The role of fatty acid metabolism and lipotoxicity in pancreatic β-cell injury: Identification of potential therapeutic targets

Over the last 20 years, intensive research has been focused on the specific mechanisms mediating the pancreatic beta-cell injury. Both the decreased viability and the dysfunction of beta-cells have become the key factors in the development of diabetes mellitus. Thus, it is of utmost importance to elucidate the discrete pathological changes in pancreatic beta-cells within the context of the various lipotoxicity models. The goal of these studies is to generate evidence to improve not only the clinical treatment for diabetics, but also modulate the diet and activities of groups at high risk for diabetes. In this regard, we review the role of lipotoxicity in pancreatic beta-cell injury and identify potential therapeutic targets in this cell model. (C) 2012 Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Chinese Pharmaceutical Association. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.