Shielding Engineered Islets With Mesenchymal Stem Cells Enhance Survival Under Hypoxia

Area of Science:

• Stem Cell Biology
• Islet Biology
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Islet survival is crucial for diabetes treatment.
• Hypoxia poses a significant challenge to engineered islet survival.
• Warton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells (WJ MSC) are being investigated for therapeutic potential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the protective effect of WJ MSC on islet-like cell aggregates (ICAs) under hypoxic conditions.
• To evaluate the potential of WJ MSC to improve β cell survival and function.

Main Methods:

• ICAs derived from WJ MSC were cultured with and without WJ MSC under hypoxia and normoxia.
• Cell viability was assessed using fluorescein diacetate/propidium iodide and MTT assays.
• Cytokine profiles, apoptosis markers, and protein expression were analyzed via cytokine analysis, western blot, and other assays.

Main Results:

• Direct contact with WJ MSC significantly enhanced ICA viability under hypoxia.
• WJ MSC co-culture modulated cytokine profiles, promoting anti-inflammatory responses.
• WJ MSC reduced apoptosis by downregulating Caspase3, Caspase8, and p53, and upregulating Bcl2.

Conclusions:

• WJ MSC express pancreatic markers and secrete insulin, indicating potential for islet regeneration.
• WJ MSC supplementation protects engineered islets against hypoxia and oxidative stress.
• WJ MSC enhance ICA survival and function, offering a promising therapeutic strategy for diabetes.