 |
|
A new method of adult stem cell growth efficacious in treatment of disorders of the cornea
July 20, 2007A new method of adult stem cell growth, designed in the Area of Cellular Therapy of the University Clinic (University of Navarra), has demonstrated its efficacy for its capacity to grow cornea stem cells. So Ana Fernández Hortelano, ophthalmologist at the Hospital demonstrated on applying the growth technique in treating diseases of the cornea, using stem cells, in 70 test animals (rabbits). The aim of the procedure was to regain the damaged epithelium and thus restore transparency to the cornea.
In concrete, the thesis defended by doctor Fernández Hortelano at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Navarra, proves the therapeutic efficiency in using corneal stem cells in patients with pathologies of the cornea, such as caustications or ocular herpes, by using stem cells from a healthy contralateral eye. The technique is being currently applied to patients with satisfactory results.
The research has two essential parts. On the one hand, it describes the design of a new method of cell growth and, on the other, explains the clinical application of the procedure.
Growth in two stages
The research undertaken by the ophthalmologist has shown that, from a small biopsy sample, the new growth technique enables the growth of the number of stem cells thus obtained to the point of obtaining sufficient for the treatment to be effective. The cell sample is taken from the limb of the healthy eye - the ocular structure responsible for the transparency of the cornea.
The importance of this growth method lies in the fact that it enables the characterisation of the cells obtained, i.e. determining the quantity and viability of the units to be used.
The method developed combines culture on a plastic chip with that of an amniotic membrane one. The novelty of the technique focuses on the first stage - where the plastic chip is used. The fragment of tissue obtained from the healthy eye divides into smaller fractions which are grown on the chip. Thus a greater number of halos of stem cells are obtained (as many as the fragments of tissue). A sample of the cells obtained are then sent the Anatomic Pathology laboratory where the viability and quality of the cell units are verified.
The cells are transferred to the amniotic membrane growth culture, one that is highly suitable when dealing with stem cells that are to be transplanted for ocular regeneration treatment.
Once in the amniotic membrane, the stem cells expand in a homogeneous manner, enabling a better cell identification in order to select the most suitable units for the treatment. This method permits finding out with precision the cell population that we are implanting in the eye and to verify, thereby, both the quality and quantity of the cells transplanted.
Clínical application
The second part of the research involved the clinical application of the adult stem cells transplant in rabbits, which previously have had an epithelial corneal lesion induced, causing loss of corneal transparency. This is a pathology that does not respond to a corneal transplant nor to other conventional treatment.
The procedure used by Dr Fernández Hortelano involved obtaining this type of cell - corneal stem cells - by means of a biopsy of cells from a healthy eye of the rabbit. This is a small sample of cells - 3 by 4 mm - and so the contrateral eye is not in danger. A tiny number of cells thus being involved, it is necessary to grow the samples in order to obtain greater numbers of cells, an expansion achieved by transferring the culture to the amniotic membrane.
The adult stem cells obtained are implanted in the damaged eye and the limb is regenerated, this leading to the recovery of the corneal epithelium and, thereby, the transparency of the cornea. The results to date achieved amongst the group of rabbits, with induced limbic insufficiency and which then had a transplant of adult stem cells, showed recovery of the corneal epithelium in 60% of the treated animals. The corneal epithelium is the layer that is damaged with limbic insufficiency, a problem which, in the long term, results in opacity of the cornea.
Elhuyar Fundazioa
Growth in two stages
The research undertaken by the ophthalmologist has shown that, from a small biopsy sample, the new growth technique enables the growth of the number of stem cells thus obtained to the point of obtaining sufficient for the treatment to be effective. The cell sample is taken from the limb of the healthy eye - the ocular structure responsible for the transparency of the cornea.
The importance of this growth method lies in the fact that it enables the characterisation of the cells obtained, i.e. determining the quantity and viability of the units to be used.
The method developed combines culture on a plastic chip with that of an amniotic membrane one. The novelty of the technique focuses on the first stage - where the plastic chip is used. The fragment of tissue obtained from the healthy eye divides into smaller fractions which are grown on the chip. Thus a greater number of halos of stem cells are obtained (as many as the fragments of tissue). A sample of the cells obtained are then sent the Anatomic Pathology laboratory where the viability and quality of the cell units are verified.
The cells are transferred to the amniotic membrane growth culture, one that is highly suitable when dealing with stem cells that are to be transplanted for ocular regeneration treatment.
Once in the amniotic membrane, the stem cells expand in a homogeneous manner, enabling a better cell identification in order to select the most suitable units for the treatment. This method permits finding out with precision the cell population that we are implanting in the eye and to verify, thereby, both the quality and quantity of the cells transplanted.
Clínical application
The second part of the research involved the clinical application of the adult stem cells transplant in rabbits, which previously have had an epithelial corneal lesion induced, causing loss of corneal transparency. This is a pathology that does not respond to a corneal transplant nor to other conventional treatment.
The procedure used by Dr Fernández Hortelano involved obtaining this type of cell - corneal stem cells - by means of a biopsy of cells from a healthy eye of the rabbit. This is a small sample of cells - 3 by 4 mm - and so the contrateral eye is not in danger. A tiny number of cells thus being involved, it is necessary to grow the samples in order to obtain greater numbers of cells, an expansion achieved by transferring the culture to the amniotic membrane.
The adult stem cells obtained are implanted in the damaged eye and the limb is regenerated, this leading to the recovery of the corneal epithelium and, thereby, the transparency of the cornea. The results to date achieved amongst the group of rabbits, with induced limbic insufficiency and which then had a transplant of adult stem cells, showed recovery of the corneal epithelium in 60% of the treated animals. The corneal epithelium is the layer that is damaged with limbic insufficiency, a problem which, in the long term, results in opacity of the cornea.
Elhuyar Fundazioa
Stem Cells Current Events and Stem Cells News RSSPure insulin-producing cells produced in mouse
Singapore researchers have developed an unlimited number of pure insulin-producing cells from mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs).
Adult stem cell breakthrough
The first tissue-engineered trachea (windpipe), utilising the patient's own stem cells, has been successfully transplanted into a young woman with a failing airway. The bioengineered trachea immediately provided the patient with a normally functioning airway, thereby saving her life.
First trachea transplant without immunosuppression
After 4 years of going from consultation to consultation, Claudia Castillo finally found a solution to her respiratory problems. The young Colombian woman suffered from a cough that took a long time to be diagnosed as tuberculosis.
First Trial in the U.S. to Treat Both Ischemic & Non-Ischemic Heart Failure to be Performed by U of U Researchers Using Patient's Own Stem Cells
Researchers at the University of Utah are enrolling people in a new clinical trial that uses a patient's own stem cells to treat ischemic and non-ischemic heart failure.
New imaging technique tracks cancer-killing cells over prolonged period
Coaxing a patient's own cells to hunt down and tackle infected or diseased cells is a promising therapeutic approach for many disorders.
Exercise increases brain growth factor and receptors, prevents stem cell drop in middle age
A new study confirms that exercise can reverse the age-related decline in the production of neural stem cells in the hippocampus of the mouse brain, and suggests that this happens because exercise restores a brain chemical which promotes the production and maturation of new stem cells.
Intraspinal implant of mesenchymal stem cells may not heal the demyelinated spinal cord
Multiple sclerosis is a disease caused by the loss of the myelinated sheath surrounding the nerve fibers of the spinal cord.
Protein can nurture or devastate brain cells, depending on its 'friends,' researchers find
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have uncovered new insights into the "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" nature of a protein that stimulates stem-cell maturation in the brain but, paradoxically, can also lead to nerve-cell damage.
The bonsai effect: Wounded plants make jasmonates, inhibiting cell division, stunting growth
It is well known that plants growing under unfavourable conditions are generally smaller than those growing in stress-free conditions: indeed it is estimated that in the US, abiotic stress reduces the yield of agricultural crops by an average of 22%.
Stem Cells from Monkey Teeth Can Stimulate Growth and Generation of Brain Cells
Researchers at the Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, have discovered dental pulp stem cells can stimulate growth and generation of several types of neural cells. Findings from this study, available in the October issue of the journal Stem Cells, suggest dental pulp stem cells show promise for use in cell therapy and regenerative medicine, particularly therapies associated with the central nervous system.
