title: Targeting beta-cell mass in type 2 diabetes: promise and limitations of new drugs based on incretins.
abstract: Progressive insulin secretory defects, due to either functional abnormalities of the pancreatic beta-cells or a reduction in beta-cell mass, are the cornerstone of type 2 diabetes. Incretin-based drugs hold the potential to improve glucose tolerance by immediate favorable effect on beta-cell physiology as well as by expanding or at least maintaining beta-cell mass, which may delay the progression of the disease. Long-term studies in humans are needed to elaborate on these effects.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, ML 0547, University of Cincinnati, Vontz Center for Molecular Studies, 3125 Eden Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267-0547, USA.
authors.forename: Marzieh
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Salehi
authors.forename: Benedikt A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Aulinger
authors.forename: David A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: D'Alessio
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D054795:Incretins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D050417:Insulin-Secreting Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D054795:Incretins