Japanese scientists succeeded for the first time to "grow" in the laboratory miniature human liver from stem cells, according to the journal Nature, quoted by the BBC.

Researchers from the University of Yokohama have been using reprogrammed stem cells that become the hepatocytes (liver cells).

Scientists transplanted into mice tiny body began to grow and shows no signs of performance.
However biologists warn that the method will have to be further developed, so that the artificial organ can be used to treat patients. Researchers believe that the work of these miniature livers could replace only 30% of the body of the patient, says New York Times.

The liver, however, is known for its high regenerative capacity and therefore the sick who need a new organ is often implanted a small part of it taken from a living donor. This gives hope that the discovery of Japanese scientists could solve the problem of the shortage of organs for transplantation in the future.

Dr. Svetla Bogdanova, a specialist neurologist. He graduated in medicine in 1985 at the Medical University of Pleven, Bulgaria. In 1990 acquired specialty of neurology at the Medical University - Sofia, Bulgaria.

Passed courses and specializations in "Thermal burns" to MHATEM "Pirogov", "General EEG" at the Medical University - Sofia neurophysiology, "Doppler Neurosonology" at the Medical University - Sofia "Health Management" at the Medical University - Plovdiv. She has worked as head of the Regional Coordination Headquarters - Center for Emergency Medical Care, Sofia. He is currently a neurologist at Military Medical Academy and Medical Manager of Tissue stem cell bank "Biohelenika."

Really stem cells gives rise to the human body?

For the last 4-5 years in many international forums symposia and publications advocates topic of stem cells. Detailing their meaning and application. Each organ is composed of cells, such as liver is composed of hepatocytes, neurons of the brain, bone osteocytes, blood leukocytes and erythrocytes from lung pulmotsin etc. All these cells are highly specialized and differentiated function they perform. Stem cells are precisely those that develop in the earliest stages of embryonic development and have assigned a function to be performed. This is what is valuable. They have the original genetic material of an individual, not differentiated, ie the future is ahead of them and can be converted (transformed) into specialized cells of various organs. The most important thing about stem cells is that they are born the youngest cells, unaffected by external factors and aging. This is unique.

Is proven and diseases which are used?

Bone marrow transplantation was first performed in 1968 Bone marrow cells are used to treat patients diagnosed with leukemia, aplastic anemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, immune disorders, cancer. We know how is hard to find a suitable donor, how long to wait and how costly it. The decision to proceed with private banking (storage) of stem cells, so is the business organization and authorization of Biohelenika - stem cell bank, of which I am medical director. Modern medicine has come to the conclusion that everyone is good to have available their own stem cells.

Since 1988, stem cells from umbilical cord was successfully applied to replace the bone marrow. Stem cell transplants allow treatment of many serious diseases. This type of therapy have proven their undeniable advantage in the treatment of blood cancers - leukemia and lymphoma, is increasing. 107.3 to 100 thousand in 2005