Type 1 Diabetes Development in Bank Voles Linked to Ljungan Virus
Author Information
Author(s): Bo Niklasson, Knud E. Heller, Bryan Schonecker, Mogens Bildsoe, Terri Daniels, Christiane S. Hampe, Per Widlund, William T. Simonson, Jonathan B. Schaefer, Elizabeth Rutledge, Lynn Bekris, A. Michael Lindberg, Susanne Johansson, Eva Ortqvist, Bengt Persson, Ake Lernmark
Hypothesis
Do bank voles develop type 1 diabetes in association with Ljungan virus?
Conclusion
The study found that bank voles can develop type 1 diabetes associated with Ljungan virus infection.
Supporting Evidence
- Diabetic bank voles had increased levels of GAD65, IA-2, and insulin autoantibodies.
- 22 out of 67 bank voles in captivity developed diabetes.
- Presence of Ljungan virus antigen was detected in the islets of diabetic bank voles.
- Children with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes showed increased levels of Ljungan virus antibodies.
Takeaway
This study shows that some wild bank voles can get diabetes from a virus, just like some kids can get diabetes from infections.
Methodology
Two groups of bank voles were analyzed for diabetes, pancreas histology, and autoantibodies using standardized assays.
Limitations
The study was limited by the lack of a virus-free bank vole colony for further testing.
Participant Demographics
The study involved wild bank voles and children with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes.
Statistical Information
P-Value
P < .0001 for GAD65 and IA-2 autoantibodies; P = .03 for insulin autoantibodies.
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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