Researchers at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago have determined that neonatal mesenchymal stem cells, procured from heart tissue generally considered surgical waste, can ameliorate intestinal inflammation and expedite wound recovery in a mouse model that simulates Crohn’s disease-like ileitis. This ailment is characterized by enduring inflammation of the intestine and progressive damage to tissue.
The study, published in the scientific journal Advanced Therapeutics, introduces a potentially innovative treatment strategy that circumvents the limitations associated with current therapies for Crohn’s disease. These limitations often include declining efficacy, severe adverse reactions, and an elevated risk of gastrointestinal malfunction.
Arun Sharma, PhD, the study’s senior author and Director of Pediatric Urological Regenerative Medicine and Surgical Research at Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute at Lurie Children’s, as well as Research Associate Professor of Urology and Biomedical Engineering at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and the McCormick School of Engineering, Northwestern University, stated, “This is the inaugural study to investigate the efficacy of these potent cells in a model of inflammatory intestinal disease.” Sharma further added, “The preliminary outcomes are promising and present a new avenue to potentially manage aspects of chronic inflammatory bowel disorders.”
The researchers note that prior to deploying these stem cells as a clinical intervention for Crohn’s disease, several obstacles must be overcome, particularly in the manner of administration. In the current animal model research, stem cells were directly injected into inflamed areas of the small intestine, necessitating surgical intervention. The ensuing phase of research aims to establish a safe intravenous injection method, akin to drawing blood from a patient’s arm. Additional animal studies are requisite before this emerging treatment methodology can advance to clinical trials.
Sharma concluded, “The long-term aspiration is not only to employ these cell types as a therapeutic measure but also as a preventive strategy before the manifestation of Crohn’s disease symptoms. Furthermore, this methodology could potentially be applicable to other inflammatory conditions. The implications are vast, and we are keen to proceed.”
Reference: “Multipotent Human Neonatal Cardiac-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Modulate Ileitis In Vivo” by Muthukumar Gunasekaran, Matthew I. Bury, Tiffany T. Sharma, Larry W. Wang, Natalie J. Fuller, Swetha T. Krishnan, Sunjay Kaushal, and Arun K. Sharma, published on 06 July 2023 in Advanced Therapeutics.
DOI: 10.1002/adtp.202200261
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Stem cells in Crohn’s disease treatment
What is the main focus of the research study conducted at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago?
The research primarily investigates the potential use of neonatal mesenchymal stem cells derived from discarded heart tissue in treating Crohn’s disease-like ileitis in a mouse model. The stem cells are observed to reduce intestinal inflammation and accelerate wound healing.
Who is the senior author of the study and what are his affiliations?
The senior author of the study is Dr. Arun Sharma, PhD. He is the Director of Pediatric Urological Regenerative Medicine and Surgical Research at Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute at Lurie Children’s. Additionally, he is a Research Associate Professor of Urology and Biomedical Engineering at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and the McCormick School of Engineering, Northwestern University.
Where was the study published?
The study was published in the scientific journal called Advanced Therapeutics.
What are the current limitations of existing Crohn’s disease medications that the new treatment aims to address?
Current Crohn’s disease medications often suffer from declining effectiveness over time, severe side effects, and an increased risk of gastrointestinal dysfunction. The new treatment approach aims to circumvent these issues by providing an alternative therapeutic strategy.
What are the next steps in advancing this research?
The next steps involve overcoming the challenges related to the administration of the stem cells. In the current study, the stem cells were directly injected into inflamed areas of the small intestine, requiring surgical intervention. Future research aims to develop a safe method for intravenous injection.
Could this approach be applicable to other diseases?
According to Dr. Sharma, the approach could potentially be extended to other inflammatory diseases. However, additional studies are needed to confirm this potential.
What is the long-term goal of this research?
The long-term goal is to utilize the stem cell type both as a treatment and as a preventive measure for Crohn’s disease, and possibly other inflammatory conditions.
More about Stem cells in Crohn’s disease treatment
- Advanced Therapeutics Journal Publication
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago
- Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute at Lurie Children’s
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
- McCormick School of Engineering, Northwestern University
- Crohn’s Disease Information
7 comments
Stem cells were in the spotlight a few years back but then kinda faded. Good to see they’re making a comeback in medical research.
Can’t wait for the clinical trials. My sister has Crohn’s and the meds aren’t working as well anymore. Fingers crossed this leads to something real.
If they can figure out how to inject this stuff without surgery, that’d be a game changer. Surgical procedures are risky and expensive.
A big shoutout to Dr. Sharma and his team. It’s not everyday you hear about potential game changers in treating chronic diseases. Keep it up!
So the current meds for Crohn’s have some serious downsides, huh. It’d be awesome if this stem cell thing could actually make a difference.
interesting that they could find a new use for what’s essentially surgical waste. medicine is advancing in ways we can’t even imagine.
Wow, this is really groundbreaking stuff. Never thought discarded heart tissue could be so useful. Hope they speed up the research.