Induced dedifferentiation: A possible alternative to embryonic stem cell transplants

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Becker, Robert O.^{; *}

Affiliations: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Upstate Medical Center, State University of New York, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA

Correspondence: [*] Address for correspondence: Box 278 HC 62, Lowville, NY 13367, USA. Tel.: +1 315 376 8072

Abstract: Induction of local tissue regeneration in the human would best be accomplished if the patient's own cells at the desired site could be caused to dedifferentiate into the required embryonic stem cells. A system involving the electrical iontophoretic introduction of free silver ions into human wounds for their antibiotic effect has been in clinical use since 1975. In addition to a major antibiotic effect, the technique was found to produce the regeneration of all local tissues, apparently by stimulating dedifferentiation of mature human cells. More recently the use of a newly developed silvered nylon fabric has been found to have similar results without the need for electrical parameters. The results of a preliminary laboratory and clinical study of this material are presented.

Keywords: stem cells, dedifferentiation, silver ion, tissue regeneration

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-2002-17104

Journal: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 17, no. 1, pp. 23-31, 2002