Open AccessUtility of co-transplanting mesenchymal stem cells in islet transplantation
Author(s) -
Naoaki Sakata,
Masafumi Goto,
Gumpei Yoshimatsu,
Shinichi Egawa,
Michiaki Unno
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
world journal of gastroenterology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.427
H-Index - 155
eISSN - 2219-2840
pISSN - 1007-9327
DOI - 10.3748/wjg.v17.i47.5150
Subject(s) - transplantation , mesenchymal stem cell , islet , medicine , diabetes mellitus , islet cell transplantation , stem cell , insulin , biology , endocrinology , pathology , microbiology and biotechnology
Islet transplantation is characterized by the transplantation of isolated islets from donor pancreata into a diabetic recipient. Although it is a viable choice in the treatment of insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, most patients (approximately 90%) require insulin five years after transplantation. Recently, the co-transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and islets in animal studies has revealed the effectiveness of MSCs co-transplantation for improving islet function. The mechanisms underlying the beneficial impact of MSCs include immunomodulation and the promotion of angiogenesis. In this review, we discuss MSCs and how they support improved graft survival and function.