Pancreas-Brain Crosstalk

The neural regulation of glucose homeostasis in normal and challenged conditions involves the modulation of pancreatic islet-cell function. Compromising the pancreas innervation causes islet autoimmunity in type 1 diabetes and islet cell dysfunction in type 2 diabetes. However, despite the richly innervated nature of the pancreas, islet innervation remains ill-defined. Here, we review the neuroanatomical and humoral basis of the cross-talk between the endocrine pancreas and autonomic and sensory neurons. Identifying the neurocircuitry and neurochemistry of the neuro-insular network would provide clues to neuromodulation-based approaches for the prevention and treatment of diabetes and obesity.

What Is New with Total Pancreatectomy and Autologous Islet Cell Transplantation? Review of Current Progress in the Field

Patients with chronic pancreatitis have benefited from total pancreatectomy and autologous islet cell transplantation (TPAIT) since the 1970s. Over the past few decades, improvements have been made in surgical technique and perioperative management that have led to improved success of islet cell function, insulin independence and patient survival. This article focuses on recent updates and advances for the TPAIT procedure that continue to expand and innovate the impact on patients with debilitating disease.

Effect of Glucose Metabolism-Associated Protein-1 on Exendin-4-Treated Pancreatic Islet Cell Function

Exendin-4 regulates blood sugar. Glucose metabolism-associated protein-1 (GMRP-1) regulates islet cell function. Therefore, this paper intends to analyze the effect of GMRP-1 on Exendin-4treated islet cells. The islet cell MIN6 cells were separated into control group, Exendin-4 group, GMRP-1 overexpressing+ Exendin-4 group, and GMRP-1 siRNA+ Exendin-4 group followed by analysis of the expression of GMRP-1 by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot, cell proliferation by MTT, cell apoptosis by flow cytometry, Bcl-2, Bax, Fas and Fas-L expression by real-time PCR, as well as caspase-3 activity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Exendin-4 and GMRP-1 overexpression+ Exendin-4 significantly increased GMRP-1 expression and promoted cell proliferation, decreased apoptotic rate and Caspase-3 activity, increased Bcl-2 and Fas-L expression, reduced Fas and Bax expression, as well as decreased ROS generation and increased SOD activity (P < 0 05), and the changes in GMRP-1 overexpression+ Exendin-4 group was more significant (P < 0 01). However, GMRP-1 siRNA+ Exendin-4 group significantly down-regulated GMRP-1 expression, decreased MIN6 cell prolifer- ation, increased cell apoptosis and Caspase-3 activity, decreased Bcl-2 and Fas-L expression, elevated Fas and Bax expression, increased ROS content and decreased SOD activity compared to control group and Exendin-4 group (P < 0 05). Up-regulation of GMRP-1 expression promoted Exendin-4-induced proliferation and inhibited apoptosis of islet cells. Down-regulation of GMRP-1 expression reversed Exendin-4's effect on islet cells.

Alterations in pancreatic islet cell function in response to small bowel resection

Metabolic changes occur following intestinal resection; however, the effects on pancreatic function are unknown. Prior studies have demonstrated that glucagon-like protein-1 (GLP-1) signaling is a crucial player in the improved insulin sensitivity after bariatric surgery. In this study, we explore the effect of massive small bowel resection on gut hormone physiology and provide novel insights into the enteropancreatic axis.

IgGs from patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and diabetes target CaVα2δ1 subunits impairing islet cell function and survival

Patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) often show hallmarks of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the causal link between ALS and T2DM has remained a mystery. We now demonstrate that 60% of ALS patients with T2DM (ALS-T2DM) have sera that exaggerated K+-induced increases in cytosolic free Ca2+concentration ([Ca2+]i) in mouse islet cells. The effect was attributed to the presence of pathogenic immunoglobulin Gs (IgGs) in ALS-T2DM sera. The pathogenic IgGs immunocaptured the voltage-dependent Ca2+(CaV) channel subunit CaVα2δ1 in the plasma membrane enhancing CaV1 channel-mediated Ca2+influx and [Ca2+]i, resulting in impaired mitochondrial function. Consequently, impairments in [Ca2+]idynamics, insulin secretion, and cell viability occurred. These data reveal that patients with ALS-T2DM carry cytotoxic ALS-T2DM-IgG autoantibodies that serve as a causal link between ALS and T2DM by immunoattacking CaVα2δ1 subunits. Our findings may lay the foundation for a pharmacological treatment strategy for patients suffering from a combination of these diseases.