Tissues and Functions Regeneration


Regeneration stands a step ahead compared with the practise of simply repairing what is damaged and its simple replacement from outside. In regeneration, the human body is stimulated to produce new cells, new tissues and new organs (Haseltine, 2003).

Embryonic stem cells have been differentiated in order to produce cardiomyocytes, glial cells, neurons, insulin-producing cells and endothelial cells.

Research, in this case, is not limited to embryonic stem cells, but extends to adult stem cells that were isolated from many donor tissues, such as the amniotic fluid. These cells are actually able to express markers both for embryonic and adult cells. The latter can be subsequently differentiated into diverse cell lines, including neuronal, osteogenic and hepatic cells (De Coppi, 2007).

Another method aimed at stimulating in vivo regeneration is made up by smaller molecules such as growth factors. Potential for the gene therapy of endothelial growth factors is being investigated in order to induce neoangiogenesis and improve blood flow in case of cardiac angina.

Nanomaterials, too, are being investigated to examine the possibility of using them as growth factors carriers with the purpose of stimulating tissue and cellular regeneration (Tabata, 2005).

Stefano Verardi, M. D.