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Updated: Jun 26, 2026

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Inguinal Subcutaneous White Adipose Tissue (ISWAT) Transplantation Model of Murine Islets
Published on: February 16, 2020
Current status of islet cell transplantation
Hirohito Ichii1, Camillo Ricordi
1Cell Transplant Center, Diabetes Research Institute, University of Miami Leonard M Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA. hichii@med.miami.edu
Journal of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery
|December 27, 2008
Summary
Pancreatic islet cell transplantation shows promise for severe type 1 diabetes, offering insulin independence. However, challenges remain before wider clinical use for improved metabolic control and quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology and Metabolism
- Transplantation Immunology
Background:
- Pancreatic islet cell transplantation is an experimental treatment for type 1 diabetes mellitus.
- Current limitations restrict its use to severe cases, particularly those with hypoglycemia unawareness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the historical perspective, current techniques, and challenges in clinical islet transplantation.
- To outline future directions for advancing islet transplantation as a viable treatment option.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on islet isolation, transplantation procedures, and immunosuppressive therapies.
- Analysis of outcomes from international islet transplant centers.
Main Results:
- Successful insulin independence and long-term graft function have been achieved in select patients.
- Significant obstacles persist, hindering broader application of the procedure.
Conclusions:
- Islet transplantation offers potential for improved metabolic control and quality of life in type 1 diabetes.
- Overcoming current challenges is crucial for expanding the clinical use of islet transplantation.

