Exogenous Metallothionein Potentiates the Insulin Response at Normal Glucose Concentrations in INS-1E Beta-Cells without Disturbing Intracellular ZnT8 Expression

As a consequence of the global epidemic of obesity, the incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is increasing worldwide. T2D is characterized by hyperglycaemia, hyper-insulinaemia and a reduced insulin response in muscular and fatty tissue. Over time, an increased insulin demand leads to cellular fatigue and death of the insulin producing β-cells. In response, the T2D patients become insulin-dependent and subjected to the boundaries of life-long insulin treatment. Preservation of β-cell insulin secretion and a sufficient β-cell mass is thus a corner stone in optimal TD2 treatment. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.