Tissue transformation into bone in vivo: a potential practical application
Article Abstract:
Advances in cell biology have made regulation of genes possible, including the ability to promote growth and even to make cells do what they were not originally programmed to do. The ability to use cell biology techniques in surgical reconstructive procedures is a natural line of investigation, especially when current surgical techniques produce less-than-optimal results. Bone defects, whether caused by accidents, degenerative diseases or tumors, are very difficult to repair. Using hip bone grafts to reconstruct other bony tissue has been less successful than skin and other soft tissue grafts for several reasons. It was hypothesized that bone-producing (osteoinductive) factors would be able to differentiate mesenchymal tissues (formed of embryonic cells that develop into connective tissue) such as muscle into bone. Using an experimental technique of flap transfer (partial detachment of tissue to preserve circulation) and soft tissue molding, it should be possible to produce a living replacement bone of exactly the right shape and size. The feasibility of these techniques was tested using the leg muscles of 23 rats. Flap tissue differentiation was confirmed by the study. Tissue transformation was generated in living rats, producing bone with good circulation in various predetermined shapes by means of a mold. Such generated bone, being produced from the same genetic material, would not face rejection when subsequently grafted to another part of the body. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1991
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Terms of engraftment: umbilical cord blood transplants arouse enthusiasm
Article Abstract:
Umbilical cord blood transplants may hold numerous advantages over bone marrow. Cord blood, which contains vital and renewable cells, is collected from the umbilical cord of newborns and has been used so far to treat serious blood disorders and leukemia. Cord blood has more immunological tolerance than bone marrow so that donor and recipient do not need to be as closely matched. In a group of 55 children receiving cord blood from siblings, the incidence of graft-versus-host disease was only 2%. Cord blood can be easily extracted without risk at birth and stored for tissue compatible recipients. Infections are less likely to be carried in umbilical cord blood. Cord blood may help alleviate the shortage of stem cell transplants due to a scarcity of marrow donors. In the future, umbilical cord blood may be used in gene therapy and other types of cancer, and to treat babies with AIDS.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1995
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