A controversial new theory produced by researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital suggests that women may not be born with a finite number of eggs but may be able to produce new eggs throughout their life. Current scientific knowledge dictates that women only have so many eggs present in their ovaries that will last them from their teen years through to menopause. However, this new theory, suggested by Dr. Jonathan Tilley, states that stem cells found in bone marrow can be sent to the ovaries through the blood stream and, through a series of signals, facilitate the production of new eggs in the ovaries if needed. Dr. Tilley’s theory is mainly based on his findings in mice but also on cases of women unexpectedly conceiving after receiving chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant. In addition to examining the theory in female mice, Dr. Tilley is also investigating whether a similar regeneration of the reproductive cells can occur in males. Understandably, though, the theory has been received with great skepticism by the scientific community although there are a number of supporters for the theory. If Dr. Tilley is able to prove his theory, it may lead to new ways to deal with female infertility and even prevent menopause from occurring. Nicholas Wade, The New York TimesJuly 8, 2005
New Approach Works Against Leukemia, Lymphoma
New research on leukemia and lymphoma stem cell treatment from the Dana-Faber Cancer Institute in Boston holds promising results for adults suffering from these types of cancers. Although the stem cells contained in umbilical cords work well to fight against leukemia and lymphoma, the number of stem cells obtained from just one umbilical cord are not sufficient to treat an adult. In the study, investigators examined how 27 patients with various types of leukemia and lymphomas responded to stem cell therapy with the stem cells coming from two different umbilical cords. Overall, the results have been very encouraging. Not only are the large majority of patients involved in the study still alive, but researchers also noted that using two separate stem cell sources seemed to help new blood cells develop faster and engraft more rapidly yet with very little adverse reaction. Although these findings may help open up the treatment possibilities for more adults, a spokesperson for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society did point out that demand for the stem cells will likely exceed the supply. Currently, not enough hospitals in the United States are set up to collect and store donated umbilical cord blood. However legislation to establish a national registry, which would significantly increase the number of stem cells available to people nationwide, is currently under approval in the Senate. HealthDay NewsJuly 6, 2005
Researchers Identify Genes Involved with Blood Stem Cell Development
A break through discovery in the field of stem cell research by a team of investigators from the University of Minnesota could have a significant impact on stem cell therapy. Through their research on zebrafish embryos, investigators managed to identify 14 genes that play a role in the development of new blood cells. By “turning off” these genes, researchers found that new blood cells failed to develop properly. This finding brings scientists one-step closer to understanding how stem cells are able to self-renew and multiply. The team will next try to isolate the function of each of these 14 genes in the blood cell development process. If researchers are able to learn how stem cells self-renew and multiple, it may be possible for scientists to stimulate umbilical cord blood stem cells in order to get them to multiple and produce enough stem cells to treat several patients from one umbilical cord. Medical News TodayJuly 3, 2005
Legislation Would Aid Access to Cord Blood
A new bill that would help make it easier for Americans to find suitable cord blood stem cell matches has received approval by the Senate committee, moving the legislation one step closer to becoming law. If this new bill were passed, it would ensure the creation of a public system of umbilical cord blood stem cell banks. By establishing this national registry, people and banks seeking stem cells for transplants will need to search just one location. This in turn would increase the number of people who have access to umbilical cord blood stem cells thus allowing a greater number of people to receive stem cell transplants. Currently, transplant centers must search through various banks to locate a suitable donor. However, not all centers are equally aware of the different locations to contact, so not all patients have equal access. A similar bill was previously introduced to the Senate but it died because its terms could not be agreed upon by two major donor centers. These differences have since been amended in the new bill.
Alison Lapp, Herald-Sun.com
