Li-Ru Zhao, PhD, MD, receives the 2017 Bernard Sanberg Memorial Award for her research contributions in acute and chronic stroke, vascular dementia, traumatic brain injury, and Alzheimer's disease. Her work has significantly advanced our understanding of SCF and G-CSF in slowing Alzheimer's progression.
Researchers used Real-time intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (RT-IMRI) to guide the transplantation of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neurons into brains modeled with Parkinson's disease. The study found that RT-IMRI guidance enhances cell survival and improves procedure efficacy and safety.
A clinical trial using allogeneic cardiosphere-derived cells will be conducted to test efficacy and safety for heart attack patients. The study aims to improve cardiac regeneration, ventricular function, and reduce scar tissue.
Aerobic exercise improves glycemic control and reduces insulin requirements in T1D patients. The study found that physically active patients had more responsible behavior in monitoring their glucose levels, suggesting an educational program addressing diet, insulin injecting monitoring, and exercise could be highly advantageous.
Researchers found that induced neural stem cells promoted survival and functional recovery in mice modeled with ischemic stroke. The study also discovered that early administration of iNSCs protected the brain from ischemia-related damage, reducing infarct volume and enhancing sensorimotor function.
Researchers found that transplantation of human placental stem cells into diabetic rats improved blood flow and reduced critical limb ischemia, a condition leading to diabetic foot and amputation. The study suggests that mesenchymal stem cells have the potential to treat diabetes-related complications.
Researchers discovered that transplanted bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) can contribute to better blood vessel growth, leading to reduced recurrent miscarriages. The study found that EPCs homed to the placenta and worked to normalize uterine blood vessel patterns, resulting in a reduced rate of miscarriage.
Researchers found that bilirubin supplementation significantly decreased islet cell death after isolation and nutrient deprivation. The study also showed that bilirubin suppressed the release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), which are foreign cell-fighting immune cells.
Human parthenogenetic stem cells derived from unfertilized oocytes can be used to generate unlimited supply of neural stem cells for transplantation. The study found that grafting these cells into non-human primates with Parkinson's disease promoted behavioral recovery and increased dopamine concentrations.
Researchers have discovered a combination of cells and genes that can repair damaged heart tissues in animal models of myocardial infarction. The study found that different biological treatments target various aspects of cardiac function and scarring, with some showing significant improvements in contractile function and angiogenesis.
A two-year clinical study found that CD34+ cells significantly reduced angina frequency in patients resistant to other therapies. The treatment demonstrated persistent improvement in angina and a trend towards decreasing major cardiac events, offering new treatment options for 'no option' patients.
Researchers found that micro-needle insertion into the hippocampus of mice with Alzheimer's disease reduced beta-amyloid plaques and improved memory tasks. The procedure also triggered neurogenesis in the brain, suggesting a potential new approach to treating neuro-cognitive disorders.
Researchers found that transplanting liver cells into an extra-hepatic site, such as the intra-mesentery, can help protect against post-operative liver failure and aid in survival of the remaining liver. The study showed improved overall mortality due to acute liver failure in the transplantation group.
Researchers found that neural stem cell transplantation increased M2 microglial proteins, contributing to anti-inflammatory effects and reducing axonal injury. The study suggests a potential therapeutic strategy for treating traumatic brain injury.
Researchers are exploring new treatments for heart failure using transplanted umbilical cord cells, activated endogenous cardiac stem cells, and immune therapy. A clinical trial assessing the safety of allogenic umbilical cord lining sub-epithelial cells is also underway.
Studies presented at the Eighth Annual PPSSC Conference showcased advancements in targeting stem cells, adipose-derived stem cell plasticity, and melanoma immunotherapy using genetically engineered iPSCs. These breakthroughs hold promise for developing effective treatments for regenerative medicine and cancer
Researchers present innovative approaches using cell transplantation and genetic engineering to address neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's and Huntington's. Studies show promise in reducing learning deficits and alleviating peripheral neuropathic pain, offering new hope for treatment options.
Researchers developed a potential therapy using adipose-derived stem cells to promote blood vessel growth and revascularization. The study successfully treated animals modeled with CLI, showing improved tissue reperfusion and reduced morbidity.
Researchers found that combining meshed split skin autographs with autologous cultured proliferating epidermal cells resulted in better wound healing and less scarring. The treatment also showed improved pigmentation for the wounds treated with cultured ECs.
Researchers have developed a novel cell transplantation delivery method using magnetic fields to guide human neural progenitor cells to injured brain areas. The iron-oxide nanoparticles help retain transplanted cells at the injury site, enhancing their viability and differentiation.
Researchers have found that transplanted human umbilical cord blood cells migrate to brain tissue and remain active for up to 30 days, without promoting tumor growth. The study suggests that these cells may confer therapeutic effects through modulation of the inflammatory response associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers found fetal cartilage-derived progenitor cells (FCPCs) have superior cartilage repair capabilities than mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). FCPCs showed yields approximately 24 times greater and possess self-renewal and multi-lineage differentiation abilities.
Researchers found that human umbilical cord blood-derived monocytes improved hippocampal-dependent learning, memory, and motor function in AD modeled mice. The study suggests that these cells may exert therapeutic effects through phagocytosis of dead cells and cellular debris.
Researchers tested a new liver transplantation procedure using multi-layered sheets of hepatocytes and fibroblasts, which improved liver function in test animals for at least two months. The method showed higher albumin expression levels and better survival rates compared to traditional methods.
A study by Swiss researchers evaluated the therapeutic potential of human fetal progenitor tenocytes (hFPTs) for tendon regeneration. The research found that hFPTs can stimulate adult tenocytes and potentially accelerate healing, with the possibility of reducing scarring.
