The Role of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Regulating PDGF and VEGF during Pancreatic Islet Cells Regeneration in Diabetic Animal Model

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes is a heterogeneous group of metabolic diseases characterized by elevated blood glucose due to autoimmune disorder or a combination of insulin resistance and insulin deficiency. VEGF and PDGF are the main actors in the regeneration of damaged pancreatic tissue. However, the prolonged release of these molecules may induce fibrosis formation. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have a high potential to regenerate damaged pancreatic tissue by releasing PDGF and VEGF. AIM: This study aimed to investigate the effect of MSCs on the levels of PDGF and VEGF on days 2 and 44 in diabetic mice and determine the number of pancreatic islet cells and blood glucose levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study used a post-control group design with animals divided into five groups: sham, control, and three treatment groups (P) which were given MSCs at doses of 1.5×105, 3×105, and 6×105 cells. The levels of PDGF, VEGF, and blood glucose were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while the number of pancreatic islet cells was analyzed using H&E staining. RESULTS: This study showed a significant increase of VEGF and PDGF levels on day 2 and a significant increase in islet cell percentages on day 44 in line with the decreased blood glucose level. However, there was no difference between VEGF and PDGF levels on day 44. CONCLUSIONS: MSCs regulate PDGF and VEGF levels in wound healing phases and remodel pancreatic islet β-cells regeneration to control blood glucose in diabetic model mice.