Researchers funded by the Defense Department have successfully used pig tissue to restore function to the injured leg muscles of 5 men.
Researchers funded by the U.S. Department of Defense have successfully used pig tissue to restore function to the injured leg muscles of 5 men.
The study was small, but the results are quite promising.
Prior to the procedure, all of the participants had lost at least some use of their legs.
The severity ranged from needing to use a cane to not being able to do certain activities like cycling.
In all cases, their conditions were untreatable by other available means.
After the experimental surgery, they were able to enjoy a significantly higher degree of functionality.
The implanting of a scaffold made from pig tissue with the cells removed is said to be effective because, when combined with physical therapy, it stimulates human stem cell growth, allowing the muscle to rebuild itself.
On their own, damaged muscles only have a limited ability to do so. What can’t be fixed by the body’s natural responses turns into scar tissue, which can interrupt, and in some cases debilitate, the use of the affected arm or leg.
Scientists found that if the scar tissue is removed and replaced with modified pig tissue, the stem cells spring into action and work to get the muscle-rebuilding job done.
