Targets for rescue from fatty acid-induced lipotoxicity in pancreatic beta cells

A persistent intake of excess calories increases plasma levels of free fatty acids, particularly the saturated form that has been shown to exert toxic effects on pancreatic beta cells by inducing dysfunction and apoptosis (i.e., lipotoxicity). An insufficient supply of insulin due to beta cell failure is a major factor in the onset and progression of type 2 diabetes; therefore, it is crucial to understand the cellular mechanisms of lipotoxicity to prevent beta cell failure. Many studies on the effects of lipotoxicity have demonstrated the various factors responsible for beta cell impairment, but the mechanisms of dysfunction and apoptosis resulting from lipotoxicity have not been fully described. This review discusses lipotoxicity-induced alterations of cellular mechanisms, and assesses drugs such as incretin mimetics, thiazolidinedione, and clusterin. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of lipotoxicity-induced beta cell failure is useful in guiding the development of new therapeutic targets for diabetes treatment.