Recent advances in the molecular genetics of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM) is a complex disease in which both genetic and environmental factors interact in determining impaired β-cell insulin secretion and peripheral insulin resistance. Insulin resistance in muscle, liver and fat is a prominent feature of most patients with T2DM and obesity, resulting in a reduced response of these tissues to insulin. Considerable evidence has been accumulated to indicate that heredity is a major determinant of insulin resistance and T2DM. It is believed that, among individuals destined to develop T2DM, hyperinsulinemia is the mechanism by which the pancreatic β-cell initially compensates for deteriorating peripheral insulin sensitivity, thus ensuring normal glucose tolerance. Most of these people will develop T2DM when β-cells fail to compensate. Despite the progress achieved in this field in recent years, the genetic causes of insulin resistance and T2DM remain elusive.Candidate gene association, linkage and genome-wide association studies have highlighted the role of genetic factors in the development of T2DM. Using these strategies, a large number of variants have been identified in many of these genes, most of which may influence both hepatic and peripheral insulin resistance, adipogenesis and β-cell mass and function. Recently, a new gene has been identified by our research group, the HMGA1 gene, whose loss of function can greatly raise the risk of developing T2DM in humans and mice. Functional genetic variants of the HMGA1 gene have been associated with insulin resistance syndromes among white Europeans, Chinese individuals and Americans of Hispanic ancestry. These findings may represent new ways to improve or even prevent T2DM.     

Positive evidence for vitamin A role in prevention of type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes mellitus(T1DM) as one of the most well-known autoimmune disease, results from the destruction of β-cells in pancreas by autoimmune process. T1 DM is fatal without insulin treatment. The expansion of alternative treatment to insulin is a dream to be fulfilled. Currently autoimmunity is considered as main factor in development of T1 DM. So manipulation of the immune system can be considered as alternative treatment to insulin. For the past decades, vitamin A has been implicated as an essential dietary micronutrient in regulator of immune function. Despite major advantage in the knowledge of vitamin A biology, patients who present T1 DM are at risk for deficiency in vitamin A and carotenoids. Applying such evidences, vitamin A treatment may be the key approach in preventing T1 DM.     

Type 2 diabetes mellitus: From a metabolic disorder to an inflammatory condition

Diabetes mellitus is increasing at an alarming rate and has become a global challenge.Insulin resistance intarget tissues and a relative deficiency of insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells are the major features of type 2 diabetes(T2D).Chronic low-grade inflammation in T2 D has given an impetus to the field of immuno-metabolism linking inflammation to insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction.Many factors advocate a causal link between metabolic stress and inflammation.Numerous cellular factors trigger inflammatory signalling cascades,and as a result T2 D is at the moment considered an inflammatory disorder triggered by disordered metabolism.Cellular mechanisms like activation of Tolllike receptors,Endoplasmic Reticulum stress,and inflammasome activation are related to the nutrient excess linking pathogenesis and progression of T2 D with inflammation.This paper aims to systematically review the metabolic profile and role of various inflammatory pathways in T2 D by capturing relevant evidence from various sources.The perspectives include suggestions for the development of therapies involving the shift from metabolic stress to homeostasis that would favour insulin sensitivity and survival of pancreatic β-cells in T2 D.     

β-cell dysfunction: Its critical role in prevention and management of type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes(T2DM) is characterized by insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction. Although, in contrast to type 1 diabetes, insulin resistance is assumed to be a major pathophysiological feature of T2 DM, T2 DM never develops unless β-cells fail to compensate insulin resistance. Recent studies have revealed that a deficit of β-cell functional mass is an essential component of the pathophysiology of T2 DM, implying that β-cell deficit is a common feature of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. β-cell dysfunction is present at the diagnosis of T2 DM and progressively worsens with disease duration. β-cell dysfunction is associated with worseningof glycemic control and treatment failure; thus, it is important to preserve or recover β-cell functional mass in the management of T2 DM. Since β-cell regenerative capacity appears somewhat limited in humans, reducing β-cell workload appears to be the most effective way to preserve β-cell functional mass to date, underpinning the importance of lifestyle modification and weight loss for the treatment and prevention of T2 DM. This review summarizes the current knowledge on β-cell functional mass in T2 DM and discusses the treatment strategy for T2 DM.     

