Effects of biomaterial-incubated pancreatic islet transplantation on liver dysfunction of STZ-diabetic rats

Abstract Islet transplantation is one of the potential therapies for diabetes or even its subsequent complications. We aim to scrutinize the effectiveness of biomaterial-cured islet transplantation in ameliorating diabetic liver. Forty-two male rats were assigned into six groups randomly; control, diabetic control, diabetic transplanted with treated or untreated islets by platelet-rich plasma, pancreatic islets homogenate, or combinations. Islets were incubated with biomaterials, then transplanted to diabetic rats. After 60 days, liver biochemical, oxidative stress, stereological, and histological indices were evaluated. Biomaterial-treated islet, especially biomaterial combinations, significantly decrease glucose and increase insulin levels, improve glucose tolerance impairment, improve diabetic-induced liver function, inflammation, and steatosis, significantly attenuated serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, triglyceride, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, enhanced high-density lipoprotein, and increased hepatocyte density. Oxidative stress was remarkably declined, especially in biomaterial combination-treated islet. In histological observations, mononuclear infiltration and nuclear karyorrhexis were not seen in all islet transplanting groups. Transplantation of Biomaterials-treated islets protects the liver from histological and functional impairments induced by diabetes. These effects were associated with reducing glucose levels and oxidative stress in the liver. The presence of growth factors in the biomaterials can be assumed to be a potential protective factor for diabetic livers.