Global Health & Medicine 2026;8(4):253-264.

Effectiveness of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived β-like cell/islet transplantation in animal models of diabetes: A meta-analysis of preclinical studies

Cai RJ, Xu JM, Sang XP, Ke J, Wu GQ, Li N, Asakawa T, Wu FF

Abstract

Emerging approaches in regenerative medicine for the treatment of diabetes have attracted attention. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived β-like cell/ islet transplantation in animal models of diabetes. Studies using strictly controlled designs to assess hiPSC-derived β-like cell/islet transplantation were included. A reduction in blood glucose (BG) levels and improvement on the glucose tolerance test (GTT) served as indices to assess effectiveness. Twelve studies published between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2025 were included. Pooled evidence indicates that transplantation of hiPSC-derived β-like cells/ islets is associated with significant reductions in BG levels from four weeks to two months post-transplantation, with hypoglycemic effectiveness tending to increase over time. Improvements in glucose tolerance were also consistently observed. Overall, this meta-analysis synthesizes current preclinical evidence and identifies key areas where further research is needed to clarify translational and potential clinical applications.

KEYWORDS: diabetes, hiPSC derived β-like cells, islet, hypoglycemic effects, regenerative medicine

DOI: 10.35772/ghm.2026.01008

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