Researchers from the University of Toronto have discovered a new way to track the success of stem cell transplants. In this breakthrough stem cell research project, the researchers have “tattooed” stem cells to monitor their activity within the body.
The ink is a chemical mixture that allows doctors to watch the activity of the stem cells while they are in the body. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to detect the tracer ink and track stem cell activity.
Scientists have been using stem cells for many decades, treating a wide variety of conditions including blood disorders, cancer, metabolic disorders and immune system disorders. One key problem with stem cell transplants is that once injected into the body, doctors don’t know how well stem cells are performing their job until the patient gets better or gets worse.
This new stem cell research gives doctors and researchers early knowledge about how effectively stem cells are performing in the body.
University of Toronto biomedical engineering professor Hai-Ling Margaret Cheng says that the breakthrough could help doctors maximise the effectiveness of their stem cell therapies. They will understand how well a stem cell transplant is working and if more stem cells are needed.
Dr. Cheng says of the findings: “You can’t overcome hurdles without seeing the cells, and hopefully this new technology will help make stem cell therapy a reality that much sooner.”
The unique chemical compound used to create the “tattoo” is a contrast agent called MnAMP. It is made of manganese — a naturally occurring compound within the body. The stem cells are bathed in the solution before being transplanted.
This contrasting agent shows up very clearly under X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans and MRIs. It is a far superior solution to other techniques which involved the patients swallowing chemical solutions.
Source: Tattoo treatment could boost stem cell research
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