title: Enhancing human islet transplantation by localized release of trophic factors from PLG scaffolds.
abstract: Islet transplantation represents a potential cure for type 1 diabetes, yet the clinical approach of intrahepatic delivery is limited by the microenvironment. Microporous scaffolds enable extrahepatic transplantation, and the microenvironment can be designed to enhance islet engraftment and function. We investigated localized trophic factor delivery in a xenogeneic human islet to mouse model of islet transplantation. Double emulsion microspheres containing exendin-4 (Ex4) or insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) were incorporated into a layered scaffold design consisting of porous outer layers for islet transplantation and a center layer for sustained factor release. Protein encapsulation and release were dependent on both the polymer concentration and the identity of the protein. Proteins retained bioactivity upon release from scaffolds in vitro. A minimal human islet mass transplanted on Ex4-releasing scaffolds demonstrated significant improvement and prolongation of graft function relative to blank scaffolds carrying no protein, and the release profile significantly impacted the duration over which the graft functioned. Ex4-releasing scaffolds enabled better glycemic control in animals subjected to an intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test. Scaffolds releasing IGF-1 lowered blood glucose levels, yet the reduction was insufficient to achieve euglycemia. Ex4-delivering scaffolds provide an extrahepatic transplantation site for modulating the islet microenvironment to enhance islet function posttransplant.
authors.affiliation: The Institute for BioNanotechnology in Medicine (IBNAM), Northwestern University, Chicago, IL; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL.
authors.forename: K A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Hlavaty
authors.forename: R F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Gibly
authors.forename: X
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: C B
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Rives
authors.forename: J G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Graham
authors.forename: W L
authors.initials: WL
authors.lastname: Lowe
authors.forename: X
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Luo
authors.forename: L D
authors.initials: LD
authors.lastname: Shea
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D003921:Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental / Q000378:metabolism / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000077270:Exenatide; D005260:Female; D005951:Glucose Tolerance Test; D006085:Graft Survival / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / Q000378:metabolism*; D016381:Islets of Langerhans Transplantation; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D016688:Mice, Inbred NOD; D008863:Microspheres; D008875:Middle Aged; D010455:Peptides / Q000378:metabolism*; D011098:Polyglactin 910 / Q000737:chemistry*; D014688:Venoms / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose; D010455:Peptides; D014688:Venoms; D011098:Polyglactin 910; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; D000077270:Exenatide
keywords: Bioengineering; islet xenotransplantation; regenerative medicine; type 1 diabetes mellitus