|
|
|
« Back
Stem Cells Repair Damaged Muscles
|
Posted on: 02/21/2008
|
Stem cell research has generated much controversy over the last few years. But scientists have found a way to harvest adult stem cells from muscle biopsy. These cells can be used to repair articular (joint) cartilage, muscle, and bone. They can also be genetically altered to contain special growth factors to speed up healing.
The uses of such a discovery are far ranging. In the future, it may be possible to heal muscular diseases that have no cure. There is hope that disabling conditions such as arthritis can be slowed, altered, or even stopped. Stem cells can be harvested from an adult donor but not easily.
It's not always easy to tell which cell is a stem cell with the potential to become healthy muscular tissue. Right now scientists are focusing on bone marrow as a source of adult stem cells for orthopedic problems. They are easy to isolate. Once in the lab, marrow-derived stem cells are multipotent. This means they can produce many different kinds of cells such as cartilage cells, fat cells, bone cells, and muscle cells.
The disadvantage of using bone marrow stem cells is that it requires a painful bone marrow biopsy. And only a small number of cells are found in each sample. That's why some researchers have turned to using muscle-derived stem cells (MDSCs). There are plenty of them and they are easy to harvest. Biopsy to retrieve them is minimally invasive. Given the right conditions, MDSCs are also multipotent.
The authors of this article describe how stem cells are retrieved, grown in the lab, and then used in tissue engineering. The use of MDSCs to repair defects in articular cartilage and bone and to repair skeletal muscle injury is discussed. MDSCs may play a big role in healing skeletal muscle injuries. Besides being multipotent, they survive a long time.
Stem cell research is still in its early stages of development but growing fast. The potential for regeneration of old and diseased tissues is very real. Future studies will focus on ways to use stem cells for musculoskeletal conditions. There is even hope that MDSCs can be used to repair heart tissue. Trials are already underway to use MDSCs for women with stress-induced urinary incontinence. Scientists will study which patients would benefit the most from each application of stem cell harvest.
|
References:
Charley B. Gates, MD,et al. Regenerative Medicine for the Musculoskeletal System Based on Muscle-Derived Stem Cells. In Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. February 2008. Vol.16.No. 2.Pp. 68-76.
|
|
|
« Back
|
|
|
|
*Disclaimer:*The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic. |
 | All content provided by eORTHOPOD® is a registered trademark of Mosaic Medical Group, L.L.C.. Content is the sole property of Mosaic Medical Group, LLC and used herein by permission. |
|
