Scientists successfully treat rats' injured spinal cords

Prague, Feb 1 (CTK) - Czech scientists have succeeded in treating spinal cord chronic injuries in rats and want to start testing hydrogel with stem cells in people as soon as possible, Eva Sykova, from Science Academy Experimental Medicine Institute, told CTK yesterday.

The experiment is financially supported by the French Association of Patients. French and Spanish patients are to participate in the clinical study of the new method.

People with an injured spinal cord often end up in a wheelchair and the new method is a hope for them.

If a hydrogel with stem cells was inserted in the place of an injury in a rat's spinal cord, new nerve fibres were created and the mobility and sensitiveness of its hind legs improved within half a year.

"We expect the hydrogel with stem cells to be approved for clinical testing within a year and we will then immediately start checking it in people," Sykova said.

She said the method will be applicable to injuries old even several years.

"It has shown that neither cell stems alone nor hydrogels alone are sufficiently effective. Combination of minimally the two things, and in the future also probably of further factors is necessary," Sykova said.