Paneth Cell, Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis and Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Around 500 million adults in the world have diabetes mellitus, and the incidence is increasing. Over 90% of type 2 diabetes mellitus cases are associated with dysbiosis of the microbiota of the gut, chronic systemic inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction and destruction of the β-cells of the pancreas. Paneth cells are found in the entire length of the small intestine in humans and play a key role in its innate immunity. Deficient function of Paneth cells predisposes the intestine to gastrointestinal and extra-gastrointestinal diseases, which include inflammatory bowel disease. This manuscript reviews the roles of the Paneth cells in the innate immunity of the small intestine, the link between dysbiosis and dysfunction of Paneth cells and the influence of dysbiosis in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus. The manuscript also reviews some strategies currently used to try to reverse dysbiosis and its consequences.