More Stem Cells Current Events and Stem Cells News Articles
 | The Stem Cell Divide: The Facts, the Fiction, and the Fear Driving the Greatest Scientific, Political, and Religious Debate of Our Time by Michael Bellomo As politics, religion, and the media weigh in on the complex stem cell issue, more and more of the scientific reality is getting lost. In the search for the truth, "The Stem Cell Divide" does not take sides and debunks the distortions and exaggerations that come from every camp, while providing a complete picture of what scientists have accomplished so far, what they're currently doing and what... |
 | Stem Cell Now by Christopher Thomas Scott The essential account of the most important scientific advance—and most volatile ethical debate—of our time While many believe stem cell research holds the key to curing a wide range of ailments, others see this research as opening a Pandora’s box that will devalue human life. In Stem Cell Now, Christopher Scott—executive director of Stanford University’s Stem Cells and Society... |
 | Stem Cell Research: Medical Applications And Ethical Controversy (The New Biology) by Joseph, Ph.D. Panno This is an informative reference to the technological advances, applications, and issues of stem cell research. The past few years have seen controversy and debate surrounding stem cell research. Because skin cells have the capability to divide - unlike most of the cells in our body - our skin can heal itself through the division of cells. Scientists have attempted to apply this concept to major... |
 | The Stem Cell Controversy: Debating the Issues (Contemporary Issue Series) Stem cell research is headline news. Researchers are eager to move forward, state governments and private foundations are rushing to support it, and the sick and afflicted are desperate for its benefits. Yet powerful forces in our society - led by President George W. Bush - find it morally troubling and they are doing all in their powers to restrict its development beyond a very limited scale.... |
 | Fundamentals of the Stem Cell Debate: The Scientific, Religious, Ethical, and Political Issues Few recent advances in science have generated as much excitement and controversy as human embryonic stem cells. The potential of these cells to replace diseased or damaged cells in virtually every tissue of the body heralds the advent of an extraordinary new field of medicine. Controversy arises, however, because current techniques required to harvest stem cells involve the destruction of the... |
 | Essentials of Stem Cell Biology by Robert Lanza, E. Donnall Thomas, James Thomson, Roger Pedersen, John Gearhart, Brigid Hogan, Douglas Melton, Michael West This abridged version of the bestselling reference Handbook of Stem Cells, Two-Volume Set attempts to incorporate all the essential subject matter of the original two-volume edition in a single volume. The material has been reworked in an accessible format suitable for students and general readers interested in following the latest advances in stem cells, including full color presentation... |
 | Stem Cell Century: Law and Policy for a Breakthrough Technology by Russell Korobkin The explosion of interest in stem cell research raises a raft of controversial policy questions. When should human embryos be used to create stem cells? Should cloning be outlawed? Should egg and tissue donors be paid? Should we allow scientists to patent stem cells? Is the government entitled to a portion of the revenue from stem cell technology created with public funds? How should the... |
 | The Stem Cell Dilemma: Beacons of Hope or Harbingers of Doom? by Leo Furcht, William Hoffman TodayÕs scientists are showing us how stem cells create and repair the human body. Unlocking these secrets has become the new Holy Grail of biomedical research. But behind that search lies a sharp divide. Stem cells offer the hope of creating or repairing tissues lost to age, disease, and injury. Yet because of this ability, stem cells hold the potential to incite an international biological... |
 | Cell of Cells: The Global Race to Capture and Control the Stem Cell by Cynthia Fox Positioned at the cutting edge of science, Cell of Cells charts the international race to utilize the stem cell.From a lab in the Sahara, where one problem is sand in the petri dishes, to an Israeli lab that narrowly escapes a terrorist bomb, stem cells have gone global. Not only are the cells studied in an escalating number of labs—and lands—but they are already being used. In Japan, a... |
 | Stem Cell Wars: Inside Stories from the Frontlines by Eve Herold Americans have become the victims of misinformation about stem cell research. Over the last few years, the stem cell debate has been intensely political, religious, and confusing to many people. Now, Eve Herold explains what this science is all about, who is for and against it, and why it must go forward. She pulls together fascinating stories to highlight every aspect of this multifaceted... |
| © 2008 BrightSurf.com |