Abstract

Pancreatic beta cells are a type of cells that are present in the islets of Langerhans. These cells are highly specialized for the secretion of insulin in response to low increasing of blood glucose levels. Hence, pancreatic beta cells could contribute to maintaining systemic glucose homeostasis. Increasing evidence has revealed that a variety of internal (ie, genetic and epigenetic factors) and external factors (ie, radical-oxidative stress) are involved in the protection and/or regeneration of pancreatic beta cells. The pathways regulating beta-cell replication have been intensely investigated. Glucose has an important role in cell cycle entry of quiescent beta cells, which exerts its effect via glucose metabolism and unfolded proteins. A variety of growth factors, hormones, and signaling pathways (ie, calcium-calcineurin nuclear factor of activated T cells) are others factors that could affect beta-cell replication under different conditions. Therefore, a greater understanding of the underlying pathways involved in the regeneration and protection of pancreatic beta cells could lead to finding and developing new therapeutic approaches. Utilization of stem cells and various phytochemical agents have provided new aspects for preventing beta-cell degeneration and stimulating the endogenous regeneration of islets. Thus, these therapeutic platforms could be used as potential therapies in the treatment of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Here, we summarized the various mechanisms involved in pancreatic beta-cell regeneration. Moreover, we highlighted different therapeutic approaches which could be used for the regeneration of pancreatic beta cells.