Technion Researchers Build 1st Stem Cell "Pacemaker"
Researchers at Technion Israel Institute of Technology have created a pacemaker using transplanted stem cells with pacemaker properties. Using human fetal stem cells, the team derived heart cells that were then transplanted into a pig that had artificially had its heart rate slowed down. The transplanted tissue showed its ability to work as a biological pacemaker by moderately correcting the defective heart rate.
Source: GlobesSeptember 24, 2004
Umbilical Cord Blood-Derived Stem Cells Given Intravenously Reduce Stroke Damage
A research group from the Medical College of Georgia and the University of South Florida has found a way to minimize the amount of damage caused by a stroke through the use of cord blood stem cells. Researchers found that using the drug mannitol in conjunction with an umbilical cord blood stem cell transfusion helped to decrease the size of the stroke by 40% and significantly reduce any resulting disability. While low doses of both cord blood stem cells and mannitol were found to be ineffective on their own, given together they produced remarkable results. This finding means that more people can be treated with fewer stem cells. Additionally, because the stem cells were transfused, they did not become new brain cells but still provided some protection to the brain.
Source: AScribe Stem Cell Research Could Produce Treatment for Blindness: Scientists
An article published in the Journal of Cloning and Stem Cells described a breakthrough in embryonic stem cell research that could provide a cure for a particular type of blindness. Macular degeneration, a type of blindness that affects those over 60 years of age, occurs when the epithelium pigment in the retina begins to deteriorate. Through research on embryonic stem cells, scientists have been able to cultivate retinal cells, which could then be transplanted into patient affected with macular degeneration. They hope this technology will become available in clinics within a year or two.
Source: Channel News Asia
September 11, 2004
Allogeneic "Mini" Stem Cell Transplant Effective for Recurrent Mantle Cell Lymphoma
Researchers at the MD Anderson Cancer Center have found that "mini" stem cell transplants have positive results for people suffering from mantle cell lymphoma, a form of Non-Hodgkins lymphoma. A "mini" transplant looks to avoid the use of high dose therapy of typical cancer treatments and instead utilize the natural cancer-fighting (graft-versus-lymphoma) abilities of donated stem cells. Researchers conducted trials on 33 patients whose treatment included chemo- and radiation therapy followed by an allogeneic stem cell transplant. The majority of patients responded well to the treatment, especially those who were treated while in remission. The study has been published in the on-line journal Blood.
Source: Cancer ConsultantsSeptember 7, 2004
Adult Stem Cell Research Reduces Rheumatoid Arthritis, Tackles Hair Loss
The journal Arthritis and Rheumatism has published an article detailing the recovery of a woman who appears to have been cured of her rheumatoid arthritis through a stem cell transplant. Within a year of the transplant, the patient stopped needing medication to relieve the pain caused by her arthritis. She reported that her morning stiffness stopped while she was still in the hospital after the transplant of stem cells, which came from her sibling. Meanwhile, the journal Cell has reported that a new study has found cells in hair follicles that are similar to stem cells. Most importantly, these cells exhibit the ability to become cells of different types of tissue. Studies conducted on mice have shown these types of cells to be beneficial for treating hair loss as well as healing wounds. Scientists are hoping that they can use it to treat burns and reverse hair loss.
Source: Paul Nowak, LifeNews.comSeptember 6, 2004
Stem Cell Progress in MS Treatment
Stem cell researchers at Monash University in Australia have announced that they believe an effective treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS) is less than five years away. In their clinical trials on mice, the researchers found that when the mice were injected with primitive nerve cells, MS-type symptoms were reduced. When injected, the primitive nerve cells, which were produced from stem cells grown in the lab, formed into myelin-producing cells. Myelin, an important protective coating around nerve cells in the brain, tends to be lacking in MS sufferers, causing their brains to jumble messages. The researchers hope to be able to start trials on humans soon.
Source: The New Zealand Herald
