Researchers at Georgia Tech are investigating the efficacy of a stem cell infused hydrogel to facilitate the healing of muscular injuries, particularly common in elderly individuals as well as muscular dystrophy patients. The stem cells found in the hydrogel are called muscle satellite cells, and younger individuals have plentiful stores of these cells to actively and efficiently repair muscle injuries as soon as they happen. However, as individuals age, stem cells become less plentiful and less active, hence, for older individuals, recovery from muscle injuries becomes more protracted and less certain. For individuals with muscular dystrophy, muscle cells are under constant stress. The research seeks to improve on the more common approach of injecting the stem cells directly into the site of damaged muscle, by using the hydrogel to protect the stem cells and ensure that as many of them as possible reach the affected site thereby improving the efficacy of the treatment.
StemSave Blog
Topics: stem cell therapy, muscle regeneration, muscle strengthening, muscle repair
Facilitating Rotator Cuff Tear Repairs with Stem Cells
Posted by davids@stemsave.com on Dec 7, 2017 4:45:00 PM
The Hospital for Special Surgery has been awarded an $800,000 grant to conduct a Phase II clinical trial utilizing autologous (the patient’s own) stem cells to help mend rotator cuff tears. This sizable grant will be used to treat one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions, particularly in athletes. Surgical repair for rotator cuff tears leave patients with resilient discomfort and pain, and many patients re-tear the muscle and are unable to return to full capacity. Stem cells can ameliorate the treatment process by facilitating recovery. The trial will investigate the efficacy of stem cells in skeletal muscle and tendon tissue regeneration, as well as the reduction of inflammation.
Topics: regenerative medicine, muscle regeneration, rotatore cuff repairs
Burn Victims Closer to Potential Stem Cell Treatment
Posted by hunter@stemsave.com on Jul 8, 2016 4:00:00 PM
Researchers at the University of Texas have discovered a potential stem cell treatment for burn victims. After researchers analyzed tissue samples from severe burns, they observed ‘satellite cells’ that activated apoptosis [cell death] but, also activated stem cells that stimulated muscle regeneration. Such advances in the understanding of how stem cells interact with their environment will accelerate stem cell treatments for burn patients.
Topics: satellite cells, burn injuries, stem cell treatments, stem cells, stem save blog, muscle regeneration