 |
|
Scientists use stem cells to grow cartilage
November 17, 2005Scientists from Imperial College London have successfully converted human embryonic stem cells into cartilage cells, offering encouragement that replacement cartilage could one day be grown for transplantation.
Cartilage is the dense connective tissue usually found between bones to allow the smooth movement of joints.
Research to be published in Tissue Engineering shows how the Imperial team directed embryonic stem cells to become cartilage cells. This could allow doctors to grow cartilage for transplantation for a number of injuries and medical problems, including sports injuries, new cartilage for people having hip replacements, and even for cosmetic surgery.
Dr Archana Vats, from Imperial College London and first author of the paper, said: "The ability to grow cartilage using stem cells could have enormous implications for a number of medical problems. With the UK's increasing ageing population there will be an inevitable increase in problems created by people living longer. Although doctors have been able to carry out joint replacements for a number of years, it has not possible to replace the worn out cartilage. By replacing the cartilage it may be possible to avoid the need for a joint replacement for some time."
The research involved growing human embryonic stem cells with chondrocytes or cartilage cells, in Petri dishes in the laboratory in a specialised system that encouraged them to change into cartilage cells. When this was compared with just growing the human embryonic stem cells alone, the mixed stem cells and cartilage were found to have higher levels of collagen, the protein constituent of cartilage.
The cells were then implanted in mice on a bioactive scaffold for 35 days. When they removed the scaffold, the cells were found to have formed new cartilage, showing they can be successfully transplanted in living tissue.
The scientists also believe this technique could be used in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. When removing head and neck cancers, surgeons often have to cut away parts of cartilage, and then take grafts from other parts of the body. With this new technique doctors would potentially be able to take stem cells from the patient, grow them in a laboratory, and then transplant them after the surgery.
This work builds on an earlier collaboration between medical researchers and engineers at Imperial College. The team had previously developed the bioactive scaffold which was used as a scaffold to grow the stem cells on.
Dr Anne Bishop, from Imperial College London, and one of the authors, added: "The potential of stem cells has been widely known for many years, but it is only recently we have started to make progress towards the ultimate goal of using them in patients. These results show it may be as little as five years before this advance can be used to directly benefit patients for a huge variety of illnesses and injuries."
The team included Professor Dame Julia Polak, Head of the Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Centre, Imperial College London, as well as Mr Neil Tolley, ENT Dept, St Mary's Hospital and also researchers from the University of Bristol.
Imperial College London
Dr Archana Vats, from Imperial College London and first author of the paper, said: "The ability to grow cartilage using stem cells could have enormous implications for a number of medical problems. With the UK's increasing ageing population there will be an inevitable increase in problems created by people living longer. Although doctors have been able to carry out joint replacements for a number of years, it has not possible to replace the worn out cartilage. By replacing the cartilage it may be possible to avoid the need for a joint replacement for some time."
The research involved growing human embryonic stem cells with chondrocytes or cartilage cells, in Petri dishes in the laboratory in a specialised system that encouraged them to change into cartilage cells. When this was compared with just growing the human embryonic stem cells alone, the mixed stem cells and cartilage were found to have higher levels of collagen, the protein constituent of cartilage.
The cells were then implanted in mice on a bioactive scaffold for 35 days. When they removed the scaffold, the cells were found to have formed new cartilage, showing they can be successfully transplanted in living tissue.
The scientists also believe this technique could be used in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. When removing head and neck cancers, surgeons often have to cut away parts of cartilage, and then take grafts from other parts of the body. With this new technique doctors would potentially be able to take stem cells from the patient, grow them in a laboratory, and then transplant them after the surgery.
This work builds on an earlier collaboration between medical researchers and engineers at Imperial College. The team had previously developed the bioactive scaffold which was used as a scaffold to grow the stem cells on.
Dr Anne Bishop, from Imperial College London, and one of the authors, added: "The potential of stem cells has been widely known for many years, but it is only recently we have started to make progress towards the ultimate goal of using them in patients. These results show it may be as little as five years before this advance can be used to directly benefit patients for a huge variety of illnesses and injuries."
The team included Professor Dame Julia Polak, Head of the Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Centre, Imperial College London, as well as Mr Neil Tolley, ENT Dept, St Mary's Hospital and also researchers from the University of Bristol.
Imperial College London
Cartilage Current Events and Cartilage News RSSPenn 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.
Mending meniscals in children, improving diagnosis and recovery
The meniscus is a rubber-like, crescent moon-shaped cartilage cushion that sits between the leg and thigh bone. Each knee has two menisci: one on the inside of the knee joint and one on the outside.
UF scientists discover new explanation for controversial old patient-care technique
You might not know what it's called, but if you've had general anesthesia before surgery, especially after an accident, it is likely you have received Sellick's maneuver.
'Spaghetti' scaffolding could help grow skin in labs
Scientists are developing new scaffolding technology which could be used to grow tissues such as skin, nerves and cartilage using 3D spaghetti-like structures.
Chinese and American paleontologists discover a new Mesozoic mammal
An international team of paleontologists has discovered a new species of mammal that lived 123 million years ago in what is now the Liaoning Province in northeastern China.
Scientists find obesity alone does not cause arthritis in animals
The link between obesity and osteoarthritis may be more than just the wear and tear on the skeleton caused by added weight.
Diabetes weakens your bones
Current research suggests that the inflammatory molecule TNF-α may contribute to delayed bone fracture healing in diabetics.
New study finds way to stop excessive bone growth following trauma or surgery
A recent United States Army study found that excessive bone growth, also known as heterotopic ossificiation (HO), affects up to 70 percent of soldiers who are severely wounded during combat. A much smaller percentage of the civilian population also suffers from HO following trauma or invasive surgery.
New species of ghostshark from California and Baja California
New species are not just discovered in exotic locales-even places as urban as California still yield discoveries of new plants and animals.
Hormone promises to keep joint injuries from causing long-term osteoarthritis
An existing osteoporosis drug is the first ever found to prevent cartilage loss from osteoarthritis following injury to a joint, and may also regenerate some cartilage that has been lost to osteoarthritis.
More Cartilage Current Events and Cartilage News Articles
 |
16 Gauge 1/4 Inches Solid 14KT White Gold 3mm Clear Cubic Zirconia Bioplast Cartilage Earring Stud by Body Candy This hypoallergenic cubic zirconia cartilage earring is designed to be worn anywhere on the ear including the cartilage, tragus and ear lobe. Quality handmade bioplast solid gold body jewelry.. Specifications: 16 Gauge (1.3mm), 1/4 Inches (6mm), Solid 14k Gold, 3mm Cubic Zirconia, Flexible Bioplast |
 |
Silver 925 Clear Teardrop CZ Cartilage Earring Accent your ear in true style with this dazzling cubic zirconia cartilage ear piercing. The charm is 925 sterling silver and the barbell is crafted from surgical grade stainless steel.. Specifications: 16 Gauge (1.2mm), 5/16" (8mm), .925 Sterling Silver, 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel, Cubic Zirconia, Item Sold Individually. Silver 925 Clear Teardrop CZ Cartilage Earring |
 |
Sterling Silver 925 Clear Cubic Zirconia Trio Left Cartilage Ear Piercing Left cartilage earring. Exquisite style can be yours with this cubic zirconia cartilage ear piercing. The charm is 925 sterling silver and the barbell is crafted from surgical grade stainless steel.. Specifications: 16 Gauge (1.2mm), 5/16" (8mm), .925 Sterling Silver, 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel, Cubic Zirconia, Item Sold Individually. Sterling Silver 925 Clear Cubic Zirconia Trio Left Cartilage Ear Piercing |
 |
Sterling Silver 925 Aqua Teardrop Cubic Zirconia Cartilage Earring Accent your ear in true style with this dazzling cubic zirconia cartilage ear piercing. The charm is 925 sterling silver and the barbell is crafted from surgical grade stainless steel.. Specifications: 16 Gauge (1.2mm), 5/16 Inches (8mm), .925 Sterling Silver, 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel, Cubic Zirconia, Item Sold Individually |
 |
Now Foods Shark Cartilage 750mg, 300 Capsules by NOW Rich in chondroitin and glycoaminoglycans (a glucosamine-like metabolite), Shark Cartilage exhibits natural anti-inflammatory properties that have been used to counter a wealth of joint-related difficulties. As a natural source of bone strengthening calcium, this Type II collagen may also contribute to the establishment of structural longevity. Studies are currently being performed to determine whether or not the presence of Shark Cartilage can assist in supporting normal cellular growth by keeping the development of blood vessel within healthy parameters. |
 |
Surgical Steel Twister Spiral Cartilage Earring Hot new surgical steel piercing. Just what you have been waiting for...the spiral cartilage earring is a one of kind piercing because it can accommodate more than one piercing hole. Surgical steel cartilage jewelry.. Specifications: 14 Gauge (1.6mm), 1/2" (12mm), 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel Spiral, Externally Threaded, 4mm Ball. Surgical Steel Twister Spiral Cartilage Earring |
 |
Sterling Silver 925 Pink Dragon Left Cartilage Ear Piercing Sterling silver dragon cartilage earring. This helix piercing is designed for the left ear and features a sterling silver dragon with cubic zirconia eyes.. Specifications: 16 Gauge (1.2mm), 5/16" (8mm), .925 Sterling Silver, 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel Barbell, Cubic Zirconia, Item Sold Individually. Sterling Silver 925 Pink Dragon Left Cartilage Ear Piercing |
 |
Sterling Silver 925 Light Siam Cubic Zirconia HEART Cartilage Earring by Body Candy Cubic zircoina heart cartilage jewelry. Genuine 925 Sterling Silver cartilage piercing jewelry. Top off any look with this sterling cartilage ring. Genuine cubic zirconia cartilage earring. (Item sold individually). Specifications: 16 Gauge (1.2mm), 1/4 Inches 6mm Length, 925 Sterling Silver, 5mm Genuine Cubic Zirconia |
 |
Sterling Silver 925 Light Siam Cubic Zirconia Skull Cartilage Earring by Body Candy Skull cartilage jewelry. Genuine 925 Sterling Silver cartilage piercing jewelry. Top off any look with this sterling cartilage ring. (Item sold individually). Specifications: 16 Gauge (1.2mm), 1/4 Inches (6mm), 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel Barbell, .925 Sterling Silver, Cubic Zirconia |
 |
Cartilage Tympanoplasty: Classification of Methods -- Techniques -- Results by Mirko Tos (Author) A superbly illustrated atlas of cartilage tympanoplasty methods<br><br>"Mirko Tos has written a remarkable book...The entire community of otologic surgeons will benefit from this contribution."--From the foreword by John Dornhoffer, MD, FACS <br><br>Written by a pioneering master in the field, Cartilage Tympanoplasty: Classification of Methods-Techniques-Results, is a comprehensive reference for all the currently used methods of cartilage tympanoplasty. In the opening chapters of the book, Mirko Tos provides a thorough overview of this class of procedures, including a classification of 23 original cartilage tympanoplasty methods. Each of the following chapters offers a detailed exposition of a different method, presenting its definition, indication, graft... |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |