July - 10 - 2008 

Japanese scientists are reporting a discovery that could affect the use of transplants of insulin-making cells for the treatment of diabetes.  The researchers note in ACS' Bioconjugate Chemistry journal that
transplantation of the pancreas' insulin-producing cells is a promising experimental strategy for treating patients with type 1 diabetes, but the procedure is not effective enough for many people.  The body eliminates a large number of the islet cells immediately following transplantation in an
inflammatory reaction initiated by blood clotting on the cells' surface, they explain.  In an effort to counter the issue, the scientists covered
islet cells with a special polymer film filled with either heparin or urokinase.  In lab studies, the coatings stopped the clotting long enough to ward off the destruction that usually happen right after transplantation.  The coatings did not impact the ability of the cells to manufacture insulin, according to the study.
(http://www.sciencecentric.com/news/article.php?q=08070723) Science Centric (07/07/2008)

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