Biomedical subjects

Helen Tao

Publications and source records attributed to Helen Tao.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2005

Cytokine-induced stable neuronal differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in a serum/feeder cell-free condition.

The characteristics and multilineage differentiation potential of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM MSC) remain controversial. This study aimed to characterize human BM MSC isolated by plastic adherent or antibody selection and their neuronal differentiation potential using growth factors or chemical inducing agents. MSC were found to express low levels of neuronal markers: neurofilament-M, beta tubulin III, and neuron specific enolase. Under a serum- and feeder cell-free condition, basic fibroblast growth factor, epidermal growth factor, and platelet-derived growth factor induced neuronal morphology in MSC. In addition to the above markers, these cells expressed neurotransmitters or associated proteins: gamma-aminobutyric acid, tyrosine hydroxylase and serotonin. These changes were maintained for up to 3 months in all bone marrow specimens (N = 6). In contrast, butylated hydroxyanisole and dimethylsulfoxide were unable to induce sustained neuronal differentiation. Our results show that MSC isolated by two different procedures produced identical lineage differentiation with defined growth factors in a serum- and feeder cell-free condition.

Biomarkers↗

PubMed2004

Cell therapy for disc degeneration--potentials and pitfalls.

Disc degeneration is considered a major source of pain in patients with chronic low back pain. Novel strategies to cure or decrease the symptoms and increase the patient's quality of life and function are under development. Until recently conservative treatment and fusion surgery were the main therapeutic options. Disc prostheses are undergoing clinical evaluation. The potential for cell transplantation to the intervertebral disc with mature autologous disc cells, chondrocytes, or stem cells is in early stages of investigation. Cell transplantation potentially can increase proteoglycan production and induce disc regeneration or slow down the degeneration process. In animal models, transplantation of autologous disc cells and chondrocytes (derived from costal cartilage) has been demonstrated to be feasible and may slow disc degeneration.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Evidence for transdifferentiation of human bone marrow-derived stem cells: recent progress and controversies.

Adult bone marrow-derived stem cells have traditionally been known as tissue-specific stem cells capable of producing blood cells. This concept is being challenged by a series of recent discoveries. It has been demonstrated that there are heterogeneous stem cell populations in adult bone marrow compartment. Under appropriate experimental conditions, a certain type of bone marrow stem cells appears to differentiate (or transdifferentiate) into a variety of non-haemopoietic cells of ectodermal, mesodermal and endodermal origins (such as myocytes, neural cells and hepatocytes). The plasticity, that is, the ability to regenerate cells belonging to different organs and tissues of adult (postnatal) stem cells, has raised the therapeutic possibility of using these stem cells for tissue repair and regeneration. Presently, definitive evidence for plasticity or transdifferentiation of bone marrow stem cells is lacking. Despite controversies concerning the plasticity of bone marrow-derived stem cells, early clinical trials are being conducted in patients suffering from myocardial infarct, arthritic and neurological diseases using autologous bone marrow stem cells. This review summarises recent progresses and controversies in transdifferentiation of adult bone marrow-derived stem cells to non-haemopoietic tissues.

Adult↗