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Amylin role in glucose homeostasis and β-cell function: a robust justification.
Suad H Almasoudi1, Hayder M Al-Kuraishy2, Ali I Al-Gareeb3
1Department of Biology, College of Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Minerva Endocrinology
|March 13, 2026
Summary
Amylin, a hormone co-secreted with insulin, plays a dual role in type 2 diabetes (T2D). While it can worsen T2D, amylin analogues show promise for improving glycemic control and weight loss.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Diseases
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Amylin is a pancreatic beta-cell hormone crucial for glucose homeostasis.
- It regulates glucagon secretion, gastric emptying, and appetite.
- Emerging evidence suggests amylin's complex role in type 2 diabetes (T2D) pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the dual roles of amylin in T2D.
- To highlight therapeutic and pathogenic implications of amylin.
- To explore the impact of amylin concentration, duration, and receptor interaction.
Main Methods:
- Review of experimental and clinical data.
- Analysis of preclinical studies on amylin analogues.
- Evaluation of concerns regarding amyloidogenic toxicity.
Main Results:
- High amylin levels correlate with amyloid fibril formation and beta-cell cytotoxicity.
- Amylin analogues demonstrate potential in improving glycemic control and promoting weight loss.
- Detrimental and protective effects of amylin are concentration, duration, and receptor-dependent.
Conclusions:
- Amylin exhibits paradoxical actions in T2D, with both pathogenic and protective effects.
- Concerns about amyloidogenic toxicity necessitate further investigation.
- Robust clinical trials are required to optimize amylin's therapeutic potential in T2D management.
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