[Nfbf-l] The Future of Stem Cell Treatments May Be From Our Own Skin

[Alan Dicey]

Feature Writer Alena Roberts - The Future of Stem Cell Treatments May Be 
>From Our Own Skin

Stem cells have the potential to treat or even cure many diseases, but there 
has been continued debate over their usage, especially if the cells come 
from embryos. However, even if they don't come from embryos, many people are 
concerned about how the body will receive the cells, similar to when organs 
are transplanted.  Rejections in these instances could lead to serious 
complications. Thankfully, researchers may have come up with a solution to 
both these problems by using skin cells from the patient who is receiving 
the treatment, thereby reducing the chances of rejection since the body 
recognizes the cells as its own.

A research team at Columbia University is currently testing the use of 
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells in mice--otherwise known as IPs--to cure 
blindness. An IP is a stem cell found in adult skin cells. These cells were 
discovered in 2007 and since then have been tested in animals to see if 
they're as effective as embryonic stem cells.

The study done at Columbia involved injecting IPs into 34 mice that had a 
genetic mutation that would lead to them losing their vision. The cells were 
able to preserve their vision into old age, demonstrating the effectiveness 
of the IPs. The mice in the control group all lost their vision as 
predicted.

Since Macular Degeneration is one of the leading causes of blindness, this 
study has great potential. The treatment would also be effective in other 
retinal diseases such as RP and Ushers. The research team will continue to 
perform tests to perfect their method and hopes to start human trials in 
about three years.

To read the full story visit this link: 
http://www.redorbit.com/news/health/1112705297/stem-cells-mice-vision-100212/
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