Researchers around the world are very excited about the incredible regenerative capacity of stem cells. They suspect that stem cells could be used to treat many conditions including kidney disease, heart disease, spinal cord injuries, autoimmune diseases, and neurological disorders.
A new study published in The FASEB Journal shows that a stem cell treatment for chronic asthma may be available soon. It may help millions of people around the world who suffer from this debilitating condition.
Another research paper indicates that a stem cell treatment for heart damage may be available in a few years. Doctors will be able to give patients a stem cell treatment after a heart attack to restore function.
Researchers even believe that a stem cell treatment could be developed to repair severely fractured limbs faster. A paper published in the journal Science Translational Medicine showed the treatment helping to speed up the regrowth of bones in animal tests.
Other researchers have managed to treat inflammation caused by arthritis with gene-edited stem cells. The so-called SMART cells (Stem cells Modified for Autonomous Regenerative Therapy) release anti-inflammatory compounds and regenerate joint tissue. They replace arthritic cartilage while protecting the joints from further damage.
Stem cells can also be used to repair the brain. A study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences described how scientists created a special type of neurone from stem cells. The neurone could be used to repair damage to the spinal cord.
Stem cell treatments may soon become common in cosmetic surgery as well, as scientists discover the ability of stem cells to renew the condition of the skin. Japanese scientists have even grown fully developed layers of skin from stem cells, which may be useful for helping burn victims.
These exciting new stem cell treatments are just the tip of the iceberg! There are hundreds of stem cell research projects underway, making 2017 an exciting year in the world of stem cells.
Source: Stem cell therapies breaking barriers
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