Therapeutic Approaches for Preserving or Restoring Pancreatic beta-Cell Function and Mass.
10.4093/dmj.2014.38.6.426
- Author:
Kyong Yeun JUNG
1
;
Kyoung Min KIM
;
Soo LIM
Author Information
1. Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea. limsoo@snu.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
beta-Cell function;
beta-Cell mass;
Therapeutic agents
- MeSH:
Glucose;
Humans;
Insulin;
Obesity;
Pregnancy
- From:Diabetes & Metabolism Journal
2014;38(6):426-436
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
The goal for the treatment of patients with diabetes has today shifted from merely reducing glucose concentrations to preventing the natural decline in beta-cell function and delay the progression of disease. Pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction and decreased beta-cell mass are crucial in the development of diabetes. The beta-cell defects are the main pathogenesis in patients with type 1 diabetes and are associated with type 2 diabetes as the disease progresses. Recent studies suggest that human pancreatic beta-cells have a capacity for increased proliferation according to increased demands for insulin. In humans, beta-cell mass has been shown to increase in patients showing insulin-resistance states such as obesity or in pregnancy. This capacity might be useful for identifying new therapeutic strategies to reestablish a functional beta-cell mass. In this context, therapeutic approaches designed to increase beta-cell mass might prove a significant way to manage diabetes and prevent its progression. This review describes the various beta-cell defects that appear in patients with diabetes and outline the mechanisms of beta-cell failure. We also review common methods for assessing beta-cell function and mass and methodological limitations in vivo. Finally, we discuss the current therapeutic approaches to improve beta-cell function and increase beta-cell mass.
