Cell biologist Johnny Huard, director of the Growth and
Development Laboratory at Children's and senior author of a study,
explained how the use of stem cells works in the treatment of this
disease which affects approximately 40 million Americans and many
millions more worldwide.
Articular cartilage covers the ends of bones in a joint. To attempt to
fix damage to such cartilage, Huard and his colleagues isolated stem
cells from the muscle tissue in the hind limbs of rats that had damaged
knee cartilage. “Stem cells are ‘unprogrammed,’ with the capacity to
become cells for a myriad of body tissue and organs, including
cartilage,” explains Bails in her article that’s sure to offer hope to
those suffering from this debilitating disease.
Currently, the article notes, there is no cure for osteoarthritis,
which is characterized by the breakdown of cartilage in the joint
linings, causing pain, swelling and loss of motion. Researchers
are exciting about this breakthrough and what it means to the future of
arthritis sufferers.
To achieve their results, says Huard, “the scientists introduced a gene
coding for a potent growth factor known to enhance cartilage healing
into the stem cells. These genetically enhanced stem cells were then
transplanted into the injured rats.”
Huard's research team found that the stem cells containing the
therapeutic gene transformed into high-quality cartilage cells as soon
as four weeks after transplant. These cartilage cells, in turn, helped
repair the damaged joints.
While any stem cell research remains controversial, research is under
way in Huard's lab to determine if similar stem cells exist in human
skeletal muscle. “If so, these cells could be taken from arthritis
patients by muscle biopsy, genetically enhanced and injected back into
their damaged joints,” Huard said.
Home
Reader Comments 
Related Links 
Recent Posts