Correction of diabetes mellitus by transplanting minimal mass of syngeneic islets into vascularized small intestinal segment.

Transplantation of mature islets into portal vein has been most effective thus far, although attrition of transplanted islets constitutes a major limitation, and alternative approaches are required. We analyzed the mechanisms by which islets engrafted, vascularized and functioned over the long term in the small intestinal submucosa. To determine engraftment, survival and function, 350 syngenic islets were transplanted into either intestinal segments or portal vein of diabetic rats. Islet reorganization, vascularization and function were analyzed by histological analysis, RT-PCR analysis as well as glycemic control over up to 1 year. Transplantation of syngeneic islets in marginal numbers successfully restored normoglycemia in diabetic rats. Transplantation of semi-pure islet preparation did not impair their engraftment, vascularization and function. Islets were morphologically intact and expressed insulin as well as glucagon over the year. Expression of angiogenic genes permitted revascularization of transplanted islets. We identified the expression of transcription factors required for maintenance of beta cells. These studies demonstrated that marginal mass of transplanted islets was sufficient to restore euglycemia in streptozotocin-treated rats. These superior results were obtained despite use of an impure preparation of islets in animals with small intestinal segment. Our findings will help advance new horizons for cell therapy in patients with diabetes.

Establishing of the first private autologous cord blood bank in Georgia at the German-Georgian Specialized Oncological Clinic.

German-Georgian Specialized Oncological Clinic is a private clinic located in Tbilisi, Georgia. Close collaboration with German clinics and research laboratories has enabled the clinic to study cord blood hematopoietic stem cells. These studies created a scientific basis for establishing a cord blood bank. A municipal grant from the city of Tbilisi allowed the clinic to establish a program for the support of families with oncohematological patients. The program collected and stored cord blood for families with oncohematological histories. This grant has also enabled the establishment of an autologous cord blood bank and created opportunity for cord blood banking in Georgia. Work on a national legal basis of cord blood banking together with the Ministry of Labor, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia is another important activity of the German-Georgian Oncological Clinic.