Can multiple intramuscular injections of mesenchymal stromal cells overcome insulin resistance offering an alternative mode of cell therapy for type 2 diabetes?

Abstract

Insulin resistance is a hallmark of type 2 diabetes (T2D). The mechanisms underpinning β-cell mass expansion and their functionality in insulin-resistant states still remain elusive. It has recently been shown that insulin resistance in skeletal muscles leads to production of myokines that impact negatively on β-cell function. We hypothesize that multiple intramuscular injections (IM) of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) at different sites would aid in countering the insulin resistance in T2D. These IM injections are expected to have dual effects in overcoming muscle insulin resistance. It is likely to modulate the micro environmental niche of insulin-insensitive myocytes under the influence of paracrine secretions from MSCs, in turn changing the myokine secretion pattern to positively regulate β-cell function. Further, it may stimulate the satellite cell population to generate new myocytes, which would be insulin-sensitive. If our hypothesis proves to be right, it might offer a user-friendly approach to control T2D.