In a recent blog post, we discussed mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), a particular type of stem cell with several unique characteristics that make them of particular interest to researchers who are exploring their potential in a wide variety of therapeutic applications – including preclinical research on a chronic lung disease that impacts newborns.

According to study results published in Cell Transplantation, MSCs derived from human umbilical cord blood reduced injury and inflammation in animal models of neonatal lung damage caused by bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).

BPD affects babies born prematurely or those who experience respiratory problems shortly after birth who require high levels of oxygen from a ventilator for long periods of time.  Although mechanical ventilation is critical to survival, the pressure from the ventilation and excess oxygen can injure a newborn's delicate lungs over time. The lung damage of BPD can lead to long-term respiratory health problems and has few effective treatments today.

The researchers found that newborn MSCs from the umbilical cord significantly reduced structural growth impairments, cell death and signs of inflammation associated with BPD. The protective effects of MSC therapy against lung injury appeared to be a result of the anti-inflammatory activity of the stem cells.  The researchers also noted that a small number of the newborn MSCs may have developed into lung epithelial cells as well.

The study gives strong preclinical evidence to support further research for using newborn mesenchymal stem cells to treat BPD – an important step forward for some of the world’s tiniest and most vulnerable patients.

Along with asthma and cystic fibrosis, BPD is one of the most common chronic lung diseases in children. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), between 5,000 and 10,000 cases of BPD occur every year in the United States.

Click here to view the study.