Non-Embryonic Stem Cell Breakthrough

Surprising even the scientific field, researchers announced an unexpected breakthrough last week with stem cells derived from umbilical cord blood. Believed by many to be a source only for making blood, these stem cells have proven extremely useful in reducing the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.

When given to mice with a form of Alzheimer’s, the stem cells from human umbilical cord blood were uniquely effective in slowing the progress of the disease, which is characterized by the accumulation of protein plaque deposits that cause inflammation.

Low doses of cord blood stem cells, given intravenously, decreased the inflammation and plaque in the brain. This is especially important since the plaque and inflammation can also lead to breakdown of the normal blood-brain barrier, further increasing inflammation.

The cumulative effect is a loss of brain neurons and the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. By inhibiting the inflammatory proteins, the cord blood stem cells appeared to work well in mice, suggesting that they might one day be useful in stopping the physical and mental decline seen with Alzheimer’s disease in humans.

Our own stem cell expert, Dr. David Prentice, has been busy sharing his passion for the progress of adult stem cells with the next generation. This morning he spoke to students at Catholic University about holding to the truth in the biotechnology policy debates. Last Saturday, he also had the opportunity to join Olivia Gans and Alveda King in addressing the Young Pro-Life Virginia conference at James Madison University.

Tony Perkins heads the Family Research Council. This article is excerpted from the Washington Update that he compiles for the FRC.