Authors: Andersen, G.; Hansen, T.; Pedersen, O.

Source: Current Molecular Medicine, Volume 5, Number 3, May 2005 , pp. 261-274(14)

Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers

Abstract:

The common forms of abnormal glucose regulation including type 2 diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance with pathological implications on vascular biology have a complex aetiology involving multiple crosstalks between genetic influences and important environmental modifying factors. Due to complexity of the genetics and the clinical heterogeneity of these disorders it has proven difficult to apply the same methodological approaches that have recently given insights into the molecular genetics of several single-gene disorders of glucose metabolism. This review gives some reflections on the challenges posed by the current hypotheses about the genetics of the widespread forms of abnormal glucose regulation as well as on the strengths and limitations of the methodological approaches applied to unravel the genetic components of common disorders. Also, we review recent progress in relation to a model for the pathogenesis of the various stages of abnormal glucose regulation based on the concepts of thrifty genes of metabolism and proinflammation and genes responsible for the appearance of impaired pancreatic b-cell function and insulin signalling under the pressure of a westernised environment.

Keywords: genetics; type diabetes; obesity; glucose regulation; igt; ifg; insulin secretion; thrifty genotype; proinflammation; energy expenditure

Document Type: Review article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1566524053766077

Affiliations: 1: Steno Diabetes Center, Niels Steensens Vej 2, NSH5, DK-2820 Gentofte, Denmark.

Publication date: 2005-05-01

More about this publication?

• Current Molecular Medicine is an interdisciplinary journal focused on providing the readership with current and comprehensive reviews on fundamental molecular mechanisms of disease pathogenesis, the development of molecular-diagnosis and/or novel approaches to rational treatment. The reviews should be of significant interest to basic researchers and clinical investigators in molecular medicine. Periodically the journal will invite guest editors to devote an issue on a basic research area that shows promise to advance our understanding of the molecular mechanism(s) of a disease or has potential for clinical applications.

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