Islet amyloid inhibitors improve glucose homeostasis in a transgenic mouse model of type 2 diabetes

Increasing evidence points to the cytotoxicity of islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) aggregates as a major contributor to the loss of beta-cell mass in type 2 diabetes. Prevention of IAPP formation represents a potential treatment to increase beta-cell survival and function. The IAPP inhibitory peptide, D-ANFLVH, has been previously shown to prevent islet amyloid accumulation in cultured human islets. To assess its activity in vivo, D-ANFLVH was administered by intraperitoneal injection into a human IAPP transgenic mouse model, which replicates type 2 diabetes islet amyloid pathology. The peptide was a potent inhibitor of islet amyloid deposition, resulting in reduced islet cell apoptosis and preservation of beta-cell area leading to improved glucose tolerance. These findings provide support for a key role of islet amyloid in beta-cell survival and validate the application of anti-amyloid compounds as therapeutic strategies to maintain normal insulin secretion in patients with type 2 diabetes.