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T Mandrup-Poulsen

Publications and source records attributed to T Mandrup-Poulsen.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

IL-1beta-induced pro-apoptotic signalling is facilitated by NCAM/FGF receptor signalling and inhibited by the C3d ligand in the INS-1E rat beta cell line.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: IL-1beta released from immune cells induces beta cell pro-apoptotic signalling via mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB). In neurons, the neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) signals to several elements involved in IL-1beta-induced pro-apoptotic signalling in beta cells. Pancreatic beta cells express NCAM, but its biological effects in these cells are unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is cross-talk between NCAM signalling and cytokine-induced pro-apoptotic signalling. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Western blotting was used to investigate levels of NCAM and inducible nitric oxide synthase, phosphorylation of Src and MAPKs, and cleavage of caspase-3. MAPK activity was investigated with an in vitro kinase assay. Apoptosis was detected by cleaved caspase-3 and a Cell Death Detection ELISA(plus) assay. NCAM-induced fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) activation was investigated in NCAM(-/-) Trex293 cells where FGFR phosphorylation was measured by Western blotting after NCAM transfection. RESULTS: Pre-exposure of INS-1E cells to the FGFR-inhibitor SU5402, but not to the Src-inhibitor PP2, dose-dependently inhibited IL-1beta-mediated MAPK activity. A synthetic peptide, C3d, reported to bind NCAM, did not activate MAPK or Akt as reported in neurons but inhibited IL-1beta-induced MAPK activity, thereby mimicking the effect of SU5402. Furthermore, C3d inhibited NCAM-induced FGFR phosphorylation and apoptosis induced by IL-1beta plus IFN-gamma, but did not affect IL-1beta-induced NF-kappaB signalling. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: We suggest that NCAM signalling through FGFR is required for efficient IL-1beta pro-apoptotic signalling by facilitating IL-1beta-induced MAPK activation downstream of the NF-kappaB-MAPK branching point. Further, these data identify a novel function of C3d as an inhibitor of NCAM-induced FGFR activity and of IL-1beta-induced MAPK activation in beta cells.

Animals↗

Association of a microsatellite in FASL to type II diabetes and of the FAS-670G>A genotype to insulin resistance.

Type II diabetes is caused by a failure of the pancreatic beta-cells to compensate for insulin resistance leading to hyperglycaemia. There is evidence for an essential role of an increased beta-cell apoptosis in type II diabetes. High glucose concentrations induce IL-1beta production in human beta-cells, Fas expression and concomitant apoptosis owing to a constitutive expression of FasL. FASL and FAS map to loci linked to type II diabetes and estimates of insulin resistance, respectively. We have tested two functional promoter polymorphisms, FAS-670 G>A and FASL-844C>T as well as a microsatellite in the 3' UTR of FASL for association to type II diabetes in 549 type II diabetic patients and 525 normal-glucose-tolerant (NGT) control subjects. Furthermore, we have tested these polymorphisms for association to estimates of beta-cell function and insulin resistance in NGT subjects. We found significant association to type II diabetes for the allele distribution of the FASL microsatellite (P-value 0.02, Bonferroni corrected). The FAS-670G>A was associated with homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance index and body mass index (P-values 0.02 and 0.02). We conclude that polymorphisms of FASL and FAS associate with type II diabetes and estimates of insulin resistance in Danish white subjects.

