iPS tests show statins could treat dwarfism
Japan – Researchers at Kyoto University have used tests with induced pluripotent stem cells, or iPS cells, to show that a widely-used drug could help in the treatment of people with dwarfism.
A team led by Professor Noriyuki Tsumaki derived iPS cells from patients suffering from achondroplasia, an abnormality in cartilage growth that results in short arms and legs.
The researchers transformed the iPS cells into cartilage cells to recreate the condition of the disease. When they added a drug called statin, they found the cells multiplied and began producing cartilage tissue.
The team administered statin to mice with dwarfism, and found their bones grew to almost normal length.
Statin is widely used to lower blood cholesterol, but medical authorities have not confirmed whether it is safe for children.
Source: News On Japan
Published: 19 Sep 2014
