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Estrogen may improve beta-cell function, islet cell transplantation outcomes

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SAN FRANCISCO — Estrogen may be associated with improved beta-cell function and islet cell transplant outcomes, according to data presented at the American Diabetes Association’s 74th Scientific Sessions.

“Animal models have shown that estrogen enhances beta-cell survival, insulin biosynthesis and secretion, and prevents or reverses type 1 diabetes,” Kirstie K. Danielson, PhD, assistant professor of transplant surgery and epidemiology and biostatistics at the University of Illinois at Chicago, said during a presentation here.

Danielson and colleagues sought to determine whether this was the case in human beta-cell function in vivo and in clinical outcomes following islet cell transplantation for type 1 diabetes.

They analyzed data from 23 consecutive patients (18 women, 5 men) who underwent allogeneic pancreas islet cell transplantation as part of phase 1 and 2 (n=10) and phase 3 (n=13) clinical trials at the University of Illinois at Chicago from 2005 to 2013. The average age at the time of the first transplant was 46.1 years, according to data.

There were significant associations between estrogen-related variables and beta-cell and metabolic function post-transplantation. Oral contraceptive use among women was tied to worsened beta-cell function compared with patients who did not use contraceptives, according to Danielson.

“After first transplant, recipients of female vs. male islets demonstrated greater c-peptide, higher insulin secretion, and lower glucose,” Danielson said. “However, none of the outcomes studied were better for recipients of male islets.”

She added that the premenopausal vs. postmenopausal recipients exhibited higher insulin levels. “Postmenopausal recipients using hormone replacement therapy required a lower insulin dose, with an enhanced beta-cell function, compared to nonusers,” Danielson said. — by Samantha Costa

For more information: Danielson KK. Abstract 83-OR. Presented at: American Diabetes Association’s 74th Scientific Sessions; June 13-17, 2014; San Francisco.

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.