Co-transplantation of Human Fetal Mesenchymal and Hematopoietic Stem Cells in Type 1 Diabetic Mice Model

Introduction: Cell therapy can overcome the limitation of conventional treatments (including different medications and β cell replacement) for type 1 diabetes. Based- on several studies human fetal mesenchymal and hematopoietic stem cells are ideal candidates for stem cell therapy. On the other hand, co-transplantation of them can improve their effects. Accordingly, the aim of this research is co-transplantation of human fetal mesenchymal and hematopoietic stem cells in type 1 diabetes. Materials and Methods: The liver of legally aborted fetus was harvested. Then, mononuclear cells were isolated and extracted mesenchymal stromal cells and CD34(+) hematopoietic stem cells were cultured. Expression of pluripotency markers were evaluated. For molecular imaging, mesenchymal stromal cells were labeled using GFP- vector. BALB/c inbred male mice were modeled by injection a single dose of Streptozotocin. Diabetic animals were received stem cells. After stem cell transplantation, in vivo imaging was performed and blood glucose levels were measured weekly. Results: Fetal mesenchymal stromal cells were demonstrated differentiation potential. Expression of pluripotency markers were positive. The mean of blood glucose levels were reduced in mixed mesenchymal and hematopoietic stem cells transplantation. A lot of GFP-labeled mesenchymal stem cells were engrafted in the pancreas of animal models that received a mixed suspension of hematopoietic and mesenchymal stromal cells. Conclusions: Human fetal stem cells are valuable source for cell therapy and co-transplantation of mesenchymal stromal cells can improve therapeutic effects of hematopoietic stem cells.