Insulin-producing Cells Derived from Stem Cells A...

Insulin-producing cells derived from stem cells: A potential treatment for diabetes Insulin was discovered over 75 years ago, however the complications of diabetes still produce devastating results (Bonner-Weir et al., 2006). Such complications are retinopathy, nephropathy and neuropathy which link between high blood glucose levels are now established beyond doubt (Bonner-Weir et al., 2006). Thus, ÃŽ ²-cell replacement therapy in the form of transplantation would be a great path to prevent the complications. â€Å"Î’-cell is defined as a cell with the phenotype of a mature insulin-producing cell found in pancreatic islets†(Bonner-Weir et al., 2006, p.411). Nevertheless, the supply of insulin-producing cells is insufficient thus limits the extension†¦show more content†¦Wang et al. (2012) stated that, one of the abundant source of adult stem cells is bone marrow. According to Weir et al. (2006), there is high possibility in circulating bone marrow cells could serve as precursors for a wide variety of cells scattered throughout the body. Cells other than true hematopoietic stem cells derived from bone marrow can serve as circulating stem or precursor cells. It has recently been shown that impressive repopulation of destroyed liver tissue can be generated from bone marrow cells. In addition, rather than a precursor, bone marrow cells could contribute to new ÃŽ ²Ã¢â‚¬â€œcell formation as a facilitator Bonner-Weir et al., 2006, p.411). Moreover, current study suggests that bone marrow contains pluripotent cells that are capable of being reprogrammed in order to differentiate into insulin-producing cells (Wang et al., 2012). Next, liver also works as a source of insulin-producing cells. Liver cells not only secreted insulin in a regulated manner but also reversed diabetes when transplanted into immunodifficient diabetic mice (Bonner-Weir et al., 2006, p.416). Pandey (2010) stated that, the liver appear to arise from the same cell population located within the embryonic endoderm during embryogenesis. Assumption has been done where the epithelial cell populations within the liver might share common stem cell populations (Pandey, 2010). Thus, another source for ÃŽ ²-cells would be liver stem cells. â€Å"Upon transplantation into diabetic mice, theseShow MoreRelatedStem Cell Research913 Words   |  4 PagesStem cells have long been used in many research studies as they have shown the ability to differentiate into different cell types, regenerate, and play a role in immune regulation. Studies with bone derived stem cells that I came across where focused on assessing the safety, limitations, and therapeuti c effects of bone derived stem cells in patients with varying diseases. 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