Scientists have been studying the use of embryonic stem cells to treat diabetes, for which science has not been able to find radical treatment.
Stem cells are primary cells where they can be programmed into many types of tissue. Treatment is not limited to some of the most troubling issues, including the possibility that cells may become cancerous, difficult to adapt, or raise issues related to the ethics of science.
“When you look at pancreatic cells, you know they resemble neurons,” says one doctor. “In some insects, like fruit flies, cells responsible for insulin secretion and blood sugar regulation are also neurons.”
A team of doctors discovered that when adding a variety of chemicals to stem cells, cells change. Although the cells produced are not identical to pancreatic cells, they are able to secrete insulin that is proportional to blood sugar levels.
Scientists cultured the cells in a cavity in mice ‘s kidneys that had insulin – producing cells to see how they worked.
When the blood sugar levels of these mice increased, the “completed” brain stem cells secreted the insulin.
Four weeks later, these living cells continued to secrete insulin and none of them turned into cancerous cells.
“These are interesting results and may provide new scope for our research efforts to find a cure for diabetes,” says Dr. Angela Wilson, director of research at the Diabetis UC.
“Work is still at an early stage and is still expected to achieve the same results in humans,” she said.
“We will certainly continue to pursue this research with great interest,” she concluded.
Will these cells be the solution?