Targeting Inflammatory Cytokines to Improve Type 2 Diabetes Control

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is one of the most common chronic metabolic disorders in adulthood worldwide, whose pathophysiology includes an abnormal immune response accompanied by cytokine dysregulation and inflammation. As the T2D-related inflammation and its progression were associated with the balance between pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines, anticytokine treatments might represent an additional therapeutic option for T2D patients. This review focuses on existing evidence for antihyperglycemic properties of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and anticytokine agents (anti-TNF-α, anti-interleukin-(IL-) 6, -IL-1, -IL-17, -IL-23, etc.). Emphasis is placed on their molecular mechanisms and on the biological rationale for clinical use. Finally, we briefly summarize the results from experimental model studies and promising clinical trials about the potential of anticytokine therapies in T2D, discussing the effects of these drugs on systemic and islet inflammation, beta-cell function, insulin secretion, and insulin sensitivity.