Human arteries as biological scaffolds in islet transplantation
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A pre-clinical study to evaluate the potential use of acellular human arteries as bio-compatible scaffolds and their application in islet cell transplantation:
IRAS ID
199934
Contact name
Richard Downing
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Islet transplantation is an alternative treatment option for Type 1 diabetes, where cells from a donor are used to restore insulin production. Results from clinical trials of islet transplantation are promising, with improved glucose control, health outcomes and quality of life being reported, when compared to conventional treatment i.e. daily multiple insulin injections. At present the use of islet transplantation is limited, chiefly due to the need for long-term immunosuppression but also because the islets lose function over time. This may be due to the site of implantation, the liver, which is unable to provide islets with an adequate blood supply or an environment which encourages sustained islet survival. As a result islet graft function declines within 3-5 years at which time recipients are required to revert to insulin therapy. A different approach to islet transplantation which takes account for their specific needs would improve clinical outcome.
The present two-year study is a laboratory-based investigation to determine whether islets perform more favorably when placed within a bio-compatible scaffold designed to provide appropriate support. This scaffold will be derived from human arteries taken from patients undergoing limb amputation and processed to remove all donor cells, leaving a supportive protein matrix. This mesh-like structure retains important biological and chemical properties known to regulate certain cell functions, and islets will be seeded onto it along with other cell populations capable of providing additional support and/or immune-protection. A specially designed tissue culture chamber will be employed to aid cell seeding and re-modelling of the scaffold. Islet function will be tested over a period of up to 12 weeks to assess long-term function, using in vitro techniques and experimental transplant trials.
Providing improved treatment options to individuals with diabetes will enable them to better manage the condition and reduce the onset of secondary, life-limiting complications of the disease.
REC name
West Midlands - Black Country Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/WM/0413
Date of REC Opinion
3 Oct 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion