Iron overload in Hepc1−/− mice is not impairing glucose homeostasis

Diabetes Mellitus is found with increasing frequency in iron overload patients with hemochromatosis. In these conditions, the pancreas shows predominant iron overload in acini but also islet β-cells. We assess glucose homeostasis status in iron-overloaded hepcidin-deficient mice. These mice presented with heavy pancreatic iron deposits but only in the acini. The β-cell function was found unaffected with a normal production and secretion of insulin. The mutant mice were not diabetic, responded as the control group to glucose and insulin challenges, with no alteration of insulin signalling in the muscle and the liver. These results indicate that, β-cells iron deposits-induced decreased insulin secretory capacity might be of primary importance to trigger diabetes in hemochromatosic patients.