Stem cells from female genital track: Scientists

Mumbai: Kolhapur-based senior gynaecologist Dr Satish Patki and senior Scientist at National Centre for Cell Science, Pune, Dr Ramesh Bhonde on Tuesday claimed that they have successfully created heart cells from the lining of uterus. They also demonstrated stem cells isolated from fallopian tubes and ovaries, and endometrium -- the entire female genital track -- were differentiated from heart, liver, bone, kidney, fat and pancreas cells. The scientists claimed that the medical fraternity could do autologous (stem cells from the patient) transplantation and thus revolutionise the entire science of obstetrics and gynaecology. This study will bring about tremendous impact in the various disorders like pregnancy induced hypertension and cases of recurrent abortions, Patki and Bhonde told media on Tuesday at Kolhapur. Clinical trials on these multi-potent cells for all gynaecological related problems are expected to start within six months, the scientists said. Apart from its human application, the present research will be useful for studying the effects of various drugs on the cells cultured in the laboratory. Similar techniques will also be useful for increasing the population of various endangered animal species like tigers or pandas by using various fertility enhancing techniques, based on this research, Bhonde said. The differentiated heart cells, myotubules, were shown beating, which can be directly used for therapeutics, Pitke told PTI from Kolhapur. Talking about the versatile nature of the uterus Pitke an IVF (test tube baby) specialist said, the lining of the uterus (endometrium) was obtained from the uterus by a simple non-surgical technique and it showed presence of a large number of stem cells. The stem cells obtained from fallopian tubes and ovaries were documented to be mesenchymal stem cells by the presence of various markers on their surface detected by the equipment called flow cytometry. The uterus is the only organ in human beings which undergoes cycles of shedding of its entire lining called endometrium and again its rapid repair over a period of one menstrual cycle. It is observed that usually 500 such cycles of shedding and repair occur in a life of a woman. Another peculiar observation in the uterine behaviour is its extreme capacity to expand in pregnancy and later again to return to its original size after delivery. The uterus weighs only 70 grams during non-pregnant status while it weighs about 1100 grams at full term pregnancy. Similarly, the volume of the uterus increases from hardly two ml to 5000 ml from non-pregnant to full term pregnant stage respectively. Such extremes of variation in size are not possible in any other human organ, Pitke said. One more interesting finding which stimulated the research by Patki and Bhonde was the immunological versatility shown by the uterus. This is the first of its kind research in the world literature, which has been accepted for publication by US based International 'Journal of Medical hypothesis', the researchers said, adding that they had applied for patent for their original work.