Cross talk between the extracellular matrix and the immune system in the context of endocrine pancreatic islet transplantation. A review article.

This review aims to highlight the importance of the bidirectional influence of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and immune cells in the context of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and endocrine pancreatic islet transplantation. We introduced the main classes of molecules and proteins constituting the ECM as well as cells and cytokines of the immune system with the aim to further examine their roles in T1DM and islet transplantation. Integrins expressed by immune cells and their functions are detailed. Finally, this article reviews the roles of the ECM and the immune system in islet transplantation as well as ECM-related cytokines and their influence on the ECM and immune cells.

Integrin-Linked Kinase Improves Functional Recovery of Diabetic Cystopathy and Mesenchymal Stem Cell Survival and Engraftment in Rats.

OBJECTIVES: Diabetic cystopathy (DCP), characterized by peripheral neuropathy-associated bladder dysfunction, is a common urinary complication in patients with diabetes (~80%). Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMMSC) transplantation, a new and emerging regenerative therapy, provides a curative option for DCP. However, the application of this therapy is limited by the low survival rate and engraftment of transplanted stem cells. This study was undertaken to determine whether integrin-linked kinase (ILK) overexpression would improve stem cell survival and engraftment after BMMSC transplantation. METHODS: Diabetes was induced in rats by injection of streptozotocin. ILK expression was detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot. Bladder function was measured by urodynamic analyses. Smooth-muscle regeneration and vascularization were evaluated by immunohistochemistry staining. RESULTS: ILK overexpression by adenovirus promotes proliferation of BMMSCs in vitro. ILK overexpression enhanced the ability of BMMSCs to decrease the volume threshold for micturition and residual urine in the rats with diabetes. The contractile response of bladder strips, tissue structure of bladder and smooth-muscle regeneration/vascularization were also improved in the rats receiving ILK-modified BMMSCs. CONCLUSIONS: Our data highlight the clinical potential of transplantation of gene-modified BMMSCs in the treatment of DCP, thereby serving as a rapid and effective first-line strategy to cure the bladder dysfunction resulting from long-term diabetes.