A new stem cell study breakthrough has been achieved by researchers in Scotland. They have discovered that stem cells may be able to restore movement to people who have become disabled after having a stroke. It is an exciting discovery that could help millions of people around the world.
Some participants in the study showed “significant” improvements and even regained come mobility after the treatment. The trial invited 11 male stroke victims in Scotland who had become partially disabled after suffering from a stroke.
The results were so positive that doctors are now offering the stem cell treatment to other patients as a part of ongoing trials.
This stem cells study breakthrough was led by Professor Keith Muir of the Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology at the University of Glasgow. A stem cell business named ReNeuron was also involved.
Professor Muir said that the participants in the trial were very eager to be involved: “These were individuals who were strongly motivated to do something to get better as this was extreme brain surgery and experimental.”
The primary goal of the study was to look at the safety and efficacy of the treatment. Researchers intentionally chose participants whom they did not expect to see an improvement in. When patients began to see an improvement, the researchers were both surprised and excited.
The participants in the study did not experience any serious side effects, but they did report some surprising improvements. Some participants regained the ability to move their fingers, an improvement in coordination, and a renewed ability to balance when moving from sitting to standing. However, some patients did not notice an improvement.
Dr John Sinden, chief scientific officer at ReNeuron, said of the results: “The stem cells appear to be triggering a repair process within the brain, by switching on its natural repair process so that it was making new blood cells and new nerve cells.”
Source: Breakthrough in stem cell study could give hope to disabled stroke victims
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