3' Untranslated Regions↗

Growth arrest- and DNA-damage-inducible 45beta gene inhibits c-Jun N-terminal kinase and extracellular signal-regulated kinase and decreases IL-1beta-induced apoptosis in insulin-producing INS-1E cells.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: IL-1beta is a candidate mediator of apoptotic beta cell destruction, a process that leads to type 1 diabetes and progression of type 2 diabetes. IL-1beta activates beta cell c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38, all of which are members of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family. Inhibition of JNK prevents IL-1beta-mediated beta cell destruction. In mouse embryo fibroblasts and 3DO T cells, overexpression of the gene encoding growth arrest and DNA-damage-inducible 45beta (Gadd45b) downregulates pro-apoptotic JNK signalling. The aim of this study was to investigate if Gadd45b prevents IL-1beta-induced beta cell MAPK signalling and apoptosis. MATERIALS: Rat insulinoma INS-1E cells and mouse beta-TC3 cells stably expressing Gadd45b were generated. The effects of Gadd45b expression on signalling by JNK, ERK and p38 were assessed by Western blotting and kinase assays. Apoptosis rate was measured by terminal deoxynucleotidyl-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end-labelling (TUNEL) and an ELISA designed to detect apoptotic nucleosomes. Expression of endogenous Gadd45b mRNA was measured by RT-PCR. RESULTS: In INS-1E and beta-TC3 cells, expression of Gadd45b inhibited IL-1beta-induced activation of JNK and ERK, but augmented IL-1beta-mediated p38 activity. IL-1beta-induced nitric oxide production and decreases in insulin content and secretion were reduced by GADD45beta. IL-1beta-induced apoptosis was reduced by GADD45beta by up to 77%. Although IL-1beta stimulated the time-dependent induction of endogenous Gadd45b in INS-1E cells and rat islets, expression levels were lower in these cells than in IL-1beta-exposed NIH-3T3 and 3DO T cells. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Inadequate induction of Gadd45b, which encodes a novel beta cell JNK and ERK inhibitor, may in part explain the pro-apoptotic response of beta cells to IL-1beta.

3T3 Cells↗

Plasma cytokine levels in young and elderly twins: genes versus environment and relation to in vivo insulin action.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: We studied the impact of genetic versus pre- and postnatal environmental factors on the plasma levels of IL6, TNF and the soluble TNF receptor superfamily, member 1A (TNFRSF1A, previously known as TNF receptor type1 [TNFR1]). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using the hyperinsulinaemic-euglycaemic clamp, we assessed the association between cytokine levels and both peripheral insulin sensitivity and hepatic glucose production. Fasting plasma IL6, TNF and soluble TNFRSF1A levels were measured using ELISA in 55 young and 43 elderly twin pairs. RESULTS: Plasma IL6 and TNF were influenced by genetic factors in young and elderly twins respectively, while no significant impact of genetics was found for soluble TNFRSF1A. Significant intra-twin pair correlations between birthweight and both IL6 and soluble TNFRSF1A levels were found. In addition to the effect of birthweight on IL6, age and fat % also significantly influenced IL6 levels, whereas soluble TNFRSF1A levels were significantly influenced by zygosity, age, fat % and sex. Plasma soluble TNFRSF1A was associated with higher plasma NEFA and to some extent with reduced insulin sensitivity. Plasma IL6 was associated positively with basal NEFA. TNF level was not associated with in vivo glucose or fat metabolism after correction for known confounders. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Plasma IL6 and soluble TNFRSF1A are influenced by the intrauterine environment. We found some evidence of a genetic component for TNF and IL6 in young and elderly twins respectively. Plasma IL6 may influence basal lipolysis, but neither plasma TNF nor IL6 levels are independently associated with hepatic or peripheral insulin action. Nevertheless, plasma soluble TNFRSF1A may play some role in the control of insulin action.

