Azarpira N, Aghdai MH, Nikeghbalian S, Geramizadeh B, Darai M, Esfandiari E, Bahador A, Kazemi K, Al-Abdullah IH, Malek-Hosseini SA. Human islet cell isolation: the initial step in an islet transplanting program in Shiraz, Southern Iran.
EXP CLIN TRANSPLANT 2013;
12:139-42. [PMID:
23477484 DOI:
10.6002/ect.2012.0306]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
Type 1 diabetes mellitus is an emerging epidemic worldwide and results from autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing β cells. Islet transplanting is a potential treatment for type 1 diabetes mellitus.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The Shiraz Organ Transplant Center is a leading center for organ transplants, especially pancreatic transplants, in Iran. For this reason, we want to establish an islet transplanting program. Here, we briefly describe our experience with islet isolation on 6 pancreata from deceased donors. We discussed the necessary equipment required for this procedure, as well as the professionals needed and a specially planned facility.
RESULTS
Islet yield was ≤ 100 000 (islet equivalent), viability 40% to 45%, and the purity was 30% to 45%. We do not have a refrigerated COBE processor for purification; therefore, the yield was low. Our experience shows that we should improve things, so as to acquire more islets for developing clinical grade cell therapy.
CONCLUSIONS
Overall, isolation costs are high, and accessing a safer, more economic, and persistent source of material and reagents will improve this technique.
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