IL-1 antagonism reduces hyperglycemia and tissue inflammation in the type 2 diabetic GK rat.

ABSTRACT: Recent studies suggest an inflammatory process, characterized by local cytokine/chemokine production and immune cell infiltration, regulates islet dysfunction and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes. However, the factor initiating this inflammatory response is not known. Here, we characterized tissue inflammation in the type 2 diabetic GK rat with a focus on the pancreatic islet and investigated a role for IL-1. GK rat islets, previously characterized by increased macrophage infiltration, displayed increased expression of several inflammatory markers including IL-1beta. In the periphery, increased expression of IL-1beta was observed primarily in the liver. Specific blockade of IL-1 activity by the IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) reduced the release of inflammatory cytokines/chemokines

SUBMITTER: Ehses JA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2729009 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature