Pancreatic congestion in liver cirrhosis correlates with impaired insulin secretion

2017 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 16K19350
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Gastroenterology
• Research Institution: Ehime University
• Principal Investigator: Kuroda Taira 愛媛大学, 医学系研究科, 助教 (10771876)
• Project Period (FY): 2016-04-01 – 2018-03-31
• Keywords: 肝性糖尿病 / 膵うっ血 / 内分泌機能低下

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The aim of our study was to clarify pathogenesis of hepatogenous diabetes. Using rat model with liver cirrhosis, we showed portal hypertension caused congestion in the pancreas. Expression of HIF-1α in the pancreatic islet cell was significantly more in liver cirrhosis group than that of control group, whereas insulin expression was less. Furthermore, using shear wave elastography and contrast-enhanced ultrasound, we demonstrated degree of the pancreatic congestion and stiffness was significant and insulin secretion was diminished in patients with liver cirrhosis compared to control group. These results suggest hypoxia due to pancreatic congestion contributes to insufficiency of insulin secretion in liver cirrhosis.

Free Research Field

医歯薬学