Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles combined adult stem cells with parathyroid hormone to see the impact on spinal bone fracture healing, according to Medical Xpress.
The study involved mesenchymal stem cells and parathyroid hormone, which regulates calcium levels. The researchers injected rats and pigs with vertebral fractures with the hormone daily and five doses of stem cells over a 21-day period.
Molecular Therapy published the study.
Here are four observations:
1. The researchers found the combination therapy attracted the stem cells to the area of bone fracture more quickly, speeding the pace of bone formation.
2. Study co-author, Dan Gazit, DMD, PhD, co-director of the Skeletal Regeneration and Stem Cell Therapy Program at Cedars-Sinai and Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, commented stem cells with the hormone are much stronger together, than when used separately for treatment.
3. The researchers plan to use their findings to create treatments for osteoporosis and spinal compression fractures.
4. The ideal next step would be a clinical trial involving humans.