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Researchers from the Kazan Federal University and Kazan State Medical University have discovered that modified cord blood may have a protective effect on the spinal cord after an injury.

During this research project, doctors transplanted some genetically modified cord blood into patients with a spinal cord injury.  The stem cells in the cord blood stimulated the central nervous system, helping to protect the spinal cord.

The modified cord blood carried two transgenes — vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF).  For these transgenes to help protect the spinal cord, they must be delivered close to the site of the injury.

Cord blood stem cells are the perfect delivery mechanism, because they are naturally drawn to the site of injury within the body.  Once injected near the site of the injury, the modified cord blood immediately helped to reduce inflammation.  It also helped maintained certain cellular populations including motor neurons. 

The VEGF transgene plays a number of roles in the spinal cord and central nervous system, including stimulating neurogenesis and axonal growth.  It also helps with the rapid production of astrocytes, neural stem, and Schwann cells.  GDNF reduces apoptosis and tissue degeneration, while helping with the production of certain beneficial proteins. 

The researchers chose cord blood stem cells for the study because they have low immunogenicity — they are less likely to be rejected.  They also have a greater chance of increasing cellular activity.

The tests were carried out on rats with traumatic spinal cord injuries. The researchers saw less scar severity on their spinal cords, better cellular regeneration and greater recovery of motor function.

The research is very promising and may lead to a treatment for spinal cord injuries within the next decade.

Source: Protective Effect of Modified Cord Blood on Spinal Cord Injury

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