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Neuroprotective Substances: Are they Able to Protect the Pancreatic Beta- Cells Too?

Rita U Ostrovskaya1, Sergei V Ivanov1

  • 1V. Zakusov Research Institute of Pharmacology, 8, Baltiiskaya str., 125315, Moscow, Russia.

Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders Drug Targets
|March 4, 2022
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Neuroprotective compounds show promise for treating type 2 diabetes (T2D). These substances protect pancreatic beta-cells from damage, suggesting a new therapeutic avenue for T2D prevention and management.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology and Neuroscience
  • Metabolic Disorders and Neurodegeneration

Background:

  • Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) shares pathological pathways with neurodegenerative diseases.
  • Pancreatic beta-cells and neurons exhibit similar vulnerabilities in these conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review neuroprotective compounds for potential antidiabetic and cytoprotective effects on pancreatic beta-cells.
  • To evaluate compounds like GK-2, afobazole, lithium chloride, and lithium carbonate in a rat T2D model.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of studies on neuroprotective agents in a rat streptozotocin-induced T2D model.
  • Assessment of antidiabetic and cytoprotective actions, including oxidative stress attenuation and neurotrophin expression.

Main Results:

  • All tested neuroprotective substances demonstrated significant antidiabetic activity.
  • Therapy with these compounds mitigated streptozotocin-induced damage to beta-cells and pancreatic islets.
  • Morphological improvements correlated with antihyperglycemic effects.

Conclusions:

  • Neuroprotective agents can protect pancreatic beta-cells, similar to their neuronal protective effects.
  • These findings support further investigation of neuroprotective drugs for T2D prevention and treatment.
Keywords:
Type 2 diabetescytoprotectionneuroprotectionneurotrophinsstreptozotocinβ-cells

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