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Stem cell therapy to cure blindness
From CopperWiki
Scientists have made a major scientific breakthrough in stem cell technology by developing therapy to cure blindness. All types of body tissue can be developed with embryonic stem cells and under the new therapy, embryonic stem cells are transformed into replicas of the missing cells. They are then placed on an artificial membrane that's inserted in the back of the retina.
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[edit] Why should I be aware of this?
Between 25 and 30 million people around the world suffer from age-related macular degeneration (AMD) which causes debilitating blindness. There are more than 1.75 million sufferers in the U.S. alone. The condition also affects more than 500,000 Britons and the number is forecast to increase significantly as people live longer. [1]
This new stem-cell treatment holds great promise to restore the sight of millions, offering them once again an opportunity to lead normal life.
[edit] All about stem cell therapy to cure blindness
The therapy, developed by a team of scientists in Britain, involves replacing a layer of degenerated cells with new ones created from embryonic stem cells to cure age-related muscular degeneration, the most common cause of blindness. The entire procedure will take one hour and will be available in six to seven years' time.
[edit] Human trials in two years
The researchers used embryonic stem-cells to grow replicas of the bad cells on a thin artificial membrane, inserting it behind the retina of pigs and rats, restoring normal sight. Human trials are expected to be conducted just two-years from now. This will be only the second human trial using embryonic stem-cells. The first, on patients with spinal cord injuries, will start this year in America.
The prospect of the research being successful got a boost when pharmaceutical major, Pfizer, offered the financial backing necessary to bring the new treatment to the public in record time. This support will ensure that the therapy gets through to clinical trials in a safe and effective manner.
[edit] Earlier research
Earlier researchers had identified certain cells on the margin of adult retinas that are similar to stem cells. Additionally, retinal cell replacement may be the most effective method of "cell transplant therapy because photoreceptor loss initially leaves the rest of the wiring to the brain intact”. In other words, major surgical reconstruction is not necessary.
Surgery would only involve the superficial layer of the retina and not the particularly sensitive optic nerve wiring at the back of the eye. However, in order to attain human retinal cells at the necessary stage of development, stem cells would need to be extracted from a fetus during the second trimester of pregnancy. Because stem cells are able to proliferate and develop into many other types of cells within the human body, they can be extracted from any part of the fetus. However, the timing is imperative if the procedure is to work.
[edit] CopperBytes
- Macular degeneration is the most common cause of blindness in older people and is believed to affect about 30 percent of 75-year-olds. [2]
- AMD is caused by faulty retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, which form a supporting carpet under the light-sensitive rods and cones in the retina. [3]
- The new procedure will generate replacement RPE cells from stem cells in the lab, with surgeons then injecting a small patch of new cells, measuring 4 by 6 millimeters, back into the eye. [3]
- Embryonic stem cells are the ultimate master cells of the body, giving rise to all of the tissues and organs. Their use is controversial because many people oppose embryo destruction, although Britain has encouraged such research. [3]
[edit] References:
- Stem-Cell Cure for Blindness: Just Six Years
- Ray of Hope! Stem cell therapy 'to cure blindness'
- Scientists plan stem cell cure for blindness
