Stem Cells Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Stem Cells, including details on research, transplants, therapy, benefits.

Adult Bone Marrow-Derived Stem Cells for the Lung: Implications for Pediatric Lung Diseases.

VAN Haaften T, Thébaud B

Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Vascular Biology Research Group, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2S2, Canada.

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and cystic fibrosis (CF) are two common serious chronic respiratory disorders without specific treatments affecting children. BPD is characterized by an arrest in alveolar growth in premature infants requiring respiratory support. CF is the most common fatal inherited genetic disorder characterized by abnormally thick mucus secretions, recurrent infection and ultimately lung destruction. One commonality between these two diseases is the promise of utilizing stem cells therapeutically. Indeed, the use of exogenous cells to supplement the natural repair mechanisms or the possibility of genetic manipulation in vitro before administration are appealing therapeutic options for these diseases. Increasing attention has been focused on the use of adult bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMSC) to regenerate damaged organs such as the heart, the brain, and the liver. However, due to the lung's complexity as well as the low rate of cellular turnover within the lung, progress has been slower in this area compared with the skin or liver. Initial work suggests that BMSC can engraft and differentiate into a variety of lung cells, but these findings have been challenged recently. This article critically reviews the current advances on the therapeutic use of stem cells for lung regeneration.

Published 3 March 2006 in Pediatr Res.
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