Biodistribution of 18F-FDG-Labeled Autologous Bone Marrow-Derived Stem Cells in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Aim and Objectives The study aims to carry out in vivo tracking of stem cells labeled with positron emission tomography (PET) tracer fluorine 18-fluorodeoxyglucose (F-18-FDG) and find adequate administration methods for these cells in diabetic patients. Material and Methods Bone marrow aspirate was taken from the iliac crest of patients. Bone marrow mononuclear cells were separated and purified using centrifugation. These cells were then labeled with PET tracer F-18-FDG. The labeled stem cells were given in a total of 21 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients comprising 3 groups of 7 patients each. Cells were infused either in peripheral intravenous route or through the targeted routes into the superior pancreaticoduodenal artery and the splenic artery respectively. Biodistribution and quantification studies were carried out at 30 and 90 minutes of stem cell infusion. Results Our results show that targeted approach resulted in homing and retention of stem cells in pancreas as compared with the intravenous route where no discernible homing of stem cells was there. Outside the pancreas, liver and spleen showed intense FDG labeled stem cell accumulation. In the intravenous group, lung fields showed retention of cells in the initial biodistribution study at 30 minutes with significant clearance in the delayed 90 minute image. Conclusions Infusion into the superior pancreaticoduodenal artery should be a preferred route than into the splenic artery as the former method resulted in better homing and retention of labeled stem cells. Homing is least likely to occur when the intravenous route is used.