Plasma-fibroblast gel as scaffold for islet transplantation

The transplant of pancreatic islets into the liver can restore normal blood glucose levels in patients with type I diabetes. However, long-term results have indicated that the site and method of transplantation still need to be optimized to improve islet engraftment. This study was designed to assess the efficiency of the use of clotted blood plasma containing fibroblasts ("plasma-fibroblast gel") as a scaffold for subcutaneous islet transplantation in diabetic athymic mice. Islets embedded in the plasma-fibroblast gel were able to resolve hyperglycemia in transplanted mice, restoring normoglycemia over a 60-day period and allowing gradual body weight recovery. Glucose clearances were significantly improved when compared to those recorded in diabetic animals and similar to those observed in the control group (free islets transplanted beneath the kidney capsule). Histological evaluation revealed functional islets within a subcutaneous tissue rich in collagen fibers that was well vascularized, with blood vessels observed around and inside the islets. These findings suggest that this approach could be used as an alternative option for the treatment of type I diabetes in human clinical practice.