Alternatives to immunosuppressive drugs in human islet transplantation.
Although intensive insulin therapy has resulted in improved metabolic control and decreases in the incidence of complications, the occurrence of severe hypoglycemia remains an issue, as does the continued potential for complications. Islet transplantation, a promising treatment for type I diabetes, has been shown to improve blood sugar levels and decrease or even abrogate the incidence of hypoglycemia. The lack of tissue availability and the toxic effects of immunosuppressants, however, limit the application of islet transplantation as a cure for diabetes. This article discusses possible alternatives to immunosuppressive drugs in human islet transplantations.
Cotterell
Alison Anne
AA
Diabetes Research Institute, University of Miami School of Medicine, 1450 N.W. 10th Avenue, Miami, FL 33136, USA. acottere@med.miami.edu
Kenyon
Norma Sue
NS
D016026:Bone Marrow Transplantation; D017690:Cell Transplantation; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000502:physiology; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000601:surgery* / Q000628:therapy; D015316:Genetic Therapy; D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance / Q000502:physiology; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016381:Islets of Langerhans Transplantation / Q000276:immunology*; D023001:Transplantation Tolerance
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents