August 27, 2004 (LifeSiteNews.com) – University of Toronto researchers say they are a step closer to a diabetes cure using adult stem cells. The team found pancreas cells from adult mice could be transformed into new islet cells – the cells that produce insulin. The scientists are hoping the same effect will be reproducible in humans. Type I diabetes, also known as insulin-dependent type, usually begins in childhood and involves the destruction of pancreatic islet cells. The restoration of new insulin-producing islet cells would mean a cure, and eliminate the necessity for ongoing insulin injections for this condition. Dr Simon Smukler, lead scientist of the study, told the BBC: “People have been intensely searching for pancreatic stem cells for a while now, and so our discovery of precursor cells within the adult pancreas that are capable of making new pancreatic cells is very exciting.”
Meanwhile, scientists at Northwestern University in Chicago, using adult stem cells derived from a patient’s sister’s bone marrow, have successfully treated the woman for crippling rheumatoid arthritis. The researchers reported that her morning stiffness was alleviated before she left hospital, and now, one year later, she is no longer affected by the disease, and able to discontinue all medications. The stem cell treatment resulted in “marked resolution of the disease manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis,” according to a Reuters news report. Finally, scientists in Germany have successfully re-grown a man’s jaw bone, by using his own stem cells, and growing the bone within muscle tissues in his back. The man, whose jaw and half his tongue was removed due to mouth cancer, had his first real meal – a bratwurst sandwich – in nine years. The new jaw bone was re-grown with the aid of stem cells derived from his own bone marrow, hormones to stimulate growth, and a mesh cage. The cage was inserted into the muscle near his shoulder blade, and took seven weeks to grow.
“He demanded reconstruction,” facial reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Patrick Warnke said, as reported by the Associated Press. “This patient was really sick of living.” See related coverage and photo: https://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2002017103_jaw27.html tv