What is amylin?
Amylin, also islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP), is a peptide hormone that is (but only in one-hundredth of the amount of insulin) formed by the β-cells of the pancreas along with insulin. In functional incapacity of the pancreas (eg., By diabetes), it is as insulin no longer produced. It is a major component of amyloid deposits in the islets of Langerhans which can be found eg. As in diabetes mellitus type 2.
Function
Amylin is a part of the endocrine system and intervenes in the metabolism of carbohydrates. It hereby supplemented insulin. Although the complete function of amylin is not yet fully known, it is believed that amylin stabilizes blood sugar levels by inhibiting the release of glucagon.
Structure
The primary structure of the human peptide composed of 37 amino acids with a disulfide bridge between the cysteines Cys-2 and Cys-7th The gene is located on chromosome 12th
Pharmacology
Amylin plays a role in the long-term regulation of food intake, and therefore the use is being investigated as an appetite suppressant. For this reason, use may be also possible as a means for the treatment of type 1 and 2 diabetes. Furthermore, a publication shows a positive effect in reducing osteoporosis.