Wednesday, August 7, 2013

News You Can Use

Stem Cells in the Gingiva May Have Important Medical Applications

Recent research on stem cells from the gingiva (gum tissue) have been shown not only to be able to become any cell needed but can also relieve inflammatory diseases.

A study performed by the Ostrow School of Dentistry at USC and published in the Journal of Dental Research found gingiva stem cells to be unique which may lead to great medical applications for these cells in the future.  Gingiva has a much less inflammatory reaction and heals much faster than skin. 

The researchers at Ostrow School of Dentistry saw evidence of two types of stem cells in the gingiva, with over 90% being of the type that forms into other cells easier and has the reduced inflammatory response.  The capability for these cells to become less inflammatory is distinctive to the gingival type of stem cells (as compared with the embryonic stem cells) and can be acquired by a simple biopsy of the gum tissue.

Not only are the cells easier to obtain, but the lowered inflammatory response decreases the time needed to heal, which would have important implications for skin wound healing and reducing scar formation.While more research needs to be done to fully understand the immunoregulatory properties of the gingival stem cells, the current results prove to be a promising area of study.


Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/264450.php


R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
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