2015 has been another exciting year for cord blood stem cell research. Many important stem cell breakthroughs have occurred which could lead to new treatments for a variety of diseases. Here are the top 8 stem cell breakthroughs for 2015.
Researchers improve the engraftment of umbilical cord stem cells
The Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) found in umbilical cord blood are increasingly being used for transplants because they are less likely to be rejected by the recipient’s immune system. Scientists have further improved the success rates of cord blood stem cell transplants by using hyperbaric oxygen therapy before patients undergo a transplant. The treatment improves the engraftment of umbilical cord stem cells in the bone marrow, leading to better outcomes for patients.
Umbilical cord blood stem cells can treat skin graft diseases
Researchers have discovered that umbilical cord blood stem cells can lower inflammation and immune disorders caused by skin grafts. This could be one of the most important stem cell breakthroughs this year, because the discovery may lead to a cure for other inflammatory conditions including eczema, rheumatoid arthritis and alopecia areata.
Transplanted cord blood stem cells may cure Alzheimer’s
A study published in the journal Cell Transplantation found that umbilical cord blood stem cells transplanted in animals were capable of migrating to the brain to repair damage caused by Alzheimer’s. Scientists also discovered that the stem cells stayed in the body for longer periods than expected — 30 days or more.
A new molecule helps umbilical cord blood stem cells to multiply
Scientists have discovered a molecule that can help the stem cells found in cord blood rapidly multiply. The molecule, named UM171, was discovered by scientists from Canada. Cord blood stem cells are particularly useful in the treatment of many conditions because they are immature cells which are less likely to be rejected. Being able to multiply the number of available stem cells, more patients can be treated with a single cord blood sample.
Stem cells can restore nerve fibres after a spinal injury
Injuries to nerve fibres in the spine can cause paralysis, loss of feeling and chronic pain. In animal trials, researchers have used stem cells to repair nerve fibres in the spine. This important breakthrough may lead to people with spinal injuries regaining feeling in their extremities.
Stem cells may be used to treat macular degeneration
Macular degeneration is one of the most common causes of blindness in older people. Scientists from the Cedars-Sinai research centre successfully restored the sight of mice in a clinical trial this year. This trial used Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSC) which can be created from a variety of sources including cord blood.
Umbilical cord stem cells can treat cystic fibrosis
Researchers discovered that the Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) found in umbilical cord blood can help relieve the symptoms of cystic fibrosis. MSCs help reduce inflammation caused by the diseases and protect the organs from damage. Scientists suggest that stem cell therapy may be able to extend the life span of people with the condition.
Natural killer cells could make cord blood transplants more effective
A team of scientists has managed to increase the effectiveness of cord blood stem cells by adding a protein to transfusions. The cord blood stem cells were more effective at engraftment when the protein was present, improving patient outcomes.
Sources
Cedars-sinai.edu,. (2015). Stem Cell Injection May Soon Reverse Vision Loss Caused By Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Retrieved 30 November 2015, from http://cedars-sinai.edu/About-Us/News/News-Releases-2015/Stem-Cell-Injection-May-Soon-Reverse-Vision-Loss-Caused-By-Age-Related-Macular-Degeneration.aspx
Medical News Today,. (2014). New molecule ‘allows umbilical cord stem cells to multiply’. Retrieved 30 November 2015, from http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/282746.php
Medicalxpress.com,. (2015). Transplanted human umbilical cord blood cells may offer therapy for Alzheimer’s sufferers. Retrieved 30 November 2015, from http://medicalxpress.com/news/2015-10-transplanted-human-umbilical-cord-blood.html
ScienceDaily,. (2015). Oxygen treatment boosts the success of umbilical cord blood transplants. Retrieved 30 November 2015, from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/09/150923182952.htm