Perspectives in pancreatic and islet transplantation
Article Abstract:
Individuals who develop chronic pancreatitis may benefit from transplantation of their own pancreatic islets, and islet transplantation could be a promising treatment for diabetes. Pancreatic islets release insulin into the blood. A research study found that pancreatic islet function was adequate in patients who had received a transplant of their own pancreatic islets after their pancreas was removed. None of the patients had completely normal islet function. Several factors still prohibit the use of self pancreatic islet transplantation as a standard treatment for patients with chronic pancreatitis. Transplantation of pancreatic islets from one individual to another is even more complicated because of the risk of rejection. Some experts believe that transplantation of the entire pancreas would benefit diabetes patients. The risk of this type of transplantation may also outweigh the benefits.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1992
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Islet transplantation in seven patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus using a glucocorticoid-free immunosuppressive regimen
Article Abstract:
Transplanting pancreatic islet cells into diabetic patients may allow them to stop taking insulin. Pancreatic islet cells are the cells that produce insulin. In a study of seven patients with type 1, or juvenile onset, diabetes, all seven were able to stop taking insulin after receiving a pancreatic islet transplant. They were given immunosuppressive drugs but not corticosteroids. However, in all seven patients, cells from one donor were not enough and one needed a third transplant to achieve insulin independence. This may explain why other researchers have failed to cure diabetes with a pancreatic islet cell transplant.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 2000
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Islet and pancreatic transplantation - autoimmunity and alloimmunity
Article Abstract:
The autoimmune process that destroys the beta cells of the pancreas and causes insulin-dependent diabetes could also destroy a pancreas transplant. Pancreas transplants are now a common treatment for insulin-dependent diabetes, but a 1996 study reported that two patients who received a donated pancreas continued to produce autoantibodies that destroyed the beta cells in the donated pancreas. Both patients also rejected the transplant. Most patients do well after pancreas transplants and 75% still have a functioning pancreas one year after transplant.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1996
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