Oleate rescues INS-1E β-cells from palmitate-induced ER-stress through a reduced phosphorylation of eIF2α

Aims: Free fatty acids (FFAs) are elevated in hyperlipidaemia which is a common pathology in obese individuals and often associated with diabetes. Therefore, FFAs, whose secretion from adipose tissue is increased in obesity, have been suggested to link obesity and type 2 diabetes. Saturated FFAs, such as palmitate, cause β-cell apoptosis which could be mediated through persistent endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-stress which is also called Unfolded Protein Response (UPR). We questioned if palmitate induces β-cell apoptosis through an activation of the ER-stress signalling pathway Unfolded Protein Response and whether…