Objective To summarize the research progress on the source and selection of donor cells in the field of islet replacement therapy for diabetes mellitus. Methods Domestic and abroad literature concerning islet replacement therapy for diabetes mellitus, as well as donor source and donor selection was reviewed and analyzed thoroughly. Results The shortage of donor supply is still a major obstacle for the widely clinical application of pancreatic islet transplantation (PIT). Currently, in addition to the progress on the allogeneic/autologous donor islet supply, some remarkable achievements have been also attained in the application of xenogeneic islet (from pig donor), as well as islet like cells derived from stem cells and islet cell line, potentially enlarging the source of implantable cells. Conclusion Adequate and suitable donor cell supply is an essential prerequisite for widely clinical application of PIT therapy for type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Further perfection of organ donation system, together with development of immune-tolerance induction, gene and bioengineering technology etc. will possibly solve the problem of donor cell shortage and provide a basis for clinical application of cellular replacement therapy for T1DM.
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of transplanting neonatal porcine islet cells of pig via hepatic portal vein in type Ⅰ diabetic monkeys.MethodIn this study, three pig-monkey islet xenotransplantation experiments were carried out by using α-1, 3-galactosyltransferase (GGTA1) gene knockout neonatal pig islet cells.ResultsThree macaques were successfully transplanted with islet cells. After the operation, their vital signs were stable and no symptoms of venous embolism occurred. After transplantation, the blood glucose and the dosage of exogenous insulin were significantly reduced, and the specific porcine C-peptide could be detected. Three macaques developed symptoms of ketoacidosis, and one macaque developed wound infection. After symptomatic treatment, all of them survived for 16 weeks.ConclusionGGTA1 knockout neonatal porcine islet cells transplanted through hepatic portal vein is effective for the treatment of type Ⅰ diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an autoimmune disease in which pancreatic β cells are destroyed, resulting in an absolute lack of insulin. Intestinal microbiota and its metabolites can promote the progression of T1DM by destroying pancreatic β cells, increasing insulin resistance, increasing intestinal permeability, interfering with immune response. Therefore, fecal microbiota transplantation is expected to become a new method for preventing and treating T1DM in the future. This article mainly explores possible pathways for the application of fecal microbiota transplantation in T1DM, including protection of pancreatic β cells, improving insulin resistance, reducing intestinal permeability, and regulating immune responses.