Improvement of function and survival of pancreatic beta-cells in streptozotocin-induced diabetic model by the scorpion venom fraction F1

AbstractWe investigate the effects of the scorpion venom fraction (F1) on the regeneration of pancreatic β-cells in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice. The F1 fraction was nontoxic in mice even if a large amount was injected. The F1 fraction significantly increased β-cell mass and improved glucose tolerance in STZ mice. The number of Glut2 and Nkx6.1, a keys mature β-cell markers were significantly restored in F1-treated diabetic mice. The apoptosis rate in diabetic mice was corrected with F1 treatment. Our findings reveal that the nontoxic F1 fraction had an important role in improving the function and survival of β-cells.