Biomaterial Database

Pancreas transplantation today: quo vadis? 2023

Abdulrahman O Al-Naseem, and Ahmed Attia, and Ahmed Reda Gonnah, and Abdulaziz O A S Al-Naseem, and Harry V M Spiers, and Angelika Gruessner, and Lalantha Leelarathna, and Hood Thabit, and Titus Augustine

School of Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom.

Successful pancreas or islet transplantation is currently the only cure for type 1 diabetes mellitus. Since the first pancreas transplant in 1966, there have been various refinements of surgical technique along with improved immunosuppressive regimens, resulting in significantly improved outcomes, with contemporary research into graft monitoring and newer biomarkers, potentially lengthening graft survival rates further. Patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus who are eligible for pancreas or islet transplantation represent a select group, the tip of the iceberg for a significant global diabetes disease burden. In the last 50 years, there have been quantum advances in alternative technologies in diabetes therapy, both experimental and translational. Further development and improved access are required to treat the larger proportion of people suffering from diabetes. Emerging stem cell therapy is still experimental whereas alternatives including automated insulin delivery systems and islet cell transplantation are already used in some countries. Whilst automated insulin delivery systems have increased in efficacy, they still do not achieve the near physiological control of blood sugar, which can be achieved by successful pancreas or islet transplantation. This state-of-the-art review provides a summary of pancreas and islet transplantation to its current place in diabetes therapy, along with alternative and future therapies, including the obstacles associated with the dissemination of these new therapies. With the advent of these modern cellular and technological advances, this review addresses the question: are we entering an era where whole organ pancreas transplantation could be replaced entirely by modern technological advances in diabetes therapy?

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D007166	Immunosuppressive Agents	Agents that suppress immune function by one of several mechanisms of action. Classical cytotoxic immunosuppressants act by inhibiting DNA synthesis. Others may act through activation of T-CELLS or by inhibiting the activation of HELPER CELLS. While immunosuppression has been brought about in the past primarily to prevent rejection of transplanted organs, new applications involving mediation of the effects of INTERLEUKINS and other CYTOKINES are emerging.	Immunosuppressant,Immunosuppressive Agent,Immunosuppressants,Agent, Immunosuppressive,Agents, Immunosuppressive
D003922	Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1	A subtype of DIABETES MELLITUS that is characterized by INSULIN deficiency. It is manifested by the sudden onset of severe HYPERGLYCEMIA, rapid progression to DIABETIC KETOACIDOSIS, and DEATH unless treated with insulin. The disease may occur at any age, but is most common in childhood or adolescence.	Diabetes Mellitus, Brittle,Diabetes Mellitus, Insulin-Dependent,Diabetes Mellitus, Juvenile-Onset,Diabetes Mellitus, Ketosis-Prone,Diabetes Mellitus, Sudden-Onset,Diabetes, Autoimmune,IDDM,Autoimmune Diabetes,Diabetes Mellitus, Insulin-Dependent, 1,Diabetes Mellitus, Type I,Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus 1,Juvenile-Onset Diabetes,Type 1 Diabetes,Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus,Brittle Diabetes Mellitus,Diabetes Mellitus, Insulin Dependent,Diabetes Mellitus, Juvenile Onset,Diabetes Mellitus, Ketosis Prone,Diabetes Mellitus, Sudden Onset,Diabetes, Juvenile-Onset,Diabetes, Type 1,Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus 1,Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus,Juvenile Onset Diabetes,Juvenile-Onset Diabetes Mellitus,Ketosis-Prone Diabetes Mellitus,Sudden-Onset Diabetes Mellitus
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D016035	Pancreas Transplantation	The transference of a pancreas from one human or animal to another.	Grafting, Pancreas,Transplantation, Pancreas,Graftings, Pancreas,Pancreas Grafting,Pancreas Graftings,Pancreas Transplantations,Transplantations, Pancreas
D016381	Islets of Langerhans Transplantation	The transference of pancreatic islets within an individual, between individuals of the same species, or between individuals of different species.	Grafting, Islets of Langerhans,Pancreatic Islets Transplantation,Transplantation, Islets of Langerhans,Transplantation, Pancreatic Islets,Islands of Langerhans Transplantation,Islands of Pancreas Transplantation,Islet Transplantation,Transplantation, Islands of Langerhans,Transplantation, Islands of Pancreas,Transplantation, Islet,Islet Transplantations,Islets Transplantation, Pancreatic,Transplantations, Islet
D061385	Insulins	Peptide hormones that cause an increase in the absorption of GLUCOSE by cells within organs such as LIVER; MUSCLE and ADIPOSE TISSUE. During normal metabolism insulins are produced by the PANCREATIC BETA CELLS in response to increased GLUCOSE. Natural and chemically-modified forms of insulin are also used in the treatment of GLUCOSE METABOLISM DISORDERS such as DIABETES MELLITUS.