TEHRAN (FNA)- Scientists at Iran’s prominent stem cell research and infertility treatment center, Royan, produced a beating heart in rats, using progenitor cardiovascular cells.
In this research, the human stem cells were cultured in a large volume in a bioreactor and were differentiated and transferred in several stages to the decellularized heart of the rat.
Results of the research showed that after survival and differentiation of progenitor cardiovascular cells to the heart cells, the smooth heart muscle and endothelial cells were improved and the heart beats in the right direction 12 days after transferring the cells.
Iran has taken wide strides in science and technology, particularly in medical and medicinal fields, in recent years.
In a relevant development earlier this month, Iranian scientists said they have made a successful use of the stem cell technology to treat spinal cord injuries in rats.
"The first stage of the research plan to treat the spinal cord injury, resulted from trauma, by means of stem cells, ended successfully and Royan Institute (for Stem Cell Biology and Technology) researchers could treat rats' spinal cord injuries," Dr. Sahar Kiani said.
She added that research on monkeys has also accomplished, noting that desired results would open the door to clinical trials on human being.
Kiani estimated that clinical trials on human being would start in one year.
Poster Comment:
Sounds better than mucking about with stents.