The progression of type 2 diabetes: Partly caused by deficiency of ASP-C5L2 pathway?

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction. The pathway of acylation-stimulating protein (ASP) and its specific receptor, C5a-like receptor 2 (C5L2), involves in the effective clearance of plasma glucose and free fat acid. Abnormal ASP-C5L2 pathway may induce insulin resistance, as well as cause hyperglycemia and elevated plasma free fat acid. High levels of plasma glucose and free fat acid induce β-cell apoptosis and dysfunction. We proposed that the abnormality of ASP-C5L2 pathway contributes to progression of type 2 diabetes.