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Clever cells could banish gum disease, stretch marks and baldness

April 26, 2005

A simple treatment involving skin cell injections may be used to treat a number of common complaints including stretch marks, gum disease and baldness, reports Chemistry & Industry magazine.

The process uses fibroblast cells taken from the dermal layer of skin. They are extracted, multiplied in-vitro and then injected into the area to be treated.

Fibroblasts control levels of the proteins collagen and elastin, which are found in skin, bones and other connective body tissue.

According to fibroblast expert Dr Mark Lewis of University College, London, the cells are marvellous at knowing what to do.

"Fibroblasts seem to have exquisite judgement of how much stuff they should produce," he says. "They know what to do because they know what is involved in normal maintenance."

The treatment has been used for several years to rejuvenate the ageing face, but scientists at Texas-based biotech company Isolagen have recently had some success getting rid of stretch marks, which can currently only be removed by surgery.

"We have carried out 15 cases studies and seem to be having great success with depressed or indented stretch marks," says Bob Sexauer, Vice President of Corporate Development at Isolagen. "Raised stretch marks are proving more difficult... but we are working on it," he adds.

However a more pressing need, according to Sexauer, is the regeneration of gums in those suffering from periodontal disease, which affects 75-80% of people over 40 years old.

In phase I and II clinical trials, fibroblast injections consistently succeeded in regenerating gum tissue. And anecdotal evidence suggests that bone is also being regenerated. A phase III trial is due to start in London soon.

Isolagen scientists have also succeeded in growing hair using fibroblasts. But Sexauer says he does not yet know whether this research will lead to a product.

"We don't know if our patents will extend to use on the scalp, but we plan to continue research in this area, as we may be able to license technologies to other companies."

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