Altered Liver Cells May Act as Auxiliary Pancreas - Brief Article

AORN Journal, March, 2000

Researchers are working to alter genetically manipulated liver cells (ie, hepatocytes) so they will release insulin in response to changing blood sugar levels, according to an Oct 14, 1999, American College of Surgeons press release. Scientists want to create factories of liver cells that regulate blood sugar and someday may be used to treat patient with severe diabetes.

Hepatocytes are not destroyed by diabetes as are islet cells that produce insulin in the pancreas. Liver cells also are the only cells in the body that continually regenerate; therefore, if insulin-producing factories of cells can be created, the cells will be produced indefinitely, according to the release.

Scientists said hepatocytes may be tested in patients with diabetes and liver disease who are waiting for liver transplants or in lieu of organ transplants. Researchers have transplanted nongenetically manipulated hepatocytes into 17 patients with liver failure during the last few years to sustain them while they waited for a donated organ. They also transplanted hepatocytes into patients' spleens to act as a short-term auxiliary liver.

Liver Cells are Genetically Transformed to Produce Active Insulin (news release, San Francisco: American College of Surgeons, Oct 14, 1999) 1.