The cytoprotective actions of long-chain mono-unsaturated fatty acids in pancreatic beta-cells.
Chronic exposure of pancreatic beta-cells to long-chain fatty acids can cause loss of secretory function and enhanced apoptosis by a process of 'lipotoxicity', which may be a contributory factor to the rising incidence of Type 2 diabetes in humans. However, when incubated in vitro, beta-cells respond differentially to long-chain saturated and mono-unsaturated fatty acids, suggesting that these molecules may regulate cell functionality by different mechanisms. In particular, it is clear that, whereas saturated fatty acids [e.g. palmitate (C16:0)] exert detrimental effects on beta-cells, the equivalent mono-unsaturated species [e.g. palmitoleate (C16:1)] are well tolerated. Indeed, mono-unsaturated species are potently cytoprotective. The present review explores the differential effects of these various fatty acids on beta-cell viability and considers the possible mechanisms involved in cytoprotection by mono-unsaturates.
Morgan
Noel G
NG
Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Science, Peninsula Medical School, Plymouth PL6 8BU, UK. noel.morgan@pms.ac.uk
Dhayal
Shalinee
S
Diakogiannaki
Eleftheria
E
Welters
Hannah J
HJ
D000818:Animals; D002470:Cell Survival; D019610:Cytoprotection; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D050417:Insulin-Secreting Cells / Q000378:metabolism*
D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated