Bad Breath Gas Instrumental in Stem Cell Research
Researchers in Japan have claimed that the gas linked to bad breath and flatulence is instrumental in stem cell research.
Hydrogen sulphide, a gas known for its odorous properties, has been used by researchers in Japan to convert stem cells from the teeth into new liver cells. Scientists at Nippon Dental University revealed that studies showed that the gas made the stem cells purer, as well as increasing the number of liver cells created in combination with other chemicals.
The research team used the gas to influence the mesenchymal stem cells in the bone marrow of rats during trials, with the aim of generating new liver cells, which could be used to repair damage to the liver.
Dr Ken Yaegaki, from Nippon Dental University, said that the findings of the research were very interesting and potentially very valuable, because increased purity in the stem cells reduces the amount of “wrong cells” that are created.
One of the potential problems with using stem cells from the dental pulp is the number of cells that can be harvested. It is not known exactly how many cells were created during the Japanese study. Professor Chris Mason, a specialist in regenerative medicine from University College London, said that it would be interesting to see how the gas works with other types of cell.
The findings of the Japanese research study have been published in the Journal of Breath Research.
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