Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2012; 120(04): 182-183
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1304570
Mini-Review Series on Diabetes and its Complications
© J. A. Barth Verlag in Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Understanding Diabetic Polyneuropathy and Longevity: What Can We Learn from the Nematode Caenorhabditis Elegans?

M. Mendler
1   Department of Medicine I and Clinical Chemistry, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld, Heidelberg, Germany
,
A. Schlotterer
1   Department of Medicine I and Clinical Chemistry, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld, Heidelberg, Germany
,
M. Morcos
1   Department of Medicine I and Clinical Chemistry, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld, Heidelberg, Germany
,
P. P. Nawroth
1   Department of Medicine I and Clinical Chemistry, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld, Heidelberg, Germany
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

received 19 January 2012
first decision 19 January 2012

accepted 30 January 2012

Publication Date:
08 March 2012 (online)

Abstract

Pathogenesis of late diabetic complications is influenced by a complex interplay of multiple exogenous and intrinsic factors. The well characterised nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is an ideal model to study causes of diabetic polyneuropathy because of its easily accessible nervous system. A repertoire of methods allows the assessment of both morphological and functional glucotoxic damages as well as reduction of lifespan, thereby helping to examine the influence of different pathways and mechanisms on neurodegeneration. Its insulin signalling system allows to directly visualize effects of insulin on high glucose induced neuronal damage, leading to a better understanding of diabetic polyneuropathy.