Shanghai Physicians Achieve Landmark in Diabetes Remediation Using Stem Cells

In an unprecedented medical feat, Shanghai doctors have successfully eradicated a patient’s diabetes through the transplantation of pancreatic cells derived from stem cells.

The patient, a 59-year-old male afflicted with Type 2 diabetes for a quarter-century, has been insulin-independent for 33 months, as per the announcement from Shanghai Changzheng Hospital on Tuesday.

This pioneering achievement, the result of over a decade of meticulous efforts by a dedicated medical team, has been documented in a paper published on April 30 on the website of the journal Cell Discovery.

This is the inaugural globally reported case of diabetes with critically impaired pancreatic islet functionality being remedied through autologous, regenerative islet transplantation from stem cell origins, the hospital confirmed. Pancreatic islet cells are primarily responsible for insulin production.

Diabetes is a formidable threat to human health. Prolonged poor glycemic control can precipitate severe complications such as blindness, renal failure, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular maladies, and limb amputation. Furthermore, hypoglycemic coma and ketoacidosis, arising from rapid fat metabolism, pose life-threatening risks.

China has the world’s largest diabetic demographic, with 140 million patients, of whom about 40 million are dependent on lifelong insulin injections, according to the International Diabetes Federation.

Experts assert that severe diabetes cases, characterized by poor blood glucose regulation, can only be effectively managed through minimally invasive transplantation, which involves injecting islet tissue procured from a donor’s pancreas.

Nonetheless, due to factors like a critical scarcity of donors and the intricate nature of islet isolation technology, meeting clinical needs with such transplantation remains challenging. This has rendered the large-scale in vitro regeneration of human pancreatic islet tissue a global academic focal point, as highlighted by the Shanghai team.

Yin Hao, a principal researcher and head of the hospital’s Organ Transplant Center, revealed that the team utilized the patient’s peripheral blood mononuclear cells, reprogramming them into autologous induced pluripotent stem cells. Employing their proprietary technology, they transformed these cells into “seed cells” and reconstructed pancreatic islet tissue within an artificial milieu.

“Our technology has reached a level of maturity and has pushed the envelope in regenerative medicine for diabetes treatment,” stated Yin. His team collaborated with scientists from the Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science at the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

He detailed that the patient, who was at high risk of diabetes complications, had undergone a kidney transplant in June 2017 and had lost significant pancreatic islet functionality, necessitating multiple daily insulin injections.

The patient received the groundbreaking transplantation in July 2021. Eleven weeks post-surgery, he discontinued external insulin use, with oral hypoglycemic drugs gradually reduced and eventually ceased one year later. “Subsequent examinations indicated effective restoration of the patient’s pancreatic islet function, with renal function remaining within normal parameters,” Yin elaborated. “These outcomes imply that the treatment can avert the progression of diabetic complications.”

Understanding Plastic Toxicity Numbers

Plastic has become an integral part of modern life, used in everything from packaging to electronics, household items, and medical devices. However, not all plastics are created equal, and their impact on health and the environment can vary significantly. One way to understand the potential hazards of different plastics is through their toxicity numbers. These numbers, often associated with recycling codes, provide insight into the types of chemicals used in their production and their potential health risks.

The Seven Plastic Categories

Plastics are typically categorized into seven types, each marked with a specific recycling code, usually found at the bottom of products. Here’s a breakdown of these categories, along with their associated toxicity concerns:

1. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE) – #1
   • Common Uses: Bottles for water, soda, and juices; food containers.
   • Toxicity: Generally considered safe for single-use. However, repeated use and exposure to heat can lead to leaching of antimony, a potential carcinogen. PET can also absorb odors and flavors from foods and beverages.
2. High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) – #2
   • Common Uses: Milk jugs, detergent bottles, juice bottles.
   • Toxicity: One of the safest plastics. Low risk of leaching and widely accepted for recycling. It’s considered safe for food and beverage storage.
3. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) – #3
   • Common Uses: Plumbing pipes, shrink wrap, children’s toys, plastic packaging.
   • Toxicity: Contains harmful chemicals like phthalates and vinyl chloride, which can leach out and are linked to cancer, hormonal disruption, and respiratory problems. Not recommended for use with food.
4. Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) – #4
   • Common Uses: Grocery bags, bread bags, some food wraps.
   • Toxicity: Considered safe with a low risk of leaching. However, its lightweight nature makes it a significant environmental pollutant, often ending up in waterways and oceans.
5. Polypropylene (PP) – #5
   • Common Uses: Yogurt containers, straws, bottle caps, and food containers.
   • Toxicity: Generally considered safe for food and beverage storage. Has a high melting point, so it can be used with hot foods and liquids without risk of leaching.
6. Polystyrene (PS) – #6
   • Common Uses: Disposable coffee cups, plastic food boxes, plastic cutlery.
   • Toxicity: Can leach styrene, a potential carcinogen, especially when heated. It’s not considered safe for food storage, particularly with hot or acidic foods.
7. Other (various plastics) – #7
   • Common Uses: Baby bottles, large water bottles, medical storage containers, electronics.
   • Toxicity: This category includes polycarbonate, which contains bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical linked to hormonal disruptions, heart disease, and developmental issues in children. Many manufacturers now produce BPA-free alternatives, but caution is still advised.

Addressing Plastic Toxicity

Understanding plastic toxicity is crucial for making informed choices about the products we use daily. Here are some steps to mitigate the risks associated with plastic use:

1. Reduce Plastic Use: Whenever possible, opt for alternatives such as glass, stainless steel, or biodegradable materials.
2. Avoid Heating Plastics: Do not microwave food in plastic containers, especially those not labeled microwave-safe. Heat can increase the leaching of chemicals.
3. Check Recycling Codes: Familiarize yourself with the recycling codes and choose safer options (#2, #4, and #5) for food and beverage storage.
4. Stay Informed: Research and stay updated on the latest findings regarding plastic safety and regulations. Manufacturers are increasingly providing safer, BPA-free, and phthalate-free products.

Conclusion

While plastics offer convenience and versatility, they come with potential health risks that cannot be ignored. By understanding plastic toxicity numbers and making conscious choices, consumers can reduce their exposure to harmful chemicals and contribute to a healthier environment. As research evolves and new regulations emerge, staying informed and advocating for safer materials will be key to mitigating the risks associated with plastic use.