Umbilical cord could be the new “in thing” in the treatment of strokes according to a report released in the United States of
Umbilical cord could be the new “in thing” in the treatment of strokes according to a report released in the United States of America which says the stem cells from the cord blood could heal strokes almost 80% faster based on studies conducted on rats.
Though the details are yet to be worked out and the project itself is in a primitive stage, the scientists are very excited about this prospect. Dr. Paul R. Sanberg from the university of South Florida conducted the study. He hopes to start these studies on humans soon, in a year or two.
Many scientists are now accepting the theory that primitive tissue called stem cells will very soon be used to manufacture human spare parts. This will come in handy to treat ailments like strokes and Alzheimer’s where the stem cells replace dead cells in the brain.
One or two cords will give enough stem cells to treat a stroke victim and the cells can be frozen and used whenever needed.
Sanberg says the study was conducted on 60 rats and 80% of them responded well to this treatment. He also says the treatment works better if it is started within the first 24 hours after a person suffers a stroke. How these cells rewire the damaged brain cells is still unclear but this breakthrough is sure to change the treatment of stroke victims in a big way.
