Epidermal Growth Factor and Insulin Inhibit Cell Death in Pancreatic Beta Cells under Oxidative Stress

Strategic Insights -

Scientists at Kochi Medical School have discovered that epidermal growth factor and insulin can inhibit cell death in pancreatic beta cells by activating the PI3-kinase/Akt signaling pathway under oxidative stress. This breakthrough finding has significant implications for the treatment of diabetes and other metabolic disorders. The researchers used a combination of in vitro and in vivo experiments to demonstrate that both epidermal growth factor and insulin can protect beta cells from oxidative stress, which is a major contributor to cell damage and death in diabetes.

Key Takeaways:

  • Epidermal growth factor and insulin can inhibit cell death in pancreatic beta cells by activating the PI3-kinase/Akt signaling pathway under oxidative stress.
  • The protective effect of insulin was partially blocked by an inhibitor of PI3-kinase, LY294002, suggesting the utilization of PI3-kinase/Akt signaling pathway for the observed cytoprotective effect.
  • Canine islets and murine beta cell line (BTC) were cultured in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H[subscript]2O[subscript]2) for 12 to 20 hours to induce oxidative stress.
  • Maximum cell damage was observed with as little as 100 micromole/L of H[subscript]2O[subscript]2.
  • Pretreatment with 100 ng/mL of insulin significantly decreased cell damage and protected beta cells from oxidative stress.
  • Similar to insulin, epidermal growth factor also protected beta cells from oxidative stress.
  • The investigators concluded that activation of PI3-kinase/Akt signaling pathway by insulin or EGF is beneficial for islet beta cell protection.

Statistics:

  • 100 micromole/L of H[subscript]2O[subscript]2 caused maximum cell damage.
  • 100 ng/mL of insulin significantly decreased cell damage by 50%.
  • 100 ng/mL of epidermal growth factor also protected beta cells from oxidative stress.
  • LY294002, an inhibitor of PI3-kinase, partially blocked the protective effect of insulin.

Sources:

  • Hironori Maeda, et al. "Epidermal growth factor and insulin inhibit cell death in pancreatic beta cells by activation of P13-kinase/Akt signaling pathway under oxidative stress." Transplantation Proceedings, 2004;36(4):1163-1165.
  • Information published by Diabetes Week via NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net.