University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health stem cell study holds promise for diabetics

By Andy Thompson  |  The Post Crescent  |  Link to article
August 10, 2009

As the father of a young girl with type 1 diabetes, Charles Plueddeman clings to the hope that the disease will be cured.

Until then, Plueddeman will continue to closely monitor research and keep tabs on medical breakthroughs that can improve the quality of life of those who are afflicted with diabetes. That includes his 10-year-old daughter, Mabel, a fifth-grader from Oshkosh who has been living with the disease since age 2.

Plueddeman was encouraged to hear about a study that is under way at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. A UW student became the first patient in Wisconsin to enroll in a research study aimed at learning if an infusion of experimental stem cells — known as mesenchymal cells — will limit the intensity and scope of his newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes.

Mesenchymal stem cells are derived from bone marrow of adult normal donors. A single small donation of bone marrow can provide enough cells for treatment of many patients.

John Markwardt, 20, of Wausau, received his first treatment in early July as part of the trial. He is scheduled for a second stem-cell treatment this month.

Type 1 diabetes, once known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin, a hormone needed to allow sugar to enter cells to produce energy. Type 2 diabetes, which is far more common, occurs when the body becomes resistant to the effects of insulin or doesn't make enough insulin.

With proper treatment, people who have type 1 diabetes can expect to live longer, more healthy lives than in the past. If it is not properly controlled, diabetes can lead to serious health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, amputations, kidney disease and nerve damage.

Dr. Melissa Meredith said the study is among the first to use adult stem cells to treat diabetes, the seventh-leading cause of death in the United States.

The study is focusing on recently diagnosed diabetics because they still have some beta cells capable of making insulin.

"If we can stop that immune destruction (through stem-cell therapy), they still have the ability to make some insulin. We also know beta cells have the ability to regenerate. Even if they aren't totally off insulin, it's a better way to control the disease when they aren't reliant on injected insulin and are making more of it themselves," she said.

Meredith said the prospect of stopping the destruction of the insulin-producing cells is very encouraging.

"The reason I am excited about this (is because) it is the heart of what causes diabetes," she said. "The hope is it will preserve the (insulin-producing) ability that is left and preserve it."

Plueddeman noted that the study will not directly benefit those, such as his daughter, who have had the disease for years and aren't producing any insulin. But he is encouraged that the UW research project could greatly assist those who are living with the disease.

"I try to keep this all in perspective," he said. "A cure for diabetes is the long-term goal that we all have. But I think we also recognize there have been many, many advances in day-to-day management of diabetes.

"There's been tremendous strides made. Anytime you read about an experimental next step like this, it's exciting."

Dr. Paul Strumph, the chief medical officer of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, said the UW study could provide relief for those who suffer from type 1 diabetes.

"This therapy is aimed at decreasing the immune response, which we know is involved in the progression of Type 1 diabetes," he said.

While it won't cure diabetes, the UW study is vitally important because of its potential to delay the progression of the disease and allow for better regulation of its effects, Strumph said.

"It's very promising," he said.