Important Notice: This Study Does Not Relate to Lipogems®
Christian Krautz, Steffen Wolk, Anja Steffen, Klaus-Peter Knoch, Uta Ceglarek, Hans-Detlev Saeger, Michele Solimena, Stephan Kersting · Cell Transplantation · 2011
Research Focuses on Islet Transplant Medications, Not Fat Tissue Therapy
This paper by Krautz and colleagues examines how different immune-suppressing medications affect transplanted islet cells in mice. It does not study Lipogems® or any adipose tissue (fat-based) treatment. We want to be transparent about what this research actually covers.
Understanding Islet Transplantation for Diabetes
Islet transplantation is a procedure where insulin-producing cells from a donor pancreas are placed into someone with type 1 diabetes. This is quite different from Lipogems® treatments. Islet transplants require lifelong immune-suppressing medications. These drugs prevent your body from rejecting the donor cells. However, these medications may cause problems of their own.
What the Researchers Tested in Mice
The study looked at four common immune-suppressing drugs:
Tacrolimus
Sirolimus
Everolimus
Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF)
Scientists wanted to know if these drugs stop beta cells (insulin-making cells) from multiplying. They transplanted islets into diabetic mice. Then they gave different groups each medication for four weeks.
Some Medications Blocked Cell Growth More Than Others
The results showed clear differences between drugs:
Sirolimus and everolimus significantly reduced beta cell growth
Tacrolimus also lowered cell multiplication rates
MMF did not harm beta cell growth compared to untreated mice
Animals receiving no immune-suppressing drugs had the best blood sugar control. All treated groups had higher average blood sugar levels.
Why This Matters for Islet Transplant Patients
Beta cells need to multiply to maintain their numbers over time. When medications stop this renewal process, transplanted islets may fail gradually. The researchers suggest MMF might be a better choice. It controls immune rejection while allowing beta cells to keep growing.
This Research Does Not Apply to Lipogems® Treatment
Lipogems® uses your own processed fat tissue. It does not require immune-suppressing medications because the cells come from your own body. This study offers no information about Lipogems® effectiveness for any condition. If you are considering Lipogems® for diabetes-related concerns, please discuss appropriate research with your healthcare provider.
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Source: Krautz et al., Cell Transplantation, 2011.
Original Publication
Effects of immunosuppression on proliferation in transplanted islets
Christian Krautz, Steffen Wolk, Anja Steffen, Klaus-Peter Knoch, Uta Ceglarek, Hans-Detlev Saeger, Michele Solimena, Stephan Kersting · Cell Transplantation · 2011
Immunosuppressive drugs used in human islet transplantation, such as sirolimus and tacrolimus, may interfere with the capacity of β-cells to balance cell renewal and cell loss, potentially contributing to progressive graft dysfunction over time. This study analyzed the influence of different immunosuppressants on α- and β-cell proliferation and transplant outcome following syngeneic β-cell transplantation in mice. Syngeneic islets (300 IEQ) were injected into the right liver lobes of C57BL/6 diabetic recipients. Osmotic pumps containing bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) alone (control) or BrdU with an immunosuppressant (tacrolimus, sirolimus, everolimus, or mycophenolate mofetil [MMF]) were implanted. Glycemic control was assessed using glucose tolerance tests. After four weeks, proliferation of α- and β-cells was detected by BrdU incorporation, and fractional β-cell area and average β-cell size were determined by morphometric analysis. Average blood glucose levels were significantly higher in all treatment groups compared to controls. Glucose tolerance improved only in control animals (P<0.05). MMF-treated mice showed fractional β-cell area and proliferation comparable to controls (P=0.66). However, everolimus and sirolimus treatment significantly reduced β-cell proliferation and fractional β-cell area. Tacrolimus reduced β-cell replication rate (P=0.023) but did not affect fractional β-cell area compared to untreated controls.