Issue 4, 2024

Biomaterial-assisted strategies to improve islet graft revascularization and transplant outcomes

Abstract

Islet transplantation holds significant promise as a curative approach for type 1 diabetes (T1D). However, the transition of islet transplantation from the experimental phase to widespread clinical implementation has not occurred yet. One major hurdle in this field is the challenge of insufficient vascularization and subsequent early loss of transplanted islets, especially in non-intraportal transplantation sites. The establishment of a fully functional vascular system following transplantation is crucial for the survival and secretion function of islet grafts. This vascular network not only ensures the delivery of oxygen and nutrients, but also plays a critical role in insulin release and the timely removal of metabolic waste from the grafts. This review summarizes recent advances in effective strategies to improve graft revascularization and enhance islet survival. These advancements include the local release and regulation of angiogenic factors (e.g., vascular endothelial growth factor, VEGF), co-transplantation of vascular fragments, and pre-vascularization of the graft site. These innovative approaches pave the way for the development of effective islet transplantation therapies for individuals with T1D.

Graphical abstract: Biomaterial-assisted strategies to improve islet graft revascularization and transplant outcomes

Article information

Article type
Review Article
Submitted
07 авг 2023
Accepted
12 дек 2023
First published
03 янв 2024

Biomater. Sci., 2024,12, 821-836

Biomaterial-assisted strategies to improve islet graft revascularization and transplant outcomes

B. Qi, Y. Ding, Y. Zhang, L. Kou, Y. Zhao and Q. Yao, Biomater. Sci., 2024, 12, 821 DOI: 10.1039/D3BM01295F

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