Mesenchymal Stem Cells Treating Pig Diabetes

Wuhan, China -

Mesenchymal stem cells are most likely to be the first clinically approved stem cell type in the United States for non-hematopoietic conditions, with several clinical trials in mid to late Phase III.  Mesenchymal stem cells are attractive because they can be used in a "universal donor" fashion, in part due to their immune modulatory activities.  For example, mesenchymal stem cells are known to induce generation of suppressor T cells, secrete HLA-G, suppress homeostatic profileration and inhibit various autoimmune diseases.  One reason why mesenchymal stem cells are attractive in treating diseases such as multiple sclerosis, arthritis, or type 1 diabetes is that on the one hand they inhibit pathological immunity, while on the other hand they induce regeneration. 

In a recent study (Chang et al. Mesenchymal stromal cells improve hyperglycemia and insufficient insulin upon diabetic pancreatic microenvironment in pigs. Cytotherapy. 2008 Oct 31:1-10) mesenchymal stem cells were administered intrapancreatically into pigs made diabetic by administration of an islet toxic drug.

Improvement in insulin production and glycemic control was noted.  More interestingly, islet neogenesis was observed.  Currently the company Osiris is performing a Phase II clinical trial treating type 1 diabetics using intravenously injected, unmatched, mesenchymal stem cells.

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