Cord Blood Stem Cells for mending the Heart

StemLife cord blood stem cell bankers take note! "In the future this could be used for the treatment of cardiovascular disease" said the leader of the project Prof. Biagio Saitta. Scientists are now researching how cord blood stem cells might be used in the treatment of heart diease. The Coriell Institute has obtained a USD 300,000 grant from the state of New Jersey to explore how cord blood stem cells respond to muscle cells in a low oxygen environment, conditions similar to a heart attack.

The grant was awarded by the New Jersey Commission on Science and Technology and will support research between Coriell Insitute and Cooper University Hospital to elucidate a phenomenon that was first observed at Johns Hopkins University. Stem cells exposed to damaged heart muscle cells didn't themselves become heart cells but still helped reduce swelling and maintain regular rhythm. This finding in itself could lead to a major breakthrough in complementing existing treatments for heart disease.

Their study will focus on genetic changes in a microscopic number of stem cells when they receive little oxygen, a mirror of conditions in damaged portions of a heart. The stem cells will also be observed interacting with rat muscle cells and fibroblasts, which create the collagen that gives organs their shape.

In previous publications, clinicians and scientists have documented the use of peripheral blood and marrow derived stem cells for treating heart disease. Stem cells derived from these sources are autologous (patient's own) and have demonstrated in an number of patients, improvement in the ejection fraction of the heart. If this study yields positive findings, cord blood stem cells may also establish itself as a viable and easily available source.

It would be interesting to have the results of this 2 year study which may start publishing their findings as early as 6-9 mths time. I wonder if the cord blood stem cells need to be matched and how many stem cells will be required to generate the beneficial effect...? I'll be looking out for the announcements.