THE ROLE OF AMYLIN IN THE PATHOGENESIS OF TYPE-II DIABETES-MELLITUS

Amylin, a peptide, which was isolated from the islet amyloid of type II diabetics, might play a potential role in the pathogenesis of type II diabetes mellitus. In in vitro and in vivo studies it has been shown that amylin has an effect on insulin secretion as well as on insulin sensitivity. From measurements of plasma amylin levels it is known that amylin is cosecreted with insulin and patients with hyperinsulinemia have also elevated amylin levels. In patients with impaired glucose tolerance and type II diabetes amylin levels are decreased compared to insulin. A secretory defect of amylin and its local accumulation in the islets of type II diabetics might be a cause for the insulin secretory defect in type II diabetes. Additionally, amylin can induce peripheral insulin resistance, which might also be a cause for type II diabetes mellitus. Amylin is a new pancreatic peptide, which might play an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus.