Results of a recent study suggests that stem cells could help to repair some of the damage caused by multiple sclerosis (MS). Drs Gianvito Martino and Angelo L. Vescovi of the San Raffaele Scientific Institute in Milan, Italy, injected neural stem cells obtained from adult mice into the brains of mice with an experimental form of MS. Results showed that the stem cells homed in on damaged tissues and proceeded to mature into myelin-producing cells within just 30-days. 30% of mice recovered, while the condition of the remaining 70% improved significantly. The researchers hope to begin non-human primate studies of the potential treatment within two months. If further studies are successful they estimate that therapeutic applications for humans might be available within five to ten years.
SOURCE/REFERENCE: Reported by www.reutershealth.com on the 16th April 2003
