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Using bone marrow stem cells to treat critically ill patients on verge of respiratory failure

A team led by Drs. Michael A. Matthay and Jae W. Lee found that bone marrow stem cells secreted a protein that restored the lung barrier, preventing fluid and other elements from entering the lungs. The study suggests that this therapy may be a viable option for preventing respiratory failure in critically ill patients.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 11, 2010

New complication seen in stem cell therapy

Researchers found a new complication of stem cell therapy: angiomyeloproliferative lesions at injection sites, which can lead to kidney failure and death. The study highlights the need for further research to determine the circumstances that cause these masses to form and strategies to avoid them.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJun 17, 2010

Stem cell therapy to tackle HIV

A novel stem cell therapy has been developed to arm the immune system against HIV, potentially improving quality of life and life expectancy for those who have failed antiviral drugs. The therapy involves delivering antiviral DNA to patient immune cells, which can block viral gene production using RNA interference.

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

Study shows that delivering stem cells improves repair of major bone injuries in rats

A study published in PNAS found that delivering stem cells on a polymer scaffold to treat large areas of missing bone leads to improved bone formation. However, the therapeutic effect is limited by the migration of stem cells away from the injury site, highlighting the need for improved delivery methods.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 11, 2010

Umbilical cord could be new source of plentiful stem cells, say Pitt researchers

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have found that umbilical cord tissue contains a plentiful supply of stem cells that could be used to treat various muscle and bone disorders. The study reveals that these cells can be easily harvested from the tissue, expanded in number, and are remarkably stable.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology·DateDec 17, 2009

Successful stem cell therapy for treatment of eye disease

Researchers at the North East England Stem Cell Institute have developed a successful stem cell therapy to treat Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency (LSCD), a painful and blinding disease. The treatment, which uses patients' own stem cells without immunosuppression, shows promise for restoring sight in hundreds of people.

SourceWiley·JournalStem Cells·DateDec 10, 2009

New source discovered for the generation of nerve cells in the brain

Researchers at Helmholtz Munich have discovered a new source of nerve cell generation in the adult brain, specifically in the olfactory bulb. This discovery may lead to new therapeutic approaches for Alzheimer's disease, where nerve cell degeneration plays a crucial role.

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.

JCI online early table of contents: Nov. 2, 2009

Researchers have identified a molecular mechanism underlying DES-induced male infertility in mice, which may be linked to increased incidence of human reproductive disorders. The study found that neonatal exposure to DES disrupts the protein NR0B2, leading to reduced fertility and protected males against negative effects.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 2, 2009

What makes stem cells tick?

A team of researchers has identified phosphorylated signaling proteins in human embryonic stem cells, shedding light on the mechanisms that determine cell fate. The study's findings may lead to the development of new therapies by controlling stem cell differentiation.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateAug 6, 2009

Stem cell innovation at risk

The University of Nottingham's studies found that improved collaboration with clinicians, better funding, and regulatory certainty are crucial for stem cell therapy success. The industry is at risk of market failure due to structural barriers within the NHS.

Stem cell infusion and hyperbaric oxygen treatment improve islet function in diabetes

Researchers found significant benefits in glycemic control and reduced insulin requirements in patients with type 2 diabetes who received stem cell infusion and hyperbaric oxygen treatment. The combination therapy showed promising results in decreasing type 2 diabetes morbidity and mortality.

First genome-wide expression analysis yields better understanding of how leukemia develops

A genome-wide expression analysis identified 3,005 differentially expressed genes, including a ribosome and T-cell receptor signaling pathway. The study provides critical insight into the differences between leukemic stem cells and normal blood stem cells, potentially leading to targeted therapies.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 9, 2009