Role of Apoptosis in Diabetes: Therapeutic Targets and Strategies

Diabetes mellitus is a significant global health concern, requiring a comprehensive exploration of its underlying mechanisms for effective management. Apoptosis, a genetically regulated cell death, emerges as a pivotal player in diabetes pathophysiology, influencing pancreatic beta cells, insulin-responsive tissues, and the progression of diabetic complications. A comprehensive overview of apoptosis in diabetes has been discussed, covering its relevance in pancreatic beta cells, insulin-responsive tissues, and diabetic complications. The intricate mechanisms, including oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum-induced stress, and inflammatory pathways, drive programmed cell death in pancreatic beta cells. The consequences of beta cell apoptosis on insulin secretion and glucose homeostasis are crucial and highlight the pivotal role of these cells in diabetes pathogenesis. Apoptotic pathways play a major role in insulin sensitivity and the interaction between apoptosis, inflammation, and insulin resistance in insulin-responsive tissues such as muscle, adipose tissue, and the liver. Additionally, the relationship between apoptosis and diabetic complications includes several pathophysiological aspects like nephropathy, retinopathy, and neuropathy. Omics technologies have revolutionized our understanding of apoptosis in diabetes, revealing intricate molecular mechanisms underlying the disease. Genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics have identified genetic variants, gene expression changes, protein modifications, metabolic dysregulation, and epigenetic alterations associated with apoptotic pathways in diabetic tissues.