Leptin modulates β cell expression of IL-1 receptor antagonist and release of IL-1β in human islets

High concentrations of glucose induce β cell production of IL-1β, leading to impaired β cell function and apoptosis in human pancreatic islets. IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) is a naturally occurring antagonist of IL-1β and protects cultured human islets from glucotoxicity. Therefore, the balance of IL-1β and IL-1Ra may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of diabetes. In the present study, we observed expression of IL-1Ra in human pancreatic β cells of nondiabetic individuals, which was decreased in tissue sections of type 2 diabetic patients.In vitro, chronic exposure of human islets to leptin, a hormone secreted by adipocytes, decreased β cell production of IL-1Ra and induced IL-1β release from the islet preparation, leading to impaired β cell function, caspase-3 activation, and apoptosis. Exogenous addition of IL-1Ra protected cultured human islets from the deleterious effects of leptin. Antagonizing IL-1Ra by introduction of small interfering RNA to IL-1Ra into human islets led to caspase-3 activation, DNA fragmentation, and impaired β cell function. Moreover, siIL-1Ra enhanced glucose-induced β cell apoptosis. These findings demonstrate expression of IL-1Ra in the human β cell, providing localized protection against leptin- and glucose-induced islet IL-1β.