 |
|
Transplanted fat cells restore function after spinal cord injury
December 11, 2008A study published in the current issue of CELL TRANSPLANTATION (Vol.17, No. 8) suggests that mature adipocytes - fat cells - could become a source for cell replacement therapy to treat central nervous system disorders.
According to the study's lead researcher, Dr. Yuki Ohta of the Institute of Medical Science, St. Mariana University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Japan, adipose-derived stem/stromal cells have in the past been shown to differentiate into neuronal cells in an in vitro setting. In their study, for the first time fat cells have been shown to successfully differentiate into neuronal cells in in vivo tests. The fat cells are grown under culture conditions that result in them becoming de-differentiated fat (DFAT) cells.
"These cells, called DFAT cells, are plentiful and can be easily obtained from adipose tissue without discomfort and represent autologous (same patient) tissue," said Ohta. "DFAT cells, with none of the features of adipocytes, do have the potential to differentiate into endothelial, neuronal or glial lineages."
The research team reported that DFAT cells expressed neurotrophic factors, such as BDNF and GDNF, prior to and after transplantation and which likely contributed to the promotion of functional recovery.
According to Ohta and colleagues, tests in animal models confirmed that the injected cells survived without the aid of immunosuppression drugs and that the DFAT-grafted animals showed significantly better motor function than controls.
"We concluded that DFAT-derived neurotrophic factors contributed to promotion of functional recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI)," said Ohta. "Transplanting DFAT cells into SCI rats significantly promoted the recovery of their hind limb function."
"These studies demonstrate the ability to obtain stem cells from a patient's own fat that can help repair injury to the spinal cord," said Paul R. Sanberg, PhD, DSc, at the University of South Florida Health, and Coeditor-in-chief of Cell Transplantation.
Cell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair
The research team reported that DFAT cells expressed neurotrophic factors, such as BDNF and GDNF, prior to and after transplantation and which likely contributed to the promotion of functional recovery.
According to Ohta and colleagues, tests in animal models confirmed that the injected cells survived without the aid of immunosuppression drugs and that the DFAT-grafted animals showed significantly better motor function than controls.
"We concluded that DFAT-derived neurotrophic factors contributed to promotion of functional recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI)," said Ohta. "Transplanting DFAT cells into SCI rats significantly promoted the recovery of their hind limb function."
"These studies demonstrate the ability to obtain stem cells from a patient's own fat that can help repair injury to the spinal cord," said Paul R. Sanberg, PhD, DSc, at the University of South Florida Health, and Coeditor-in-chief of Cell Transplantation.
Cell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair
Spinal Cord Injury Current Events and Spinal Cord Injury News RSSUCI embryonic stem cell therapy restores walking ability in rats with neck injuries
The first human embryonic stem cell treatment approved by the FDA for human testing has been shown to restore limb function in rats with neck spinal cord injuries - a finding that could expand the clinical trial to include people with cervical damage.
Findings show nanomedicine promising for treating spinal cord injuries
Researchers at Purdue University have discovered a new approach for repairing damaged nerve fibers in spinal cord injuries using nano-spheres that could be injected into the blood shortly after an accident.
Researchers explore new ways to prevent spinal cord damage using a vitamin B3 precursor
Substances naturally produced by the human body may one day help prevent paralysis following a spinal cord injury, according to researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College. A recent $2.5 million grant from the New York State Spinal Cord Injury Research Board will fund their research investigating this possibility.
Master regulator found for regenerating nerve fibers in live animals
Researchers at Children's Hospital Boston report that an enzyme known as Mst3b, previously identified in their lab, is essential for regenerating damaged axons (nerve fibers) in a live animal model, in both the peripheral and central nervous systems.
Researchers find ways to encourage spinal cord regeneration after injury
Animal research is suggesting new ways to aid recovery after spinal cord injury. New studies demonstrate that diet affects recovery rate and show how to make stem cell therapies safer for spinal injury patients.
University of Louisville neuroscientists hope to get people walking again
Neuroscience researchers at the University of Louisville will be the only team collaborating with an international group of scientists that last week announced they had enabled paralyzed rats to walk while supporting their own weight.
UCLA scientists make paralyzed rats walk again after spinal-cord injury
UCLA researchers have discovered that a combination of drugs, electrical stimulation and regular exercise can enable paralyzed rats to walk and even run again while supporting their full weight on a treadmill.
arrow researcher finds natural hydrogel helps heal spinal cord
Research led by a scientist at the Barrow Neurological Institute at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center has shown injecting biomaterial gel into a spinal cord injury site provides significantly improved healing.
UCSF researchers program cells to be remote-controlled by light
UCSF researchers have genetically encoded mouse cells to respond to light, creating cells that can be trained to follow a light beam or stop on command like microscopic robots.
