Journal of Shandong University (Health Sciences) ›› 2026, Vol. 64 ›› Issue (10): 60-70.doi: 10.6040/j.issn.1671-7554.0.2026.1323

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Islet homeostasis and glucose and lipid metabolism

SHANG Pan, CHENG Jie, GE Xiaoyan, WANG Yueyuan, YU Xiao   

  1. School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
  • Published:2026-10-10

Abstract: Pancreatic islets are highly organized micro-organs composed of endocrine cells, immune cells, microvasculature, and extracellular matrix components, and their homeostasis relies on finely coordinated and dynamic interactions among multiple cell types. Increasing evidence indicates that diabetes is not solely attributable to β-cell dysfunction, but is also closely associated with disrupted intercellular communication, remodeling of the immune microenvironment, and metabolic stress within the islet. Focusing on islet homeostasis in the context of glucose and lipid metabolism, this review summarizes the regulatory circuits involving β-δ cells, β-α cells, and islet macrophages, with particular emphasis on the effects of hyperglycemia, lipid overload, inflammatory responses, and microenvironmental remodeling on islet function. We further discuss the major classes of glucose-lowering therapies from the perspective of their effects on islet homeostasis.

Key words: Islet homeostasis, Islet cells, Glucose metabolism, Lipid metabolism, Diabetes mellitus

CLC Number: 

  • R335
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