The Renin-Angiotensin System: Current Research Progress in The Pancreas

The human pancreas has vital roles in the regulation of glucose homeostasis and digestion and its dysfunction leads to pancreatic disease as diabetes and pancreatitis. Recent researches have highlighted the novel roles of a local renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in the pancreas and its clinical relevances; its inapprporiate activation leads to pancreatic endocrine and exocrine disease, notably type 2 diabetes. As such, manipulation of the overactive RAS may improve pancreatic islet cell function, cell mass and insulin sensitivity, as well as enhancing the growth and differentiation of pancreatic stem cells. Blockade of the RAS may be protective against pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. The research outcome of current progress on the RAS in the pancreas should provide an alternative approach to preventing and treating, as well as curing pancreatic disease.