An olive baboon. (Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons; Author: Muhammad Mahdi Karim)
Hurrah! It seems that a new possible method for healing damaged tissue has been found! In a recently published science article, scientists from study labs found that stem cells can be used to repair damaged arteries in baboons. It may be possible to use the same techniques to heal other tissues in the human body.
Many people may not know the importance of stem cells in any living organism, but they are one of the most important cells found in all multicellular organisms. In fact, they are needed for regeneration of the cells in the body into making more stem cells through cell division and are also able to differentiate into different cell types. Within mammals, stem cells have been found to be in two major groupings: embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells. In mature, adult organisms, stem cells are responsible for repairing and restoring adult tissue. Being able to repair its own tissue is especially useful since many other types of cells are not able to.
Human embryonic stem cells in cell culture. (Picture credit: Wikimedia Commons; Author: Original uploader was Ryddragyn at en.Wikipedia.org)
In the research, Dr. VandeBurg and his colleagues found successful methods to culture the stem cells. The team first cultured the cells in petri dishes under special conditions to differentiate the cells. Next, they took the cells that belonged to the precursors of blood vessels and noticed that the cells would form tubular and branching patterns – similar to blood vessels. This was an important breakthrough for the scientists.
The experiment gave them the confidence to ask whether or not the cells could be used to repair blood vessels. They tested their hypothesis by experimenting with broken blood vessels and baboon embryonic stem cells. The team first removed all cells that lined the inside surface of a portion of artery and replaced the removed cells with embryonic stem cells. It was then placed in a bioreactor which stimulates the growth of cells and tissues. Finally, it was pumped with fluid under high pressure to simulate the act of blood rushing through the artery. It was revealed that the inside of the artery was restored to its natural state.
The scientists also tested against the hypothesis. They removed the cells lining another piece of artery, but did not put any stem cells on the interior surface. No healing occurred.
There is a new hope that the same type of healing can be done with human embryonic stem cells – in humans. Eventually, people who had heart disease or heart attacks will also be able to have their arteries repaired. Scientists also have high hopes that the method will work for any human organs. This stem cell healing method will certainly be an important advancement in the medical science field.
A somewhat brief look at stem cell research. Filled with illustrations and photographs of cells as well as documentary interviews. From Youtube User: EuroStemCell.
Maggie Chan
