Contrary to popular scientific belief, human lung stem cells do exist and their discovery may lead to improved treatments for COPD.

Dr. Piero Anversa, director of the Center for Regenerative Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) in Boston, Massachusetts, and his colleagues believe that they have identified the first human lung stem cell. This discovery has the potential to repair and regenerate lung tissue in people suffering from COPD and other lung diseases. Dr. Anversa states: "The discovery of this stem cell has the potential to offer those who suffer from chronic lung diseases a totally novel treatment option by regenerating or repairing damaged areas of the lung."

How do lung stem cells operate? When placed in a culture medium, the newly discovered lung stem cells divide into new stem cells and also into cells that have the ability to form new lung structures such as alveoli, bronchioles and pulmonary blood vessels. This, my friends, is absolutely incredible!

Over the past several years, I have kept you up to date on stem cell research in the United States and other countries. As many of you may, or may not know, stem cell treatment with manipulation is currently not available here in the United States. It will be interesting to note how this new discovery will influence the decision on whether or not to legalize it, making it available to all who need it.

To read more about stem cell therapy, visit the following links:

Would you undergo stem cell therapy for COPD? If not, what would influence your decision? Please leave your comments and vote in the poll.

Source:

Piero Anversa, et. al. Evidence for Human Lung Stem Cells. New England Journal of Medicine, 2011; 364 (19): 1795-1806 DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa1101324; published online 12 May 2011.

Sign up for my free newsletter! Follow me on Twitter or Facebook

Original post:
Discovery of Lung Stem Cell Offers New Hope for COPD Treatment