Islets Of Langerhans Research Articles

Iron and β-Cell Function: Implications for Diabetes Pathophysiology

Background: The intricate relationship between iron metabolism and diabetes mellitus has become a subject of increasing interest, with a growing body of evidence suggesting that iron plays a significant role in the pathophysiology of diabetes. Spe-cifically, the impact of iron on β-cell function has emerged as a critical area of study. Β cells, located in the pancreatic islets of Langerhans, are responsible for insulin synthesis and secretion. Purpose: Understanding how iron influences these vital cells is crucial for unraveling the complexities of diabetes development and progression. Methods: This review synthesizes current literature on the interaction between iron and β-cell function, exploring the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying this relationship. We conducted a systematic search of databases, including PubMed and Scopus, to identify relevant studies published up to the present date. Articles were selected based on their focus on iron homeostasis, β-cell function, and their implica-tions for diabetes pathophysiology. Results: Iron is an essential micronutrient that participates in various cellular pro-cesses, including energy metabolism and reactive oxygen species (ROS) regulation. In β cells, iron is intricately involved in insulin synthesis, folding, and maturation. However, an imbalance in iron homeostasis can lead to oxidative stress, mitochon-drial dysfunction, and impaired insulin secretion. The reviewed literature provides compelling evidence that alterations in iron levels can adversely affect β-cell func-tion, contributing to the development and progression of diabetes. Excess iron has been associated with increased oxidative stress within β cells, leading to damage and dysfunction. Furthermore, iron-induced ROS may activate inflammatory pathways, promoting β-cell apoptosis and insulin resistance in peripheral tissues. Conversely, iron deficiency may also impact β-cell health. Insufficient iron availability can com-promise the efficiency of insulin synthesis and secretion, potentially contributing to glucose dysregulation. Iron-deficient conditions may lead to alterations in cellular energy metabolism, further exacerbating the vulnerability of β cells to stressors. Conclusions: Understanding the nuanced interplay between iron and β-cell function has implications for diabetes management. Therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating iron levels, such as iron chelation or dietary interventions, hold promise for preserving β-cell health and improving glycemic control. This review underscores the intricate relationship between iron and β-cell function, providing valuable insights into the pathophysiology of diabetes. Whether through excess or deficiency, iron significantly influences the health and function of β cells, shaping the landscape of diabetes development. Further research is warranted to delineate the precise mecha-nisms involved and to explore targeted interventions that may harness the therapeutic potential of modulating iron levels in diabetes management.

Comparing the Effect of Moringa Aqueous Extract and Selenium Nanoparticles Against Complications of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Plant extracts were widely used to maintain postprandial levels and minimize diabetes complications. The main goal of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of selenium nanoparticles and aqueous extract of the <i>Moringa</i> plant against diabetes mellitus complications and compare their therapeutic effects. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Fifty six Wistar male rats were divided randomly into 8 groups (7 rats each): (i) Control, (ii): Received corn oil, (iii): Treated with Se-NPs, (iv): Injected orally with <i>Moringa</i> aqueous extract (MAE), (v): Treated with a single i.p., dose of streptozotocin (STZ), (vi): Single i.p., dose of STZ followed by Se-NPs, (vii): Treated with a single i.p., dose of STZ then MAE orally and (viii): Injected with STZ and then received Se-NPs. After 4 weeks the blood sera were isolated and stored at -20°C for investigation of values of insulin, GSH, MDA, SOD, GSH-PX, triglycerides, T-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol. <b>Results:</b> The STZ treatment decreased insulin, HDL cholesterol and body weight values while increasing glucose, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides and mild degeneration of islets of Langerhans. The single treatment of diabetic rats with either MAE or Se-NPs exhibited a decline in the levels of serum glucose, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, MDA and GSH, improving the HDL-cholesterol, insulin level and body weight. <b>Conclusion:</b> The co-administration of diabetic rats with MAE and Se-NPs resulted in a prominent improvement that was revealed by restoring beta-cell function, reducing blood glucose levels and stimulating insulin production rather than their single therapeutic use.

