Ractopamine residues in meat might reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes

Abstract

Background: The overall prevalence of diabetes in the world has risen substantially in the past several decades, so have complications and mortalities associated with it. Aim: Prevention strategies for diabetes thus become an urgent public health need for reducing the burden of diabetes. Methods: Ractopamine, a β1/2-adrenergic receptor agonist, has been approved for use in finishing swine, cattle, and turkey in countries where meat exporting brings tremendous economic benefits. This leanness enhancer is recently found to be a full agonist at trace amine-associated receptor 1 also. A thorough literature review was performed to assess possible effects of ractopamine on glucose metabolism. Results: Activating β-adrenoceptor could lead to glucose-lowering effects independent of insulin while activation on trace amine-associated receptor 1 induces an incretin-like signaling on insulin-secreting pancreatic β-cells. Conclusion: Accordingly, it is hypothesized that long-term consuming meat containing ractopamine might lower the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Feeding Ractopamine Improves the Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of the Lard-Type Mangalica Pig

“…Despite such concerns, research has indicated that when used in compliance with established guidelines, pork from ractopamine-treated pigs is safe for consumers [4,20]. Indeed, recent literature suggests that consuming meat from ractopamine-treated animals might confer positive health benefits [44,45]. Furthermore, the use of clear and transparent labeling indicating whether pork products are derived from animals raised with ractopamine can, by an effective marketing strategy that drives consumer trust, help to overcome potential negative perceptions within niche markets [46].…”

Trace Amine-Associated Receptors and Monoamine-Mediated Regulation of Insulin Secretion in Pancreatic Islets

“…TAAR1 expression was detected in the stomach and intestinal neuroendocrine cells, and in pancreatic β-cells which could impact insulin production and systemic function of the endocrine pancreas [122,133]. It was suggested that TAAR1 activation in β-cells by ractopamine can stimulate GSIS [134]. Also, it was demonstrated that the acute TAAR1 activation in vivo by the selective small molecule agonist RO5166017 stimulates insulin secretion, but in sub-chronic treatment by supplying RO5166017 with food for 7 days improves insulin sensitivity and reduces insulin plasma levels in mice [122].…”