Human stem cells in the treatment of pancreatic and hepatic diseases
Hakonen, E.; Toivonen, S.; Jalanko, H.; Otonkoski, T.
Duodecim; Laaketieteellinen Aikakauskirja 130(19): 1973-1980
2014
ISSN/ISBN: 0012-7183 PMID: 25558618 Document Number: 673470
The pancreas and the liver are developmentally closely connected with each other.The development of stem cell technology has enabled the production of functional pancreatic endocrine cells and hepatocytes from pluripotent human stem cells. The differentiation of cells takes place by mimicking the events of developmental biology on a cell culture dish. The research is aiming at the development of cell replacement therapy for diabetes and hepatic insufficiency. Transplantations of islet cells have proven the possibilities of this strategy as a replacement of insulin therapy. Although there are promising initial clinical observations on hepatocyte transplantation, the limited growth capacity of these cells restricts the efficiency of the treatment.