Prohormone Convertase 1 in Obesity, Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, and NIDDM

摘要

Improved understanding of the primary molecular events underlying NIDDM and obesity is essential if more effective therapies are to be devised. Individual susceptibility to thee interrelated conditions is under genetic influence (1), and clues to the identity of the major aetiological genes may come from physiological studies that pinpoint candidate pathways. A characteristic feature of NIDDM and certain prediabetic states, such as gestational dia- Betes mellitus (GDM), is a marked increased in the proportion Of circulating insulin precursor molecules (pronsulin and Split proinsulin intermediates) (2,3). Release of dispropor- Tionate amounts of thee biologically inactive precursors May contribute to the relative insulin deficiency apparent in GDM and NIDDM (2).