Hypercaloric diet contribues to beta cell apoptosis in type 2 diabetes

D. Miricescu, A. M. A. Stănescu, H. Lazarescu, A. Kozma, A. Totan, C. Ștefani, R. Rădulescu, M. Greabu

Abstract: A diet rich in saturated fats, refined carbohydrates, poor in fruits and vegetables, associated with a sedentary life leads to obesity. According to statistical data, the incidence of obesity among children, adolescents and adults has increased dramatically in the last 20 years both in the USA and in Europe. Obesity has many negative effects on the human body, being involved in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cancer. An important feature of type 2 diabetes is represented by pancreatic beta-cell apoptosis. Hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia causes beta-cell dysfunction and may induce apoptosis in type 2 diabetes. Apoptosis can occur through two major pathways, the extrinsic (death receptor mediated pathway) and intrinsic pathway (involves the regulation of Blc-2). The purpose of this review is to present the mechanisms by which the hypercaloric diet can induce apoptosis of pancreatic beta cells.
Keywords: hypercaloric diet, Beta cell apoptosis, type 2 diabetes.