[Nfbf-l] The Future of Stem Cell Treatments May Be From Our Own Skin
Alan Dicey
adicey at bellsouth.net
Thu Oct 11 01:50:36 UTC 2012
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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