Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026
11:57
Scaffold-supported Transplantation of Islets in the Epididymal Fat Pad of Diabetic Mice
Published on: July 23, 2017
Update on islet cell transplantation for type 1 diabetes
Avinash Agarwal1, Kenneth L Brayman
1Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia.
Seminars in Interventional Radiology
|June 5, 2013
Summary
Clinical islet cell transplantation offers a less invasive alternative to pancreas transplantation for diabetes mellitus. Advances like the Edmonton protocol show promise, but challenges in cell supply and engraftment remain.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Transplantation Immunology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus remains a major global health burden, driving the search for effective treatments.
- Pancreas transplantation emerged as a definitive surgical option in the 1960s.
- Early islet cell transplantation faced limitations compared to solid organ transplantation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the historical development of clinical islet cell transplantation.
- To discuss the current status and challenges in the field.
- To highlight advancements and future directions for diabetes treatment.
Main Methods:
- Historical review of pancreas and islet cell transplantation milestones.
- Discussion of key discoveries in islet isolation and engraftment.
- Analysis of the impact of the Edmonton protocol and subsequent innovations.
Main Results:
- The Edmonton protocol (steroid-free immunosuppression) significantly improved islet cell transplantation outcomes.
- Advances in islet purification and immunomodulation have renewed interest.
- Despite progress, challenges persist, including limited islet cell supply and engraftment issues.
Conclusions:
- Clinical islet cell transplantation is a viable alternative to pancreas transplantation for select patients.
- Ongoing research focuses on overcoming barriers to widespread adoption.
- Further innovations are needed to address cell scarcity and improve long-term graft survival.
Related Concept Videos
01:12Type I Diabetes I: Introduction
Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by an absolute deficiency of insulin resulting from the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β-cells. Although it can occur at any age, it is most commonly diagnosed in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood. The loss of insulin production impairs cellular glucose uptake, resulting in persistent hyperglycemia and necessitating lifelong insulin therapy.Autoimmune Destruction of β-CellsThe hallmark of type 1 diabetes is an...
01:26Type I Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
Type 1 diabetes mellitus arises from an immune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β-cells, resulting in an absolute deficiency of insulin. This process develops in genetically susceptible individuals when autoimmunity, environmental exposures, and immunologic dysregulation converge to trigger a targeted attack on the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. The β-cells are located within the islets of Langerhans and are essential for regulating blood glucose by facilitating cellular uptake of...
01:22Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood glucose levels due to inadequate insulin production, insulin resistance, or both. The condition affects millions worldwide and can significantly impact their health and quality of life.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin, and individuals with...
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin, and individuals with...