Northwestern University researchers have developed a new antioxidant biomaterial that could potentially provide relief to individuals living with chronic pancreatitis. Published in the journal Science Advances, the study focuses on improving outcomes for patients undergoing islet transplantation, a procedure used to help maintain blood-glucose levels in individuals with severe chronic pancreatitis. The current method of transplanting islets into the liver leads to a high rate of islet destruction and subsequent diabetes in patients. By transplanting islets to the omentum, a fatty tissue covering the intestines, and using an antioxidant gel to support their function, researchers were able to prevent oxidative stress and inflammation, leading to better survival and function of the transplanted islets in animal studies.
The study was led by Guillermo A. Ameer, a regenerative engineering expert, and his team at Northwestern University. By transplanting islets to the omentum instead of the liver, the researchers aim to provide patients with a better alternative to managing their blood-sugar levels without the need for insulin injections. The synthetic antioxidant gel used in the study successfully preserved the function of transplanted islets and restored normal blood sugar levels in animal models. This advancement has the potential to improve the quality of life for individuals living without a pancreas and facing the challenges of managing blood-sugar levels on a daily basis. The goal is for the biomaterial to allow patients to live a normal life free from diabetes-related complications.
The current standard of care for preserving islets after pancreas removal involves transplanting them into the liver, a procedure that often leads to poor outcomes due to islet damage and complications. Researchers have been exploring alternative transplantation sites, such as the omentum, to overcome these challenges. Ameer’s team utilized a citrate-based biomaterial with antioxidant properties to improve outcomes of islet transplantation. In cell cultures and animal models, the citrate-based gel effectively secured islets onto the omentum, promoting their survival and restoring normal blood glucose levels over time. The biocompatible and antioxidant nature of the gel was crucial in protecting the islets from oxidative damage and integrating them into the surrounding tissues.
The success of the antioxidant gel in preserving islet function and promoting new blood vessel growth around the transplanted islets represents a significant breakthrough in islet transplantation research. The gel, which is easily applied and biodegradable, is gradually resorbed by the body, leaving behind minimal evidence while supporting the survival and function of the transplanted islets. Future studies will focus on testing the gel in animal models over longer periods and exploring its potential applications in various cell replacement therapies, including stem cell-derived beta cells for treating diabetes. The study was supported by the U.S. Department of Defense and the National Science Foundation, highlighting the importance of this research in addressing the unmet needs of patients with chronic pancreatitis.