Chemical Decrosslinking-Based Peptide Characterization of Formaldehyde-Fixed Rat Pancreas Using Fluorescence-Guided Single-Cell Mass Spectrometry.

Approaches for the characterization of proteins/peptides in single cells of formaldehyde-fixed (FF) tissues via mass spectrometry (MS) are still under development. The lack of a general method for selectively eliminating formaldehyde-induced crosslinking is a major challenge. A workflow is shown for the high-throughput peptide profiling of single cells isolated from FF tissues, here the rodent pancreas, which possesses multiple peptide hormones from the islets of Langerhans. The heat treatment is enhanced by a collagen-selective multistep thermal process assisting efficient isolation of islets from the FF pancreas and, subsequently, their dissociation into single islet cells. Hydroxylamine-based chemical decrosslinking helped restore intact peptide signals from individual isolated cells. Subsequently, an acetone/glycerol-assisted cell dispersion was optimized for spatially resolved cell deposition onto glass slides, while a glycerol solution maintained the hydrated state of the cells. This sample preparation procedure allowed peptide profiling in FF single cells by fluorescence-guided matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization MS. Here, 2594 single islet cells were analyzed and 28 peptides were detected, including insulin C-peptides and glucagon. T-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t-SNE) data visualization demonstrated that cells cluster based on cell-specific pancreatic peptide hormones. This workflow expands the sample availability for single-cell MS characterization to a wide range of formaldehyde-treated tissue specimens stored in biobanks.

HISTOMORPHOLOGY OF PANCREATIC TISSUE IN MEDAKA FISH (Oryzias javanicus): STUDY OF DIABETIC ANIMAL MODEL DEVELOPMENT

This study aimed to explore the histomorphology of the pancreatic tissue of medaka fish to develop medaka fish as a diabetic animal model. Adult medaka fish were obtained with a body length of 2.53±0.22 cm and a weight of 265.8±25 g. Medaka fish were fixed using Boiun's fixative solution. Macro anatomical observations of the pancreas were conducted using a stereomicroscope. Histological preparations were made according to the Hematoxylin-eosin staining standard procedure. Pancreatic histomorphology of medaka fish was carried out using a light microscope with 100x and 400x magnification. The macro anatomy observations of the pancreas showed the interconnection with several tissues, such as spleen, gallbladder, liver, fat, and intestines. The pancreas was located toward the liver, oversees the intestines, and covered with fat. Pancreatic histomorphological observations showed exocrine cells composed of serous pyramidal acinar cells and endocrine cells (islets of Langerhans). Intralobular and intercalated ducts (ducts of Boll) were composed of simple cuboidal epithelium. This study concluded that the pancreas organ in medaka fish is a single organ, and histomorphologically has both of exocrine and endocrine cells.

Evaluation the Effect of Chronic Obestatin Therapy on the Serum Glucose, Insulin And Lipid Levels in Type 2 Diabetic Rats

