Pancreatic islet cell transplantation

Abstract

Type 1 Diabetes mellitus is an autoimmune disease characterized by the destruction of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. These patients become dependent on external insulin because they cannot produce insulin. However, in the long-term, exogenous insulin treatment does not prevent diabetic complications. In order to find an alternative diabetic treatment, clinical studies have demonstrated that pancreas transplantation or purified pancreatic islet transplantation could maintain control over blood sugar levels in Type 1 diabetes patients and were more effective treatment methods for these patients. Pancreatic islet transplantation is carried out with a smaller transplantation mass compared to complete pancreas transplantation. This also allows a more minor operation and transplantation of less immunologic tissue. Therefore, new methods aim to improve pancreatic islet transplantation.

Cite this article as: Ün M, Erbaş O. Pancreatic islet cell transplantation. D J Tx Sci 2019;4(1-2):16-22.