You may also like.... Biomedical Engineering Student With CF Offers Perspective On How Regenerative Medicine Could Someday Treat the Disease Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells Poised To Impact Development of CF Treatment CF Part of New $10 Million Rare & Neglected Diseases Research Grant at Notre Dame My last two articles have highlighted how Embryonic Stem Cells (ESCs), Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs), and Gestational Stem Cells have shaped regenerative medicine research for patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). In order to further delve into the function of stem cells, various approaches must be taken to uncover their therapeutic application. While the notion of stem cells may evoke an image of organ growth and regeneration, stem cells uniqueabilities span beyond repairing damaged tissue. Inflammation in lung diseases plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis within the airway, and can lead to a greater frequency of pulmonary exacerbation. Unfortunately, diseases like cystic fibrosis demonstrate a more intense inflammatory response than other non-CF inflammatory diseases. There are several medication-based approaches aimed atconfronting this damaging inflammation, but another suitable method may be in our future. Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) are a type of stem cell found in a great number of tissues in the body. … Continue reading →

Abstract Background: The relationship between biological tissue healing following knee injury or surgery and long-term clinical outcome has come to the forefront of sports medicine practice. This has led many knee surgeons to incorporate biologically mediated healing factors into the management of knee injuries. In particular, the clinical use of mesenchymal stem cells has opened new horizons. Relevant studies were identified through a search of PubMed from January 2000 to April 2011, combining the term mesenchymal stem cells with articular cartilage, anterior cruciate ligament, and meniscus. Relevant citations from the reference lists of selected studies were also reviewed. Knee injury treatment with mesenchymal stem cells shows potential. Most reports represent animal model studies; few advances have been translated to human clinical applications. Mesenchymal stem cell use to promote healing following knee injury is likely to increase. There are scientific methodological concerns and ethical and legal issues regarding mesenchymal stem cell use for treating knee injuries. Keywords: biological tissue healing, cell-based therapy, cartilage repair Many patients who have sustained knee injuries desire treatment options that will enable them to continue sports participation. Over the past several years, the sports medicine community has seen an increase in the use of biological agents, … Continue reading →

The body has a variety of stem and progenitor cells that can morph into regular every-day cells. Most have a restricted repertoire. It seems, though, that mesenchymal cells can become a large variety of tissue types. This has great importance for replacement and repair of damaged organs and joints. Some of our cells are permanent: neurons and muscle being good examples, and some renew, like skin, and the intestines. The ones that renew, wear out. To make sure the new cells are fresh and whole, thay are made from stem cells or progenitor cells. Such cells are usually protected. Read all about stem cells here. The potency of a stem cell refers to its ability to generate other sorts of cells. The most potent is the fertilized egg. It, quite clearly, can generate every possible cell in our body. It is called toti-potent. None of the stem cells in an adult are that powerful. At least in vertebrates: . crustaceans stem cells are more stemmylobsters can regenerate all sorts of thingsclaws, eyes, etc. But for humans, the stem cells are limited, some very much so. The ones that generate intestines, for instance, can generate only the four types of cells … Continue reading →