Stem Cell Implants Make Fresh Neurons in the Brain
Researchers and scientists have slowed down the aging process by using stem cells; stem cells may offer us a new way to combat age-related diseases and extend the human lifespan.
The Stem Cells Transplant Institute in Costa Rica wants to keep our patients informed by sharing with you the latest news and advances in regenerative medicine. This article will review how scientists are using stem cells to extend and improve life.
Using animal models, researchers have shown implanted stem cells can make fresh neurons in the brain. When compared to the untreated animals, the animals that receive the stem cells are more mentally and physically fit, and live longer. This research, described as a breakthrough by one leading expert, suggests that a body’s aging is controlled by stem cells found in the hypothalamus region of the brain. As a person ages, these cells steadily die off until they are almost completely absent by the time the person reaches middle age. Soon the investigators at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York hope to launch a clinical trial evaluating this procedure in humans.
Researchers think that even though humans are more complex than animals, if the mechanism is fundamental, they will see similar effects from the use of stem cells in humans.
Previous investigations suggested that the hypothalamus played some role in the aging process. In the first of a series of experiments it was shown that neural stem cells, which are found in numerous brain regions at birth, disappear from the hypothalamus over time. Stem cells are known to form new brain cells during youth, but the process slows down dramatically in adults. The hypothalamus forms a crucial connection between the hormonal system and the nervous system.
Scientist injected mice with a toxin that eliminated 70% of their neural stem cells to test whether a decrease in stem cells caused aging versus a result of aging. The effect was amazing. Over the next few months the mice aged more rapidly than usual, and performed worse than control animals on a battery of tests including; endurance, social behavior, coordination and the ability to recognize objects. Finally, the test subjects died months earlier than healthy control animals.
Next, researchers wanted to learn what happens when aged mice receive injections of fresh neural stem cells. The result was mice treated with stem cells lived several months longer than controls; on average they lived about 15% longer than the control mice.
Research has shown neural stem cells play an important role in the aging process. Investigators found that molecules called microRNAs, released from neural stem cells are responsible for most of the aging effects. The microRNA molecules, are produced in the hypothalamus, and affect how genes work. MicroRNAs help maintain youth, and the loss of these molecules leads to aging. The brain controls how long we live. Implanted neural stem cells can improve our health and extend our lives.
At the Stem Cells Transplant Institute in Costa Rica we believe in the power of stem cells. The experts at the Stem Cells Transplant Institute adhere to strict protocols ensuring the highest standard of care. We know there is still a lot to be discovered regarding the potential of stem cell treatments, but a number of trials have already shown the positive benefit of stem cell therapy for a number of diseases. Let us be your first step into the fascinating world of stem cells. Contact us.
