Thursday, June 24, 2010

Stem cells reverse blindness caused by burns

Stem cells reverse blindness caused by burns

This image from an Italian study published online Wednesday, June 23, 2010 by the New England Journal of Medicine shows the eyes of three patients with alkali burns before and after successful stem cell transplants. Dozens of people blinded or injured by chemical burns had their sight restored by transplants of stem cells from their own bodies _ a stunning success for the growing cell therapy field, Italian researchers reported Wednesday. (AP Photo/New England Journal of Medicine)  MANDATORY CREDIT  NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE, NO SALES,  EDITORIAL USE ONLY
"Dozens of people who were blinded or otherwise suffered severe eye damage when they were splashed with caustic chemicals had their sight restored with transplants of their own stem cells - a stunning success for the burgeoning cell-therapy field, Italian researchers reported Wednesday.

The treatment worked completely in 82 of 107 eyes and partially in 14 others, with benefits lasting up to a decade so far. One man whose eyes were severely damaged more than 60 years ago now has near-normal vision."
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