Public release date: 22-Feb-2013 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Jillian Hurst press_releases@the-jci.org Journal of Clinical Investigation

Parthenogenesis is a form of asexual reproduction during which unfertilized eggs begin to develop as if they had been fertilized. It occurs naturally in many plants and a few invertebrate (some bees, scorpions, parasitic wasps) and vertebrate animals (some fish, reptiles, and amphibians), but does not occur naturally in mammals. In 2007, researchers were able to chemically induce human egg cells to undergo parthenogenesis. The resulting parthenogenote has properties similar to an embryo, but cannot develop further. In this issue of the Journal of Clinical Investigation, Wolfram Zimmerman and colleagues at Georg-August-Universitt Gttingen in Gttingen, Germany, demonstrated that cells from the parthenogenote function as embryonic stem cells and maintain the capacity to develop into different types of tissue. Further, they used parthenogenic stem cells to make cardiomyocytes and engineered heart muscle (myocardium) that exhibited the structural and functional properties of normal myocardium. The engineered myocardium could then be used to engraft the mice that had contributed the eggs for parthenogenesis. These studies demonstrate that parthenogenic stem cells can be used for tissue engineering. In a companion commentary, Michael Schneider of the Imperial College of London discusses how these findings could impact the development of cell replacement therapies.

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TITLE: Parthenogenetic stem cells for tissue engineered heart repair

AUTHOR CONTACT: Wolfram Zimmermann Georg-August-Universitt Gttingen, Gttingen, DEU Phone: +49 (0) 551 39-57 81; E-mail: w.zimmermann@med.uni-goettingen.de

View this article at: http://www.jci.org/articles/view/66854?key=31d6143cd2894a5b80d5

ACCOMPANYING COMMENTARY

TITLE: Virgin birth: engineered heart muscle from parthenogenic stem cells

AUTHOR CONTACT: Michael D. Schneider Imperial College London, London, UNK, GBR Phone: 011 44 20 7594 3027; Fax: 011 44 20 7594 3190; E-mail: m.d.schneider@imperial.ac.uk

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How to mend a broken heart: Advances in parthenogenic stem cells

A recent study from the University of Edinburgh revealed the ability of 3D printers to produce embryonic stem cells. Dr. Simon Ourian of Epione Beverly Hills believes this discovery may have a significant impact on the field of aesthetic medicine.

Los Angeles, California (PRWEB) February 22, 2013

With this printing method, a number of possibilities are presented. This new technology might be utilized for a number of cosmetic procedures including removing wrinkles, improving skin tone, rejuvenating tired, aged skin and even re-growing hair.

Dr. Simon Ourian, Medical Director of Epione Beverly Hills, believes this study shows promise for the future of aesthetic medicine. He says, Although this project is in its early stages, it has tremendous upside. After repeated testing, improvements, and approvals, I can see this technology becoming well integrated into what we do."

The printer might also be used to produce three-dimensional human tissues to grow vital organs for transplants, study, and for testing the effects of new drugs. In the future, the printer might even be used to print human cells directly into the body.

Stem cells are technically called hESCs or human Embryonic Stem Cells, which are extracted from a human embryo. From there, the cells can be grown into virtually any type of cell found in a living adult individual - from muscle, skin and bone to brain tissue.

Using stem cells for aesthetic medicine may eliminate many of the potential risks and complications that currently accompany cosmetic procedures. This new treatment would be sourced from the patient's own blood in order to extract the PRP or Autologous Platelet Rich Plasma. Since the material is sourced from the patient's own blood, there is no risk of rejection. One merely uses ones own tissue in order to heal, renew and regenerate damaged tissue.

It truly is an exciting time to be practicing aesthetic medicine, says Dr. Ourian. The idea that we can use the body to heal and improve itself seems like the stuff of science fiction. I eagerly await the results of future studies.

Dr. Ourian has been a pioneer in laser technology and non-invasive aesthetic procedures including Restylane, Juvderm, Radiesse and Sculptra. These treatments are used for the correction or reversal of a variety of conditions such as acne, acne scars, skin discoloration, wrinkles, stretch marks, varicose veins, cellulite, and others. More information about 3D printing of stem cells can be found on Epiones website.

Grace Russell Epione Medical Corporation (888) 951-3377 Email Information

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First Printer for Human Stem Cells – What it Means for Aesthetic Medicine