AP39, a Mitochondrial-Targeted H₂S Donor, Improves Porcine Islet Survival in Culture

The rapid deterioration of transplanted islets in culture is a well-established phenomenon. We recently reported that pancreas preservation with AP39 reduces reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and improves islet graft function. In this study, we investigated whether the addition of AP39 to the culture medium could reduce isolated islet deterioration and improve islet function. Isolated islets from porcine pancreata were cultured with 400 nM AP39 or without AP39 at 37 °C. After culturing for 6–72 h, the islet equivalents of porcine islets in the AP39(+) group were significantly higher than those in the AP39(−) group. The islets in the AP39(+) group exhibited significantly decreased levels of ROS production compared to the islets in the AP39(−) group. The islets in the AP39(+) group exhibited significantly increased mitochondrial membrane potential compared to the islets in the AP39(−) group. A marginal number (1500 IEs) of cultured islets from each group was then transplanted into streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Culturing isolated islets with AP39 improved islet transplantation outcomes in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. The addition of AP39 in culture medium reduces islet deterioration and furthers the advancements in β-cell replacement therapy.