Scientists in India have discovered a new way to protect stem cells from damaging inflammation when they are repairing wounds. The findings were recently published in the journal Cytotherapy. This discovery could help researchers create more effective stem cell treatments for chronic wounds.

The researchers found that an anti-inflammatory drug called celecoxib helped the stem cells stay alive when they are injected into severe wounds. By keeping more stem cells alive, they could be much more effective at healing the wound.

The findings could help researchers develop viable stem cell treatments for chronic wounds where severe inflammation normally kills stem cells. Chronic wounds are injuries that do not heal easily. Diabetes sufferers and patients undergoing high doses of chemotherapy often have these types of wounds. 

Diabetes patients often develop chronic wounds from ulcers that appear on their feet. Some diabetes patients eventually have to have their legs or feet amputated to remove these wounds.

Chronic wounds are usually very inflamed. This is a natural part of wound healing caused by blood cells being drawn to the wound site and certain enzymes being released. As the healing process continues, the inflammation eventually dies down and the skin can be repaired.

Unfortunately, when a person has a chronic wound, the inflammation never goes away.That makes stem cell transplants unusable because stem cells cannot survive in these har h conditions.

The anti-inflammatory drug used by the researchers is very common. It works by inhibiting the pro-inflammatory enzyme COX-2.  Once inflammation is reduced, stem cells can be transplanted to speed up the healing process.

This new finding could make stem cell treatments viable for chronic wounds, helping millions of patients around the world.

Source: Researchers find new way to protect stem cells from inflammation during wound repair

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