Menstrual blood cells will save from amputation

Limb ischemia, a severe form of peripheral artery disease, is the cause of about 150,000 annual amputations in the United States. To date, there are no effective methods of treating this disease.

Scientists at Indiana State University, working under the guidance of Dr. Michael Murphy, have demonstrated that the introduction of endometrial regenerative cells to mice with blocked blood circulation restores not only circulation, but also limb functions. These cells, isolated from menstrual blood, are able to differentiate into at least 9 types of tissue cells, including heart, liver and lung tissues.

In collaboration with the University of Western Ontario (Canada), the Scripps Research Institute and other academic centers, researchers have already conducted clinical trials using adult stem cells to treat patients with peripheral artery disease. Murphy emphasizes that the advantage of endometrial regenerative cells is the possibility of their use without pretreatment, requiring complex equipment, no need for selection for tissue compatibility and ease of administration.

Currently, Medistem specialists, who supported the clinical trials, are working on the development of a methodology for the clinical use of endometrial regenerative cells. The researchers hope to put this method into practice in the near future.

Portal "Eternal youth" www.vechnayamolodost.ru Based on ScienceDaily – Limbs Saved By Menstrual Blood Stem Cells 01.10.2008