Cord Blood Could Be Used to Treat Arthritis

A recent study proves that cord blood stem cells have the potential to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Results from a study published in Arthritis Research and Therapy indicate that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from umbilical cord blood can reduce inflammation associated with the disease.  

The study was carried out at the Peking University People's Hospital in China by Professor Zhan-guo Li and his team of researchers. The team induced lab animals with collagen to simulate arthritis before treating them with MSCs from cord blood. The infusion of these stem cells resulted in the reduction of inflammation and caused the severity of the arthritis to subside.  

At the moment, many researchers are looking at ways to treat diseases like diabetes, Alzheimer's and cerebral palsy. This is one of the first studies to consider the use of cord blood stem cells in treating arthritis.  Its success may inspire other researchers to examine this possible treatment method.  

Professor Li is optimistic that the results of this study will have a significant impact on the medical world. While Rheumatoid Arthritis is common around the world, scientists have yet to discover an agent that provides long-term, drug-free remission. Should cord blood stem cells be proven as a successful treatment in humans with rheumatoid arthritis, it could change the common treatment methods for those diagnosed.