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common health disorders, which has become increasingly common in recent years. Type 2 diabetes affects about 90-95% of all diabetic patients, and is often associated with obesity and insulin resistance in most patients. The medical treatment aims to reduce insulin resistance and increase the production of insulin by pancreatic β-cells. Obestatin is a new hormone encoded by the Preghrelin gene. Obestatin is an anorexic hormone that reduces food intake. It has also been shown to play an important role in regulating glucose and lipid levels in the blood. Study Aim: Our study aims to evaluate the therapeutic benefit of obestatin in rats with experimental type 2 diabetes in reducing blood glucose and improving insulin levels, and its effect on insulin resistance, TG, TC and pancreatic β-cell survival. Methods: A total of 30 male Wister rats (150 -200g) were randomly divided into three groups: group I (control group), group II (T2DM group) induced by administration fructose solution 10% for 14 days, and single injection IP of streptozotocin (STZ) (35 mg/Kg), group III (T2DM treated with obestatin) (25 μg/kg) IP twice daily for 30 days. Blood samples were collected at the end of the experiment by terminal intracardiac sampling for bioassays to estimate fasting glucose, insulin, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and assessment of HOMA-IR. Body weight was also measured. Mean ± STD was calculated. The statistical significance of differences across the groups was determined by one-way ANOVA followed by a post Hoc Turkey’s test. The differences were considered significant at 0.05˃P. Results: After 30 days of obestatin treatment, the diabetic group showed a significant increase in glucose, TG, TC and HOMA-IR values and a significant decrease in insulin levels compared to the control group. In comparison, the obestatin-treated group of diabetic patients showed a significant decrease in glucose, TG and TC levels, with a slight increase in the insulin level compared to the diabetic group. In addition, the histological study (H&E) of isolated pancreatic tissue from the second group showed deformed, shrunken Langerhans islets with significant loss of their β- cells, and some cells with vacuolated cytoplasm. Moreover, the histological features of the treatment group were somewhat similar to those of the control group. Conclusion: The results of our study showed the efficacy of obestatin as a treatment in reducing the levels of all glucose, triglycerides and total cholesterol in the blood to normal limits in induced experimental rats with type 2 diabetes. Moreover, the improvement of insulin levels in the blood, and the results of the histological study showed an improvement in the size of the islet and an increase in the number of β-cells. Thus, obestatin can be used as a promising target in the treatment of metabolic diseases such as diabetes and obesity.

The Effect Of Kersen (<i>Muntingia calabura</i>) Extract On The Number Of Pancreatic Beta Cells: Experiment Study In Rat

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a common type of diabetes which can be caused by an increase in blood sugar levels resulting in a decrease in the number of pancreatic beta cells, dysfunction or apoptosis. To increase the number of pancreatic beta cells, antioxidants are needed. The antioxidant content of kersen leaves can improve pancreatic beta cell disorders due to high blood sugar levels by reducing ROS and RNF so that oxidative stress decreases and the number of pancreatic beta cells increases. Aim of this research, to determine the effect and the most effective dose of kersen leaves ethanol extract on the number of pancreatic beta cells of white rats wistar strain induced by streptozotocin-nicotinamide (STZ-NA). This study used a true experiment post-test only with control group design with STZ-NA-induced KI-KV group and normal control KVI group. KI-KIII was given kersen leaves extract at a dose of 0.3; 0.5 ;0.7 mg/gBW. KIV positive control. KV negative control. At the end of the study, the pancreas of rats was made preparations with immunohistochemical staining and the average pancreatic beta cells from the 5 islets of Langerhans were calculated. The average number of pancreatic beta cells that were most effective from the kersen leaves treatment group was KI (dose of 0.3 mg/gBW) with an average of 39.9. There is an effect of ethanol extract of kersen leaves on increasing the number of pancreatic beta cells in white rats of wistar strain induced by STZ-NA with an effective dose of 0.3 mg/gBW.

Fabrication, optimization, and eco-friendly micellar HPLC determination of Alogliptin/Dapagliflozin pullulan-based sublingual films for therapeutic efficacy improvement in diabetic rats

