Scientists use Dental Cells to Repair Broken Spines
Scientists have discovered that teeth could play a vital role in repairing broken spines in the future, thanks to a study, which involved using dental stem cells to repair fractured spines in rats.
The research team at Nagoya University in Japan transplanted dental stem cells into the spinal cord tissue of rats with broken backs and found that the dental pulp stopped cells from dying, regenerated damaged nerves and caused new cells to grow and support the spinal cord. The rats showed evidence of movement in the legs following the transplant and the procedure could give hope to people who have suffered spinal cord injuries.
Dr Mark Bacon, director of research at Spinal Research, a charity for people with spinal injuries, said that the method was understudied but showed incredible promise. He added that it would be interesting to se how well the transplant worked in delayed cases, as the trials so far involve immediate transplantation.
The research team said that stem cells can be removed from adult wisdom teeth without any negative effects on health but admitted that there were ethical issues related to the procedure.
Alex Rankin, from charity, Aspire, said that it was exciting that there could be a potential cure for spinal injuries, however, even if the procedure is found to be successful, it will take a long time for it to become available and widely used.
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nice collection of updates in dentistry
with regards
dr. sachin balnath chinchale
BDS
India.