In vitro differentiation of human pancreatic duct-derived PANC-1 cells into β-cell phenotype using Tinospora cordifolia

Elucidating the therapeutic efficacy of polyherbal formulation for the management of diabetes through endogenous pancreatic β-cell regeneration

Diabetes mellitus is characterized by the progressive loss of pancreatic β-cells. Owing to the adverse side effects of conventional antidiabetic, ethnopharmacological agents have emerged as adjunct therapies for their management. The present study aims to validate the antidiabetic activity of an aqueous polyherbal extract (APE) via in silico, in vitro, and in vivo models. UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS and HPLC analysis of APE were performed to identify bioactive secondary plant metabolites. In silico approaches implemented to predict the binding efficacy of the active phytoconstituents. Biochemical estimation, antioxidant activity, and in vitro and in vivo antidiabetic activities of APE were performed. Histomorphological and immunohistological studies of the pancreatic islets were carried out in diabetic animals for microarchitectural study. UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS identified a total of 60 compounds in APE, of which 39 were reported to have antidiabetic activity, and 16 marker compounds were identified via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). An in silico study revealed a strong interaction of verbacoside B with the target proteins. APE is characterized by high flavonoid and phenolic contents with strong antioxidant properties. In an in vitro enzymatic assay, APE significantly inhibited α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes, with calculated IC50 values of 54.26 ± 0.14 and 26.47 ± 0.12 μg/ml, respectively. An in vitro glucose uptake assay revealed increased uptake with APE treatment in a dose-dependent manner. APE significantly decreased blood glucose and HbA1c levels and had no side effects on liver or kidney function, as measured from blood parameters. Immunohistological observation revealed 47% regeneration of pancreatic β-cells with APE treatment in diabetic animals.

Bioengineering and vascularization strategies for islet organoids: advancing toward diabetes therapy

Diabetes presents a pressing healthcare crisis, necessitating innovative solutions. Organoid technologies have rapidly advanced, leading to the emergence of bioengineering islet organoids as an unlimited source of insulin-producing cells for treating insulin-dependent diabetes. This advancement surpasses the need for cadaveric islet transplantation. However, clinical translation of this approach faces two major limitations: immature endocrine function and the absence of a perfusable vasculature compared to primary human islets. In this review, we summarize the latest developments in bioengineering functional islet organoids in vitro and promoting vascularization of organoid grafts before and after transplantation. We highlight the crucial roles of the vasculature in ensuring long-term survival, maturation, and functionality of islet organoids. Additionally, we discuss key considerations that must be addressed before clinical translation of islet organoid-based therapy, including functional immaturity, undesired heterogeneity, and potential tumorigenic risks.

Communal interaction of glycation and gut microbes in diabetes mellitus, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease pathogenesis

Diabetes and its complications, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and Parkinson's disease (PD) are increasing gradually, reflecting a global threat vis-à-vis expressing the essentiality of a substantial paradigm shift in research and remedial actions. Protein glycation is influenced by several factors, like time, temperature, pH, metal ions, and the half-life of the protein. Surprisingly, most proteins associated with metabolic and neurodegenerative disorders are generally long-lived and hence susceptible to glycation. Remarkably, proteins linked with diabetes, AD, and PD share this characteristic. This modulates protein's structure, aggregation tendency, and toxicity, highlighting renovated attention. Gut microbes and microbial metabolites marked their importance in human health and diseases. Though many scientific shreds of evidence are proposed for possible change and dysbiosis in gut flora in these diseases, very little is known about the mechanisms. Screening and unfolding their functionality in metabolic and neurodegenerative disorders is essential in hunting the gut treasure. Therefore, it is imperative to evaluate the role of glycation as a common link in diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases, which helps to clarify if modulation of nonenzymatic glycation may act as a beneficial therapeutic strategy and gut microbes/metabolites may answer some of the crucial questions. This review briefly emphasizes the common functional attributes of glycation and gut microbes, the possible linkages, and discusses current treatment options and therapeutic challenges.

Regeneration of Pancreatic Beta Cells by Modulation of Molecular Targets Using Plant-Derived Compounds: Pharmacological Mechanisms and Clinical Potential

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is characterized by pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction, increased cell death and loss of beta-cell mass despite chronic treatment. Consequently, there has been growing interest in developing beta cell-centered therapies. Beta-cell regeneration is mediated by augmented beta-cell proliferation, transdifferentiation of other islet cell types to functional beta-like cells or the reprograming of beta-cell progenitors into fully differentiated beta cells. This mediation is orchestrated by beta-cell differentiation transcription factors and the regulation of the cell cycle machinery. This review investigates the beta-cell regenerative potential of antidiabetic plant extracts and phytochemicals. Various preclinical studies, including in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo studies, are highlighted. Further, the potential regenerative mechanisms and the intra and extracellular mediators that are of significance are discussed. Also, the potential of phytochemicals to translate into regenerative therapies for T2D patients is highlighted, and some suggestions regarding future perspectives are made.