Loss of pancreatic islet function and
insulin-producing beta cell mass is a central hallmark in the pathogenesis of both type 1 and
type 2 diabetes. While in
type 1 diabetes this phenomenon is due to an extensive destruction of beta cells caused by an autoimmune process, the mechanisms resulting in beta cell failure in
type 2 diabetes are different and less clear. Also, beta cell destruction in
type 1 diabetes occurs early and is the initial step in the pathogenetic process, while beta cell loss in
type 2 diabetes after an initial phase of
hyperinsulinemia due to the underlying
insulin resistance occurs relatively late and it is less pronounced. Since
diabetes mellitus is the most frequent
endocrine disease, with an increasing high prevalence worldwide, huge efforts have been made over the past many decades to identify predisposing genetic, environmental, and nutritional factors in order to develop effective strategies to prevent the disease. In parallel, extensive studies in different cell systems and animal models have helped to elucidate our understanding of the physiologic function of islets and to gain insight into the immunological and non-immunological mechanisms of beta cell destruction and failure. Furthermore, currently emerging concepts of beta cell regeneration (e.g., the restoration of the beta cell pool by regenerative, proliferative and antiapoptotic processes, and recovery of physiologic islet function) apparently is yielding the first promising results. Recent insights into the complex endocrine and paracrine mechanisms regulating the physiologic function of pancreatic islets, as well as beta cell life and death, constitute an essential part of this new and exciting area of diabetology. For example, understanding of the physiological role of
glucagon-like peptide 1 has resulted in the successful clinical implementation of
incretin-based
therapies over the last years. Further, recent data suggesting paracrine effects of
growth hormone-releasing hormone and
corticotropin-releasing hormone on the regulation of pancreatic islet function, survival, and proliferation as well as on local
glucocorticoid metabolism provide evidence for a potential role of the pancreatic islet-stress axis in the pathophysiology of
diabetes mellitus. In this chapter, we provide a comprehensive overview of current preventive and regenerative concepts as a basis for the development of novel therapeutic approaches to the treatment of
diabetes mellitus. A particular focus is given on the potential of the pancreatic islet-stress axis in the development of novel regenerative strategies.