Transthyretin and Amyloid in the Islets of Langerhans in Type-2 Diabetes
Author Information
Author(s): Gunilla T. Westermark, Per Westermark
Primary Institution: Linköping University and Uppsala University
Hypothesis
Can IAPP-amyloid induce TTR-fibril formation, and does TTR-amyloid deposition in the pancreas lead to islet amyloidosis?
Conclusion
The study found that islets from type-2 diabetic patients had more transthyretin-reactive cells compared to nondiabetic individuals.
Supporting Evidence
- 95% of type-2 diabetes patients show some degree of islet amyloidosis.
- Diabetic individuals had significantly more islets with amyloid deposits compared to nondiabetic individuals.
- TTR is expressed in pancreatic alpha cells and to a lesser extent in beta cells.
- IAPP fibrils were found to seed fibril formation from TTR.
Takeaway
This study looked at how a protein called transthyretin behaves in the pancreas of people with type-2 diabetes, finding that it is more common in diabetic patients.
Methodology
The study used immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization on pancreatic tissue from diabetic and nondiabetic individuals.
Limitations
The study was limited by the small sample size and the retrospective nature of the tissue collection.
Participant Demographics
The study included 6 individuals with type-2 diabetes and 10 nondiabetic individuals.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.001
Statistical Significance
p=0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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