The aim of this study was to prepare and statistically optimize a pullulan-based sublingual film containing Alogliptin/Dapagliflozin (ALO/DAPA) mixture, by solvent casting technique to provide a promising remedy for type 2 diabetes. Sublingual films were optimized by employing a central composite design created by the Design Expert® software. The optimized formula was further determined using a novel eco-friendly micellar HPLC method. The separation was carried out on a Kinetex C18 column (100 mm × 4.6 mm i. d, 2.6-μm particle size) with isocratic elution at a flow rate of 1 mL/min and UV detection at 230 nm. The micellar aqueous mobile phase used for the separation was composed of 50 mM sodium dodecyl sulfate, 15% pentanol, and 50 mM sodium dihydrogen phosphate (pH 3.5). The antidiabetic effects of ALO/DAPA sublingual films on the blood glucose levels of diabetic rats and their effect on the pancreas and kidney histopathology were studied. The developed method was accurate, and precise and can be used for the simultaneous estimation of both drugs without any interference in their sublingual films. Moreover, the greenness of the suggested method has been evaluated by different tools; analytical Eco-scale and the Green Analytical procedure Index, which shows that it has the least environmental impact. The ALO/DAPA sublingual film optimal formula showed mechanical strength of 2.69 ± 0.23 N/mm2, folding endurance of 69 ± 2.13 times, and in-vitro disintegration of 71.7 ± 1.23 s indicating acceptable formulation and mechanical parameters. A significant improvement in glycemic control where the blood glucose level was normalized (137 ± 23) after 4 h compared to the commercial drugs (247 ± 27.4) at p < 0.05 was attained. Additionally, islets of Langerhans appeared apparently normal with average size and intact cells with the improvement of the histopathological examination of renal tissues. This study introduced a successful and promising sublingual film as a drug delivery system of ALO/DAPA mixture for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Blood Glucose Level, Langerhans Pancreas and Lipid Profile of Diabetic Rats After Administration of Red Betel, Ginger and Cinnamon Combination Extract.

Previous studies had reported antihyperglycemic activity in vitro, in vivo and in silico of red betel (Piper crocatum) extract, which was associated with its polyphenolic, tannins, alkaloids, and flavonoids compounds. This study aimed to determine blood glucose level, Langerhans pancreas, lipid profile and bodyweight of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats after administrating red betel combination extract. Red betel combination extract is composed of red betel extract that was combined with ginger and cinnamon extracts. 16 male rats (Sprague Dawley) were divided randomly into two controls groups (Normal and diabetic groups; orally administered with 2 mL of aquadest for 14 days) and two extract groups (diabetic groups; orally administered with red betel combination extract 9 mL/kg BW and 13.5 mL/kg BW). Results showed that the administration of red betel combination extract for 14 days (9 mL/kg BW dosage) decreased the rat's blood glucose level up to 55.42%, which was significantly different (p < 0.05) compared to the rat's blood glucose levels on day 3. While the combination extract (dosages 9 mL/kg BW and 13.5 mL/kg BW) increased the numbers of rat Langerhans islets up to 10.9%-30.6%. The level of rat's blood high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglyceride levels in the diabetic control group were significantly different (p < 0.05) compared to that of the diabetic with red betel combination extract and normal groups. The treatment orally with red betel combination extract (various dosages) for 14 days suppressed the weight loss of rats by 10%-11%.

Arabic gum ameliorates systemic modulation in Alloxan monohydrate-induced diabetic rats

Medicinal plants are considered an alternative therapy for diabetes mellitus as they regulate glucose levels. Moreover, a variety of plants offer a rich source of bioactive compounds that have potent pharmacological effects without any negative side effects. The present study aimed to clarify the effects of Arabic gum/Gum Acacia (GA) on the biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical changes observed in diabetic rats. Further, the anti-inflammatory activity of GA in response to diabetes, through inflammatory mediators analysis. Male rats were divided into four groups: untreated control, diabetic, Arabic gum-treated, and Arabic gum-treated diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced using alloxan. Animals were sacrificed after 7 and 21 days of treatment with Arabic gum. Body weight, blood and pancreas tissue samples were collected for analysis. Alloxan injection significantly decreased body weight, increased glucose levels, decreased insulin levels, and caused depletion of islets of Langerhans and β-cell damage in the pancreas. Arabic gum treatment of diabetic rats significantly increased body weight, decreased serum glucose levels, increased insulin levels, exerts anti-inflammatory effect, and improved the pancreas tissue structure. Arabic gum has beneficial pharmacological effects in diabetic rats; therefore, it might be employed as diabetic therapy to reduce the hyperglycemic damage and may be applicable for many autoimmune and inflammatory diseases treatment. Further, the new bioactive substances, such as medications made from plants, have larger safety margins, and can be used for a longer period of time.

