Stem cell treatment 'could prevent stroke damage'
25/8/2010
Stem cells from human umbilical chords could help scientists to develop new treatments for stroke.
Research from the University of South Florida suggests that human umbilical chord blood cells (HUCBs) has been used to treat rat brain cells after a simulated stroke, according to an article in the Stem Cell Review and Reports journal.
Astrocytes, star-shaped cells in the brain and spinal chords, perform a variety of important functions and can be damaged by stroke.
However, the presence of HUCBs was found to help the astrocytes survive, claims study leader Dr Alison Willing.
More research is now needed to establish exactly how HUCBs operate in this respect, Dr Willing suggests: "The effects of cord blood cells on astrocytes are not clear and more research is needed to clarify the issue.
"Our data demonstrated that the different types of HUCBs alone do not enhance astrocyte survival."
Recent research from the Medical College of Georgia School of Medicine and Graduate Studies found that a daily dose of antibiotic can lower the risk of stroke for people with diabetes.