Scientists demonstrate that MRI can predict the effectiveness of a stem-cell therapy for brain injuries
Scientists from Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Loma Linda Health and Loma-Linda University have shown that magnetic resonance imaging can be used to predict whether or not human neural stem cells will work to treat a head injury. This is the first \”biomarker\” in regenerative medicine and could improve stem cell therapies for neurological disorders. Researchers plan to test their findings in a trial evaluating stem cell therapy for newborns with perinatal hypoxic ischemic brain injuries (HII). The study was published by Cell Reports.
Evan Y. Snyder M.D. Ph.D. is the director and professor of Sanford Burnham Prebys’ Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine and corresponding author. I am hopeful that MRI will be used to ensure that babies who suffer from HII receive the best treatment. In the future, MRI may help guide stem cell treatment for additional brain disorders, such as stroke and spinal cord injury.
Scientists have now discovered that human neural stem cell therapy is effective in many cases because the cells can protect and regenerate living cells, as opposed to replacing or \”re-animating\”, nerve cells which are already dead. Understanding the condition of the brain tissue before a stem-cell transplant is crucial to its success. The development of tools that predict the effectiveness of neural stem cells therapy will increase the success rate of ongoing clinical trials for Parkinson’s, spinal cord injuries and other neurological conditions. They can also spare people who do not respond to the treatment an invasive procedure which offers false hope.
Source:
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-scientists-mri-efficacy-stem-cell.html