Transdifferentiation of pancreatic α-cells into insulinsecreting cells: From experimental models to underlying mechanisms

Pancreatic insulin-secreting β-cells are essential regulators of glucose metabolism. New strategies are cur-rently being investigated to create insulin-producing β cells to replace deficient β cells, including the differentiation of either stem or progenitor cells, and the newly uncovered transdifferentiation of mature non-β islet cell types. However, in order to correctly drive any cell to adopt a new β-cell fate, a better understanding of the in vivo mechanisms involved in the plasticity and biology of islet cells is urgently required. Here, we review the recent studies reporting the phenomenon of transdifferentiation of α cells into β cells by focusing on the major candidates and contexts revealed to be involved in adult β-cell regeneration through this process. The possible underlying mechanisms of transdifferentiation and the interactions between several key factors involved in the process are also addressed. We propose that it is of importance to further study the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying α- to β-cell transdifferentiation, in order to make β-cell regeneration from α cells a relevant and realizable strategy for developing cell-replacement therapy.     

Age related changes in pancreatic beta cells: A putativeextra-cerebral site of Alzheimer’s pathology

Frequent concomitant manifestation of type 2 diabetesmellitus (T2DM) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) hasbeen recently demonstrated by epidemiological studies.This might be due to functional similarities between β-cells and neurons, such as secretion on demand ofhighly specific molecules in a tightly controlled fashion.An additional similarity represents the age-relatedalteration of hyperphosphorylated tau in AD patients.Similarly, alterations have been identified in β-cells of T2DM patients. The islet amyloid polypeptide has beenassociated with β-cell apoptosis. As a consequence ofincreasing age, the accumulation of highly modified proteins together with decreased regenerative potentialmight lead to increasing rates of apoptosis. Moreover, reduction of β-cell replication capabilities results in reduction of β-cell mass in mammals, simultaneously withimpaired glucose tolerance. The new challenge is tolearn much more about age-related protein modifications. This can lead to new treatment strategies forreducing the incidence of T2DM and AD.     

B7-H4 as a protective shield for pancreatic islet beta cells

Auto- and alloreactive T cells are major culprits that damage β-cells in type 1 diabetes(T1D) and islet transplantation. Current immunosuppressive drugs can alleviate immune-mediated attacks on islets. T cell co-stimulation blockade has shown great promise in autoimmunity and transplantation as it solely targets activated T cells, and therefore avoids toxicity of current immunosuppressive drugs. An attractive approach is offered by the newly-identified negative T cell cosignaling molecule B7-H4 which is expressed in normal human islets, and its expression co-localizes with insulin. A concomitant decrease in B7-H4/insulin colocalization is observed in human type 1 diabetic islets. B7-H4 may play protective roles in the pancreatic islets, preserving their function and survival. In this review we outline the protective effect of B7-H4 in the contexts of T1 D, islet cell transplantation, and potentially type 2 diabetes. Current evidence offers encouraging data regarding the role of B7-H4 in reversal of autoimmune diabetes and donor-specific islet allograft tolerance. Additionally, unique expression of B7-H4 may serve as a potential biomarker for the development of T1 D. Futurestudies should continue to focus on the islet-specific effects of B7-H4 with emphasis on mechanistic pathways in order to promote B7-H4 as a potential therapy and cure for T1 D.     

Hepatitis C virus infection and type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus

Hepatitis C virus(HCV) infection and diabetes mellitus are two major public health problems that cause devastating health and financial burdens worldwide. Diabetes can be classified into two major types: type 1 diabetes mellitus(T1DM) and T2 DM. T2 DM is a common endocrine disorder that encompasses multifactorial mechanisms, and T1 DM is an immunologically mediated disease. Many epidemiological studies have shown an association between T2 DM and chronic hepatitis C(CHC) infection. The processes through which CHC is associated with T2 DM seem to involve direct viral effects, insulin resistance, proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and other immunemediated mechanisms. Few data have been reported on the association of CHC and T1 DM and reports on the potential association between T1 DM and acute HCV infection are even rarer. A small number of studies indicate that interferon-α therapy can stimulate pancreatic autoim-munity and in certain cases lead to the development of T1 DM. Diabetes and CHC have important interactions. Diabetic CHC patients have an increased risk of developing cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma compared with nondiabetic CHC subjects. However, clinical trials on HCV-positive patients have reported improvements in glucose metabolism after antiviral treatment. Further studies are needed to improve prevention policies and to foster adequate and cost-effec-tive programmes for the surveillance and treatment of diabetic CHC patients.     

Unravelling the story of protein misfolding in diabetes mellitus

Both environmental and genetic factors contribute to the development of diabetes mellitus and although monogenic disorders are rare,they offer unique insights into the fundamental biology underlying the disease.Mutations of the insulin gene or genes involved in the response to protein misfolding cause early onset diabetes.These have revealed an important role for endoplasmic reticulum stress in β-cell survival.This form of cellular stress occurs when secretory proteins fail to fold efficiently.Of all the professional secretory cells we possess,β-cells are the most sensitive to endoplasmic reticulum stress because of the large fluctuations in protein synthesis they face daily.Studies of endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling therefore offer the potential to identify new drug targets to treat diabetes.     

Gene-gene,gene-environment,gene-nutrient interactions and single nucleotide polymorphisms of inflammatory cytokines

Inflammation plays a significant role in the etiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).The rise in the pro-inflammatory cytokines is the essential step in glucotoxicity and lipotoxicity induced mitochondrial injury,oxidative stress and beta cell apoptosis in T2 DM.Among the recognized markers are interleukin(IL)-6,IL-1,IL-10,IL-18,tissue necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α),C-reactive protein,resistin,adiponectin,tissue plasminogen activator,fibrinogen and heptoglobins.Diabetes mellitus has firm genetic and very strong environmental influence; exhibiting a polygenic mode of inheritance.Many single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs) in various genes including those of pro and antiinflammatory cytokines have been reported as a risk for T2 DM.Not all the SNPs have been confirmed by unifying results in different studies and wide variations have been reported in various ethnic groups.The inter-ethnic variations can be explained by the fact that gene expression may be regulated by gene-gene,gene-environment and gene-nutrient interactions.This review highlights the impact of these interactions on determining the role of single nucleotide polymorphism of IL-6,TNF-α,resistin and adiponectin in pathogenesis of T2 DM.     

Type 1 diabetes mellitus and its oral tolerance therapy

As a T cell-mediated autoimmune disease,type 1 diabetes mellitus(T1 DM) is marked by insulin defect resulting from the destruction of pancreatic β-cells.The understanding of various aspects of T1 DM,such as its epidemiology,pathobiology,pathogenesis,clinical manifestations,and complications,has been greatly promoted by valuable research performed during the past decades.However,these findings have not been translated into an effective treatment.The ideal treatment should safely repair the destroyed immune balance in a longlasting manner,preventing or stopping the destruction of β-cells.As a type of immune hypo-responsiveness to the orally administrated antigen,oral tolerance may be induced by enhancement of regulatory T cells(Tregs) or by anergy/deletion of T cells,depending on the dosage of orally administrated antigen.Acting as an antigen-specific immunotherapy,oral tolerance therapy for T1 DM has been mainly performed using animal models and some clinical trials have been completed or are still ongoing.Based on the review of the proposed mechanism of the development of T1 DM and oral tolerance,we give a current overview of oral tolerance therapy for T1 DM conducted in both animal models and clinical trials.     