Adult↗

Extracellular signal-regulated kinase is essential for interleukin-1-induced and nuclear factor kappaB-mediated gene expression in insulin-producing INS-1E cells.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: The beta cell destruction and insulin deficiency that characterises type 1 diabetes mellitus is partially mediated by cytokines, such as IL-1beta, and by nitric oxide (NO)-dependent and -independent effector mechanisms. IL-1beta activates mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), including extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38 and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK), and the nuclear factor kappa B (NFkappaB) pathway. Both pathways are required for expression of the gene encoding inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and for IL-1beta-mediated beta cell death. The molecular mechanisms by which these two pathways regulate beta cell Nos2 expression are currently unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to clarify the putative crosstalk between MAPK and NFkappaB activation in beta cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The MAPKs ERK, p38 and JNK were inhibited by SB203580, PD98059 or Tat-JNK binding domain or by cells overexpressing the JNK binding domain. The effects of MAPK inhibition on IL-1beta-induced iNOS production and kappa B inhibitor protein (IkappaB) degradation were examined by western blotting. NFkappaB DNA binding was investigated by electrophoretic mobility shift assay, while NFkappaB-induced gene transcription was evaluated by gene reporter assays. RESULTS: Inhibition of the MAPKs did not affect IkappaB degradation or NFkappaB DNA binding. However, inhibition of ERK reduced NFkappaB-mediated Nos2 expression; serine 276 phosphorylation of the p65 unit of the NFkappaB complex seemed critical, as evaluated by amino acid mutation analysis. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: ERK activity is required for NFkappaB-mediated transcription of Nos2 in insulin-producing INS-1E cells, indicating that ERK regulates Nos2 expression by increasing the transactivating capacity of NFkappaB. This may involve phosphorylation of Ser276 on p65 by an as yet unidentified kinase.

Animals↗

Nitric oxide contributes to cytokine-induced apoptosis in pancreatic beta cells via potentiation of JNK activity and inhibition of Akt.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Pro-inflammatory cytokines cause beta cell secretory dysfunction and apoptosis--a process implicated in the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes. Cytokines induce the expression of inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase (iNOS) leading to NO production. NO contributes to cytokine-induced apoptosis, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate whether NO modulates signalling via mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and Akt. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MAPK activities in INS-1 cells and isolated islets were determined by immunoblotting and in vitro kinase assay. Apoptosis was determined by ELISA measurement of histone-DNA complexes present in cytoplasm. RESULTS: Apoptosis in INS-1 cells induced by IL-1beta plus IFNgamma was dependent on NO production as demonstrated by the use of the NOS blocker NG-methyl-L-arginine. Accordingly, an NO donor (S-nitroso-N-acetyl-D, L-penicillamine, SNAP) dose-dependently caused apoptosis in INS-1 cells. SNAP activated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 MAPK, but suppressed the activity of extracellular signal-regulated kinase MAPK. In rat islets, NOS inhibition decreased JNK and p38 activities induced by a 6-h exposure to IL-1beta. Likewise, IL-1beta-induced JNK and p38 activities were lower in iNOS(-/-) mouse islets than in wild-type islets. In human islets, SNAP potentiated IL-1beta-induced JNK activation. The constitutive level of active, Ser473-phosphorylated Akt in INS-1 cells was suppressed by SNAP. IGF-I activated Akt and protected against SNAP-induced apoptosis. The anti-apoptotic effect of IGF-I was not associated with reduced JNK activation. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: We suggest that NO contributes to cytokine-induced apoptosis via potentiation of JNK activity and suppression of Akt.

Animals↗

An immune origin of type 2 diabetes?

Subclinical, low-grade systemic inflammation has been observed in patients with type 2 diabetes and in those at increased risk of the disease. This may be more than an epiphenomenon. Alleles of genes encoding immune/inflammatory mediators are associated with the disease, and the two major environmental factors the contribute to the risk of type 2 diabetes-diet and physical activity-have a direct impact on levels of systemic immune mediators. In animal models, targeting of immune genes enhanced or suppressed the development of obesity or diabetes. Obesity is associated with the infiltration and proinflammatory activity of macrophages in adipose tissue, and immune mediators may be important regulators of insulin resistance, mitochondrial function, ectopic lipid storage and beta cell dysfunction or death. Intervention studies targeting these pathways would help to determine the contribution of an activated innate immune system to the development of type 2 diabetes.

