In a groundbreaking study researchers have demonstrated the potential of human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells (HUCB-MNCs) in treating ischemic bowel disease (ICBD).
ICBD, a group of intestinal ischemia syndromes caused by reduced blood flow, has been notoriously difficult to diagnose and treat. With mortality rates as high as 50-80% for acute cases, the need for effective treatments has been urgent.
Dr. Xiaoxiao Cai and colleagues conducted a trial involving 66 ICBD patients, comparing standard treatment with a novel approach using HUCB-MNCs
Key Findings:
1. Improved Clinical Outcomes: Patients treated with HUCB-MNCs showed significant reductions in abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and bloody stools.
2. Shorter Hospital Stays: The experimental group had an average stay of 9.55 days compared to 11.75 days for the control group.
3. Higher Effectiveness: The HUCB-MNC treatment boasted a 90.9% effectiveness rate, compared to 69.7% for standard treatment.
4. Better Long-term Results: Follow-up examinations at 1, 3, and 6 months showed sustained improvements in the HUCB-MNC group.
5. Safety: No treatment-related adverse events were reported, highlighting the safety profile of this innovative approach.
HUCB-MNCs are believed to promote blood vessel growth, reduce inflammation, and regulate the immune system.
While the results are promising, the researchers emphasize the need for larger, multi-center studies to confirm these findings. If further validated, this treatment could revolutionize the management of ICBD, offering hope to thousands of patients worldwide.
“This study opens up new possibilities for treating a condition that has long been a challenge in gastroenterology,” said Dr. Hongli Yang, a co-author of the study. “We’re cautiously optimistic about the potential of HUCB-MNCs in improving outcomes for ICBD patients.”
A new study shows cord blood stem cell remain viable after 27 years of cryogenic storage. The research, conducted at the US based laboratory of the late cord blood pioneer Hal Broxmeyer, extends the facility’s previous findings on cord blood’s longevity, when tested at 5, 10, 15, and 23.5 years. See the study here.
According to the Parent’s Guide to Cord Blood Banking, there is a growing body of evidence supporting the view that cord blood, when properly cryopreserved, does not age. In addition, cord blood stored for around 20 years is increasingly being used in life saving transplants.
In May 2023 a report at the 10th Cord Blood Conference of the China Maternal and Child Health Association detailed the successful treatment of a young adult in China for aplastic anemia using their own cord blood, which had been stored for 19 years. Read his story here.
Cord blood stem cells may hold the key to preventing Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) – a major cause of irreversible blindness in preterm newborns.
ROP results from abrupt alterations in oxygen levels impacting the retina’s development. Standard treatment involves transfusions of packed red blood cells from adult donors. However, this can lead to a rapid decrease in fetal hemoglobin (HbF) levels, which is associated with an increased risk of developing ROP due to excessive oxygen release in the retina.
The new study underway in Spain is aiming to address this issue by reinfusing the baby’s own cord blood which is naturally rich in HbF. This innovative approach intends to preserve physiological HbF concentrations, potentially minimizing the risk of excessive oxygen-related damage and optimizing postnatal development.
The randomized, double-blinded, multi-center clinical trial will recruit extremely low gestational age neonates (ELGANs), randomizing them to receive either their own umbilical cord blood or standard adult-donor blood transfusion. The primary endpoint is the incidence of ROP, with secondary endpoints focusing on the safety of the treatment, assessment of biomarkers related to ROP, and evaluation of oxidative stress markers.
This pioneering approach not only aims to maintain the natural balance of HbF but also capitalizes on the inherent growth factors and progenitor cells present in umbilical cord blood. These components may positively influence the progression of ROP. As this trial progresses, it holds the potential to redefine neonatal care strategies, offering a promising avenue for preventing ROP and enhancing the overall health outcomes of premature infants.
Many years into running my PR company, I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. I loved the clients, my team, and the media (mostly).
But learning about cord blood banking set me on a new and unexpected path. Now, 20 years after I co-founded CordBank Aotearoa’s first – and still only – cord blood bank. – I haven’t looked back.
In NZ Business this month I explain why I did it and talk about some of the challenges, triumphs, and milestones along the way.
Read the full interview here.
While we have been focusing on the weather emergencies here in New Zealand, COVID-19 is still very much around and we are hearing constant reports about the debilitating condition known as long Covid.
Now, a Californian cord blood regenerative therapeutics company is about to enter phase two of clinical trials using umbilical cord blood stem cell therapy on Post-Covid Syndrome (PCS) patients. Symptoms of PCS include breathlessness, persistent cough, fatigue, pain, brain fog, anxiety, depression, palpitations, dizziness, weakness, and sleep problems. You can find out more about the trials here.
A first-of-its-kind study is underway to see if cord blood cells are effective in preventing premature newborns from developing bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) which is relatively common in preterm infants.
BPD is a breathing disorder in premature infants where the infants’ lungs become irritated and do not develop normally. It occurs most often in low-weight infants born more than two months early. Find out about the trial here.
Did you know that celebrations can help your health and wellbeing?
But – the celebrations need to include 3 key elements, which according to the research published in the Journal of Public Policy & Marketing are eating and drinking, gathering together, and marking positive life events. These three elements together create an increased sense of social support which is associated with positive health and wellbeing outcomes.
The authors of the study note that while the first two elements are present in most celebrations, including the third element – intentionally recognising positive events and achievements – is key to maximising benefits to wellbeing.
Additionally, they revealed that as long as the three elements are met, virtual gatherings also increase perceived social support and so can provide wellbeing benefits.
See the full story here.
As March is NZ Glaucoma Awareness Month, it’s timely to recognise that around 2% of New Zealanders over 40 years of age have glaucoma – a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve.
Now, stem cells are being investigated as a possible treatment. Read more about this research here.