Cord Blood News Volume 3.40 | Oct 13 2011

Changing Criteria for Umbilical Cord Transplantation Could Improve Survival Rates
Selecting better matched recipients and donors for umbilical cord blood transplantation could substantially reduce transplant-related deaths, according to a new study. [Press release from the Medical College of Wisconsin discussing online prepublication in The Lancet Oncology] Press Release | Abstract

Induced Immune Tolerance for Kidney Transplantation
In the current proof-of-concept study, 12 patients who received HLA-matched kidney transplants received a donor-cell infusion of highly enriched CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells mixed with CD3+ T cells, and a conditioning regimen of total lymphoid irradiation and anti–T-cell antibodies according to a protocol described in detail in a previous case report of the successful induction of tolerance. [N Engl J Med] Abstract | Press Release

Impaired Functionality and Homing of Fancg-Deficient Hematopoietic Stem Cells
Scientists have examined the role of the nuclear Fanconi Anemia core complex gene Fancg in the functionality of hematopoietic stem cells. [Hum Mol Genet] Abstract

Intracerebroventricular Administration of Human Umbilical Cord Blood Cells Delays Disease Progression in Two Murine Models of Motor Neuron Degeneration
In an attempt to improve the potential efficacy of human cord blood mononuclear cells (HuCB-MNCs) in the central nervous system, researchers examined the effect and distribution of Hoechst 33258-labeled HuCB-MNCs after a single bilateral intracerberoventricular injection in two models of motor neuron degeneration, the transgenic SOD1G93A and wobbler mice. [Rejuvenation Res] Abstract

The Anti-Tumour Activity of Allogeneic Cytokine-Induced Killer Cells in Patients Who Relapse After Allogeneic Transplant for Haematological Malignancies
Researchers performed a Phase I/II clinical trial to study the feasibility, toxicity and efficacy of allogeneic cytokine-induced killer cell expansion, and treatment for patients with haematological malignancies who relapsed after allogeneic haemopoietic stem cell transplantation. [Bone Marrow Transplant] Abstract

Predicting Overall Viability of Cord Blood Harvests
Researchers retrospectively analyzed white blood cell (WBC) viability from 9918 cord blood collections harvested from 2003 to 2010 to determine if collection volume and time to freezing had a significant effect on WBC viability. [Transfusion] Abstract

High Cord Blood Levels of the T-Helper 2-Associated Chemokines CCL17 and CCL22 Precede Allergy Development During the First 6 Years of Life
The aim of the study was to determine whether cord blood T-helper 1 (Th1)- and Th2-associated chemokine levels are associated with allergy development during the first 6 y of life, allowing assessment of respiratory allergic symptoms usually developing in this period. [Pediatr Res] Abstract

Chromosomal Stability During Ex Vivo Expansion of UCB CD34⁺ Cells
In this study, scientists evaluated genetic stability of umbilical cord blood (UCB)-derived CD34⁺ cells during ex vivo culture, based on karyotype analysis, as well as its effect on cell proliferation characteristics. [Cell Prolif] Abstract

Angiopoietin-Like-2 and -3 Act Through Their Coiled-Coil Domains to Enhance Survival and Replating Capacity of Human Cord Blood Hematopoietic Progenitors
Investigators assessed purified recombinant endotoxin-free human angiopoietin-like (ANGPTL)-2 Coiled-Coil (CC), -3, -3CC, -3 fibrinogen-like domain, -4, -4CC, -5CC, -6 and -7 for effects on proliferation and survival of hematopoietic progenitor cells from human cord blood. [Blood Cells Mol Dis] Abstract

Unrelated Cord Blood Transplantation After Myeloablative Conditioning Regimen in Adolescent and Young Adult Patients with Hematologic Malignancies: A Single Institute Analysis
Scientists report the results of unrelated cord blood transplantation after myeloablative conditioning regimen in 16 patients with hematologic malignancies from 15 to 20 years old. [Leuk Res] Abstract

Fludarabine, Melphalan, Thiotepa and ATG Conditioning for Unrelated Cord Blood Transplantation
Researchers evaluated the toxicity and outcomes of a conditioning regimen consisting of melphalan 140 mg/m2 (day -8), thiotepa 10 mg/kg (day -7), fludarabine 160 mg/m2 over 4 days (days -6 to -3), and rabbit ATG 1.25 mg/kg (day -4) and 1.75 mg/kg (day -3). [Leuk Lymphoma] Abstract

PerkinElmer’s ViaCord® Cord Blood Banking Business to Expand Stem Cell Harvesting Capabilities
PerkinElmer, Inc. announced that its family cord blood banking business, ViaCord®, will now offer families the ability to extract stem cells from the tissue surrounding the umbilical cord vessels, a very rich source of mesenchymal stem cells. [PerkinElmer, Inc.] Press Release

Cord Blood America, Inc. to Evaluate Possible Strategic Alternatives
Cord Blood America, Inc. announced that its Board of Directors will conduct a process to explore and evaluate strategic alternatives for Cord Blood America to enhance shareholder value. [Cord Blood America, Inc.] Press Release

Cryo-Save Group N.V. Is Proud to Announce a Step Forward in Cord Blood Stem Cell Education for Gynecologists: The Italian Case
The Italian Association of Hospital Obstetricians and Gynecologists (AOGOI) entered into an agreement with Cryo-Save to launch LIVECORD project. The LIVECORD project is dedicated to providing education and disseminating accurate information on the cryopreservation of stem cells and their current use in clinical therapeutic treatments to medical and paramedical staff. [PR Newswire] Press Release

U.S. Cord Blood Supply Lacking, GAO Says
The national supply of umbilical cord blood is not growing as fast as it could, in part because of competition from private blood banks and a slowdown in growth in the cord blood market, according to a new report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO). [MedPage Today] Press Release

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