Potential differentiation of islet-like cells from pregnant cow-derived placental stem cells

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that destroys islet cells and results in insufficient insulin secretion by pancreatic β-cells. Islet transplantation from donors is an approach used for treating patients with diabetes; however, this therapy is difficult to implement because of the lack of donors. Nevertheless, several stem cells have the potential to differentiate from islet-like cells and enable insulin secretion for treating diabetes in animal models. For example, placenta is considered a waste material and can be harvested noninvasively during delivery without ethical or moral concerns.
Source: Taiwanese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Category: OBGYN Authors: Tags: Original Article Source Type: research