Body's natural repair mechanisms work at warp speed in mouse study

Posted on Jan. 21, 2009, 4:24 p.m. in Biotechnology | Cellular Reprogramming |

As reported in the journal, Cell Stem Cell, researchers from Imperial College London have identified critical molecular pathways that may boost the quantity of stem cells released from bone marrow, potentially helping heal heart or bone damage faster and more completely. Initial studies found that the bone marrow of treated mice released 100 times as many stem cells – the key to regenerating tissue.

 

“We hope that by releasing extra stem cells, as we were able to do in mice in our study, we could potentially call up extra numbers of whichever stem cells the body needs in order to boost its ability to mend itself and accelerate the repair process,” notes Imperial College London Researcher, Dr. Sara Rankin.

 

 Scientists have already developed techniques to increase the production of stem cells from bone marrow. However, this study concentrated on two other types of cells: endothelial and mesenchymal. The mice were given a “growth factor” drug, which occurs naturally in bone marrow, followed by a second drug called Mozobil. The researchers found that both endothelial and mesenchymal cells were released at a much faster rate. Determining if the extra stem cells have a practical application – for example, being able to quickly and fully repair damage caused by a heart attack – is the next step. Human trials may be able to begin within 10 years.  

News Release: Body repair ‘could be ramped up' BBC News January 9, 2009
  

Health Headlines MORE »

Sports & Energy Drinks May Damage Teeth
The high acidity levels in sports and energy drinks erode tooth enamel.
Grape Extract Decreases Inflammation
Levels of C-Reactive Protein (CRP) fell by 26% among subjects who received supplementation with resveratrol-rich grape extract for one year.
Berries Help to Preserve Memory
Rich in antioxidants, blueberries and strawberries may delay memory decline in older women by 2.5 years.
Protein at Breakfast Reduces Later-Day Snacking
Teens who consumed 35 grams of protein at breakfast reported greater feelings of fullness and showed improved hormone responses.
Pistachios Promote GI Health
Eating pistachios may positively impact bacterial profile of the digestive tract.
Excessive Sodium Intake May Raise Stroke Risk
Consumption of sodium in excess of 1500 mg per day progressively raises stroke risk.
Weight Training Helps to Improve Memory
Older women who lifted weights demonstrated significant improvements in memory tasks after 6 months.
Adjunctive CAM Therapy Effective for Lower Back Pain
Complementary & Alternative Medical (CAM) therapies as an adjunct to conventional medical care improves outcome measures.
Vitamin D Levels Linked to Alzheimer’s Disease
People with higher intakes of Vitamin D may be at a lower risk of developing Alzheimer's Disease.
New Stem Cell Found in the Brain
Anew stem cell in the adult brain is capable of proliferation and forming into several different cell types.
Anti-Aging Conference Anti-Aging Directory Anti-Aging Forum Anti-Aging Forum
Anti-Aging Therapeutics 13
Anti-Aging Forum MLDP Anti-aging jobs Join A4M

ANTI-AGING TIP OF THE DAY

273. Tastefully Tantalizing
A number of previous studies have shown that foods rich in antioxidants serve an essential role in preventing cardiovascular diseases, cancers, neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and disorders relating to inflammation. In that herbs and spices are excellent sources of antioxidants, researchers from The University of Western Ontario (Canada), and colleagues report that marinating meats and vegetables in preparations that include...
» MORE