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Repairing spinal cord injury with dental pulp stem cells

Researchers found that dental pulp stem cells can inhibit nerve cell death, promote nerve regeneration, and replace lost support cells in rats with severe spinal cord injuries. The study aims to translate this approach into an effective treatment for severe spinal cord injury.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 1, 2011

Rebuilding the brain's circuitry

Researchers successfully transplanted young neurons into diseased brain circuitry, repairing defective circuits and enabling mice to respond to leptin. This breakthrough suggests new therapeutic approaches for conditions like spinal cord injury, autism, and Parkinson's disease.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalScience·DateNov 24, 2011

Ultrasound improves stem cell transplants

Researchers from Lund University have developed a method using ultrasound to improve the quality of transplanted blood stem cells. This improvement could lead to better treatment outcomes and reduced risk of graft-versus-host disease and infections.

SourceLund University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 6, 2011

Neural stem progenitor cell transplantation’s potential to aid spinal cord injury tested

A study published in Cell Transplantation investigated the optimal routes for transplanting neural stem/progenitor cells in animal models of spinal cord injury. Intralesional injection was found to be the best method, with high cell survival rates and no complications. This method holds promise for treating other disorders

Heart transplant patients at risk for serious skin cancers

A new study found that heart transplant patients are more likely to develop skin cancers, including cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. The incidence increased post-transplant by up to 30-fold, highlighting the need for improved patient education and screening.

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateJun 30, 2011

New genetic technique converts skin cells into brain cells

A new genetic technique reprograms mature skin cells directly into brain cells without passing through the stem cell stage, opening a field for cell transplants. The discovery represents a fundamental change in the view of mature cell function, offering potential to treat neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's.

SourceLund University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 9, 2011

Study finds cryopreserved endothelial progenitor cells phenotypically identical to non-frozen

A study published in Cell Transplantation found that cryopreserved endothelial progenitor cells have the same phenotypic, structural, and functional properties as non-frozen cells. This discovery eliminates the need for cell isolation procedures before using these cells in clinical transplantation.

Taking blood from Fukushima radiation workers in order to prepare for future stem cell transplants in case they are accidently exposed to high doses of radiation

Experts recommend collecting peripheral blood stem cells from Fukushima radiation workers to prepare for potential future stem cell transplants. This technique has several advantages over allogeneic transplantation, including reducing the risk of graft-versus-host disease and immunosuppression.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 14, 2011

Umbilical cord blood-derived stem cells studied for lupus therapy

Researchers found that umbilical cord blood-derived mensenchymal stem cells (uMSCs) can delay renal function deterioration and alleviate symptoms of lupus nephritis. Early transplantation with allogenic MSCs showed the most promising results, supporting their potential use in treating systemic lupus erythematosus.

Transplanting umbilical cord and menstrual blood-derived stem cells offer hope for disorders

Researchers have found that stem cells derived from umbilical cord blood cells and menstrual blood may offer therapeutic benefits for disorders such as stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). These cells can differentiate into various types of cells and have anti-inflammatory properties.

Human umbilical cord blood cells aid diabetic wound healing

Researchers found that transplanted EPCs from human umbilical cord blood significantly accelerated wound closure in diabetic mouse models. The study showed that growth factors and cytokines produced at the wounded skin sites contributed to healing. This experimental study opens the possibility of using endothelial progenitor cells deri...

Unfolding pathogenesis in Parkinson's

A recent study suggests that damaged alpha-synuclein proteins can spread between cells in a 'prion-like' manner, contributing to Parkinson's disease pathogenesis. This cell-to-cell transfer mechanism may play a significant role in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceLund University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 19, 2011

Repairing spinal cord injury with manipulated neural stem cells

A team of researchers has developed an approach to repairing spinal cord injuries using manipulated neural stem cells. In a mouse model, the cells were combined with valproic acid and resulted in impressive restoration of hind limb function. Further work is needed to determine if this approach can be used in human patients.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 16, 2010

News from Karolinska Institutet at ESOF 2010

Researchers from Karolinska Institutet are contributing to ESOF 2010 with presentations on topics like neuroscience, intellectual property management, and Parkinson's disease treatment. The university is also organizing workshops and seminars on topics such as entrepreneurship and the future of research.

Cell Transplantation reports consistent and successful islet isolations offer diabetes hope

A team of researchers has developed a more consistent method for isolating pancreatic islet cells from brain-dead donors using ductal injection, resulting in three type 1-diabetes patients becoming insulin-independent. The study's success rate surpasses the standard 50% with an impressive 80% clinical islet transplantation rate.

New period of brain 'plasticity' created with transplanted embryonic cells

Scientists at UCSF successfully created a new period of brain plasticity in juvenile mice by transplanting embryonic cells into the visual cortex. This approach may one day be used to repair neural circuits following injury or disease. The findings suggest that inhibitory neurons play a crucial role in regulating this plasticity period.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateMar 25, 2010

Stem cells rescue nerve cells by direct contact

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered that stem cells can connect with and rescue threatened neurons through direct contact via gap junctions. The findings suggest a new possible treatment approach for brain damage and neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 1, 2010

New form of stem cell communication rescues diseased neurons

Researchers demonstrate that transplanted stem cells can rescue diseased neurons from death by sending signals through gap junctions, a newly recognized way of cell communication. This mechanism may play a role in both normal development and many diseases, including Huntington's disease and spinal cord injuries.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 1, 2010

No difference in survival between leukaemia patients 10 years after undergoing stem-cell or marrow transplant

Patients who underwent peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSC) had similar overall survival rates as those given bone marrow transplants, with no significant differences in mortality or late effects. However, subgroup analyses revealed improved leukaemia-free survival and overall survival for patients with acute leukaemias

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateJan 31, 2010

'Mini' transplant may reverse severe sickle cell disease

A phase I/II study at Johns Hopkins Medicine has shown that mini stem cell transplantation can safely reverse severe sickle cell disease in nine out of ten patients. The procedure, which uses intravenous transplants of blood-forming stem cells from healthy donors, promotes the coexistence of host and donor cells.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 9, 2009

Umbilical cord blood stem cell transplant may help lung, heart disorders

Researchers found that transplanted human-derived umbilical cord blood stem cells had positive therapeutic effects on specific lung and heart disorders in animal models. The study showed that MSCs have anti-inflammatory effects and can differentiate into various cell types, including lung-specific cells.