Songtao Shi along with other researchers at the University of Southern California have been conducting experiments utilizing stem cells to grow bone and skin. Shi's newest results could literally change the way cosmetic surgery is performed throughout the world.
Shi conducts research in the USC's Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology. Working together with scientists at dental schools in China and Korea, Shi has discovered that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the ability to grow bone and tissue as demonstrated in swine and mouse subjects.
Although the studies are still in their early stages, the research published in the Stem Cells' April issue implies that MSCs could someday be the first choice of plastic surgeons in just about every procedure performed.
It's very exciting, Shi commented, It is fundamentally different from current techniques. At this point it is just a concept, but in the future it may change the way we do plastic surgery.
The studies include results from two separate experiments. First Shi and colleagues drew MSC from human bone marrow and inserted them into the fore section of a skull. Two months later, growth was apparent. Further examination of the new tissue proved it to be not only healthy but also completely part of the existing bone.
More amazing was the evidence that the new bone revealed signs of homeostasis, a method the bone uses to produce red and white blood cells.
Shi said, This is very important. This is not an implant. This is an extension of the body. These cells have the ability to work with and organize existing cells and tissue.
The second series of experiments extracted MSCs from a periodontal ligament and injected them into the facial creases of a mouse subject. The creases faded over time due to the creation of new collagen matter.
In the future, Shi plans to move forward with his preliminary findings by studying various systems of delivery. The MSCs success can change through the use of different scaffolding materials. He is also planning to examine the possibility of autologous stem cells, which are produced by the subject own tissue, to increase success rates.
Shi says, There are many potential applications for these techniques. There is still so much that we don't understand fully. It is clear that we need more studies to explore new therapies and improve clinical consequences.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment