Potential mechanism by which LPS repress insulin gene expression in isolated islets.

<p>Exposure to LPS activates the NF-κB pathway in isolated islets and inhibits the expression of insulin, PDX-1 and MafA. The decrease in insulin expression might indirectly results from LPS inhibition of PDX-1 and MafA. NF-κB could also inhibit insulin gene expression by interacting with other proteins such as C/EBPβ and/or CREB, as observed in other cell types.