Stem cell therapy may potentially reduce lung inflammation: Study

Stem cell therapy may potentially reduce lung damage, scientists revealed it in a new study conducted on a mice.

Experts at Queens University Belfast, UK investigated the effectiveness of Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy in a mouse model of chronic inflammatory lung disease. Lungs start losing their function because of chronic inflammation in conditions such as COPD and cystic fibrosis and eventually lead to respiratory failure in patients.

Stem cells were intravenously administered to mice at four and six weeks of age. Sample tissue and cells were then collected from their lungs at about eight weeks.

It resulted in significant reduction of inflammation in the group receiving MSC therapy as compared to the group of mice that didn't receive the therapy. Cell count for both monocytic cells and neutrophils - signs of inflammation - were remarkably reduced after MSC therapy, researchers said.

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Not only did it helped in reducing inflammation in the lung, but the MSC therapy also resulted in noteworthy improvements in lung structure, suggesting that this form of treatment has the potential to repair the lung damage.

“These preliminary findings demonstrate the potential effectiveness of MSC treatment as a means of repairing the damage caused by chronic lung diseases such as COPD”, said Declan Doherty of Queens University Belfast.

“The ability to counteract inflammation in the lungs by utilising the combined anti-inflammatory and reparative properties of MSCs could potentially reduce the inflammatory response in individuals with chronic lung disease whilst also restoring lung function in these patients”, Doherty added.

The potential of this stem cell therapy is colossal and chances are it could pave way for one of the most effective treatment options available in case of lung damage once extensive testing and studies are concluded.