Beta cells are a type of specialized cell found in the pancreas, an important organ in the digestive and endocrine systems of the human body. These cells are primarily known for their role in regulating blood sugar levels by producing and secreting the hormone insulin. Here is are some important facts about beta cells:
Physiology
The Role of Insulin
Insulin is a vital hormone produced by the pancreas. It plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar (glucose) levels and is essential for maintaining overall health. Here are some key aspects of insulin.
Baxdrostat for Resistant Hypertension
Aldosterone physiology. Aldosterone, a hormone crucial for blood pressure regulation, plays a significant role in promoting salt and water retention by the kidneys. Excessive levels of aldosterone can lead to… Continue reading Baxdrostat for Resistant Hypertension
Glucagon receptor antagonist: a diabetes drug development
Glucagon and insulin work in concert to achieve and maintain proper blood glucose levels. Glucagon, released by pancreatic alpha cells, prevents hypoglycemia, while insulin released by beta cells prevents hyperglycemia. Together they preserve a tight blood glucose concentration between 70-100 mg/dL fasting and 70-140 mg/dL after meals. In type 2 diabetes, glucagon production, release, and action are malfunctioning. Overproduction of glucagon leads to over-stimulation of gluconeogenesis and glycolysis, in turn exacerbating hyperglycemia of diabetes mellitus.
It is only natural to look for ways of lowering the synthesis, secretion, or effects of glucagon. In this phase-2 clinical trial, the researchers tested the ability of a glucagon receptor antagonist in lowering A1c in 166 patients with metformin-uncontrolled type 2 diabetes over 12 weeks. The glucagon receptor antagonist RVT-1502, at the high dose 15 mg per day, lowered A1c by 1.0% without severe hypoglycemia. Slight and mild elevation of aminotransferases and blood pressure were documented respectively.
Since study results are meaningfully positive, a follow-up phase-3 randomized clinical trial would be expected.
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Interaction of ACAT with MTTP in making Lipoprotein B
Blood lipid particles, formally called lipoproteins, are essential for carrying and transporting triglycerides and cholesterol to various body tissues. Lipoproteins that contain B48 and B100 apoproteins are two decisive players. B48-Lipoprotein (Lp B48) is synthesized in the gastrointestinal tract, whereas B100-Lipoprotein (Lp B100) is made in the liver.
In this review article, the authors propose a feasible model of how Lp B48 and Lp B100 are created in the endoplasmic reticulum of enterocytes and hepatocytes. ACAT is responsible for converting free cholesterol into cholesteryl ester (CE), while MTTP is responsible for uploading CE and triglycerides into B48- or B100-Lipoproteins.
Clinician’s knowledge of Lp B48 and Lp B100 physiology is vital as both lipoproteins are – directly or indirectly – involved in all forms of dyslipidemias (Fredrickson classifications I – V)
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Prolactin Resistance
This is a nice case of prolactin resistance due to loss-of-function variant in the prolactin receptor (PRL-R) gene. A 35 year old female with hyperprolactinemia became pregnant twice, but was unable to lactate. It would take some time before the PRL-R genetic testing becomes available in clinical practice. Nonetheless, the case expands our knowledge of prolactin pathogenesis.
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Night shift work is associated with a higher risk of diabetes
Circadian rhythm and cortisol dysregulations have been associated with higher predisposition toward development of diabetes, obesity and metabolic syndrome. Subsequently it is of no surprise that night shift work, a form of circadian and cortisol anomaly, is also shown to raise the risk of diabetes mellitus.
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The 2017 Nobel Prize in Physiology: the genetic clock
In October 2017, the nobel prize in physiology was awarded to Jeffrey C. Hall, Michael Rosbash and Michael W. Young for discovering molecular and genetic mechanisms of the biological clock.
The Nobel Prize press release is shown below, with slightly modified wording for easier and succinct reading:
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