Diabetic neuropathy is the degeneration and the demyelination of nerves, particular in the lower regions of the body, due to high blood sugar levels. Current treatment options available only mitigate the discomfort and distress of the patients, and strictly regulate blood sugar levels. This article that was published today in GEN (Genetic Engineering News) outlines the discovery from researchers from South Korea and the U.S. in regards to the novel therapeutic potential in using mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) from bone marrow to treat diabetic neuropathy. The injection of bone marrow MSCs into rats displayed successful migration of the cells to the diabetic nerves, as well as angiogenesis, re-myelination, and axonal regeneration. This study showcases the promising potential in cell therapy as a possible therapeutic option for a disease that has previously rendered diabetic patients hopeless.
Article summary courtesy by Sean Ihn
Article: Genetic Engineering News (GEN)