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A Method for Performing Islet Transplantation Using Tissue-Engineered Sheets of Islets and Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Masataka Hirabaru1, Tamotsu Kuroki1, Tomohiko Adachi1
11 Department of Surgery, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences , Nagasaki, Japan .
Tissue Engineering. Part C, Methods
|June 13, 2015
Summary
Tissue engineering using mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) sheets with pancreatic islets improves islet transplantation. This approach enhances islet function and viability, leading to sustained normoglycemia in diabetic mice.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Cell Therapy
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) offer protective effects for pancreatic islet cells.
- Tissue engineering using cell sheets can preserve cellular function.
- Islet transplantation is a potential therapy for diabetes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a tissue engineering strategy using MSC sheets combined with islets.
- To enhance the therapeutic efficacy of islet transplantation.
- To evaluate the function and therapeutic potential of islets cultured on MSC sheets.
Main Methods:
- Rat-derived MSCs were cultured into cell sheets using temperature-responsive dishes.
- Islets were seeded onto MSC sheets and co-cultured.
- Functional assays included histology, insulin secretion tests, and cytokine analysis.
- Transplantation into SCID mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes was performed.
Main Results:
- MSC sheets maintained islet function and viability in vitro.
- Histological analysis confirmed the presence of adhesion factors on MSC sheets.
- Transplanted islets on MSC sheets achieved sustained normoglycemia (≥84 days) in diabetic mice.
- Neovascularization was observed at the transplantation site.
Conclusions:
- MSC sheets serve as a viable scaffold for islet transplantation.
- This tissue engineering approach improves islet survival and therapeutic outcomes.
- Subcutaneous islet transplantation using MSC sheets is a promising strategy for diabetes treatment.
