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Investigational agents that protect pancreatic islet β-cells from failure

Authors :
Joseph Proietto
Kathryn Aston-Mourney
Sofianos Andrikopoulos
Source :
Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs. 14:1241-1250
Publication Year :
2005
Publisher :
Informa Healthcare, 2005.

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes is associated with insulin resistance and reduced insulin secretion, which results in hyperglycaemia. This can then lead to diabetic complications such as retinopathy, neuropathy, nephropathy and cardiovascular disease. Although insulin resistance may be present earlier in the progression of the disease, it is now generally accepted that it is the deterioration in insulin-secretory function that leads to hyperglycaemia. This reduction in insulin secretion in Type 2 diabetes is due to both islet beta-cell dysfunction and death. Therefore, interventions that maintain the normal function and protect the pancreatic islet beta-cells from death are crucial in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes so that plasma glucose levels may be maintained within the normal range. Recently, a number of compounds have been shown to protect beta-cells from failure. This review examines the evidence that the existing therapies for Type 2 diabetes that were developed to lower plasma glucose (metformin) or improve insulin sensitivity (thiazolidinediones) may also have islet-protective function. Newer emerging therapeutic agents that are designed to increase the levels of glucagon-like peptide-1 not only stimulate insulin secretion but also appear to increase islet beta-cell mass. Evidence will also be presented that the future of drug therapy designed to prevent beta-cell failure should target the formation of advanced glycation end products and alleviate oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress.

Details

ISSN :
17447658 and 13543784
Volume :
14
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....64cd15b42556d6a35dc183a35c2ba364
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1517/13543784.14.10.1241