Fat cell hormone boosts potential of stem cell therapy

(Osaka University) Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy has shown promising results in the treatment of conditions ranging from liver cirrhosis to retinal damage, but results can be variable. Using a mouse heart failure model, researchers led by Osaka University found that levels of a fat cell-derived hormone called adiponectin in the host significantly affect the efficacy of MSC therapy. Administration of a drug that increases adiponectin in combination with MSCs is therefore likely to significantly improve the clinical outcome.
Source: EurekAlert! - Biology - Category: Biology Source Type: news