Effect of Stem Cells and Gene Transfected Stem Cells Therapy on the Pancreas of Experimentally Induced Type 1 Diabetes

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Insulin secretion entirely depends on Ca(2+) influx and sequestration into endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of β-cells, performed by Sarco-ER Ca(2)(+)-ATPase 2b (SERCA2b). In diabetes, SERCA2b is decreased in the β-cells leading to impaired intracellular Ca(2+) homeostasis and insulin secretion. Adipose mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs) play a potential role in transplantation in animal models. The present study aimed at investigating and comparing the therapeutic effect of non-transfected AMSCs and SERCA2b gene transfected AMSCs on the pancreas of induced diabetes type 1 in rat. METHODS AND RESULTS: 58 adult male albino rats were divided into: Donor group: 22 rats, 2 for isolation, propagation and characterization of AMSCs and SERCA2b transfected AMSCs, in addition 20 for isolated islet calcium level assessment. Group I (Control Group): 6 rats, Group II (Diabetic Group): 10 rats, 50 mg streptozotocin (STZ) were injected intraperitoneal (IP), Group III (AMSCs Group): 10 rats, 1×10(6) AMSCs were injected intravenous and Group IV (SERCA2b transfected AMSCs Group): 10 rats, 1×10(6)SERCA2b transfected AMSCs were injected as in group III. Groups I, II, III and IV were sacrified 3 weeks following confirmation of diabetes. Serological, histological, morphometric studies and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) were performed. Nuclear, cytoplasmic degenerative and extensive fibrotic changes were detected in the islets of group II that regressed in groups III and IV. Isolated islet calcium, blood glucose, plasma insulin and qPCR were confirmative. CONCLUSIONS: AMSCs and SERCA2b gene transfected AMSCs therapy proved definite therapeutic effect, more obvious in response to SERCA2b gene transfected AMSCs.