

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