Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2025

Accelerated Type 1 Diabetes Induction in Mice by Adoptive Transfer of Diabetogenic CD4+ T Cells
Published on: May 6, 2013
What's the role of thymus in diabetes mellitus?
Xianliang Dai1, Li Hua2, Hui Chen3
1Department of Cardiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China; Department of Pharmacy, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China.
Abstract:
Diabetes mellitus is considered as an autoimmune inflammatory and age-related disease. As an important immune organ, the thymus is involved in the immune response and inflammatory response process. Therefore, there may be a link between changes in thymus function and diabetes. Based on previous studies, we hypothesized that thymus dysfunction due to aging and other reasons leads to changes in the generation of various inflammatory-immune cells and inflammatory cytokines that regulate insulin resistance, and then participates in the development of diabetes and its complications. Therefore, thymus may be a key factor in diabetes and complications, and it may be a promising therapeutic strategy to improve the thymus function for patients with diabetes. The purpose of this review is to summarize and discuss recent advances in the influence of thymus function on diabetes, especially its potential mechanisms.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype
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...
Pathophysiology of 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,...
Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational
Carbohydrate Metabolism
Starch accounts for approximately 60% of the carbohydrates consumed by humans. Since amylase enzymes cannot function in the stomach's acidic environment, starch can only be digested in the mouth and small intestine. Simple sugars are found naturally in milk and fruits in...
Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Complications
Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer

