Abstract
Background
Since mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) possess regenerative and immunomodulatory properties, and are capable of controlling the immune dysregulation that leads to β-cell destruction, stem cell transplantation could be used in the management of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). In this pilot study, we assessed whether canine adipose tissue-derived MSC (cAT-MSC) therapy could be an option for treatment of canine diabetes mellitus.
Results
With the written informed consent of the owners, allogenic cAT-MSCs were infused intravenously in IDDM dogs. C-peptide was elevated by about 5–15% in 3 of 4 cases, and hyperlipidemia was resolved in 2 of 4 cases. Additionally, fructosamine and Hb/A1c levels were improved in 2 of 4 cases.
Conclusions
Considering that C-peptide secretion capacity and lipid metabolism are related to diabetic complications, these results suggest that cAT-MSC therapy in diabetic dogs might help to improve the insulin secretory capacity of dogs with IDDM and prevent diabetic complications.
Autoantibodies to the GLUT-2 glucose transporter of beta cells in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus of recent onset.