Adipose Tissue↗

Variations of the interleukin-6 promoter are associated with features of the metabolic syndrome in Caucasian Danes.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: The cytokine interleukin 6 (IL-6) is an essential regulator of the acute phase response associated with insulin-resistant states including type 2 diabetes and obesity. Three polymorphisms at positions -597, -572, and -174 of the IL6 promoter have been reported to influence IL6 transcription. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the IL6 promoter polymorphisms were associated with features of the WHO-defined metabolic syndrome and related quantitative traits in 7,553 Caucasian Danes. METHODS: Using analysis of PCR-generated primer extension products by mass spectrometry we examined -597 G/A, -572 G/C, and -174 G/C IL6 variants in the population-based Inter99 study cohort of middle-aged people (n=6,164) and in a group of type 2 diabetic patients (n=1,389). RESULTS: The -174 G/C and -597 G/A polymorphisms were in strong linkage disequilibrium (R(2)=0.95). In the Inter99 cohort the -174 G-allele was associated with insulin resistance (p<0.02) and dyslipidaemia (p<0.007) whereas the C-allele of the -572 polymorphism was associated with increased serum insulin release during an OGTT (p<0.0005). Composite genotype or haplotype analyses of all 3 IL6 promoter variants showed associations with type 2 diabetes (p<0.002), obesity (p<0.02), and the metabolic syndrome (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The present studies suggest that single-nucleotide polymorphisms and composite genotypes or haplotypes of the IL6 promoter may be associated with several features of the metabolic syndrome in Caucasians.

Base Sequence↗

Functional promoter haplotypes of the human FAS gene are associated with the phenotype of SLE characterized by thrombocytopenia.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by production of autoantibodies against intracellular antigens and tissue injury. Defective apoptosis of activated immune cells leads to the development of autoantibodies in SLE. FasL initiated apoptosis is central for peripheral tolerance. Fas deficiencies in humans and mice predispose toward systemic autoimmunity. SLE is conferred by many genes. The genetic effects may be concentrated by familial clustering or by stratifying of subphenotypes. We have tested polymorphisms and haplotypes in FAS and FASL for association to SLE or subphenotypes in 126 multiplex American SLE pedigrees and found association of the FAS codon214 AC(C/T) as well as the FAS-670G>A'-codon214 AC(C/T)' haplotype to thrombocytopenia in SLE. Furthermore we have functionally characterized the FAS/FASL promoter polymorphisms associated with SLE in other populations and demonstrate that the activity depends on the allelic variants as well as on the haplotype. The presence of FAS-670G, which affects STAT1 binding, leads to the highest activity. FASL-844C activity is modified by the cis acting -478A and, hence, the haplotype and not the individual variant, determines the promoter activity. We conclude that the FAS/FASL promoter haplotypes are functional and that polymorphisms in FAS may contribute to thrombocytopenia in SLE.

Black or African American↗

Suppressor of cytokine signalling (SOCS)-3 protects beta cells against IL-1beta-mediated toxicity through inhibition of multiple nuclear factor-kappaB-regulated proapoptotic pathways.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: The proinflammatory cytokine IL-1beta induces apoptosis in pancreatic beta cells via pathways dependent on nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB), mitogen-activated protein kinase, and protein kinase C. We recently showed suppressor of cytokine signalling (SOCS)-3 to be a natural negative feedback regulator of IL-1beta- and IFN-gamma-mediated signalling in rat islets and beta cell lines, preventing their deleterious effects. However, the mechanisms underlying SOCS-3 inhibition of IL-1beta signalling and prevention against apoptosis remain unknown. METHODS: The effect of SOCS-3 expression on the global gene-expression profile following IL-1beta exposure was microarray-analysed using a rat beta cell line (INS-1) with inducible SOCS-3 expression. Subsequently, functional analyses were performed. RESULTS: Eighty-two known genes and several expressed sequence tags (ESTs) changed expression level 2.5-fold or more in response to IL-1beta alone. Following 6 h of IL-1beta exposure, 23 transcripts were up-regulated. Of these, several, including all eight transcripts relating to immune/inflammatory response pathways, were suppressed by SOCS-3. Following 24 h of IL-1beta exposure, secondary response genes were detected, affecting metabolism, energy generation, protein synthesis and degradation, growth arrest, and apoptosis. The majority of these changes were prevented by SOCS-3 expression. Multiple IL-1beta-induced NF-kappaB-dependent proapoptotic early response genes were inhibited by SOCS-3 expression, suggesting that SOCS-3 inhibits NF-kappaB-mediated signalling. These observations were experimentally confirmed in functional analyses. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: This study suggests that there is an unexpected cross-talk between the SOCS/IFN and the IL-1beta pathways of signalling in pancreatic beta cells, which could lead to a novel perspective of blocking two important proapoptotic pathways in pancreatic beta cells by influencing a single signalling molecule, namely SOCS-3.

