Recombinant Reg3? protein protects against streptozotocin-induced ?-cell damage and diabetes.

ABSTRACT: Regenerating genes (Reg) have been found during the search for factors involved in pancreatic islet regeneration. Our recent study discovered that pancreatic ?-cell-specific overexpression of Reg3? protects against streptozotocin (Stz) -induced diabetes in mice. To investigate its potential roles in the treatment of diabetes, we produced a recombinant Reg3? protein and provided evidence that it is active in promoting islet ?-cell survival against Stz- triggered cell death. Though ineffective in alleviating preexisting diabetes, pretreatment of recombinant Reg3? was capable of minimizing the Stz-induced hyperglycemia and weight loss, by preserving serum and pancreatic insulin levels, and islet ?-cell mass. No obvious changes were observed in the rate of cell proliferation and hypertrophy in ?- or acinar-cells after treatment with recombinant Reg3?. The underlying mechanism of Reg3?-mediated protection seems to involve Akt activation which upregulates Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL levels and consequently promotes cell survival.

SUBMITTER: Luo C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5073304 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature