Insulin in diabetes prevention.
Insulin-dependent diabetes (IDD) is a chronic immune-endocrine disease in which there is a progressive destruction of insulin-secreting pancreatic beta cells, caused primarily by autoreactive T cells. Many islet cell proteins including insulin, glutamic acid decarboxylase, and tyrosine phosphatase antigens (IA-2) are targeted by the autoimmune responses in IDD patients. Since its discovery 75 years ago, insulin has been the major player in the clinical management of hyperglycaemia in these patients. The morbidity and mortality associated with IDD derives mainly from the complications of the disease. However, routine insulin injections seldom achieve a consistent, near-normal glucose level, where multiple daily doses of the hormone involve considerable restrictions to a normal lifestyle. In terms of economics, the management of diabetes is expensive, and in the USA diabetes alone accounts for one seventh of the healthcare budget. These clinical, lifestyle and economic issues emphasize the need to investigate alternative preventative measures in IDD treatment. Recent reports suggest a pivotal role for insulin in various aspects of the immune system. In this study, insulin and B-chain were used to modulate autoimmune responses in non-obese diabetic mice, findings which have therapeutic implications in man.
Ramiya
V K
VK
Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610-0275, USA.
Maclaren
N K
NK
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000818:Animals; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000097:blood; D001921:Brain / Q000201:enzymology; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005968:Glutamate Decarboxylase / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D007328:Insulin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D051379:Mice; D016688:Mice, Inbred NOD; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013552:Swine; D014481:United States
D001323:Autoantibodies; D007328:Insulin; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D005968:Glutamate Decarboxylase