Stem Cells Restore Brain Function

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Human embryonic stem cells could reverse learning and memory deficits people experience after undergoing radiation treatment for brain tumors.

Research with rats found that transplanted stem cells restored learning and memory to normal levels four months after radiation therapy. In contrast, irradiated rats that didn't receive stem cells experienced a more than 50 percent drop in cognitive function.

"Our findings provide the first evidence that such cells can be used to ameliorate radiation-induced damage of healthy tissue in the brain," Charles Limoli, UCI radiation oncology associate professor and senior author of the study, was quoted as saying.

In receiving radiation at levels needed to treat tumors, patients suffer varying degrees of learning and memory impairment that can affect their quality of life. "It's a progressive, debilitating side effect of cranial irradiation," Limoli said. "Any treatments showing promise at reversing this are worthy of pursuit."

In the UCI study, stem cells were transplanted into the heads of rats that had undergone radiation treatment. They migrated to a brain region known to support the growth of neurons and developed into new brain cells.

Work is under way to determine how the transplanted stem cells improved cognition. Did they integrate into healthy tissue or did they help repair and support existing brain cells? Said Limoli, "With further research, stem cells may one day be used to manage a variety of adverse conditions associated with radiotherapy."

SOURCE: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, November 9, 2009

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