A Short Review on ANGPTL-8 as an Important Regulator in Diabetes

ANGPTL8, a new hormone, is regarded as a novel target for type-2 diabetes and associated metabolic disorder. Nutritional state and hormonal factors are involved in the regulation of ANGPTL-8 expression. This protein is associated with some myokines or adipokines. Several studies confirmed the function of ANGPTL-8 in glucose metabolism and diabetes complications; however, there are opposite results. The accurate function of ANGPTL-8 in T2D remains unclear. Further strictly controlled studies including measuring methods, nutritional state, diagnostic criteria of overweight/obesity, age, and ethnicity may help to resolve discrepancies. In addition, more studies are demanded to clarify the potential role of ANGPTL-8 in humans, a cause or an effect of this protein in association with insulin resistance, the regulatory mechanism of ANGPTL-8 expression, and the association of ANGPTL8 with other adipokines or myokines. In this mini review, we described various roles of ANGPTL-8 in diabetes.