Bone marrow mesenhymal stem cells promote endogenous islet-regeneration in diabetic rats

Objective To observe the curative effectiveness of bone marrow mesenhymal stem cells (BMSCs) transplantation in diabetic rat model and the possible mechanism. Methods After BMSCs were transplanted into heterogeneic diabetic rats through vena caudalis (3 × l0~6),the blood glucose level,and blood insulin level were determined. Confocal microscopy was used to observe the effects of BMSCs on endogenous islet regeneratioa Results At the 72nd h after transplantation (experimental groups),the glucose level was (11. 7 ± 2. 4) mmol/L,and sustained for more than 2 months, which was significantly lower than that in model group [(25. 43 ± 5. 27) mmol/L]. Simultaneously, although the level of insulin in experimental group was still lower than that in normal control group [(0. 9 + 0. 14) μg/mL vs. (1. 32 ± 0. 14) μg/mL respectively, P<0. 01], it was significantly higher than that in model group [(0. 35 ± 0. 06) μg/mL). In order to investigate the effects of BMSCs transplantation on islet-injury, BrdU was used. It was shown that the number of BrdU~+ cells was more in experimental group than that in model group [(45 ± 9)/mm~2 vs. (25 ± 4)/ mm~2,P<0. 05], suggesting BMSCs could promote regeneration of pancreas. In model group, the number of endogenous regeneration of islet (BrdU~+ insluin~+ cells) was (13 ± 5)/mm~2, and that in experimental group was (23 ±11)/mm~2, indicating that BMSCs could improve endogenous islet regeneratioa Conclusion BMSCs transplantation could promote endogenous regeneration of islet in diabetic rats, which might lead to widespread cell replacement therapy for diabetes. Key words: Bone marrow; Mesenchymal stem cells; Islets of Langerhans; Diabetes