The research team at the Imperial College London used a two step process (in mice) in which to produce each type (two types; MSC and EPC) of stem cell. Firstly, the research team gave the mice a natural growth factor for four days, to boost levels of haematopoietic stem cells, which create all blood cells; then the research team gave the mice granulocyte colony stimulating factor (GCSF) and finally followed by the administration of a drug regime Mozobil, which unlocks the cells so they can escape into the bloodstream from the bone marrow.
The procedure is already well known and has been practised extensively in trials to boost blood stem cell production in patients undergoing treatment for various forms of lymphoma. It boosts blood stem cell production so that enough can be saved and transplanted back into the patient once their cancer, which destroys blood cells, has been eradicated.The breakthrough by the team at the Imperial College London was that of combination of Mozobil preceded by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) - they could boost levels of two other types of stem cell.
• Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) promote regeneration of bone and tissue, and so could be used for bone repair. They also damp down inflammation, and could be used to treat conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
• Epithelial progenitor cells (EPCs), meanwhile, stimulate the growth and repair of blood vessels, and could prove useful in restoring blood flow to the heart or brain following heart attacks or strokes.
The research carried out by the team at Imperial College London demonstrated that different mechanisms release different types of stem cell. Yet the breakthrough is just the tip of the iceberg, with other stem cells being produce in the bone marrow, but not enough is known yet about what they do. The team at Imperial College are also hoping identify other stem cells that work even better, demonstrate that the additional cells accelerate healing and whether these natural repair processes become less efficient with age.
Pablo Torres, 42033884
1) Coghlan, A 2009, “Drugs unlock the Body’s own stem cell cabinet” New Scientist, Vol 10, No 16, Viewed 5Th April 2009 < http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn16383-drugs-unlock-the-bodys-own-stem-cell-cabinet.html>
Drugs to stimulate production of a patient's own stem cells could lead to simple new treatments to accelerate repair of broken bones and ligaments, or damaged cardiac tissue following heart attacks