Researchers successfully transplanted mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) derived from human amniotic membranes into laboratory mice with oxygen-induced retinopathy, demonstrating the potential of MSCs to suppress causes of diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration. The study found that AMSCs secrete growth factors that inhibit angiog...
Researchers found that mesenchymal stem cells alleviate inflammation and nephritis in mice with SLE, suggesting a potential treatment for severe autoimmune diseases. The study showed that MSCs suppress T helper cell development, which helps to slow disease progression.
Researchers found that dental pulp stem cells can regenerate myelinated axons in laboratory rats with sciatic nerve defects, outperforming autologous nerve grafts. The study suggests that MDPSCs contribute to peripheral nerve regeneration through the secretion of neurotrophic and angiogenic factors.
Stem cell transplantation has been shown to accelerate healing in laboratory rats with severe burns. The treatment uses bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), which enhanced local blood supply, modulated the immune system, and secreted growth factors with anti-inflammatory properties.
Diabetic neuropathy, a condition affecting up to 60% of diabetes patients, can be reversed by stem cell injections that promote angiogenesis and nerve re-myelination. Researchers have identified new mechanisms by which mesenchymal stem cells can improve the condition.
Researchers found modest improvements in patients with spinal cord injury treated with olfactory mucosa transplants, showing 'promising and safe' results. The study demonstrated benefits in ASIA sensory scores, bladder compliance, sensation, and daily life activities.
Researchers used bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells to treat fractures, lung injury, and renal obstruction. The cells promoted fracture healing in rats and attenuated acute lung injury in mice. They also showed therapeutic effects in treating pulmonary and extrapulmonary acute lung injury.
Researchers have made significant progress in cell transplantation therapy, demonstrating improved outcomes for patients with complete spinal cord injury and potential treatments for Parkinson's disease. Studies also show that human pluripotent stem cells hold promise for treating the disease.
Researchers have successfully used autologous fat cell transplants to improve symptoms of osteoarthritis in patients. The treatment showed significant improvements in pain management and joint mobility, with most patients experiencing a minimum of 50% score improvement after 12 months.
Researchers have found that local implants of autologous adipose tissue-derived cells resulted in significant pain reduction and healing within two to seven weeks for all patients with long-lasting, non-healing digital ulcers. The treatment showed promise as an alternative to traditional therapies.
Researchers developed a 3D-printed carrier that retains its shape and integrity, delivering immunosuppressive drug cyclosporine A and cells for local and sustained release. The system overcomes existing delivery limitations, providing a promising solution for treating diseases requiring cell-based therapy.
Researchers found that umbilical cord cells activate the Akt signaling pathway, leading to increased expression of antioxidant genes like Prdx5, which reduces inflammation and promotes neural cell survival. This study suggests that umbilical cord cell therapy could be a promising treatment for stroke and other brain injuries.
Researchers report a breakthrough in treating hypophosphatasia, a fatal genetic bone disease, by combining bone marrow transplants with mesenchymal stem cell transplants. The treatment has shown promising results in improving bone mineralization and survival rates for infants with severe hypophosphatasia.
Researchers found that stem cells derived from amniotic tissues have immunosuppressive properties, specifically inhibiting natural killer cell activity and inducing white blood cell activation. The study identified interleukin-10 and prostaglandin E2 as key factors contributing to these effects.
Researchers have successfully transplanted olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) from a patient's own olfactory bulb into the damaged spinal cord, followed by a nerve bridge procedure. This treatment resulted in improved sensory and motor function for the paralyzed individual.
Researchers have discovered that ependymal progenitor cells can respond to purinergic receptors, which may lead to potential therapeutic alternatives in treating spinal cord injuries. A second study found that transplanted bone marrow cells enhanced neurological repair and remyelination of damaged areas.
Researchers found that transplanting B10 human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells into the bladder wall of mice with spinal cord injury improved bladder function by promoting the growth of smooth muscle cells. This study provides potential evidence for MSC-based cell transplantation as a novel therapeutic strategy for bladder d...
Researchers have discovered a way to induce immunorejection of tumors formed by stem cell transplantation, potentially eliminating cancer. The study used laboratory mice and found that withdrawal of immunosuppression led to rejection of tumors, creating a 'safety lock' against tumor growth.
Researchers found that adding IL-10 to transplanted smooth muscle cells improved cell survival and cardiac function after myocardial infarction. The study suggests a new approach to prevent host rejection of allogenic cells in cardiac tissue repair.
Researchers found that peripheral blood stem cells stimulated by granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) can inhibit osteoarthritis progression in rats. The therapy has potential as a treatment for OA, but further studies are needed to determine its effectiveness in humans.
Researchers discovered that mesenchymal stem cells can enhance hippocampal neurogenesis and neuronal differentiation by augmenting the Wnt signaling pathway, a key player in Alzheimer's disease. This finding could lead to improved treatment strategies for the disease.
Researchers found that intravenous injections of dental pulp stem cells have a protective effect against brain damage from heat stroke in mice. The treatment inhibited neurological deficits and reduced oxidative damage to the brain. However, further studies are needed to determine the precise mechanism of SHED-mediated growth factors.
A recent study found that Tai Chi intervention increased the number of CD34+ cells in young adults, a potential indicator of anti-aging effects. This increase was comparable to brisk walking, suggesting that Tai Chi may be an effective exercise for promoting healthy aging.
Researchers have found that human menstrual blood-derived mesenchymal cells can replace animal-derived feeder systems in human embryonic stem cell culture, supporting their growth in an undifferentiated stage. This breakthrough could provide a new means of culturing ESCs for clinical purposes without potential xenocontamination.
A study published in Cell Transplantation found that injecting autologous peripheral blood stem cells into the brain of stroke patients improved their motor function. The treatment was safe and feasible in patients who suffered a prior stroke, with significant improvements in clinical outcomes measures.