On the horizon:Hedgehog signaling to heal broken bones

Uncovering the molecular pathways that drive skeletal repair has been an ongoing challenge. Initial efforts have relied on in vitro assays to identify the key signaling pathways that drive cartilage and bone differentiation. While these assays can provide some clues, assessing specific pathways in animal models is critical. Furthermore, definitive proof that a pathway is required for skeletal repair is best provided using genetic tests. Stimulating the Hh(Hedgehog) pathway can promote cartilage and bone differentiation in cell culture assays. In addition, the application of HH protein or various pathway agonists in vivo has a positive influence on bone healing. Until recently, however, genetic proof that the Hh pathway is involved in bone repair has been lacking. Here, we consider both in vitro and in vivo studies that examine the role of Hh in repair and discuss some of the challenges inherent in their interpretation. We also identify needed areas of study considering a new appreciation for the role of cartilage during repair, the variety of cell types that may have differing roles in repair, and the recent availability of powerful lineage tracing techniques. We are optimistic that emerging genetic tools will make it possible to precisely define when and in which cells promoting Hh signaling can best promote skeletal repair, and thus, the clinical potential for targeting the Hh pathway can be realized.     

Nitrate-nitrite-nitrosamines exposure and the risk of type 1 diabetes: A review of current data

The potential toxic effects of nitrate-nitrite-nitrosamine on pancreatic β cell have remained a controversial issue over the past two decades. In this study, we reviewed epidemiological studies investigated the associations between nitrate-nitrite-nitrosamines exposure, from both diet and drinking water to ascertain whether these compounds may contribute to development of type 1 diabetes. To identify relevant studies, a systematic search strategy of Pub Med, Scopus, and Science Direct was conducted using queries including the key words "nitrate", "nitrite", "nitrosamine" with "type 1 diabetes" or "insulin dependent diabetes mellitus". All searches were limited to studies published in English. Ecologic surveys, case-control and cohort studies have indicated conflicting results in relation to nitrate-nitrite exposure from drinking water and the risk of type 1 diabetes. A null, sometimes even negative association has been mainly reported in regions with a mean nitrate levels 25 mg/L in drinking water, while increased risk of type 1 diabetes was observed in those with a maximum nitrate levels 40-80 mg/L. Limited data are available regarding the potential diabetogenic effect of nitrite from drinking water, although there is evidence indicating dietary nitrite could be a risk factor for development of type 1 diabetes, an effect however that seems to be significant in a higher range of acceptable limit for nitrate/nitrite. Current data regarding dietary exposure of nitrosamine and development of type 1 diabetes is also inconsistent. Considering to an increasing trend of type 1 diabetes mellitus(T1DM) along with an elevated nitrate-nitrite exposure, additional research is critical to clarify potential harmful effects of nitrate-nitritenitrosamine exposure on β-cell autoimmunity and the risk of T1DM.     

Is perinatal neuroendocrine programming involved in the developmental origins of metabolic disorders?

The discovery that small size at birth and during infancy are associated with a higher risk of diabetes and related metabolic disease in later life has pointed to the importance of developmental factors in these conditions. The birth size associations are thought to refl ect exposure to adverse environmental factors during early development but the mechanisms involved are still not fully understood. Animal and human work has pointed to the importance of changes in the setpoint of a number of key hormonal systems controlling growth and development. These include the IGF-1/GH axis, gonadal hormones and, in particular, the systems mediating the classical stress response. Several studies show that small size at birth is linked with increased activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and sympathoadrenal system in adult life. More recent human studies have shown associations between specif ic adverse experiences during pregnancy, such as famine or the consumption of adverse diets, and enhanced stress responses many decades later. The mediators of these neuroendocrine responses are biologically potent and are likely to have a direct infl uence on the risk of metabolic disease. These neuroendocrine changes may also have an evolutionary basis being part of broader process, termed phenotypic plasticity, by which adverse environmental cues experienced during development modify the structure and physiology of the adult towards a phenotype adapted for adversity. The changes are clearly advantageous if they lead to a phenotype which is well-adapted for the adult environment, but may lead to disease if there is subsequent overnutrition or other unexpected environmental conditions.     

