PDX1 transfection induces human adipose derived stem cells differentiation into islet-like cells: what is the benefit for diabetic rats?

In this study, we observed the differentiation potential of human ADMSCs (hADMSCs) into functional islet-like cells and the therapeutic effect of hADMSCs transplantation in diabetic rats. Firstly, the PDX1 gene was transfected into hADMSCs by an adenovirus. Cell differentiation and insulin secretion were identified and detected by dithizone staining and ELISA, respectively. Twenty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into control group (n=4), diabetes group (n=8) and transplantation group (n=8). Rats in the latter two groups were subjected to making diabetic models by 65 mg/kg streptozotocin injection. Afterwards, rats in the transplantation group were given PDX1 transfected ADMSCs via the tail vein. At 15 days after transfection, the number of insulin positive cells and insulin secretion were both increased significantly (P < 0.05). Fasting glucose levels in the transplantation group decreased significantly (P < 0.05), while the body weight increased significantly (P < 0.05). In the diabetic group, the fasting glucose level still maintained at a high level, and the body weight of rats was significantly decreased. These results implicated that the PDX-1 gene could induce hADMSCs differentiating into functional islet-like cells. PDX-1 transfected ADMSCs transplantation is effective in treating diabetic rats, but the mechanism needs further study.