Study confirms presence of more bone marrow stem cells in men than women

SME News, Wednesday, May 16, 2012 17:21:22 PM IST
CHENNAI: In a study on spinal cord injury victims, carried out by the Chennai based Nichi-In Centre for Regenerative Medicine (NCRM), an Indo-Japan joint venture institute, jointly with KG hospital, Coimbatore, and Omega Hospital, Mangalore, it was found that the men have relatively more bone marrow stem cells than those in the same age group of women of reproductive age. As per the study, it was also found that the decline in the quantity of the stem cells was sharp after the age of 40 in both the genders.

Severe spinal cord injuries make the victim restricted to wheel chairs, due to the patient’s inability to move the lower-level body parts. NCRM scientists said that there are evidences which prove the safety and efficacy of bone marrow stem cells, offering hope to these patients. Dr. Abraham, the author of the paper said, “The quantity of bone marrow stem cells especially the CD34+ cells and their concentration per ml of bone marrow in spinal injury victims have not been reported to this detail.”

Dr J K B C Parthiban, president, Neuro Spine Surgeons Association of India and a co-author in the publication said, “The bone marrow stem cells offer a great hope to spinal injury victims and we have to thoroughly do research on them to bring out their best potential for treating patients.”