TRANSPLANTATION OF HUMAN FETAL TISSUE AS A PROMISING METHOD IN THE TREATMENT OF DIABETES-MELLITUS

Experience accumulated in Russia during the last century in the treatm ent of diabetes mellitus by transplantation of human fetal tissues is analyzed from the historical and geographical viewpoint. Over the last 15 years about 3000 patients have been treated using this method. Suc h treatment has mainly resulted in stabilization of the labile forms o f insulin-dependent diabetes: in 80% of recipients the exogenous insul in requirements have been reduced by 20-85%, and in some cases a short -term insulin independence has been established. Discontinuation and p artial regression of secondary diabetic complications have been observ ed: pain and paresthesia in the extremities have diminished or disappe ared; in the case of angiopathy of the lower extremities the incidence of indications for amputation due to gangrene has been reduced; the p athological process in the fundus of the eye has been arrested and vis ual acuity has increased in 45-65% of patients with diabetic retinopat hy. At the prenephrotic stage of diabetic nephropathy transplantation has been attended by reduction or disappearance of proteinuria and nor malization of arterial pressure in 40-50% of patients.