Study: Stem cells may treat artery disease

BLOOMINGTON, Ind., Feb. 9 (UPI) -- Indiana University School of Medicine scientists say they've started a clinical trial, testing stem cells as a treatment for peripheral artery disease.

The trial involves using stem-cell injections as a treatment that could offer hope to tens of thousands of people who face sores, ulcers and even amputations due to severe peripheral artery disease.

An estimated 10 million people in the United States are affected by the poor blood circulation -- generally in the legs -- of peripheral artery disease, the researchers said. The disease is caused by atherosclerosis, the clogging and hardening of arteries that can lead to heart attacks.

In the Indiana trial, researchers are using stem cells, and slightly more specialized descendants called progenitor cells, that can create the cells that make up the lining of blood vessels.

Patients receive one injection and then are evaluated several times for 12 weeks.

"We think this is a very promising treatment that could help patients with severe peripheral artery disease for whom there is now no effective therapy," said Dr. Michael Murphy, an assistant professor of surgery who is leading the trial.