Embryonic Stem Cells in Pernicious Decompensated Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

A.I. Smikodub, A.V. Novitskaya

Group of 11 DM patients (4 women and 7 men) with beta cell deficiency and such complications as micro- and macroangiopathy, diabetic ketoacidosis caused by maximal dosages of glycemic medications, and in need for insulin therapy, mean age being 54,3±8,2 years, duration of the diagnosed DM – 18,7±5,3 years.  Patients were treated with maximal dosages of sulphonylureas medications in combination with other glycemic medications.  In all patients, mean C-Peptide was reported to be 1,2±0,7 ng/ml, HbA_1C concentration – 9,7±2,2%.

Patients were treated by transplantations of hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic mesenchymal and endodermal embryonic stem cells sorted out from growth zones of 4-8 weeks old cadaverous embryos’ internal organs.  Suspensions were administered intravenously, in the amount of 0,5-3,0 ml, cell count being 0,1-100x10⁵/ml. 

82% of reported normal urine status and considerably improved general state.  In the course of 2-3 months after treatment, noted were decreased glycosuria and daily glycemia; it was possible to decrease maximal dosage of glycemic medications.  Lasting compensation of carbohydrate metabolism was achieved in 8-12 months after the treatment.  By this time, C-Peptide increased 1,8-2,2-fold in 64% of patients, while HbA_1C concentration decreased by 26-30%.  Decreased were also manifestations of diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy, and polyneuropathy.  In 3-4 months after the initial treatment, 27% with hypertension reported lasting decrease of blood pressure. 

Subsequent transplantations were performed in 60% of patients in 12-16 months, with the aim of DM compensation and stabilization of the results of the initial course of treatment.