Dankook University’s BLI-Korea Research Center (Director, Pil Sang
Jung) is expected to gain momentum in finding a treatment for vascular
diseases after it discovered a potential treatment that combines
low-powered light and stem cells.
According to the research team, when a 1mm sized third-dimensional
mass of stem cells, produced using stem cells extracted from body fat,
is transplanted into the injury site and the site is exposed to light of
a red wavelength range, the stem cells will support recuperative powers
in vivo generated by light and enhances the growth of new blood
vessels; thus, tissue necrosis can be effectively treated. It is also
evidenced by animal experiments that this form of treatment remarkably
facilitates blood flow and prevents further tissue necrosis, in
comparison with the previous treatment where injury sites are directly
exposed to LED light.
The research team claims that this study will be the base data to
discover a treatment that can be widely used in curing skin necrosis
caused by diabetes and various other vascular injuries. This research
was published in the latest issue of ‘Biomaterials,’ a foreign medical
magazine that is renowned in the field of biocompatible materials.
Prof. Jin Cheol Ahn of the research team mentioned, “Our research is
at the stage of investigating the possibilities through animal
experiments. With continuous studies, we will take on a pioneering role
in discovering a new stem cell therapy by developing effective and
low-cost treatment technology.