Animals↗

Mutation analysis of suppressor of cytokine signalling 3, a candidate gene in Type 1 diabetes and insulin sensitivity.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Beta cell loss in Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes mellitus may result from apoptosis and necrosis induced by inflammatory mediators. The suppressor of cytokine signalling (SOCS)-3 is a natural inhibitor of cytokine signalling and also influences insulin signalling. SOCS3 could therefore be a candidate gene in the development of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: Mutation analysis of the SOCS3 gene was performed in 21 patients with Type 1 diabetes mellitus and in seven healthy subjects. An identified promoter variant was examined in (i) 250 families with Type 1 diabetic family members (1097 individuals); (ii) 212 glucose-tolerant first-degree relatives of Type 2 diabetic patients; and (iii) 370 population-based young, healthy subjects who were unrelated. RESULTS: Three mutations were identified in the promoter region, but none in the coding region or the 3'UTR. Two of the three mutations had allele frequencies below 1% whereas the C -920-->A substitution had a minor allele frequency of 8%. In the group of young healthy subjects the insulin sensitivity index was higher among homozygous carriers of the A-allele than among heterozygous and wild-type subjects ( p=0.027, uncorrected). The same trend was found in the group of first-degree relatives of Type 2 diabetic patients. No association or linkage was found to Type 1 diabetes mellitus. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Homozygosity for the A-allele of the C -920-->A promoter polymorphism of the SOCS3 gene may be associated with increased whole-body insulin sensitivity, but deserves further investigation.

Adolescent↗

Identification of a type 1 diabetes-associated CD4 promoter haplotype with high constitutive activity.

CD4 is a candidate gene in autoimmune diseases, including Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), because the CD4 receptor is crucial for appropriate antigen responses of CD4(+) T cells. We previously found linkage between a CD4-1188(TTTTC)(5-14) promoter polymorphism and T1DM. In the present study, we screened the human CD4 promoter for mutations and identified three frequent single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs): CD4-181C/G, CD4-521C/G and CD4-1050T/C. The SNPs are in strong linkage disequilibrium (LD) and association with the CD4-1188(TTTTC)(5-14) alleles, and we observed nine CD4 promoter haplotypes, of which four are frequent. We genotyped the SNPs in 253 Danish T1DM families (1129 individuals) and found evidence for linkage and association of a CD4 (A4(-1188)T(-1050)G(-521)C(-181)) haplotype to T1DM. In reporter studies, we show that (1) the T1DM-associated CD4 haplotype encodes high constitutive promoter activity and (2) the CD4-181G variant encodes higher stimulated promoter activity than the CD4-181C variant. This difference is in part neutralized in the frequently occurring CD4 promoter haplotypes by the more upstream genetic variants. Thus, we report functional impact of a novel CD4-181C/G SNP on stimulated CD4 promoter activity and the identification of a novel CD4 haplotype with high constitutive promoter activity that is linked and associated with T1DM.

Adolescent↗

The JNK binding domain of islet-brain 1 inhibits IL-1 induced JNK activity and apoptosis but not the transcription of key proapoptotic or protective genes in insulin-secreting cell lines.

