Can the transplantation of purified stem cells promote new blood vessel formation in ischemic tissues?
During diabetes and cardiovascular disease, damage to the cardiovascular system can result in ischemic heart disease and peripheral vascular disease. Approximately 14 million individuals in North Americas suffer from ischemic heart disease, and greater than 100,000 diabetic patients will suffer limb amputation due to severe peripheral vascular disease. We have shown that several stem cell types participate in the formation of new blood vessels. Ultimately, our goal is to optimize the selection and expansion of rare vessel–forming endothelial progenitor cells, and co-transplant them with supportive hematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cells to augment blood vessel regeneration in vivo. Can the transplantation of purified stem cells support the regeneration of pancreatic beta-cell function during diabetes? Diabetes involves a progressive loss of insulin-secreting beta cells within islets of Langerhans, and affects >250 million individuals worldwide. Islet transplantation can establish insu
