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Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Journal
ISSN: 2471-8084
Internat i ona l Conference on
Biotechnology, Biomarkers
& Systems Biology
M a r c h 0 4 - 0 5 , 2 0 1 9
Am s t e r d a m , N e t h e r l a n d s
Biotechnology, Biomarkers & Systems Biology 2019
W
e have previously presented a proposal for a new, beta-cell centric classification of diabetes based on a consilience of
genetic, metabolic, and clinical research that have accrued since the current classification was instituted. It recognizes
that the beta-cell is THE core defect in all patients with diabetes. Differences in the genetics, insulin resistance, environment
and inflammation/immune characteristics of the damage to the beta-cell in each individual will determine the phenotypic
presentation of hyperglycemia and allow for a patient-centric, precision-medicine therapeutic approach , part of which we labeled
‘the Egregious Eleven’ We now recognize the same pathophysiologic mechanisms that account for damage to the beta-cells
that govern the susceptibility of the cells involved in the complications of diabetes to damage by the now well-defined abnormal
metabolic environment that typifies beta-cell dysfunction. This abnormal metabolic environment is typified by oxidative stress
which alters metabolic pathways a la Brownlee’s Hypothesis model, alterations in gene expression, epigenetics, and inflammation.
This unified pathophysiologic approach to the complications of diabetes in the context of the B-cell-classification of diabetes
allows us to understand the varied risk of developing complications of diabetes with similar levels of glycemic control, how non-
glycemic effects of some medications for diabetes result in marked complication risk modification and the value treating co-
morbidities of diabetes in effecting complication risk. We also believe that the same pathophysiologic mechanism that account
for damage to the beta-cells and govern the susceptibility of the cells involved in the complications of diabetes are likely to
explain the association of cancer to diabetes and obesity, and explains why diabetic medications may affect cancer risk and
therapy. Opportunities for drug design and development abound.
stschwar@gmail.comA unified pathophysiologic construct of diabetes
and its complications, including malignancies,
in the context of the B-cell classification of
diabetes: opportunities for drug design
Stanley Schwartz
University of Pennsylvania, USA
Biochem Mol biol J 2019, Volume:5
DOI: 10.21767/2471-8084-C1-024