Stem cells transplanted to female foetusDecember 17, 2004A Swedish case where a certain type of stem cells has been transplanted to a foetus with a serious disease, was made public today. The results suggest that fetal mesenchymal stem cells may be a valuable source for transplantation and cell therapies. A female foetus with multiple intrauterine fractures, diagnosed as severe osteogenesis imperfecta, was transplanted with HLA-mismatched mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the 32nd week of gestation. At 35 weeks, the baby girl was delivered by caesarean section. At nine months of age patient lymphocyte proliferation against donor MSCs was not observed in co-culture, indicating that the patient was not immunised against the allogeneic cells. During the first two years of life three fractures were noted and growth followed the same curve. Thus, allogeneic mis-matched MSCs can be safely transplanted in utero to a patient with severe OI, where the cells engraft in bone. MSCs are present in various tissues of fetal and adult origin. Fetal MSCs differentiated into osteogenic, chondrogenic and adipogenic lineages when induced in vitro, which means that they have the capability to mature into bone, cartilage and fat tissue. This study is part of a doctoral dissertation defended by Cecilia Götherström at Karolinska Institutet, Sweden, today, Friday December 17, 2004. In the thesis is presented detailed studies on fetal and adult MSCs. The results suggest that fetal MSCs are immunologically privileged cells and have potentials for allogeneic transplantation. To conclude, fetal MSCs may be a valuable source for transplantation and cellular therapies. VetenskapsrÃ¥det (The Swedish Research Council) |
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| Related Stem Cells Current Events and Stem Cells News Articles New discovery about the formation of new brain cells The generation of new nerve cells in the brain is regulated by a peptide known as C3a, which directly affects the stem cells' maturation into nerve cells and is also important for the migration of new nerve cells through the brain tissue, reveals new research from the Sahlgrenska Academy published in the journal Stem Cells. Umbilical cord blood stem cell transplant may help lung, heart disorders Two separate studies published in the current issue of Cell Transplantation (18:8), - now freely available on-line have shown that transplanted human-derived umbilical cord blood (UCB) stem cells transplanted in an animal model had positive therapeutic effects on specific lung and heart disorders the animal models. Gene mismatch influences success of bone marrow transplants A commonly inherited gene deletion can increase the likelihood of immune complications following bone marrow transplantation, an international team of researchers reports in the November 22 advance online issue of Nature Genetics. New research shows versatility of amniotic fluid stem cells For the first time, scientists have demonstrated that stem cells found in amniotic fluid meet an important test of potential to become specialized cell types, which suggests they may be useful for treating a wider array of diseases and conditions than scientists originally thought. First 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. More Stem Cells Current Events and Stem Cells News Articles |
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