Oxidative Stress in Pancreatic Beta Cell Regeneration

Pancreatic beta cell neogenesis and proliferation during the neonatal period are critical for the generation of sufficient pancreatic beta cell mass/reserve and have a profound impact on long-term protection against type 2 diabetes (T2D). Oxidative stress plays an important role in beta cell neogenesis, proliferation, and survival under both physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Pancreatic beta cells are extremely susceptible to oxidative stress due to a high endogenous production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and a low expression of antioxidative enzymes. In this review, we summarize studies describing the critical roles and the mechanisms of how oxidative stress impacts beta cell neogenesis and proliferation. In addition, the effects of antioxidant supplements on reduction of oxidative stress and increase of beta cell proliferation are discussed. Exploring the roles and the potential therapeutic effects of antioxidants in the process of beta cell regeneration would provide novel perspectives to preserve and/or expand pancreatic beta cell mass for the treatment of T2D.