Pancreatic Angiopathy Associated With Islet Amyloid and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Objectives Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is histopathologically characterized by islet amyloid and is closely connected with vascular complications. Here, we explore the presence of pancreatic angiopathy (PA) associated with islet amyloid and T2D. Methods From a total of 172 autopsy cases who had a history of T2D diagnosis, we randomly selected 30 T2D autopsy cases with islet amyloid (DA+) in comparison with islet amyloid-free (DA−) 30 T2D cases and 60 nondiabetic (ND) controls. Amyloid deposits and PA including atherosclerosis of pancreatic interlobar arteries, arterial calcification, atheroembolism, hyaline arteriosclerosis of small arterioles, and islet capillary density were detected in all groups. Results Pancreatic angiopathy was found in 91.7% of patients with T2D and in 68.3% of ND controls (P < 0.01). Furthermore, 100% of DA+ patients and 83.3% of DA− subjects showed PA. The intraislet capillary density was significantly lower in DA+ subjects than DA− subjects (mean [standard deviation], DA+: 205 [82] count/mm2; DA−: 344 [76] count/mm2; ND: 291 [94] count/mm2; P < 0.01). Finally, interlobar arteriosclerosis (R = 0.603, P < 0.01) was linearly correlated with the severity of islet amyloid deposits. Conclusions Pancreatic angiopathy might be both a cause and a consequence of islet amyloid and T2D.

Regional differences in islet amyloid deposition in the residual pancreas with new-onset diabetes secondary to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

“…In particular, the loss of endocrine cells due to islet amyloid deposits is an important pathological change in T2DM patients[ 17 , 18 ]. Intraislet capillary density was linearly correlated with the severity of islet amyloid deposits, which might be both a cause and a consequence of islet amyloid and T2DM[ 19 ]. In addition, pathological changes in the islets may be different in each individual with T2DM and reflect each pathophysiology[ 8 ].…”