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New tests have determined that not only do stem cells have a purpose in the cure of degenerative neurological diseases, but they also have a use in the prevention of extended damage to the heart muscle due to inadequate oxygen supply, such as occurs during a heart attack. New studies have been conducted using and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) imaging machine. This new technology enables researchers at the Ohio State University hospital to monitor oxygen concentration in the heart. Results have been published in the American Journal of Physiology. During a cardiac event, or heart attack, oxygen supply to the heart muscle is severely impacted, often leading to cell ischemia, or cell death. Weakened cardiac muscle then will continue to fail and die and complications such as congestive heart failure ensues, further complicating the healing process. Cardiac cells are known to recover slowly, more slowly than any other of the body’s cells does. Thus, with the advent of stem cell research, stem cell replacement transplant studies have shown a successful option for treatment of damaged heart muscle cells. While some success has been made, further studies must be performed to reach an adequate success rate to enable use on humans. Laboratories have dug into the potential reasons for only limited success in this area by isolating skeletal muscle myoblasts, (immature muscle cells) in mice. Studies have indicated an increase in oxygen use by the transplanted muscle cells by as much as 50%. Studies such as this open new doors for yet another group that would benefit from advancements in stem cell research, and enable a longer life span while at the same time ensuring a quality of life that will enrich the lives of millions. |
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