Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 31, 2026

Duodenal-Jejunal Bypass Surgery in Diet-Induced Obese Diabetic Mice
08:50

Duodenal-Jejunal Bypass Surgery in Diet-Induced Obese Diabetic Mice

Published on: October 18, 2024

1.0K

Nrf2 represses the onset of type 1 diabetes in non-obese diabetic mice

Yoko Yagishita1, Akira Uruno2, Dionysios V Chartoumpekis3

  • 1Y Yagishita, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.

The Journal of Endocrinology
|January 10, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Activating the Nrf2 (NF-E2-related factor 2) pathway protected against type 1 diabetes in mouse models. This involved reducing T-cell infiltration and inflammation, suggesting Nrf2 as a therapeutic target.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Endocrinology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • The transcription factor Nrf2 (NF-E2-related factor 2) is crucial for oxidative stress response and possesses anti-inflammatory properties.
  • The precise role of Nrf2 in autoimmune disorders like type 1 diabetes, particularly in the context of T-cell-mediated autoimmunity, remains incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the protective effects of Nrf2 activation against autoreactive T-cell-induced type 1 diabetes.
  • To assess the potential of Nrf2 as a therapeutic target for type 1 diabetes prevention and treatment using a genetic model.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice, a model for human type 1 diabetes.
  • Generated genetic models by employing Keap1 (Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1) gene knockdown (hypomorphic or knockout alleles) to enhance Nrf2 signaling.
  • Assessed the impact of Nrf2 activation on T-cell infiltration, insulin secretion, diabetes incidence, and inflammatory markers like interferon-γ (IFN-γ).

Main Results:

  • Nrf2 activation in NOD mice significantly inhibited T-cell infiltration in pancreatic islets.
  • Enhanced Nrf2 signaling ameliorated insulin secretion impairment and prevented the development of type 1 diabetes.
  • Reduced plasma IFN-γ levels and decreased IFN-γ-positive cells within islets were observed, indicating suppressed inflammation.

Conclusions:

  • Activation of Nrf2 signaling effectively prevents the onset of type 1 diabetes in NOD mice.
  • Nrf2 plays a critical role in protecting against autoimmune T-cell-mediated pancreatic islet destruction.
  • Nrf2 represents a promising therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of type 1 diabetes.

More Related Videos

Accelerated Type 1 Diabetes Induction in Mice by Adoptive Transfer of Diabetogenic CD4+ T Cells06:27

Accelerated Type 1 Diabetes Induction in Mice by Adoptive Transfer of Diabetogenic CD4+ T Cells

Published on: May 6, 2013

17.3K
A Protocol for Constructing a Rat Wound Model of Type 1 Diabetes05:18

A Protocol for Constructing a Rat Wound Model of Type 1 Diabetes

Published on: February 17, 2023

5.7K

Related Concept Videos

Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational01:22

Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational

Type 2 diabetes, characterized by insulin resistance, arises when the insulin receptors on cells lose responsiveness to insulin, diminishing the cell's capacity to take up glucose, resulting in elevated blood glucose levels. To receive a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes, a series of blood glucose tests are necessary to assess whether the blood glucose falls within normal parameters. If the result is out of the normal range, a patient may be diagnosed as prediabetic or diabetic, depending on the...
4.9K
Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype01:22

Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood glucose levels due to inadequate insulin production, insulin resistance, or both. The condition affects millions worldwide and can significantly impact their health and quality of life.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin, and individuals with...
5.3K
Pathophysiology of Diabetes01:20

Pathophysiology of Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia. The four categories of diabetes are type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, other specific types of diabetes, and gestational diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility,...
3.6K
Diabetes: Management and Pharmacotherapy01:15

Diabetes: Management and Pharmacotherapy

The therapy for diabetes aims to alleviate hyperglycemia-related symptoms, prevent acute metabolic decompensation, and reduce chronic end-organ complications. Glycemic control is evaluated through short-term (self-monitoring, continuous glucose monitoring) and long-term (A1c, fructosamine) metrics, enabling near real-time tracking of blood glucose levels and reflecting glycemic control over specific time frames.
Insulin remains the cornerstone of treatment for most patients with type 1 and many...
1.1K
Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer01:19

Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer

Chronic stress has been linked to both the onset and progression of serious health conditions, including Type 2 diabetes and cancer. Type 2 diabetes, a widespread chronic illness, is closely associated with obesity and insulin resistance, both of which often worsen under stress. Studies indicate that men experiencing high levels of chronic stress face a 45% higher risk of developing diabetes compared to those with minimal stress. Stress triggers physiological responses that elevate blood...
499
Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Complications01:15

Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Complications

For most patients, experiencing several weeks of polyuria, polydipsia, fatigue, and significant weight loss may indicate the presence of diabetes. Furthermore, adults displaying the phenotypic appearance of type 2 diabetes (particularly those who are obese and not initially insulin-requiring), may have islet cell autoantibodies, suggesting autoimmune-mediated β cell destruction and a diagnosis of latent autoimmune diabetes of adults (LADA). The categorization of glucose homeostasis is...
2.3K