One type of stem cell is good, and two are better

Embryonic stem cell transplantation could help in the treatment of a variety of diseases and physical damage to tissues and organs. But the formation of tumors by donor cells – teratomas – is a serious problem on the way to the widespread use of the technique. In the latest issue of Cell Transplantation, Japanese scientists have published data that the formation of teratomas can be avoided if bone marrow stem cells are transplanted simultaneously with embryonic cells.

Researchers led by Dr. Masahide Yoshikawa from Nara Medical University have shown that combined transplantation of embryonic stem cells and "adult" bone marrow stem cells can achieve a positive result in the treatment of spinal cord injuries in mice, while avoiding the formation of teratomas.

In the control group of mice injected with only embryonic stem cells, an improvement in the behavioral level was observed for three weeks, but teratomas developed in the area of the introduction of donor material. At the same time, in mice that underwent embryo co-transplantation, tumors did not develop, and improvement lasted more than five weeks.

Presumably, the suppression of tumor growth observed during co-transplantation occurs due to the synthesis of neurotrophic growth factors by "adult" stem cells, including nerve endings growth factor, which induces differentiation of embryonic stem cells into neurons.

The researchers plan to continue studying this mechanism and hope that in the future co-transplantation will make possible the use of embryonic stem cells for the treatment of diseases and injuries of the central nervous system in humans.

Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru based on ScienceDaily: Bone Marrow Stem Cell Co-transplantation Prevents Embryonic Stem Cell Transplant-associated Tumors18.05.2009