Evaluation the Effect Of Chronic Obestatin Therapy on the Serum Glucose, Insulin And Lipid Levels in Type 2 Diabetic Rats

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common health disorders, which has become increasingly common in recent years. Type 2 diabetes affects about 90-95% of all diabetic patients, and is often associated with obesity and insulin resistance in most patients. The medical treatment aims to reduce insulin resistance and increase the production of insulin by pancreatic β-cells. Obestatin is a new hormone encoded by the Preghrelin gene. Obestatin is an anorexic hormone that reduces food intake. It has also been shown to play an important role in regulating glucose and lipid levels in the blood. Study Aim: Our study aims to evaluate the therapeutic benefit of obestatin in rats with experimental type 2 diabetes in reducing blood glucose and improving insulin levels, and its effect on insulin resistance, TG, TC and pancreatic β-cell survival. Methods: A total of 30 male Wister rats (150 -200g) were randomly divided into three groups: group I (control group), group II (T2DM group) induced by administration fructose solution 10% for 14 days, and single injection IP of streptozotocin (STZ) (35 mg/Kg), group III (T2DM treated with obestatin) (25 μg/kg) IP twice daily for 30 days. Blood samples were collected at the end of the experiment by terminal intracardiac sampling for bioassays to estimate fasting glucose, insulin, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and assessment of HOMA-IR. Body weight was also measured. Mean ± STD was calculated. The statistical significance of differences across the groups was determined by one-way ANOVA followed by a post Hoc Turkey’s test. The differences were considered significant at 0.05˃P. Results: After 30 days of obestatin treatment, the diabetic group showed a significant increase in glucose, TG, TC and HOMA-IR values and a significant decrease in insulin levels compared to the control group. In comparison, the obestatin-treated group of diabetic patients showed a significant decrease in glucose, TG and TC levels, with a slight increase in the insulin level compared to the diabetic group. In addition, the histological study (H&amp;E) of isolated pancreatic tissue from the second group showed deformed, shrunken Langerhans islets with significant loss of their β- cells, and some cells with vacuolated cytoplasm. Moreover, the histological features of the treatment group were somewhat similar to those of the control group. Conclusion: The results of our study showed the efficacy of obestatin as a treatment in reducing the levels of all glucose, triglycerides and total cholesterol in the blood to normal limits in induced experimental rats with type 2 diabetes. Moreover, the improvement of insulin levels in the blood, and the results of the histological study showed an improvement in the size of the islet and an increase in the number of β-cells. Thus, obestatin can be used as a promising target in the treatment of metabolic diseases such as diabetes and obesity.

Therapeutic Nursing Education in Promoting Self-Management of Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: Integrative Literature Review.

Diabetes Mellitus Type I (DM1) is an autoimmune disease, characterized by the total destruction of the beta (β) cells of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. This disease can strike people at any age, but it usually develops in children or young adults. Because of the high prevalence of DM1 in the young population, as well as all the difficulties in effective self-management in this population, with very specific characteristics, it is essential to develop therapeutic education interventions, with the aim of acquiring self-management skills. Thus, the main objective of this study is to identify the benefits of therapeutic nursing education interventions in promoting self-management of adolescents with DM1. For this, an Integrative Literature Review was carried out, using the EBSCOhost, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science platforms. Six articles were eligible. In terms of results, benefits were identified in the health of adolescents, with the use of therapeutic education interventions by nurses, including the control of capillary glycemia, better acceptance of the pathology, improvement in body mass index, increased adherence to the therapeutic regime, a reduction in hospitalizations and complications, contribution to bio-psycho-social well-being and improvement quality of life.

Radioprotective effects of α2-adrenergic receptor agonist dexmedetomidine on X-ray irradiation-induced pancreatic islet cell damage.

Comprehensive epidemiological analyses conducted in the last 30years have revealed a link between radiation and DM. We aimed to determine the effects of dexmedetomidine pretreatment on radiation-induced pancreatic islet cell damage. Twenty-four rats were divided into three groups: group 1 (control group), group 2 (only X-ray irradiation group), and group 3 (X-ray irradiation + dexmedetomidine). We observed necrotic cells with vacuoles accompanying loss of cytoplasm in the islets of Langerhans, extensive edematous areas, and vascular congestions in group 2. In group 3, we observed a decrease in necrotic cells in the islets of Langerhans, and edematous areas and vascular congestion was also reduced. We determined a decrease in β-cells, α-cells, and D-cells in the islets of Langerhans in group 2 compared to the control group. In group 3, β-cells, α-cells, and D-cells were elevated compared to group 2. Ionizing radiation may induce DM. Dexmedetomidine appears to exert a radioprotective effect.

Differential disruption on glucose and insulin metabolism in two rat models of diet-induced obesity, based on carbohydrates or lipids.

Obesity is a relevant health public issue and is the main factor for glucose metabolism dysregulation and diabetes progression; however, the differential role of a high-fat diet or high sugar diet consumption on glucose metabolism and insulin processing is not well understood and has been scarcely described. Our research aimed to analyze the effects of chronic consumption of both high sucrose and high-fat diets on glucose and insulin metabolism regulation. Wistar rats were fed with high-sugar or high-fat diets for 12months; after that, fasting glucose and insulin levels were measured along with a glucose tolerance test (GTT). Proteins related to insulin synthesis and secretion were quantified in pancreas homogenates, whereas islets were isolated to analyze ROS generation and size measurement. Our results show that both diets induce metabolic syndrome, linked with central obesity, hyperglycemia, and insulin resistance. We observed alterations in the expression of proteins related with insulin synthesis and secretion, along with diminution of Langerhans islets size. Interestingly, the severity and number of alterations were more evident in the high-sugar diet than in the high-fat diet group. In conclusion, obesity and glucose metabolism dysregulation induced by carbohydrate consumption, led to worst outcomes than high-fat diet.

Pengaruh Pemberian Infusa Albedo Semangka terhadap Perubahan Ukuran Diameter Pulau Langerhans Pankreas Tikus Jantan (Rattus norvegicus) Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes Mellitus condition (DM) correlates with the damage that occur in pancreas especially in Langerhans islets, one of the damage indicators is diameter changes of Langerhans islets that getting smaller compare with the normal sizes. The use of natural ingredients to control diabetes mellitus can be done by infusing sweet beauty watermelon albedo which can be found abundant in traditional market. Albedo layer of watermelon contain antioxidant compounds that can help to regenerate Langerhans islets of pancreas. This study purpose was to know the effect of giving watermelon’s infusion albedo to diameter of Langerhans islets in diabetes mellitus rats (Rattus norvegicus), and analyze the potential process occurred based on the result as information source for other research. This study used 25 male rats (Rattus norvegicus) as animal model with 5 groups treatment which were normal group, positive group as control (DM without treatment), A group (DM+1000 mg/kgBB watermelon’s infusions albedo), B group (DM+1500 mg/kgBB watermelon’s infusions albedo), and C group (DM+2000 mg/kgBB watermelon’s infusions albedo). After all the treatments, the rats were anesthetized and dissected and then their pancreas was taken. The pancreas was processed into histological slides by fixing the pancreas in a fixative solution (10% formalin) then dehydrated in a series of graded ethanol and embedded in paraffin wax, cut at a thickness of 4 µm, and finally stained with hematoxylin-eosin dye for microscopic observation, according to the stages Histopathological analysis of the gonads was examined using standard methods. Data was collected by measuring the size of Langerhans islets with microscope Olympus CX33 and connected to the raster image application. Data results from this study indicate that watermelon’s infusion albedo had effect to increase the diameter of Langerhans islets of rat with diabetes mellitus

High-casein diet restores the redox balance in the liver and pancreatic health of mice when exposed to radiation during call mode from mobile phones

