The glycolipid sulfatide protects insulin-producing cells against cytokine-induced apoptosis, a possible role in diabetes

Cytokine-induced apoptosis is recognised as a major cause of the decline in ß-cell mass that ultimately leads to type 1 diabetes mellitus. Interleukin-1ß, interferon-¿ and tumour necrosis factor-a in conjunction initiate a series of events that lead to ß-cell apoptosis; important among these is NO production. The glycosphingolipid sulfatide is present in ß-cells in the secretory granules in varying amounts and is secreted together with insulin. We now investigate whether sulfatide is able to protect insulin-producing cells against the pro-apoptotic effect of interleukin-1ß, interferon-¿ and tumour necrosis factor-a.