Diabetes Mellitus, Noninsulin-Dependent

 - Cell Therapy Approaches

Cell therapy utilizing bone marrow-derived stem cell (BMSC) transplantation may regenerate functional β-cells by transdifferentiation or by regeneration of endothelial cells, which, in turn, stimulate β-cell neogenesis via a paracrine effect. It is assumed that BMSC transplantation leads to increased angiogenesis, secretion of various cytokines and upregulation of pancreatic transcription factors and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and creates a microenvironment supportive of beta cell/resident stem cell activation and survival.

Chronic inflammation and/or autoimmunity play key roles in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. Control of inflammation and autoimmune responses by altering regulatory T cells (Tregs) and human islet β cell-specific T cell clones can be additional mechanisms by which cell therapy may facilitate type 2 diabetes treatment.