Is Regenerative Medicine Ready for Prime Time in Diabetic Polyneuropathy?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: After a prolonged warm-up period of basic research, several modalities of cell replacement therapies are under development for diseases with no available cure. Diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) is one of the most prevalent chronic diabetes complications that causes sensorimotor dysfunction, subsequent high risks for lower limb amputations, and high mortality. Currently, no disease modifying therapy exists for DPN. RECENT FINDINGS: Several types of well-documented stem/progenitor cells have been utilized for cell transplantation therapies in DPN model rodents: mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), and cells with similar characteristics of MSCs or EPCs derived from embryonic stem cells or induced pluripotent stem cells. Some recent experimental studies reported that these immature cells may have beneficial effects on DPN. SUMMARY: Although the role of nerve regeneration in the pathology of DPN has not been sufficiently elucidated, many intervention studies attempting regenerative therapy of DPN have been reported. Further studies are needed to better evaluate the potential of regeneration in reversing the pathology of DPN