Source: Washington University School of Medicine
Date: September 12, 2006
Summary:
An approach proven to cure a rat model of type 1 or juvenile-onset diabetes also works in a rat model of type 2 or adult-onset diabetes, according to a new report from researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. The treatment approach transplants precursors of the pancreas from embryonic pigs. In a previous study, the researchers showed that they could transplant the cells in a way that lets them grow into insulin producers without triggering attacks by the rats' immune systems. This cured the rats' diabetes without the risky immune suppression drugs required to prevent rejection in other transplant-based treatments.
Commenary: Hopefully this approach can eventually be translated into an effective treatment of type 2 / adult-onset diabetes in humans.
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