Introduction: The current lives of human beings cannot be imagined without cellular phones and electronic gadgets. Still, the probabilityof being exposed to their harmful radiation is unabated which demands an immediate intervention to shield humankind from beingaffected by using such devices. In our current investigation, we aimed to check the role of a high-casein diet as a protective measureagainst the biological effects of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) emerging from mobile phones on hepatic and pancreatic systemsMethods: Swiss albino mice (n=24) were fed on a standard laboratory diet (ND; n=12) and an isocaloric high-casein diet (HCD; n=12).Six mice from each dietary group were exposed to mobile phone radiation for 3 hours/day within a 3 months span. Histopathologicalalterations were studied in hepatic and pancreatic tissues by using Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS)-hematoxylin and routine H&amp;E stainingmethods. Biochemical evaluation of total serum protein, lipid profile and glucose, total glutathione, oxidized glutathione, and antioxidantenzymatic activities of hepatic tissues were performed. Results: Hyperglycemia was noticeable along with a reduced number and areaof islets of Langerhans in radiation-exposed mice when compared to other groups. This was supported by the observation of depletedglycogen reserves in their liver. Additionally, distorted hepatic morphology with nuclear degeneration was suggestive of apoptoticprogression. The total glutathione pool was reduced on radiation exposure, hint at redox imbalance. HCD was competent in preservingthe normal pancreas and liver functioning in radiation-exposed mice.

Glycemic disorders in acute pancreatitis: significance of microstructural changes of pancreatic parenchyma

Objective. To study the character and peculiarities of pathohistological changes of pancreatic tissues on the autopsy material, including its endocrine apparatus in acute necrotic pancreatitis and to determine connection between established changes and occurrence of glycemia.&#x0D; Materials and methods. Pathohistological investigation of 48 preparation of pancreatic gland was performed on the autopsy material in 11 dead patients with an acute necrotic pancreatitis, using method of the light microscopy.&#x0D; Results. There was established the presence of microstructural disorder of pancreatic acinar apparatus with various degree of spread and depth of the organ parenchyma necrosis, as well as parapancreatic cellular tissue. With beginning of the false pancreatic cysts formation there was demonstrated occurrence of the connective tissue elements, as well as focal and diffuse sclerosing, while the structure of islets of Langerhans remained unchanged.&#x0D; Conclusion. The signs of hyperglycemia in the disease course may be do not connected with destruction of the organ endocrine apparatus.

Pharmacological Studies on the Antidiabetic, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Efficacies of Commiphora myrrha Resin in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes in Rats: A Preclinical Study.

The aqueous extracts of MAE were phytochemically analyzed, and the results revealed the presence of high concentrations of tannins, sterols, and isoprenoids (terpenoids), while steroids and flavonoids were found in moderate concentrations. The plant extract showed promising inhibition of the growth of gram-positive and gram-negative pathogens. It also showed that MAE has potential antihyperglycemic and antioxidant activities. Microscopic examination of the pancreas showed degenerative changes and atrophy associated with dilatation of the exocrine ducts in the STZ-induced diabetic rats, while the treatment revealed that the Langerhans islets were close to normal without any histopathological alteration. The present results suggested that an aqueous extract of MAE could be considered an efficient antidiabetic, antioxidant, and antimicrobial treatment in the future.

