specialized
eukaryotic
cells
Islets of langerhans- alpha and beta cells
Islets are clusters of thousands of cells within the pancreas. There are approximately 1 million clusters within this organ, yet they only comprise about 2 percent of the pancreas. Within these clusters lay alpha and beta cells, vital to human life.
Alpha cells compose thirty to fifty percent of the islet cells, whereas beta cells compose anywhere up to eighty percent. Alpha cells produce glucagon, which is a hormone that leads to increased blood glucose levels within the body by stimulating the liver to release stored glucose. The body will use this as energy during periods of fasting, or simply between meals, and during exercise.
In order to maintain stable blood glucose levels, beta cells produce insulin, a hormone that allows the body to use sugar from carbohydrates as energy. When blood glucose level rises, beta cells are signaled to release insulin, which will act as the necessary link to allow sugar to enter the cells.
Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, also known as Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus or Juvenile Diabetes, is an autoimmune disease that damages beta cell function, prohibiting insulin production. Since the alpha cells will still function, the body will require insulin to counteract the release of glucose. In order to manage this disease, insulin must be administered at meal-times and
Alpha cells compose thirty to fifty percent of the islet cells, whereas beta cells compose anywhere up to eighty percent. Alpha cells produce glucagon, which is a hormone that leads to increased blood glucose levels within the body by stimulating the liver to release stored glucose. The body will use this as energy during periods of fasting, or simply between meals, and during exercise.
In order to maintain stable blood glucose levels, beta cells produce insulin, a hormone that allows the body to use sugar from carbohydrates as energy. When blood glucose level rises, beta cells are signaled to release insulin, which will act as the necessary link to allow sugar to enter the cells.
Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, also known as Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus or Juvenile Diabetes, is an autoimmune disease that damages beta cell function, prohibiting insulin production. Since the alpha cells will still function, the body will require insulin to counteract the release of glucose. In order to manage this disease, insulin must be administered at meal-times and
Adipocytes
Adipocytes, or fat cells, serve as major sites for fat storage in the body. There are two types of adipose tissue- referred to as white and brown tissue.
White adipose tissue is mainly used for energy, insulation, and protection. Brown adipose tissue is used for warmth, as it is a major generator of heat. It is reported that there are approximately 30 billion fat cells in an adult with a normal Body Mass Index value. This corresponds to 30 pounds. Both white and brown tissues store fat primarily as triglycerides and other semi-solid forms.
Although weight may be lost, the body will never lose these fat cells. Instead, the adipocytes will fluctuate in fat content. However, if adipocytes reach a maximum capacity of fat, they will replicate. Once the body's fat content is considered obese, it is possible that Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus will develop. This disease is characterized by resistance to insulin, which will cause elevated blood glucose levels. Unlike Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, it is not an autoimmune disease, but is thought to be genetically inherited.
White adipose tissue is mainly used for energy, insulation, and protection. Brown adipose tissue is used for warmth, as it is a major generator of heat. It is reported that there are approximately 30 billion fat cells in an adult with a normal Body Mass Index value. This corresponds to 30 pounds. Both white and brown tissues store fat primarily as triglycerides and other semi-solid forms.
Although weight may be lost, the body will never lose these fat cells. Instead, the adipocytes will fluctuate in fat content. However, if adipocytes reach a maximum capacity of fat, they will replicate. Once the body's fat content is considered obese, it is possible that Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus will develop. This disease is characterized by resistance to insulin, which will cause elevated blood glucose levels. Unlike Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, it is not an autoimmune disease, but is thought to be genetically inherited.
Stem cells
Stem cells are "undifferentiated" cells that have the potential to differentiate into various cells. Because of this capability, stem cells are the topic of many heated debates, many headlining news stories, and throughout the world. There are two types of stem cells, including embryonic and adult stem cells. It is currently an option to collect the embryonic cells at birth and pay to keep them preserved. As for the adult stem cells, there are three accessible sites, including bone marrow, adipose tissues, and blood. These cells replicate in two manners- Asymmetric and Stochastic, which both create at least one identical daughter cell.
Recent research has placed emphasis on stem cell capability to cure diseases or provide enhanced treatments for diseases such as Diabetes Mellitus, Arthritis, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injuries, and cancer.
In relation to the cells mentioned above, it is known that stem cells are found in adipocytes, which could be extremely useful if surgeries such as liposuction lead to the harvesting of these stem cells within fat cells.
Stem cells also appear to lead towards a promising cure for Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, as researchers have had successful attempts at creating insulin-producing beta cells from these stem cells in October 2014.
Recent research has placed emphasis on stem cell capability to cure diseases or provide enhanced treatments for diseases such as Diabetes Mellitus, Arthritis, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injuries, and cancer.
In relation to the cells mentioned above, it is known that stem cells are found in adipocytes, which could be extremely useful if surgeries such as liposuction lead to the harvesting of these stem cells within fat cells.
Stem cells also appear to lead towards a promising cure for Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, as researchers have had successful attempts at creating insulin-producing beta cells from these stem cells in October 2014.