An update on cytokines in the pathogenesis of insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus

Adenoviral overproduction of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist increases beta cell replication and mass in syngeneically transplanted islets, and improves metabolic outcome

“…We have identified increased production of IL-1β in syngeneically transplanted islet grafts, thereby confirming the presence of an inflammatory process in early islet transplantation even in most favourable conditions for islet survival [14,15]. Considering the well established cytotoxicity of IL-1β [16,17], we have hypothesised that IL-1β contributes to the damage of islet cells occurring in the initial days after transplantation.…”

Essential pathogenic role of endogenous IL‐18 in murine diabetes induced by multiple low doses of streptozotocin. Prevention of hyperglycemia and insulitis by a recombinant IL‐18‐binding protein: Fc construct

“…In addition, the murine IL-18 gene maps to the Idd2 susceptibility locus, suggesting a potential role in predisposition to autoimmunity [16]. Along with the capacity of IL-18 to bias the immune responses towards Th1-oriented phenotype [7][8] that is known be involved in type 1 DM pathogenesis [9], these observations anticipated IL-18 to play a pivotal role in autoimmune diabetogenesis. It was therefore unexpected that exogenously administered IL-18 prevented spontaneous development of disease in NOD mice by counterregulation of Th1-dependent destructive insulitis [21].…”

“…Because several studies in rodent models of type 1 DM show that the above mentioned molecules all contribute to autoimmune diabetogenesis [6,9], we tested the effects of negating the action of endogenous IL-18 in mice made diabetic with STZ. For this purpose, a specific inhibitor of IL-18, recombinant IL-18 binding protein:Fc (IL-18 bp:Fc), was given to mice at different time points during diabetes development.…”

Canine diabetes mellitus: can old dogs teach us new tricks?

“…Dogs with chronic pancreatitis tend to present with subtle, non-specific clinical signs and can be difficult to diagnose [25]. Although pancreatitis primarily affects exocrine tissue, the inflammatory response may affect endocrine function, and beta cells, in particular, seem to be sensitive to the deleterious effects of inflammatory mediators including IL-1β and TNF-α [26]. It has been proposed that pancreatitis in dogs might initiate beta cell damage, and that the subsequent release of antigens might stimulate an immune response that could potentially exacerbate islet destruction [27].…”