Year: 2012
Type: article
Abstract: Diabetes mellitus is a common disease in dogs and c ats. It consists of a group of metabolic diseases c haracterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in secretio n and/or insulin activity. The islets of Langerhans from donor pancreas may be an alternative for the cure of diabetes, how ever, this approach is limited because the donation is scarce and complications occur due to the concurrent use of im munosuppressive drugs. For many decades researchers have sought ways to replace pancreatic islets in diabetic indiv iduals. Current studies in progress with stem cell culture for production of pancreatic islet cells are promising, despite the d ifficulties in their production. This review report s several aspects concerning the use of stem cells in diabetes cell t herapy. Recent studies in mice have shown that embr yonic stem cells can be induced to differentiate into insulin-producing β-cells. In parallel with this study, a new class of stem cells has emerged, i.e. induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) aimed a t clinical and therapeutic use. Adult stem cells ma y circumvent the ethical issues surrounding embryonic stem cells and allow a uto-transplantation.
Authors: Sonia Will, João Camargo Júnior, Dayane Alcântara, Paula Fratini, Phelipe Oliveira Favaron, María Angélica Miglino, Antônio Chaves de Assís Neto
Institution: Universidade de São Paulo
Language: English
Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2158343328