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Stem-cell therapy could have benefits and risks for heart-attack patients (pp 746, 751, 783)
March 03, 2004Two studies in this week's issue of THE LANCET raise questions about the feasibility and safety of stem-cell therapy for heart disease, suggesting that such treatments could have both benefits and drawbacks.
Adult haemopoietic stem cells give rise to blood cells, and are thought to be able to generate other types of cell. Recent studies have investigated the potential of stem cells to reverse heart damage caused by diseases such as acute myocardial infarction (heart attack). Use of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) to mobilise stem cells has shown promise, but its safety has not been tested in patients with myocardial infarction.
Hyun-Jae Kang, Huo-Soo Kim, and colleagues from Seoul National University, Republic of Korea, studied 27 patients with stable myocardial infarction who underwent coronary stenting. After follow-up assessment in 11 patients, the investigators noted improved heart function in the seven who were randomly assigned to receive an infusion of their own peripheral blood stem-cells and G-CSF. However, an unexpectedly high rate of in-stent restenosis (recurrence of coronary artery narrowing) was seen in patients given G-CSF, either alone or in combination with stem-cell infusion, and therefore trial enrolment was stopped.
In a Research letter (p 783), Richard Vulliet from the University of California and colleagues report that after being injected with bone-marrow stem-cells, evidence of myocardial infarction was seen in the hearts of dogs.
In a Commentary (p 746), Hiroaki Matsuba (Kyoto University Hospital, Japan) notes that these potential complications should be investigated thoroughly before such methods are more widely used in patients.
Lancet
In a Research letter (p 783), Richard Vulliet from the University of California and colleagues report that after being injected with bone-marrow stem-cells, evidence of myocardial infarction was seen in the hearts of dogs.
In a Commentary (p 746), Hiroaki Matsuba (Kyoto University Hospital, Japan) notes that these potential complications should be investigated thoroughly before such methods are more widely used in patients.
Lancet
Stem Cells Current Events and Stem Cells News RSSFirst reconstitution of an epidermis from human embryonic stem cells
Stem cell research is making great strides. This is yet again illustrated by a study carried out by the I-STEM* Institute (I-STEM/ Inserm UEVE U861/AFM), published in the Lancet on 21 November 2009. The I-STEM team, directed by Marc Peschanski has just succeeded in recreating a whole epidermis from human embryonic stem cells.
Bone Implant Offers Hope for Skull Deformities
A synthetic bone matrix offers hope for babies born with craniosynostosis, a condition that causes the plates in the skull to fuse too soon.
Your Own Stem Cells Can Treat Heart Disease
The largest national stem cell study for heart disease showed the first evidence that transplanting a potent form of adult stem cells into the heart muscle of subjects with severe angina results in less pain and an improved ability to walk. The transplant subjects also experienced fewer deaths than those who didn't receive stem cells.
Is hepatic differentiation of embryonic stem cells induced by valproic acid and cytokines?
Embryonic stem (ES) cells, known for their capacity to proliferate indefinitely and differentiate into almost all types of cells including hepatocytes, have raised the hope of cellular replacement therapy for liver failure.
Paradoxical protein might prevent cancer
One difficulty with fighting cancer cells is that they are similar in many respects to the body's stem cells. By focusing on the differences, researchers at Karolinska Institutet have found a new way of tackling colon cancer. The study is presented in the prestigious journal Cell.
U of M researchers find 2 units of umbilical cord blood reduce risk of leukemia recurrence
A new study from the Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota shows that patients who have acute leukemia and are transplanted with two units of umbilical cord blood (UCB) have significantly reduced risk of the disease returning.
The use of stem cells in regenerative medicine may also be detrimental for health
The use of stem cells in regenerative medicine is not always beneficial for human health, it may even be harmful according to a work done by the University of Granada and University of León. Scientists have demonstrated that transplantation of human mononuclear cells isolated from umbilical cord blood exerted a deleterious effect in rats with liver cirrhosis.
Penn Study Provides First Clear Idea of How Rare Bone Disease Progresses
An international team of scientists, led by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, is taking the first step in developing a treatment for a rare genetic disorder called fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP), in which the body's skeletal muscles and soft connective tissue turns to bone, immobilizing patients over a lifetime with a second skeleton.
Iowa State University researcher discovers key to vital DNA, protein interaction
A researcher at Iowa State University has discovered how a group of proteins from plant pathogenic bacteria interact with DNA in the plant cell, opening up the possibility for what the scientist calls a "cascade of advances."
Scientists successfully reprogram blood cells
Researchers have transplanted genetically modified hematopoietic stem cells into mice so that their developing red blood cells produce a critical lysosomal enzyme -preventing or reducing organ and central nervous system damage from the often-fatal genetic disorder Hurler's syndrome.
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