Stem cells have successfully turned around type 1 diabetes in a 25-year-old woman for the first time globally, causing her body to create insulin on its own.
During the last twenty years, scientists have been working on creating a revolutionary treatment utilizing stem cells, and new research is providing optimism for millions of individuals with diabetes globally in regards to a potential remedy.
In an interview printed in the science magazine Nature, the young woman – the initial individual to receive treatment with cells taken from her own body – stated, “I am now able to consume sugar.” Her body began making insulin on its own within three months of receiving ‘reprogrammed stem cells’ during the transplant.
Numerous individuals similar to her are receiving experimental stem cell treatments for both type I and II diabetes. Despite two decades of experimentation with stem cells, a major breakthrough is hindered by various challenges.
In June 2023, the Chinese woman with type 1 diabetes underwent surgery where her own stem cells were used to generate insulin-producing beta cells that were implanted into her body. Within 75 days, she no longer needed insulin injections and continued to not need them after a year of follow-up.
The process lasted under 30 minutes and around 1.5 million islets were inserted into her stomach muscles. The cells in the pancreas that produce insulin are known as islet cells. In this instance, an abdominal injection was utilized as a novel location for islet transplantations. Alternatively, in numerous experiments, islets are implanted into the liver.
The researchers chose to administer the injection in the abdomen in order to track the cells through magnetic resonance imaging or MRI. Liver insertion in this scenario is not feasible. Nevertheless, one of the few inquiries that still lack a response in this situation is the level of necessity for ‘immunosuppressant medications’ considering the woman’s existing use of them for a prior liver transplant.
Deng Hongkui, a cell biologist at Peking University in Beijing, explained to Nature that in individuals with type 1 diabetes, despite the body not perceiving the cells as ‘foreign’ and therefore not rejecting the transplant, there is a potential danger of the body attacking the islets due to their autoimmune condition.
Deng explained that the woman’s use of immunosuppressants prevented them from detecting this, however, they are striving to create cells that can avoid this immune response.
There are various types of stem cells, with the specific ones utilized in this situation being referred to as CiPSCs or chemically induced pluripotent stem cells. These were generated by reprogramming regular adult cells from adipose tissue into stem cells with the ability to produce insulin. Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, convener of the scientific committee and former President of the India Medical Association in Cochin, pointed out that the woman’s stability for a year indicates that these new cells can effectively meet the body’s requirements. Indian specialists are enthusiastic but are requesting more extensive and superior research.
For more than ten years, researchers have been looking into the use of stem cell therapy in people with type 1 diabetes, as stated by Dr Anoop Misra, head of Fortis C-Doc Hospital for Diabetes and Allied Sciences.
However, what sets this case apart is the patient’s full recovery from reliance on insulin, continuing for up to a year.
Nevertheless, Misra thinks that additional research with a higher patient population, carried out by impartial scholars, is required. Furthermore, it is crucial to conduct extended observations lasting a minimum of five years in order to thoroughly evaluate the effectiveness and safety of this method.
According to Dr. Ambrish Mithal, who leads endocrinology and diabetes at Max Healthcare, this is a noteworthy advancement, especially for individuals with type 1 diabetes.
Mithal stated that although this progress leads to numerous inquiries regarding the lifespan of stem cells in the human body, it confirms the possibility of guiding stem cells to develop into pancreatic beta cells. Despite researchers’ two-decade-long exploration of stem cells, they continue to face obstacles hindering a major breakthrough. “This time, it appears we are near.” This advancement may open doors for possible future treatments. Nonetheless, it is still in the initial stages, and we need more extensive and lengthier research,” he stated.
In the same way, Jayadevan noted that the woman was taking immunosuppressants, which could have assisted the new cells in avoiding attacks from the body’s immune system.
He also mentioned that although the term stem cell may seem promising, it is important to remember that these treatments are still experimental and their potential long-term consequences are often uncertain.
Researchers introduce mutations into the cell’s DNA to alter their behavior and produce stem cells tailored for specific organs. Regrettably, he mentioned an example of a 13-year-old with ataxia telangiectasia who received stem cell therapy but later developed a brain tumor due to uncontrolled cell division.
Even though stem cell therapy shows potential and more research is necessary, it is crucial to avoid deceiving scams or unrealistic claims of miraculous healings, as emphasized by Jayadevan and other experts advocating for thorough and extensive studies.
At present, the sole approved utilization of stem cells by the FDA is in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. It is utilized for specific types of cancer and blood and immune system disorders.