Abstract
With the worldwide increase in diabetes prevalence there is a pressing unmet need for novel antidiabetic therapies. Insufficient insulin production due to impaired β-cell function and apoptotic reduction of β-cell mass is a common denominator in the pathogenesis of diabetes. Current treatments are directed at improving insulin sensitivity, and stimulating insulin secretion or replacing the hormone, but do not target progressive apoptotic β-cell loss. Here we review the current development of small-molecule inhibitors designed to rescue β-cells from apoptosis. Several distinct classes of small molecules have been identified that protect β-cells from inflammatory, oxidative and/or metabolically induced apoptosis. Although none of these have yet reached the clinic, β-cell protective small molecules alone or in combination with current therapies provide exciting opportunities for the development of novel treatments for diabetes.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism Online |
| Volume | 15 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| Pages (from-to) | 176-84 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| ISSN | 1463-1326 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Sept 2013 |
