16710.7.5 Pancreatic Differentiation
EnSCs under specific induction conditions were able to differentiate to insulin pro-
ducing pancreatic cells [ 51 , 52 ]. They formed three-dimensional spheroid bodies
(SBs) that secreted insulin and C-peptides in a glucose responsive manner similar to
islet tissues. The differentiated SBs also expressed transcripts of NKx2.2, Glut2,
insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin. A resistance to oxidative damage or oxidative
damage-induced apoptosis was also observed with these SBs. When xenotrans-
planted into immunocompromised mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes, these
SBs were able to restore blood insulin levels [ 52 ]. Another study reported expres-
sion of pan β-cell markers and insulin secretion in pancreatic lineage differentiated
EnSCs. Markers of pancreatic lineage such as PAX4, PDX1 and GLUT2 were
increased in differentiated EnSCs compared to undifferentiated controls. When
injected into the kidney capsules of diabetic mice, they promoted stabilisation of
blood glucose within 5 weeks of administration [ 51 ].
10.7.6 Endometrial SCs: Contribution in Tissue Engineering
EnSCs have shown success in several utilities of tissue engineering. Ulrich et al.
developed a tissue engineered scaffold using artificial meshes and tested its efficiency
in a rat model of wound repair [ 64 ]. When grown and implanted onto meshes, EnSCs
promoted neovascularization, exhibited reduced chronic inflammation, minimal
fibrosis, increased tissue integration, deposition of collagen fibres and distensibility
of the mesh. Additionally, there was no adverse foreign body reaction, thereby result-
ing in a successful implantation in the model. These biocompatible meshes were also
suggested to be feasible for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Another
major advancement in the utility of EnSCs in tissue engineering is their suggested use
as a new cell source for reconstruction of urinary bladder tissue in women [ 65 ].
EnSCs were able to differentiate to urinary bladder smooth muscle cells in the pres-
ence of a hydrogel scaffold. The use of EnSCs has also been implicated in pancreatic
tissue engineering. Niknamas et al. developed a fibrin hydrogel scaffold incorporat-
ing EnSC differentiated pancreatic beta cells. The EnSCs were able to form islet
clusters and secreted insulin. These scaffolds further expressed markers of β cells like
PDX1, proinsulin, and c-peptide [ 66 ]. Being an autologous source withless immuno-
genicity, EnSCs could be a safe tool for tissue engineering applications.
10.7.7 Other Therapeutic Benefits of EnSCs
Regenerative capacities of EnSCs were also established in certain other pre-clinical
models such as of bone regeneration [ 57 ] and Glioma [ 67 ].
10 Uterine Stem Cells and Their Future Therapeutic Potential in Regenerative Medicine