Oxidative stress,insulin resistance,dyslipidemia and type 2 diabetes mellitus

Oxidative stress is increased in metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM) and this appears to underlie the development of cardiovascular disease,T2 DM and diabetic complications.Increased oxidative stress appears to be a deleterious factor leading toinsulin resistance,dyslipidemia,β-cell dysfunction,impaired glucose tolerance and ultimately leading to T2 DM.Chronic oxidative stress,hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia are particularly dangerous for β-cells from lowest levels of antioxidant,have high oxidative energy requirements,decrease the gene expression of key β-cell genes and induce cell death.If β-cell functioning is impaired,it results in an under production of insulin,impairs glucose stimulated insulin secretion,fasting hyperglycemia and eventually the development of T2 DM.     

Osteoporosis and obesity: Role of Wnt pathway in human and murine models

Studies concerning the pathophysiological connection between obesity and osteoporosis are currently an intriguing area of research.Although the onset of these two diseases can occur in a different way,recent studies have shown that obesity and osteoporosis share common genetic and environmental factors.Despite being a risk factor for health,obesity has traditionally been considered positive to bone because of beneficial effect of mechanical loading,exerted by high body mass,on bone formation.However,contrasting studies have not achieved a clear consensus,suggesting instead that excessive fat mass derived from obesity condition may not protect against osteoporosis or,even worse,could be rather detrimental to bone.On the other hand,it is hitherto better established that,since adipocytes and osteoblasts are derived from a common mesenchymal stem cell precursor,molecules that lead to osteoblastogenesis inhibit adipogenesis and vice versa.Here we will discuss the role of the key molecules regulating adipocytes and osteoblasts differentiation,which are peroxisome proliferators activated receptor-γand Wnts,respectively.In particular,wewill focus on the role of both canonical and non-canonical Wnt signalling,involved in mesenchymal cell fate regulation.Moreover,at present there are no experimental data that relate any influence of the Wnt inhibitor Sclerostin to adipogenesis,although it is well known its role on bone metabolism.In addition,the most common pathological condition in which there is a simultaneous increase of adiposity and decrease of bone mass is menopause.Given that postmenopausal women have high Sclerostin level inversely associated with circulating estradiol level and since the sex hormone replacement therapy has proved to be effective in attenuating bone loss and reversing menopause-related obesity,we hypothesize that Sclerostin contribution in adipogenesis could be an active focus of research in the coming years.     

Role of phytoestrogens in prevention and management of type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes(T2D)has become a major public health threat across the globe.It has been widely acknowledged that diet plays an important role in the development and management of T2D.Phytoestrogens are polyphenols that are structurally similar to endogenous estrogen and have weak estrogenic properties.Emerging evidence from pre-clinical models has suggested that phytoestrogens may have anti-diabetic function via both estrogendependent and estrogen-independent pathways.In the current review,we have summarized the evidence linking two major types of phytoestrogens,isoflavones and lignans,and T2D from epidemiological studies and clinical trials.The cross-sectional and prospective cohort studies have reported inconsistent results,which may due to the large variations in different populations and measurement errors in dietary intakes.Long-term intervention studies using isoflavone supplements have reported potential beneficial effects on glycemic parameters in postmenopausal women,while results from short-term smallsize clinical trials are conflicting.Taken together,the current evidence from different study designs is complex and inconsistent.Although the widespread use of phytoestrogens could not be recommended yet,habitual consumption of phytoestrogens,particularly their intact food sources like soy and whole flaxseed,could be considered as a component of overall healthy dietary pattern for prevention and management of T2D.     

Developmental programming of the metabolic syndrome - critical windows for intervention

Metabolic disease results from a complex interaction of many factors,including genetic,physiological,behavioral and environmental influences.The recent rate at which these diseases have increased suggests that environmental and behavioral influences,rather than genetic causes,are fuelling the present epidemic.In this context,the developmental origins of health and disease hypothesis has highlighted the link between the periconceptual,fetal and early infant phases of life and the subsequent development of adult obesity and the metabolic syndrome.Although the mechanisms are yet to be fully elucidated,this programming was generally considered an irreversible change in developmental trajectory.Recent work in animal models suggests that developmental programming of metabolic disorders is potentially reversible by nutritional or targeted therapeutic interventions during the period of developmental plasticity.This review will discuss critical windows of developmental plasticity and possible avenues to ameliorate the development of postnatal metabolic disorders following an adverse early life environment.