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Medical science has recently taken an extraordinary step forward in the field of cellular therapy.
At Keio University in Tokyo, a team of researchers led by Professor Hideyuki Okano demonstrated the potential of reprogrammed stem cells to treat severe spinal injuries.
This innovation transformed the lives of two patients, progressing from complete paralysis to partial mobility.
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) are adult cells reverted to an embryonic state, capable of differentiating into various cell types, including nerve cells.
Specifically, around two million of these cells were injected into the site of the spinal injury for each patient.
The objective was to regenerate functional neurons and glial cells, thus restoring some motor functions.
Among the four patients involved in the study, two showed significant improvements.
One is now able to stand independently, while the other has regained the ability to move their arms and legs.
Although the other two patients did not show evident progress, the overall results represent a promising breakthrough.
The research is still in its preliminary stages.
Broader studies will be necessary to confirm the therapy’s effectiveness and to better understand the mechanisms of regeneration.
Additionally, one of the main challenges is ensuring the survival of transplanted cells, as many tend to die in the days following the intervention.
However, the research represents a beacon of hope for millions of people affected by paralysis worldwide.
