Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Landmark study of islet transplantation reveals potential benefits in uncontrolled type 1 diabetes

A multicenter clinical trial confirmed the Edmonton Protocol's ability to safely promote long-term stabilization of blood sugar levels in 'brittle' diabetes patients, with some achieving insulin independence. Investigators also reported improved measures of blood glucose control and reversal of hypoglycemic unawareness.

SourceBenaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 27, 2006

Dynamic duo: Combination therapy reverses type 1 diabetes

Researchers found a synergistic combination of a low-dose CD3 antibody and proinsulin peptide to reverse recent-onset type 1 diabetes in mice, promoting pancreatic beta cell regeneration. This approach may hold great potential for the treatment of individuals with recent-onset type 1 diabetes.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 20, 2006

JCI table of contents, April 20, 2006

Researchers develop a combination therapy that reverses recent-onset type 1 diabetes in mice by inducing regulatory T cells to shield insulin-producing cells from autoimmune destruction. The therapy, which combines an oral and intranasal treatment, shows greater efficacy than individual treatments alone.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 20, 2006

Diabetes research yielding breakthrough success

A University of Calgary bioengineering team has successfully grown insulin-producing cells in a lab, which could lead to the production of human tissue for transplantation. The breakthrough brings the team one step closer to addressing the serious condition that requires multiple daily insulin injections.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalBiotechnology and Bioengineering·DateMar 16, 2006

Researchers map of genetic variations implicated in disease

A detailed study of the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) region reveals a region of stability that may have provided protection against infection and disease. The study found over 300 amino acid changing variants, strong candidates for functional studies to understand the role of variation in MHC-associated disease.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJan 26, 2006

Early, aggressive treatment of type 1 diabetes lowers risk of cardiovascular disease

A long-term study of patients with type 1 diabetes found that early and aggressive treatment, including insulin pumps and lifestyle interventions, significantly lowered the risk of serious cardiovascular events. This approach was associated with a 58% reduction in cardiovascular risks compared to conventional blood glucose control.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 21, 2005

Looking at autoimmune diabetes, literally

Researchers developed a novel MRI strategy to visualize inflammatory lesions in the pancreas that cause type-1 diabetes. This new approach provides preclinical data on mouse models, guiding the application of an in vivo MRI technique to patients with autoimmune diabetes.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 18, 2005

New imaging technology at Joslin shown to detect early signs of type 1 diabetes

Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center have developed a new imaging technology using magnetic resonance imaging to detect early signs of type 1 diabetes. The technology tracks miniscule magnetic nanoparticles leaking from the blood vessels of the pancreas, allowing for non-invasive monitoring of the disease's progression.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 1, 2004

New gene associated with type 1 diabetes

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have discovered a new gene associated with an increased risk of developing type 1 diabetes. SUMO-4 plays a key role in regulating the immune system and has been found to prolong the inflammatory response when mutated, leading to cell death and destruction of insulin-producing cells.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalDiabetes·DateJul 22, 2004

A pathway to blocking autoimmunity

The study found that increasing PPAR-gamma activity in dendritic cells can activate NKT cells specifically, which may slow down the process of type 1 diabetes. Researchers believe that modulating CD1d expression and NKT cell activation could provide insight into how to combat autoimmunity.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalImmunity·DateJul 20, 2004

Immune cells may play important role in progression of type 1 diabetes, Joslin researchers find

Researchers found that natural killer cells are associated with destructive insulitis and beta cell destruction, suggesting a potential new target for halting or slowing disease progression. The study's findings have implications for understanding the complex interactions between immune cells and the development of type 1 diabetes.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 24, 2004

Gene therapy technique could aid islet transplants for diabetes, says Pittsburgh study

Researchers develop gene therapy to enhance islet cell function and survival after transplantation. The technique uses a growth factor DNA to induce cell division, improving insulin production and glucose control in rat models. However, standard immunosuppression drug therapy may be harmful, inducing insulin resistance and diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·JournalEndocrinology·DateFeb 4, 2004