Researchers from Tongji University in Shanghai, China, have discovered a new way to treat respiratory diseases such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Transplantation of specialized P63+ cells may help repair damage caused by diseases. In this respect reports Daily mail.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an umbrella term for serious respiratory diseases. Patients experience breathing problems due to inflammation of the nasopharynx, larynx, trachea, extrapulmonary bronchi and lungs.
Scientists tried to find out whether stem cell therapy could accelerate the regeneration of damaged tissue. These are immature (undifferentiated) cells that can develop into various organ and tissue cells. “Descent” stem cells called P63+ were used in the study. They only transform into the cells of the tissues from which they originate.
Scientists collected samples of patients’ lung cells using a catheter with a small brush on the tip. The cells were then expanded in the laboratory and converted to P63+, then transplanted back to the lungs via bronchoscopy.
It turns out that P63+ can repair COPD-related damage. Researchers also found that average lung diffusivity (how well the exchange of gases between the lungs and bloodstream) increased from 30% to 40.3% after 24 weeks of treatment.
The scientists now plan to conduct further studies to increase the chances of successful transplantation of P63+ cells in the future.
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