Hypoxia and oxidative stress during the transplantation of islets of Langerhans

Hypoxia alters the survival and the function of beta-cells during the graft of pancreatic islets. Blood vessels, which provide oxygen, nutriments, and growth factors, are necessary for the success of the transplantation. The transcription factor Hypoxia Inducible Factor-la is sensitive to oxygen, and its level seems to be important for insulin secretion. Although low quantities of ROS are necessary for the appropriate function of beta-cells, severe hypoxia will cause oxidative stress, which in turn will damage the cells. New pharmacological treatments can protect the beta-cells from oxidative stress.