Yale scientists use stem cells to treat diabetes uterine

Researchers from Yale University in the United States, converted cells in the lining of the uterus in insulin-producing cells to treat rats with diabetes.

The endometrium or uterine lining, is a source of adult stem cells. These cells generate new uterine lining each month as part of the menstrual cycle. Like other stem cells, however, they can divide to form other cell types.

The Yale team's findings suggest that stem cells of the endometrium can be used to develop insulin-producing cells, which are found in the pancreas. These cells could then be used to enhance the study of transplantation of islet cells to treat people with diabetes.

Led by Professor Hugh S. Taylor, the research team bathed endometrial stem cells in cultures containing special nutrients and growth factors. Responding to these substances, the cells adopted the characteristics of the beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. During an incubation process for three weeks, the stem cells of the endometrium took the form of beta cells and began to produce proteins normally. Some also produce insulin.

After a meal, the body breaks down food into components such as glucose, which then circulates in the blood. In response, the beta cells release insulin, which allows the body's cells absorb glucose stock.

In this study, Taylor and his team exposed the stem cells mature glucose and found that the beta cells as typical, the cultivated responded by producing insulin. The team then injected stem cells that produce insulin in diabetic rats. The animals had fewer beta cells working and high levels of blood glucose.

Mice that received stem cell therapy continued to have high blood sugar levels, developed cataracts and became lethargic. In contrast, mice that received cell therapy were active and did not develop cataracts, but the blood sugar levels remained higher than normal.

SegundoTaylor, the next phase of research will determine how long this treatment remains effective. "We will investigate how increasing the dose of injected cells could make this treatment more effective. Endometrial stem cells may prove more useful for type 1 diabetes, in which the immune system destroys insulin-producing cells of the body," said the researcher.

• Tweet