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    Stem Cells May Further Hepatitis C Research

    TUESDAY, Jan. 31 (HealthDay News) -- Using stem cells to create liver-like cells for laboratory research may advance efforts to find out why people respond differently to hepatitis C infection, scientists say.

    It's not clear why some people are resistant to hepatitis C, while others are highly susceptible to the infectious disease that can cause liver inflammation and organ failure.

    Studying liver cells from various people could reveal genetic factors behind these different responses, but liver cells are difficult to obtain and to grow in a lab dish.

    Now, U.S. researchers have found a way to create liver-like cells from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which are made from body tissues rather than embryos. These liver-like cells can then be infected with hepatitis C.

    The research was published Jan. 30 in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

    It's the first time that scientists have been able to establish an infection in iPSC-derived cells. The technique was developed by a team from MIT, Rockefeller University and the Medical College of Wisconsin.

    Along with benefiting hepatitis C research, the new technique may eventually have a role in personalized medicine, the researchers said in a MIT news release. By testing the effectiveness of different drugs on tissues derived from a patient, doctors could customize therapy for that patient, they said.

    More information

    The American Academy of Family Physicians has more about hepatitis C.

     

    28 comments

    • rodrigo  •  Manila, Philippines  •  3 mths ago
      Such good news, hoping for the successful research.
    • David  •  Medfield, Massachusetts  •  3 mths ago
      People seem to believe only drug users get Hep C. I got Hep C through a blood transfusion before Hep C was even known about. I am now Hep C free through medical treatments. I hope this will help others infected who aren't as lucky as I was.
    • Richard  •  Fresno, California  •  3 mths ago
      I am of Scottish ancestry and our livers have been eugenically engineered to withstand all invasions.
    • Mingo  •  3 mths ago
      My liver looks like an old shoe...........anything would help!
      • Mary 3 mths ago
        Hang in there. I had a transplant a year and a half ago. It gets better.
    • Moo Moocow  •  Hilliard, Florida  •  3 mths ago
      well, what I'm finding with my transplant and treatments for hep-c is that my prescription company will not pay for it or recommend it. and since the a hole in the presidency made a bill to stop all transplants on soc sec. right after he froze the cola raise, I think the first month in office?you all can kiss my butt. I hope you get it and they do that to you.!! waiting to just die. here?and they keep all my soc sec. that I 've paid in for 60 years.what a crooked deal. I can't even get a new approve drug that has 65-85% success rate. that was released 6 months ago. why insurance company?why prescription company?why are you turning me down..My doctors tell you that I need it or I'm doomed.and you refusing me treatment.... #$%$ people....
      • bballer732 3 mths ago
        so sorry to hear that,
      • Mary 3 mths ago
        In Colorado at the University hospital they help pay for the medications. They are trying the new medication for hep C The Dr here has successfully fought the insurance companys. It depends on where you are.
      • Pearlie 3 mths ago
        Don't wish your diseases on me, I actually take care of myself and don't whine when no one throws themselves at my feet when I demand it. BTW, there are plenty of programs you can apply for if you are truly dieing.
    • True  •  Brunswick, Maine  •  3 mths ago
      fetal stem cells will cure almost anything---as soon as we destroy the religious retards thsi will will be a million times better
    • Brandon  •  3 mths ago
      Sweet. This is such good news.
    • philipl20  •  3 mths ago
      Here we go again. Adult stem cell are the best way to go as of now.
      • ddn 3 mths ago
        Of course, but it takes time to research this and we'll how are you going to make adult stem cells as good as embryonic stem cells if u don't study them both. You can extract embryonic stem cells from fetal blood so it shouldn't even be a question of morality.
    • diablodejalisco  •  Centro, Mexico  •  3 mths ago
      if they find a cure for all of these diseases, what would the pharm and insurance and medical businesses do? i can see republicans being against this. they have no heart. its all about the money.
    • MrHyde  •  3 mths ago
      But its evil dont do it, you might actually save someone and the religious nut jobs cant have that
      • John 3 mths ago
        You know those hypocritical lunatics would love it if it would fix their health problems or their families'. But up until that point, some nonsensical interpretation in the bible says that it wrong.
      • sodagrrl 3 mths ago
        This does NOT use embyonic stem cells. Learn to read.
      • porpoiseboy 3 mths ago
        i think you've had "toomuch" to drink
    • Elaine  •  3 mths ago
      The reason some ppl are NOT susceptible to Hepatisis is they lack the receptors, for the hepatisis virus to attach themselves to. Case in point, like the ppl who seemingly, are resistant to the virus that causes AID. Scientists are suppose to know this, and this is something they should take into consideration, when doing their research.
      • porpoiseboy 3 mths ago
        based on your spelling...it is VERY UNLIKELY that you have ANY idea what you are talking about.
      • Elaine 3 mths ago
        Oh, I do know what I'm talking about. I'm just a terrible typist is all. But to a red neck hick like you, explaining anything is pointless, so I won't try, Porpoiseboy.
    • John  •  Charlottesville, Virginia  •  3 mths ago
      I hope they find the cure for cancer from stem cells. Thanks for placing a federal ban on it Bush. Or should I say The Great Dubya.
    • sandi  •  Rehoboth, Massachusetts  •  3 mths ago
      The Evangelical throw backs are not in favor.

      Burn al the bibles,
    • George  •  3 mths ago
      ❤EMBRYONIC AND ADULT STEM CELLS❤
    • StrangersEyes  •  Tampa, Florida  •  3 mths ago
      President Barack Obama’s 2009 executive order that lifted some stem cell research restrictions should be codified into law so future lawmakers cannot undo it
    • sodagrrl  •  3 mths ago
      It's a shame there isn't more media attention given to adult stem cell research, which has shown great promise as compared to embryonic stem cell research. Glad to hear that they may make inroads into treating Hep C - it's a nasty disease with even nastier cures.
    • pete s  •  Miami, Florida  •  3 mths ago
      But these stem cells could be babies, couldn't they? If so, make every right wing Republican, especially the Jesus-lovers, adopt one. And that goes for Georgie Boy Bush, too. Let him adopt two, one for each useless war he started while playing at the White House.
    • mark m  •  3 mths ago
      most people who get hep c deserve it,,let's not spend any more money keeping our worst citizens alive any longer. everyone i ever met with hep c was a junkie of a sexual deviant,or both,,,common sewer #$%$
    • EP3Bob  •  3 mths ago
      Wow! I fully expected to see lots of comments by the non-scientific group who believe that
      embryonic stem cells are medicine's best hope. Nice surprise for a change. One more bit
      of proof that the stem cell researchers are putting their money where there is the best hope
      of finding cures: adult stem cells and stem cells other than embryonic.
    • stupid republican  •  3 mths ago
      Christian fanatics are just as bad as the Muslim Fanatics. the both stop progress
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