Co-encapsulation and co-transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells reduces pericapsular fibrosis and improves encapsulated islet survival and function when allografted.

ABSTRACT: Pericapsular fibrotic overgrowth (PFO) is associated with poor survival of encapsulated islets. A strategy to combat PFO is the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). MSC have anti-inflammatory properties and their potential can be enhanced by stimulation with proinflammatory cytokines. This study investigated whether co-encapsulation or co-transplantation of MSC with encapsulated islets would reduce PFO and improve graft survival. Stimulating MSC with a cytokine cocktail of IFN-γ and TNF-α enhanced their immunosuppressive potential by increasing nitric oxide production and secreting higher levels of immunomodulatory cytokines. In vitro, co-encapsulation with MSC did not affect islet viability but significantly enhanced glucose-induced insulin secretion. In vivo, normoglycemia was achieved i

SUBMITTER: Vaithilingam V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5577272 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature