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World J Stem Cells. Apr 26, 2014; 6(2): 163-172
Published online Apr 26, 2014. doi: 10.4252/wjsc.v6.i2.163
Mesenchymal stem cells help pancreatic islet transplantation to control type 1 diabetes
Marina Figliuzzi, Barbara Bonandrini, Sara Silvani, Andrea Remuzzi
Marina Figliuzzi, Barbara Bonandrini, Sara Silvani, Andrea Remuzzi, Department of Biomedical Engineering, IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, 24126 Bergamo, Italy
Andrea Remuzzi, Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Bergamo, 24044 Dalmine, Bergamo, Italy
Author contributions: All the authors collaborated in the manuscript draft and approved the final text.
Correspondence to: Dr. Marina Figliuzzi, Department of Biomedical Engineering, IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Via Stezzano, 87, 24126 Bergamo, Italy. marina.figliuzzi@marionegri.it
Telephone: +39-35-4213311 Fax: +39-35-319331
Received: October 29, 2013
Revised: December 20, 2013
Accepted: March 3, 2014
Published online: April 26, 2014
Core Tip

Core tip: Type 1 diabetes is caused by a cell-mediated autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β cells. The transplantation of pancreatic islets provides a cure for this disorder. In this review, we first summarize the current knowledge on the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes and on the therapeutic options for this disorder. Next we discuss the impact of mesenchymal stem cells on vascularization and immunomodulation of islet transplantation.