DailyTech - Embryonic Stem Cells Make Damaged Artery Functional Again

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Science Embryonic Stem Cells Make Damaged Artery Functional Again
Tiffany Kaiser - January 13, 2013 1:45 PM

21 comment(s) - last by blue_urban_sky.. on Jan 15 at 3:37 PM

(Source: scientificamerican.com)

Embryonic stem cells from baboons produced a fully functional artery

Texas scientists have used embryonic stem cells to heal a severely damaged artery in a baboon.

A team from the Texas Biomedical Research Institute in San Antonio, led by John L. VandeBerg, Ph.D., took embryonic stem cells from baboons to produce a fully functional artery.

To do this, the team extracted cells that line the surface of a part of an artery and replaced them with cells that were derived from embryonic stem cells. Both ends of the arterial segment were then connected to plastic tubing inside a bioreactor, which encourages cells to grow.

Fluid was then pumped through the artery under pressure to mimic blood, and a different fluid was then used to soak the outside of the artery. Only three days later, the inner surface began to regenerate, and after two weeks, the inside of the artery was completely restored to a functional state.

The team even stripped another artery without placing the stem cells inside to see if it was the stem cells that did the rejuvenating. The artery without the stem cells didn't heal and never became functional.

"We first cultured the stem cells in petri dishes under special conditions to make them differentiate into cells that are the precursors of blood vessels, and we saw that we could get them to form tubular and branching structures, similar to blood vessels," said VandeBerg. "Just think of what this kind of treatment would mean to a patient who had just suffered a heart attack as a consequence of a damaged coronary artery. And this is the real potential of stem cell regenerative medicine -- that is, a treatment with stem cells that regenerates a damaged or destroyed tissue or organ."

This study appeared in the Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine.

Source: Science Daily

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RE: Basic maintenance.

By deksman2 on 1/14/2013 4:37:18 AM , Rating: 2

But only if we allow this to occur in the first place.
I would surmise that several methods such as targeted meditation, proper nutrition (with reduced caloric intake) and regular exercise can extend what is perceived as 'average life expectancy' to great lengths if not continuously regenerate the body from 'age' related damage.
Meditation alone (if properly utilized) can/does stimulate usage of our own stem cells in the body - and to a certain degree I think with enough mental discipline it would be possible to initiate regeneration process through those mental techniques (the only difference between Tibetan monks who meditate for a long time, probably use meditation for other purpose - as opposed to cellular regeneration and longevity).

Furthermore, I think that modern medicine might be underestimating current lifespan potential.
It's a combination of factors (physical and mental)... and today its very much so related to the amount of stress people experience.

But this kind of research was already did.
Or at least its potential was well known to scientists for some time.
The primary reason we don't use these medical treatments from the get go is monetary cost expenditure and the controversy surrounding the issue (which mostly stems from lack of exposure to relevant general education).

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RE: Basic maintenance.

By chµck on 1/14/2013 2:30:35 PM , Rating: 2

Doctor's don't underestimate lifespan potentials. They tell people what they should be doing, but people ignore it (processed foods, foods with high levels of triglycerides, lack of exercise, foods containing high levels of AGEs (advanced glycation endproducts - basically everything that tastes good :( )).

Also, you can't avoid many of the primary causes of cancer (radiation, superoxide molecules). You can only make sure you're body can prevent excessive damage.

Meditation is used to reduce stress, which reduced blood-cortisol levels (the stress hormone which ironically compromises the body's immune capabilities).

The goal of stem cell research isn't to heal cuts and bruises. It's to repair or completely regenerate (regenerative medicine) portions or entire organs.

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