Functional characteristics of hub and wave-initiator cells in β cell networks

Islets of Langerhans operate as multicellular networks in which several hundred β cells work in synchrony to produce secretory pulses of insulin, a hormone crucial for controlling metabolic homeostasis. Their collective rhythmic activity is facilitated by gap junctional coupling and affected by their functional heterogeneity, but the details of this robust and coordinated behavior are still not fully understood. Recent advances in multicellular imaging and optogenetic and photopharmacological strategies, as well as in network science, have led to the discovery of specialized β cell subpopulations that were suggested to critically determine the collective dynamics in the islets. In particular hubs, i.e., β cells with many functional connections, are believed to significantly enhance communication capacities of the intercellular network and facilitate an efficient spreading of intercellular Ca2+ waves, whereas wave-initiator cells trigger intercellular signals in their cohorts. Here, we determined Ca2+ signaling characteristics of these two β cell subpopulations and the relationship between them by means of functional multicellular Ca2+ imaging in mouse pancreatic tissue slices in combination with methods of complex network theory. We constructed network layers based on individual Ca2+ waves to identify wave initiators, and functional correlation-based networks to detect hubs. We found that both cell types exhibit a higher-than-average active time under both physiological and supraphysiological glucose concentrations, but also that they differ significantly in many other functional characteristics. Specifically, Ca2+ oscillations in hubs are more regular, and their role appears to be much more stable over time than for initiator cells. Moreover, in contrast to wave initiators, hubs transmit intercellular signals faster than other cells, which implies a stronger intercellular coupling. Our research indicates that hubs and wave-initiator cell subpopulations are both natural features of healthy pancreatic islets, but their functional roles in principle do not overlap and should thus not be considered equal.

Studies on alpha-synuclein and islet amyloid polypeptide interaction.

Introduction: Parkinson's disease and type 2 diabetes have both elements of local amyloid depositions in their pathogenesis. In Parkinson's disease, alpha-synuclein (aSyn) forms insoluble Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites in brain neurons, and in type 2 diabetes, islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) comprises the amyloid in the islets of Langerhans. In this study, we assessed the interaction between aSyn and IAPP in human pancreatic tissues, both ex vivo and in vitro. Material and Methods: The antibody-based detection techniques, proximity ligation assay (PLA), and immuno-TEM were used for co-localization studies. Bifluorescence complementation (BiFC) was used for interaction studies between IAPP and aSyn in HEK 293 cells. The Thioflavin T assay was used for studies of cross-seeding between IAPP and aSyn. ASyn was downregulated with siRNA, and insulin secretion was monitored using TIRF microscopy. Results: We demonstrate intracellular co-localization of aSyn with IAPP, while aSyn is absent in the extracellular amyloid deposits. ASyn reactivity is present in the secretory granules of β-cells and some α-cells in human islets. The BiFC-expression of aSyn/aSyn and IAPP/IAPP in HEK293 cells resulted in 29.3% and 19.7% fluorescent cells, respectively, while aSyn/IAPP co-expression resulted in ∼10% fluorescent cells. Preformed aSyn fibrils seeded IAPP fibril formation in vitro, but adding preformed IAPP seeds to aSyn did not change aSyn fibrillation. In addition, mixing monomeric aSyn with monomeric IAPP did not affect IAPP fibril formation. Finally, the knockdown of endogenous aSyn did not affect β cell function or viability, nor did overexpression of aSyn affect β cell viability. Discussion: Despite the proximity of aSyn and IAPP in β-cells and the detected capacity of preformed aSyn fibrils to seed IAPP in vitro, it is still an open question if an interaction between the two molecules is of pathogenic significance for type 2 diabetes.

Localization and Laparoscopic Excision of Gastric Heterotopic Pancreas in a Child by Endoscopic SPOT® Tattooing

Heterotopic pancreas (HP) is defined as pancreatic tissue lacking vascular or anatomic connection with the normal pancreas. Surgical resection is often indicated for symptomatic gastric HP. However, intraoperative identification of gastric HP is often difficult during laparoscopic surgery. Herein, we describe a patient with gastric HP, which was marked with SPOT® dye (GI Supply, Camp Hill, PA, USA). The dye was seen clearly laparoscopically facilitating total excision of the lesion. The final pathology report confirmed the presence of heterotopic pancreatic tissue including pancreatic acini, small pancreatic ducts tissue with islets of Langerhans in the deep gastric submucosal area. There were no postoperative complications, and the patient was symptom-free. To the best of our knowledge, this was the first case report in the literature in which endoscopic tattooing of gastric HP before laparoscopic resection was performed. This method of localization was simple and reliable in children.