Recent advances in regenerative medicine – especially stem cell therapy – have suggested several novel and potential cures for T1D. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) based cell therapy is among one of them. BioSpectrum in a quest to understand more about the stem cell-based therapy for diabetes interacted with Dr Anand Srivastava, Chairman and Co-Founder, Global Institute of Stem Cell Therapy and Research (GIOSTAR), headquartered in San Diego, California (USA).  Srivastava shares with BioSpectrum India,  his knowledge about the application of MSC in treating diabetes and the status of stem cell therapy in India. Edited excerpts; 

Could you outline a few therapeutic outcomes of MSCs in diabetes?

The possible therapeutic effects of MSCs in diabetes are attributed to their capacity to generate insulin-producing cells (IPCs). These IPCs express multiple genes related to the development or function of pancreatic β cells, including high expression of pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1, insulin, and glucagon. As such, they are able to release insulin in a glucose-dependent manner that leads to amelioration of diabetic conditions. Several lines of evidence suggest that in vivo hyperglycemia is an important factor for bone marrow-derived MSCs differentiation into IPCs capable of normalising hyperglycemia in a diabetic animal model. This includes animals with chronic hyperglycemia and cardiomyopathy. Some of the many MSC treatment options available include MSC treatment of diabetic cardiomyopathy, MSC therapy of diabetic nephropathy, MSC treatment of diabetic polyneuropathy, MSCs in treatment of diabetic wounds.  

What is the status of this research and application in India?  Is indigenous research paving the way for treating Indians in a cost-effective manner?

India has not been proactive in pursuing stem cell science, with an overly cautious approach. The country’s regulatory agencies are not taking full advantage of this innovation, which has the greatest potential for tackling numerous currently untreatable metabolic diseases. I strongly suggest that the Indian scientific community take the lead in the field of stem cell science, and avoid 'playing it safe' in advancing this promising discipline.

Can digital technologies support this therapy in any way?

Digital technology plays a strong impact on every facet of life, including medical sciences. Stem cell science is a fast-growing field and can provide effective therapeutic responses to several metabolic and degenerative diseases which are untreatable. It is very important to share the original research findings of scientists working around the world among Indian scientists and clinicians. Digital and information technologies are essential for the quick dissemination of scientific data, to further progress stem cell science and enable its clinical application. Digital technology also plays an important role in maintaining the quality of experimental design and uniformity of production of scientific data around the world, this is essential in ensuring a credible outcome for stem cell science.

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Anusha Ashwin