The stress-activated protein kinase c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) is a central signal for interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta)-induced apoptosis in insulin-producing beta-cells. The cell-permeable peptide inhibitor of JNK (JNKI1), that introduces the JNK binding domain (JBD) of the scaffold protein islet-brain 1 (IB1) inside cells, effectively prevents beta-cell death caused by this cytokine. To define the molecular targets of JNK involved in cytokine-induced beta-cell apoptosis we investigated whether JNKI1 or stable expression of JBD affected the expression of selected pro- and anti-apoptotic genes induced in rat (RIN-5AH-T2B) and mouse (betaTC3) insulinoma cells exposed to IL-1beta. Inhibition of JNK significantly reduced phosphorylation of the specific JNK substrate c-Jun (p<0.05), IL-1beta-induced apoptosis (p<0.001), and IL-1beta-mediated c-fos gene expression. However, neither JNKI1 nor JBD did influence IL-1beta-induced NO synthesis or iNOS expression or the transcription of the genes encoding mitochondrial manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase rho (GSTrho), heat shock protein (HSP) 70, IL-1beta-converting enzyme (ICE), caspase-3, apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF), Bcl-2 or Bcl-xL. We suggest that the anti-apoptotic effect of JNK inhibition by JBD is independent of the transcription of major pro- and anti-apoptotic genes, but may be exerted at the translational or posttranslational level.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

IL-1beta induced protein changes in diabetes prone BB rat islets of Langerhans identified by proteome analysis.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Type I (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus is characterized by selective destruction of the insulin producing beta cells. Interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) modulates the beta-cell function, protein synthesis, energy production and causes apoptosis. We have previously shown changes in the expression of 82 out of 1 815 protein spots detected by two dimensional gel electrophoresis in IL-1beta exposed diabetes prone Bio Breeding (BB-DP) rat islets of Langerhans in vitro. The aim of this study was to identify the proteins in these 82 spots by mass spectrometry and compare these changes with those seen in IL-1beta exposed Wistar Furth (WF) rat islets. METHODS: The 82 protein spots, that changed expression after IL-1beta exposure, were all re-identified on preparative gels of 200 000 neonatal WF rat islets, cut out and subjected to mass spectrometry for identification. RESULTS: Forty-five different proteins were identified from 51 spots and grouped according to function: (i) energy transduction and redox potentials; (ii) glycolytic and Krebs cycle enzymes; (iii) protein, DNA and RNA synthesis, chaperoning and protein folding; (iv) signal transduction, regulation, differentiation and apoptosis; (v) cellular defence; and (vi) other functions. Comparison of IL-1beta exposed BB-DP and WF islets showed common changes in 14 proteins and several proteins influencing similar pathways, suggesting that similar routes in the two strains lead to beta-cell destruction. CONCLUSION/INTERPRETATION: We demonstrate that proteome analysis is a powerful tool to identify proteins and pathways in BB-DP rat islets exposed to IL-1beta.

Animals↗

Complete mutation scan of the human Fas ligand gene: linkage studies in Type I diabetes mellitus families.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Type I (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus is the result of a T-cell regulated selective destruction of pancreatic beta cells. There is evidence that the apoptosis inducing T-cell effector, Fas ligand (FasL) could be involved in the pathogenesis of Type I diabetes, probably because FasL-mediated apoptosis is important in maintaining peripheral self-tolerance and in down-regulating an immune response. We therefore evaluated the human FasL gene FASL on chromosome 1q23 as a candidate susceptibility gene for Type I diabetes. METHODS: The entire FASL (promoter, exons 1-4 and 3'UTR) was scanned for polymorphisms using single strand conformational polymorphism-heteroduplex analysis and direct sequencing. RESULTS: We identified two novel polymorphisms, a g-C843T and a g-A475T, in a negative regulatory region of the promoter. A Danish Type I diabetes family collection of 1143 subjects comprising 257 families (420 affected and 252 unaffected offspring) was typed for the g-C843T polymorphism and for a FASL microsatellite. Haplotypes were established and data were analysed using the extended transmission disequilibrium test. CONCLUSION/INTERPRETATION: We found no overall evidence for linkage in the presence of association of the FASL polymorphism to Type I diabetes and conclude that FASL does not contribute to the genetic susceptibility to Type I diabetes.