Flips, flops and cartwheels
Geckos and other lizards have long been known for their incredible ability to shed their tails as a decoy for predators, but little is known about the movements and what controls the tail once it separates from the lizard's body.
More Spinal Cord Injury Current Events and Spinal Cord Injury News Articles
 |
Spinal Cord Injury: Functional Rehabilitation (2nd Edition) by Martha Freeman Somers (Author) Duquesne Univ., Pittsburgh, PA. Textbook reflects all the changes in the field since the previous edition, c1992, was published. Draws on clinical and basic research developments and presents interventions consistent with published clinical practice guidelines. Includes strategies for delivering quality rehabilitative services. |
 |
Spinal Cord Injury: Functional Rehabilitation (3rd Edition) by Martha Freeman Somers (Author) Compltely updated in a new edition, this unique reference is an in-depth examination of the central role of the physical therapist in rehabilitation following spinal cord injury. This book encompasses all of the elements involved in a successful rehabilitation program. It includes a basic understanding of spinal cord injuries and issues relevant to disability, as well as knowledge of the physical skills involved in functional activities and the therapeutic strategies for acquiring these skills. It also presents an approach to the cord-injured person that promotes self-respect and encourages autonomy. Comprehensive information equips readers with a broad foundation of knowledge including topics relevant to spinal cord injury, its pathological repercussions, and... |
 |
Spinal Cord Injuries: Management and Rehabilitation by Sue Ann Sisto PT MA PhD (Author), Erica Druin MPT (Author), Martha Macht Sliwinski PT MA PhD (Author) From a hospital admittance to discharge to outpatient rehabilitation, Spinal Cord Injuries addresses the wide spectrum of rehabilitation interventions and administrative and clinical issues specific to patients with spinal cord injuries. Comprehensive coverage includes costs, life expectancies, acute care, respiratory care, documentation, goal setting, clinical treatment, complications, and activities of daily living associated with spinal cord patients. In addition to physical therapy interventions and family education components, this resource includes content on incidence, etiology, diagnosis, and clinical features of spinal cord injury. Case Studies with clinical application thinking exercises help you apply knowledge from the book to real life situations.Thoroughly referenced,... |
 |
Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation (Contemporary Perspectives in Rehabilitation) by Edelle Field-Fote (Author) One of the world's leading authorities in spinal cord injury, and a participant in the Human Brain Project brings you an evidenced-based guide to the state-of-the-art in spinal cord rehabilitation. She has assembled an expert team of clinicians, each with expertise in the content areas they address. Their work encompasses all of the new scientific knowledge and technological advances practitioners need to know to determine the most effective rehabilitation interventions for each patient and to attain maximum restoration of function in individuals with SCI. Key Features * Offers guidance to interpret the ever-changing research literature and to assess clinical trials. * Discusses how neural circuitry changes as a consequence of SCI, how neural activity may be used to... |
 |
Mayo Clinic Guide to Living with a Spinal Cord Injury: Moving Ahead with Your Life by The Mayo Clinic (Author) Traumatic spinal cord injuries have become increasingly common, with nearly a quarter of a million Americans dealing with the condition and another 10,000 new cases each year. The need for a simple, authoritative guide to this disability has never been greater. The Mayo Clinic Guide to Living with a Spinal Cord Injury addresses that need. With all the information written, vetted, and endorsed by the world’s most prestigious medical clinic, the book enables sufferers to return to an active and productive life within the limits of their disability. Here the Clinic’s leading experts offer advice on everything from emotional adjustments to skin care to modifying homes and cars. This independence-granting book encourages readers to resume their favorite hobbies, participate in athletic... |
|
Accord by Spinal Cord Injuries Australia | |
 |
Life is For the Living Directed By: Michael Rubyan, Deborah Orley The story of five American families living with the painful realities of Juvenile Diabetes, Parkinsons, and Spinal Cord Injury set against the national debate over embryonic stem cell research. This product is manufactured on demand using DVD-R recordable media. Amazon.com's standard return policy will apply. |
 |
LIFE AFTER SCI: Spinal Cord Injury Volume One (VHS) by EasyStand New, unviewed, shrink wrapped VHS tape dealing with spinal cord injuries |
|
Spinal Cord Injury Research Awareness Ribbon Mouse Pad by MyHeritageWear.com The Spinal Cord Injury Research proudly displayed on a mouse pad. There is no better way to achieve awareness for the meaning of the Spinal Cord Injury Research than to display it on your mouse pad for everyone to see. The mouse pad measures at 9.25 x 7.75, it is machine washable, and the colors will not fade or run. Start gaining awareness today by presenting your Spinal Cord Injury Research mouse pad at work or at home. It is certain to keep your mouse rolling in style all while gaining support and awareness! | |
|
Life After SCI Spinal Cord Injury Volume 2: Transfering and Adapting Also With: Mark Schmitt (Host) |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |