The conclusion belongs to a new scientific investigation

Nov 4, 2013 15:33 GMT  ·  By
MAPC therapy shows promise in improving cognitive function following traumatic brain injury
   MAPC therapy shows promise in improving cognitive function following traumatic brain injury

Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center (UTHealth) Medical School have demonstrated in a preclinical study that a specific type of stem cell therapy can contribute to long-term cognitive improvements in patients who had suffered traumatic brain injury. 

Interestingly, this is the same type of stem cell therapy that was recently shown to have great promise in reducing inflammation following such injuries. Details of the trial appear in the November 4 issue of the journal STEM CELLS Translational Medicine, EurekAlert reports.

This course of treatment is based on multipotent adult progenitor cell (MAPC), a type of stem cells that has been shown to effectively reduce inflammation associated with brain injury in mice.

“Based on our data, we saw improved spatial learning, improved motor deficits and fewer active antibodies in the mice that were given the stronger concentration of MAPCs,” explains Charles Cox, the Children's Fund, Inc. Distinguished Professor of Pediatric Surgery at the UTHealth Medical School.