IntroductionStem cell therapy has recently been introduced to treat patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, no data are available on the efficacy and safety of allogeneic Wharton’s Jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cell (WJ-MSC) transplantation in patients with T2DM. Here we performed a non-placebo controlled prospective phase I/II study to determine efficacy and safety of WJ-MSC transplantation in T2DM.MethodsTwenty-two patients with T2DM were enrolled and received WJ-MSC transplantation through one intravenous injection and one intrapancreatic endovascular injection (catheterization). They were followed up for 12 months after transplantation. The primary endpoints were changes in the levels of glycated hemoglobin and C-peptide and the secondary endpoints included insulin dosage, fasting blood glucose (FBG), post-meal blood glucose (PBG), inflammatory markers and T lymphocyte counts.ResultsWJ-MSC transplantation significantly decreased the levels of glucose and glycated hemoglobin, improved C-peptide levels and beta cell function, and reduced markers of systemic inflammation and T lymphocyte counts. No major WJ-MSC transplantation-related adverse events occurred, but data suggest a temporary decrease in levels of C-peptide and beta cell function at one month after treatment, possibly related to intrapancreatic endovascular injection.ConclusionsOur data demonstrate that treatment with WJ-MSCs can improve metabolic control and beta cell function in patients with T2DM. The therapeutic mechanism may involve improvements in systemic inflammation and/or immunological regulation.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Register ChiCTR-ONC-10000985. Registered 23 September 2010

No abstract

Objective To assess the prevalence of HIV and selected STDs among MSM in Chengdu, China and the risk factors associated with HIV infection. Methods A cross-sectional study using a snowball sampling method was conducted from March to July, 2007. Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire about sexual history, high risk behaviors, STD infection history, HIV knowledge and testing, and an assessment of depression. Blood samples were taken for antibody testing for HIV, HSV-2, and syphilis. Results A total of 538 MSM were recruited and 513 (95.4%) consented to complete the questionnaire. HIV, HSV-2 and syphilis prevalence were 9.1%, 24.7%, and 28.1%, respectively. The rate of consistent condom use was low and varied by types of sexual partners. The highest was with casual male partners (38.6%) and the lowest was with wife or girl friend (17.8%). Money boys (MB) were 6 times more likely to be infected with HIV compare to clerks/students. Infection with either HSV or syphilis increased the risk of HIV infection more than 4 fold. Conclusions The prevalences of HIV and STDs were high among MSM in Chengdu. To prevent HIV/STDs, campaigns promoting condom use are needed not only to boost the frequency of condom use, but also to educate MSM about proper condom use.

No abstract