Treating Type 2 Diabetes with Dental Pulp Stem Cells (DPSCs)
ABSTRACT
Therapeutic Potential of Stem Cells from Human Exfoliated Deciduous Teeth Infusion Into Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Depends on Basal Lipid Levels and Islet Function.
Stem Cells Translational Medicine. 2021 Jun;10(6):956-967. doi: 10.1002/sctm.20-0303.
Li W, Jiao X, Song J, Sui B, Guo Z, Zhao Y, Li J, Shi S, Huang Q.
Author information:
1.Department of Endocrinology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
2.South China Center of Craniofacial Stem Cell Research, Guanghua School and Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.
3.Research and Development Center for Tissue Engineering, School of Stomatology, Air Force Medical University, People's Republic of China.
4.Department of Dermatology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
5.Easter Greenland Hospital, People's Republic of China.
BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is characterized by impaired insulin production and insulin resistance, leading to chronically elevated blood glucose levels. Although conventional therapies can improve glycemic control, they do not restore pancreatic function. Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) possess immunomodulatory and regenerative properties that may help preserve pancreatic islet function and improve metabolic control.
METHODS:This prospective clinical study enrolled 24 insulin-treated patients with type 2 diabetes who received three intravenous infusions of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) over a six-week period. Participants were followed for 12 months, during which researchers evaluated glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood glucose, insulin requirements, pancreatic β-cell function, lipid profiles, and treatment safety. The study also investigated whether baseline metabolic characteristics influenced therapeutic outcomes.
RESULTS:DPSC therapy significantly improved glycemic control, reduced insulin requirements, and enhanced pancreatic β-cell function in many participants. Patients with lower baseline triglyceride levels and better preserved islet function experienced the greatest therapeutic benefit. Treatment was well tolerated, with no serious treatment-related adverse events reported throughout the study.
CONCLUSIONS:This clinical study demonstrated that dental pulp stem cells may represent a safe and promising regenerative therapy for patients with type 2 diabetes. The findings suggest that patient metabolic status may influence treatment response and support continued clinical development of DPSC-based therapies for diabetes management.
PMID: 33895819
PMCID: PMC8235136
DOI: 10.1002/sctm.20-0303