Pluripotent stem cells help improve partial motor recovery in patients with spinal cord injuries

iPS cells show promise for spinal injury recovery in Japanese trial.

: Researchers in Japan have used induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) to help patients with spinal cord injuries. Only two out of four patients showed partial recovery, with one able to stand using support. The study, led by Hideyuki Okano at Keio University, is notably promising but requires larger trials for conclusive evidence. This innovative approach could significantly improve the effectiveness of rehabilitation, which currently benefits only 10-12% of patients.

Japanese researchers from Keio University have embarked on an innovative clinical trial using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) for treating spinal cord injuries. Shinya Yamanaka, who initially discovered the potential of iPS cells in 2006 and was awarded the Nobel Prize with John Gurdon, laid the foundation for this research. In the early stages of this trial, led by Hideyuki Okano, four patients received implants of these cells, designed to develop into millions of new neural cells. Two patients showed significant improvements; one could stand with a support mechanism, though two showed no change. Importantly, none faced adverse effects, and there were no malignant growths observed.

The patients involved in this trial had suffered spinal cord injuries between 14 and 28 days prior to treatment, aligning with the acute phase when interventions might be most effective. They were administered immunosuppressants to curb rejection of the newly formed neural cells. The researchers carefully monitored the patients throughout the process to ensure safety and observe any potential side effects of the breakthrough treatment.

In Japan, approximately 100,000 individuals live with spinal cord injuries, with conventional rehabilitation limited to providing minor improvements in around 10-12% of cases. The introduction of iPS technology holds the potential to considerably enhance these outcomes. The current trial, though promising, had a small sample size, making it an important proof of concept while underlining the need for larger studies to validate these findings further.

Okano and his team have expressed hope in expanding the trials and have plans to work with K Pharma, a venture capital enterprise from Keio University, to initiate larger-scale studies. The researchers note that although these results mark significant progress, it is premature to consider this approach a cure for spinal cord injuries, emphasizing caution with future projections and outcomes.

With a successful safety profile demonstrated in this initial trial, further research on a larger cohort will be instrumental in understanding the full potential and limitations of iPS cells in regenerative medicine. Such advancements hold promise not only for spinal cord injuries but potentially for other neurodegenerative conditions as well.

Sources: TechSpot, Keio University Press, Nature Reviews Neuroscience, The Japan Times, ScienceDaily

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