Amino Acid Substitution↗

Prevalence of hereditary haemochromatosis in late-onset type 1 diabetes mellitus: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Although genotyping studies suggest that hereditary haemochromatosis is one of the most common genetic disorders in white people, it is still thought of as an uncommon disease. Our aim was to test the hypothesis that hereditary haemochromatosis is a disease often overlooked in patients with late-onset type 1 diabetes mellitus, a late manifestation of untreated iron overload. METHODS: We did a retrospective study in which we genotyped for the C282Y and H63D mutations in the haemochromatosis gene in 716 unselected Danish patients who developed type 1 diabetes mellitus after age 30 years and 9174 controls from the general Danish population. We also screened for hereditary haemochromatosis by assessment of transferrin saturation. FINDINGS: More patients with diabetes (n=9, relative frequency 1.26%, 95% CI 0.58-2.37) than controls (23, 0.25%, 0.16-0.38) were homozygous for C282Y (odds ratio 4.6, 2.0-10.1, p=0.0001). These patients had unrecognised signs of haemochromatosis. Transferrin saturation and ferritin concentrations ranged from 57% to 102% and 17 microg/L to 8125 microg/L, respectively. Frequency of compound heterozygosity (C282Y/H63D) did not differ between patients with diabetes (eight) and controls (131) (odds ratio 0.8, 95% CI 0.4-1.7). Positive and negative predictive values of transferrin saturation greater than 50%, in identification of C282Y homozygosity, were 0.26 and 1.00, respectively. A saturation of less than 50% therefore excluded C282Y homozygosity, whereas a saturation of more than 50% suggested C282Y homozygosity. INTERPRETATION: Measurement of transferrin saturation followed by genetic testing could prevent liver and heart problems and improve life expectancy in patients with diabetes. Population screening before the onset of diabetes might improve the outlook of patients even further, but will be less cost effective.

Adult↗

Suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS-3) protects beta -cells against interleukin-1beta - and interferon-gamma -mediated toxicity.

Suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS-3) is a negative feedback regulator of IFN-gamma signaling, shown up-regulated in mouse bone marrow cells by the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and IFN-gamma. IL-1beta and IFN-gamma alone, or potentiated by TNF-alpha, are cytotoxic to the insulin producing pancreatic beta-cells and beta-cell lines in vitro and suggested to contribute to the specific beta-cell destruction in Type-1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Using a doxycycline-inducible SOCS-3 expression system in the rat beta-cell line INS-1, we demonstrate that the toxic effect of both IL-1beta or IFN-gamma at concentrations that reduced the viability by 50% over 3 days, was fully preventable when SOCS-3 expression was turned on in the cells. At cytokine concentrations or combinations more toxic to the cells, SOCS-3 overexpression yielded a partial protection. Whereas SOCS-3-mediated inhibition of IFN-gamma signaling is described in other cell systems, SOCS-3 mediated inhibition of IL-1beta signaling has not previously been described. In addition we show that SOCS-3 prevention of IL-1beta-induced toxicity is accompanied by inhibited transcription of the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) by 80%, resulting in 60% decreased formation of the toxic nitric oxide (NO). Analysis of isolated native rat islets exposed to IL-1beta revealed a naturally occurring but delayed up-regulated SOCS-3 transcription. Influencing SOCS-3 expression thus represents an approach for affecting cytokine-induced signal transduction at a proximal step in the signal cascade, potentially useful in future therapies aimed at reducing the destructive potential of beta-cell cytotoxic cytokines in T1DM, as well as other cytokine-dependent diseases.

Animals↗