Autologous Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation
For years, the concept of harvesting stem cells and re-implanting them into one's own body to regenerate organs and tissues has been embraced and researched in animal models. In particular, mesenchymal stem cells have been shown in animal models to regenerate cartilage. Recently, there have been several published case reports of successful cartilage growth in human knees using autologous cultured mesenchymal stem cells. In addition, an n=229 safety study has also been published showing safety better than surgical alternatives for this cultured cell injection procedure at a 3 year follow-up. An advantage to this approach is that a person's own stem cells are used, avoiding transmission of genetic diseases.
Read more about this topic: Knee Cartilage Replacement Therapy
Famous quotes containing the words stem and/or cell:
“Ignorance, the root and stem of all evil.”
—Plato (c. 427–347 B.C.)
“Let man consider what he is in comparison with all existence; let him regard himself as lost in this remote corner of nature; and from the little cell in which he finds himself lodged, I mean the universe, let him estimate at their true value the earth, kingdoms, cities, and himself. What is a man in the infinite?”
—Blaise Pascal (1623–1662)