Top: "A microscope image showing the stroke site (the dark area on the right), which is beginning to fill in with new tissue. Bottom: A magnification of the area on the left indicated by the red square. Here, all the dark spots are scaffold particles and we see tissue -- the colored parts -- forming between them. (Credit: Modified from Figures 4 & 5, Bible E et al. Biomaterials (2009))"
SEVEN days ago, the science team from King’s College London, led by Dr Mike Modo, made a significant advancement in stroke treatment. They have successfully ‘patched’ a hole left by stroke damage with brand new brain tissue using stem cells within 7 days. Stroke is Australia’s second single greatest killer after coronary heart disease and a leading cause of disability.
In past experiments the major problem arose in the lack of structural support, causing the stem cells to migrate into the surrounding healthy tissue instead of repairing the hole. Using this new technique, tiny scaffolding with stem cells attached was inserted into Rats’ brains. The scaffolding made out of a biodegradable polymer (PLGA) bound with neural stem cells (see left) and repaired the hole in a lattice fashion as the polymer degraded.
Dr Modo said, “This works really well because the stem cell-loaded PLGA...adopts the precise shape of the cavity. Over a few days we can see cells migrating along the scaffold particles and forming a primitive brain tissue that interacts with the host brain. Gradually the particles biodegrade leaving more gaps and conduits for tissue, fibres and blood vessels to move into.”
The next step is to include Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) with the solution. VEGF will encourage blood vessels to the site and enter the new tissue.
Ultimately, this has potential to completely reverse brain damage caused by stroke.
As at January 2009, a stroke occurs every 10 minutes in Australia.
Original Article:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090308222732.htm
Photo 1:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/2009/03/090308222732.jpg
Photo 2:
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/images1/news-items/newbornneuron.jpg
Other References:
http://www.strokefoundation.com.au/facts-figures-and-stats
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=5963
Matt Hishon (42056584)
