There are an estimated 17,000 spinal cord injuries in the United States alone every year. A severed spinal cord in a human has never before been completely healed, but science is working in that direction as researchers from Tel Aviv University and Technion have healed the severed spinal cord of a rat using stem cells.
Researchers explained that the stem cells were used to induce regeneration of the spinal cord on a rat that was completely paralyzed due to extensive injuries to its spinal cord. Upon completion of the procedure, the rat gained full ability to walk again and even regained sensory perception.
The stem cells were actually obtained from the mouth of an adult human and then placed on a biodegradable sponge that was then transplanted directly to the site of the spinal cord injury. After only two to three weeks, the rat was walking again.
Out of all the animal participants of the study, 40 percent were able to walk again, and even in the ones that didn’t regain full mobility, some regeneration of the spinal cord was achieved.
Stem cells continue to show remarkable potential to stimulate the body’s natural healing process. Their ability to become tissue- or organ-specific cells make them invaluable to the medical community, especially for those struggling with diseases or medical conditions with few treatment options.
At San Francisco Stem Cell Treatment Center, Dr. Herskowitz is currently offering stem cell therapy treatments for a variety of medical conditions including neurological diseases, orthopedic diseases and injuries, heart and lung conditions, and even autoimmune diseases. For more information or to find out if you are a candidate for stem cell therapy, call us today at 1-800-318-6006 or email us at info@sfstemcellcenter.com.