Modulation of Nuclear Receptor 4A1 Expression Improves Insulin Secretion in a Mouse Model of Chronic Pancreatitis.

Objectives: Diabetes secondary to chronic pancreatitis (CP) presents clinical challenges due to lack of understanding on factor(s) triggering insulin secretory defects. Therefore, we aimed to delineate the molecular mechanism of β-cell dysfunction in CP.

Materials And Methods: Transcriptomic analysis was conducted to identify endocrine-specific receptor expression in mice and human CP on microarray.

Understanding the Structural Arrangement of Islets in Chronic Pancreatitis.

Islet transplantation has become an established method for the treatment of insulin-deficient diabetes such as type 1 and type 3C (pancreatogenic). An effective transplantation necessitates a thorough understanding of the islet architecture and related functions to improve engraftment outcomes. However, in chronic pancreatitis (CP), the structural and related functional information is inadequate.

T-Helper Cell-Mediated Islet Inflammation Contributes to β-Cell Dysfunction in Chronic Pancreatitis.

Objectives: Beta-cell dysfunction and endocrine insufficiency in chronic pancreatitis (CP) is considered as a late manifestation emanating from fibrosis. To ascertain the role of T-helper cells in β-cell dysfunction, we enumerated circulating T-cell subsets, examined their infiltration into pancreatic islets, and assessed islet functions.

Methods: Pancreatic tissues and peripheral blood were obtained from CP patients with/without diabetes.

Interferon-γ Decreases Nuclear Localization of Pdx-1 and Triggers β-Cell Dysfunction in Chronic Pancreatitis.

Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) is shown to play a major role in β-cell dysfunction in chronic pancreatitis (CP). However, the underlying mechanisms are to be elucidated. The present study was conducted to determine the role of IFN-γ subverting insulin gene expression in CP.

Long-term functions of encapsulated islets grafted in nonhuman primates without immunosuppression.

Background: Long-term survival and functions of encapsulated islet grafts need to be evaluated in the absence of immunosuppression. The present study aimed to assess the viability and functions of macroencapsulated islets grafted in nonhuman primates without immunosuppression for 1 year.

Methods: Islet transplantations were performed in partially pancreatectomized rhesus monkeys (two autologous and four allogenic) without immunosuppression using immunoisolatory devices.

Identification of circulating CD90 CD73 cells in cirrhosis of liver.

Aim: To identify circulating CD90(+) CD73(+) CD45(-) cells and evaluate their in vitro proliferating abilities.

Methods: Patients with cirrhosis (n = 43), and healthy volunteers (n = 40) were recruited to the study. Mononuclear cells were isolated and cultured from the peripheral blood of controls and cirrhosis patients.

Reduced expression of PDX-1 is associated with decreased beta cell function in chronic pancreatitis.

Objectives: The present study was conducted to monitor the expression of pancreas and duodenal homeobox gene (PDX-1) for assessing beta-cell function in islets from patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP).

Methods: Islets isolated from the pancreata of 40 surgical patients categorized as control group, patients with mild CP, and patients with advanced CP were assessed for their yield, size, and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Expressions of genes coding for PDX-1, insulin, and glucagon were simultaneously monitored by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and confirmed by immunohistochemistry.