Stem cells therapy for type 1 diabetes.
In this article, we have reviewed the developments of studies of stem cells therapy for type 1 diabetes since this century. Review of the literature was based on computer searches (PubMed) and our studies. Type 1 diabetes can now be ameliorated by islet transplantation, but this treatment is restricted by the scarcity of islet tissue. Hopes for a limitless supply of a substitute for primary islets of Langerhans and progress in stem cell biology have led to research into the feasibility of stem/progenitor cells to generate insulin-producing cells to use in replacement therapies for diabetes. An increasing body of evidence indicated that, in addition to embryonic stem cells, several potential adult stem/progenitor cells, derived from pancreas, liver, spleen, and bone marrow could differentiate into insulin-producing cells in vitro or in vivo. However, significant controversy currently exists in this field. Moreover, safe suppression of autoimmunity or specific tolerance to auto-antigens for patients with type 1 diabetes must be achieved before this promising new technology can lead to a great progress in clinical practice. To prevent type 1 diabetes through genetic engineering of hematopoietic stem cells represents another new strategy. Much basic research is still required.
Lü
Ping
P
Department of General Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, Hubei Province, China. luliu@public.wh.hb.cn
Liu
Fang
F
Yan
Lei
L
Peng
Tao
T
Liu
Tao
T
Yao
Zhong
Z
Wang
Chun-You
CY
D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D016381:Islets of Langerhans Transplantation; D008099:Liver / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D010183:Pancreatic Ducts / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D013154:Spleen / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation