Researchers find promising technique with type 1 diabetes to restore insulin-producing cells -
A new study by researchers at the Medical Research Institute Sanford- Burnham (Sanford-Burnham) found that a peptide called caerulein can convert existing cells in the pancreas in these cells destroyed in type 1 insulin-producing beta cells in diabetes. The study, published July 31 visit in cell death and disease , suggests a new approach to treating some 3 million people in the US and over 300 million worldwide, live with type 1 diabetes
"We found a promising technique for type 1 diabetes to restore the body's ability to produce insulin. caerulein introducing the pancreas, we were able to generate new cells beta cells that produce insulin potentially freeing patients daily doses of insulin to manage their blood sugar levels. " said Fred Levine, MD, Ph.D., professor and director of the Health Research Center of Sanford Children Sanford-Burnham.
The first study examined how mice in which nearly all of the beta cells have been destroyed, similar to humans with type 1 diabetes-a caerulein responded to injections. In these mice, but not in normal mice, they found that caerulein caused by existing alpha cells in the pancreas to differentiate into insulin-producing beta cells. alpha cells and beta cells are both endocrine cells meaning that they synthesize and secret-hormones and they exist just next to each other in the pancreas in structures called islets. However, the alpha cells do not normally become beta cells.
The research team then examined human pancreatic tissue type 1 diabetes, to find strong evidence that the same process induced caerulein also occurred in the pancreas of these people. The process of beta cell conversion of alpha cells does not appear to have limitations she Age occurred in young and old individuals, including some who had type 1 diabetes for decades.
"When caerulein is administered to humans, it can cause pancreatitis. Therefore, our next step is to know what molecule (s) caerulein target the alpha cells that triggers their transformation into beta cells. We we need to know this to develop a more specific drug, "said Levine.
caerulein is a peptide originally discovered in the skin of frogs Blue Mountains Australia. It stimulates the stomach, biliary and pancreatic secretions, and has been used in humans as a diagnostic tool in pancreatic diseases.
"In addition to creating new beta cells, another issue that must be addressed to achieve a cure for type 1 diabetes is that the new beta cells are attacked by this autoimmune response in all patients with type 1 diabetes we are working with Linda Bradley, Ph.D., professor of immunity and the pathogenesis program co author of the study, to combine our approach with reining approach in response autoimmune, "said Levine.
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