The Role of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in the Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes

Abstract

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic disease characterized by inadequate or absent insulin production due to the autoimmune destruction of beta (β) cells in the pancreas. It was once called "juvenile diabetes" since the disease frequently occurs in children, but it can also develop in adults. According to the International Diabetes Federation, an estimated 700 million adults will suffer from diabetes by 2045. Although the exact cause of diabetes remains unknown, it is hypothesized that genetic factors, environmental factors, and exposure to certain viruses play a role in the development of T1D. To date, exogenous insulin is the most common treatment for T1D. However, it is not a cure for the disease. Islet cell transplantation and pancreatic transplantation are two additional treatments that have gained popularity in recent years, but their clinical application may be limited by the need for high doses of immunosuppressants, the rarity of human cadaveric islets, and the need for extensive surgery in pancreatic transplantation. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a highly promising novel treatment for T1D and their discovery has advanced biological sciences by allowing for modification of cell fate and the development of higher-order cellular structures. They play an essential role in lowering levels of fasting blood sugar, hemoglobin A1c, and C-peptide, and in treating microvascular complications associated with T1D. However, some of the disadvantages of its use in clinical practice are limited to its method of collection, proliferation rate, cell activity with age, and the risk of tumour formation identified in some studies. Large-scale studies are required to discover the mechanism of action of MSCs after administration as well as the optimal route, dose, and timing to maximize the benefits to patients. This article focuses primarily on the role of MSCs in the treatment of T1D and compares the feasibility, benefits, and drawbacks of MSCs in the treatment of T1D.

Keywords: diabetes; diabetic nephropathy; insulin; mesenchymal stem cells; pancreas; stem cells; type 1 diabetes.

Figure 1. Classification of stem cells based on their origin

Original figure, made by author Maleesha Jayasinghe The figure was partly generated using Servier Medical ART, provided by Servier (Les Laboratoires Servier, SAS, Suresnes, France), licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 unported license.

Figure 2. Mechanisms of action of MSCs

MSC: mesenchymal stem cell Original figure, made by author Maleesha Jayasinghe The Figure was partly generated using Servier Medical Art, provided by Servier, licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 unported license