Endocrine Abstracts

Glucagon receptor KO mice are resistant to the clinical manifestations of diabetes induced by streptozotocin (STZ) and retain normal glycaemic control and glucose tolerance. In the present study the effects of chronic (18 days) once daily i.p. administration of two different glucagon receptor antagonists (GRA); desHis1Pro4Glu9-glucagon (GRA-1) and its related acylated peptide desHis1Pro4Glu9(Lys12PAL)...

Activation of complement factor 5 (C5) produces the anaphylatoxin C5a and the proinflammatory cytolytic complex C5b-9. Recent studies have shown that C5a receptor (C5aR) deficiency leads to improved systemic and white adipose tissue (WAT) insulin sensitivity. This phenotype is considered to be due to the potent inflammatory potential of signalling through C5aR; however, the pleiotropic functions of C5 in inflammation and metabolism remain to be elucidated. We investigated the ...

Background: Endothelial dysfunction leads to cardiovascular complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), through a reduction of nitric oxide (NO)-mediated relaxation. Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE5i) have hemodynamic effects, improving NO levels.Aim: To investigate if long term, chronic treatment with the PDE5i Vardenafil improves systemic endothelial function in men with T2DM.Methods: A longitudinal, prospective, invest...

Background: Evidence suggests that pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) are present in intra-/peri-islets in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We isolated stellate cell from islets (ISC) of Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats. Given these cells are intra-islets, which possibly affect the biological behavior of β-cell. This study was designed to determine the effects of ISC isolated from fibrotic islets of GK rats on β-cell function and survival.Methods: ISC was...

Introduction: Bone marrow is an abundant source of adult stem cells that can differentiate into various cell types. Administration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in irradiated diabetic rat model has transiently shown to decrease blood glucose level. This study examines the effect of high dose and multiple injections of MSCs on glycaemic profile, their localisation and regeneration of islet in diabetic Wistar rat.Methods: The study was carried out in ma...