Stem Cell Breakthrough at Bangkok Hospital

Well, there you be. Somehow I knew you'd be clicking by right about now. Coffee's fresh and so are the virtual doughnuts, muffins and assorted pastries. Tempting, eh? Go for it! Hey... you know I keep my eyes and ears open for any medical or health news. Well, golly gee! I just read this and thought I'd share it with you. Anything that even remotely promises to slow down or cure one or more of the major diseases that plague us is welcome news. This is from Bangkok (close to home for another 2 weeks!).

 A Siriraj Hospital medical team this week announced its successful isolation of stem cells from amniotic fluid which they said will contribute to treatments of many chronic diseases.

Dr Udom Kachintorn, dean of the Siriraj medical school, said further research will be conducted on the use of stem cells to treat various illnesses including Alzheimer's, osteoarthritis, diabetes and spinal cord pain. These chronic ailments are related to deteriorating stem cells in a human body.

A preliminary lab test has been done with animals but it will take some time before the medical team starts testing on human beings, he said.

Dr Udom said stem cells normally spread all over a person's body but they are abundant and pure in an infant's umbilical cord and placenta.

Dr Tassanee Permthai, chief of the stem cell research project, said stem cells from the placenta of a four-month-old baby can be transplanted in a patient like fully-developed stem cells. 

Once transplanted in a patient’s body, the stem cells evolve into cells in different parts of the body, she explained, adding that the transplantation of stem cells can also prevent tumours. (MCOT online news)

Keep the good news flowing, doctors. We need your research.

See ya, eh!

Bob

Comment from Doug in Bangkok:

Hi Bob,
           I travelled through Amsterdam last year at Xmas/ New Year and indeed they do have some fancy scanners! I had inadvertently left my comb in my back pocket and I thought WW3 was about to start. Lights flashing and buzzers going off! As regards the confidentiality, I can just see the headlines now; given the current state of the media.

Doug