Jefferson Medical College researchers reported in the November 1 edition of Spine that they had discovered, for the first time, stem cells in the intervertebral discs of the human spine. The discovery of these cells could ultimately pave the way for the treatment of back pain and disc diseases, which the article says costs the U.S. $100 billion in treatment as well as lost work each year.
Makarand Risbud, Ph.D. and colleagues set out to investigate whether cells isolated from damaged intervertebral discs contained stem cells. Dr. Risbud found, under certain conditions, the the cells could form bone, cartilage or fat, proving that the discs contained dormant stem cells. He says, "If we are able to stimulate the 'silent' cells in the patient, then it may be possible to repair the ravages of degenerative disc disease without undergoing invasive surgical procedures that may limit the motion of the spine."
The discovery encourages further research and questions into how these stem cells work. Irving Shapiro, Ph.D., another author on the study, suggests that there is a mechanism in the disc that prevents the cells from repairing the spine on their own. Dr. Risbud agrees, adding that more research is needed into what these inhibitory molecules are and how they can be blocked.
As our knowledge of stem cells and their applications becomes more advanced, these developments could ultimately completely change both prognosis and treatment options for patients and set new expectations for treatment outcomes.
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