[Stem cell transplantation into rat inner ear]

ABSTRACT

Recent advances in regenerative medicine and stem cell therapy has opened new horizons with promising results in treating diseases so far known as incurable. Therapy with stem cells has been considered in treating various disorders encompassing hematologic, cardiovascular, neurologic, dermatologic and orthopedic entities as well as diabetes. Stem cells transplantation has been lately evaluated in treating hearing impairments in experimental studies and it is expected to open its way in treating patients with sensori-neural hearing loss in future. The present study is a review of literature published in medical databases current as of July 2007. Authors in this article has highlighted important characteristics of this novel approach including basics of stem cell biology and its potential application in treating auditory disorders. Despite primary hopeful results from stem cells transplantation in treating hearing impairments in experimental research, there are many questions which should be answered before their being introduced in clinical trials. Finding a proper source for cellular isolation, method of differentiation, way of delivery to the target organ and the right dosing as well as the ethical issues and potential hazards confronted are such challenges which should be first overcome