Study Reveals Cord Blood Could Repair Heart Muscles

 A new study has revealed that umbilical cord blood may be able to repair heart muscles that have been damaged by heart attacks. For years, there has been speculation about the efficacy of using stem cells to treat patients who have suffered from heart attacks, and this research marks the first time that it has been proven to be possible.  

The study is being led by Professor Raimondo Ascione of the University of Bristol. It is funded by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) and the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR).  

Professor Ascione’s study shows that it is possible to turn cord blood stem cells into those that resemble heart muscle. Although the technology has yet to be applied to humans, the study’s findings are encouraging. They open up the possibility that cord blood stem cells can be used to rebuild heart muscles, a development that could potentially change world of medicine. 

Every year, 20 million people survive heart attacks. However, the damage presents long term complications for survivors. Millions of dollars are spent on long term care, but this development could present a permanent solution for heart attack sufferers.  

”Right now, the damage to the heart caused by heart attack cannot be reversed”, says Professor Jeremy Pearson of the BHF. “Through research like this across the UK, we hope to bring our vision of mending broken hearts to reality”.  

 Sources: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/news/2011/7957.html; http://www.springerlink.com/content/c0221013304t4012/