In Brazil, about nine million people have some kind of hearing problem. Most of these are really deaf. Some are born with the problem, others develop the disease over the years due to health problems. Still others suffer some kind of accident that leads them to the problem. Unfortunately, there is no definitive cure for deafness, but there are devices that help in its treatment.
Recently a treatment with stem cells able to regain hearing. The study was published by the British journal Nature.
Stem cell research was done by scientists at the University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom. Eighteen gerbils were tested, which are rodents with hearing capacity similar to ours. The study lasted 10 weeks and in the end 45% of the animals could have their hearing improved. In some of the rodents, 90% of hearing capacity has been restored.
This is not a complete cure, but it is a very significant advance.
Transformation of stem cells into auditory cells
In their research, scientists used stem cells taken from a human embryo for treatment. The great advantage of using stem cells is that the material, as yet undefined, has the ability to become any type of cell. Stem cells can develop into the shape and function of nerves, skin and even organs.
In addition to cells, a chemical compound was also used to influence them to resemble spiral ganglion neurons. The transplanted (chemical-modified) cells replaced the lost neurons and reconnected.
The success of the experiment represents a possibility of cure for humans. It is still early to talk about human testing, but this first step may lead us to a future with less hearing impaired.
Some scientists are still discussing the possibility of using modified stem cells in conjunction with hearing aidsin order to optimize treatment.
But the main issue in this deafness treatment, is still the use of stem cells as the main raw material, as there are many arguments about the use of cells taken from embryos.
Today in Brazil, scientists are already performing stem cell treatments for various diseases. But the cells used in these treatments are taken from the patient's own fat. There is also the possibility of storing the embryo stem cell when a baby is born and several private Brazilian laboratories already work with it. However, this practice is only beginning to spread in Brazil now.
We can only wait for more news regarding scientific advances. But knowing that this treatment is a possibility is good news.
Deafness: Spotlight on Stem Cell Research - Karen Doyle (May 2024)
- Prevention and Treatment
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