Metabolic Mechanisms of Failure of Intraportally Transplanted Pancreatic β-Cells in Rats

The objective of this study was to determine whether the late failure of β-cells in islets transplanted via the portal vein is caused by excess insulin-stimulated lipogenesis and lipotoxicity and, if so, whether the damage can be prevented by reducing lipogenesis surrounding the islets. Based on the premise that high portal vein levels of nutrients and incretins would stimulate hyperinsulinemia, thereby inducing intense lipogenesis in nearby...