Beta cell apoptosis in diabetes.
Apoptosis of beta cells is a feature of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes as well as loss of islets after transplantation. In type 1 diabetes, beta cells are destroyed by immunological mechanisms. In type 2 diabetes abnormal levels of metabolic factors contribute to beta cell failure and subsequent apoptosis. Loss of beta cells after islet transplantation is due to many factors including the stress associated with islet isolation, primary graft non-function and allogeneic graft rejection. Irrespective of the exact mediators, highly conserved intracellular pathways of apoptosis are triggered. This review will outline the molecular mediators of beta cell apoptosis and the intracellular pathways activated.
Thomas
Helen E
HE
St. Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, 41 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia. hthomas@svi.edu.au
McKenzie
Mark D
MD
Angstetra
Eveline
E
Campbell
Peter D
PD
Kay
Thomas W
TW