Fig. 1.

Relationship between DM2 and PSCs. DM2 is a condition accompanied by environment rich in insulin and glucose within the pancreatic islets. High oxygen consumption by insulin producing beta cells results in hypoxia and oxidative stress. This, in combination with activation of angiotensin II pathway, leads to activation of PSCs. PSCs produce ECM and cytokines which results both directly and indirectly due to islet fibrosis in beta cells destruction. DM type 2 – Type 2 diabetes mellitus, PSCs – pancreatic stellate cells; RAAS – renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system; ECM – extracellular matrix. Modified from Kim et al. (2008).