Stem Cell Laboratory
Effect of Chinese medicine in stem cell activation
Stem cells isolated from different anatomical locations of rats are used to study the effects of Chinese Medicine on bone, tendon and muscle regeneration. The effects of Chinese medicine to facilitate the stem cell movement during the wound and fracture healing were evaluated. A manuscript revealing the proliferative and multilineage potential of stem cell derived from the rat fascia has been published.
Effect of Chinese medicine in stem cell movement
We have modified a complex 12-herb formula to a simple 2-herb formula containing extracts of Astragali Radix (Huangqi; AR) and Rehmanniae Radix (Shengdi; RR) (namely NF3) to promote the diabetic wound healing. It was effective in both laboratory and clinical studies. For in-depth mechanistic study, its effect on activation of stem has been evaluated. A diabetic rat model with an open wound on the foot was established as the in vivo study platform. The protocol for labeling of the stem cells in the animal by iodo-deoxyuridine (IdU) labeling has been verified. Further histological studies will be performed to observe the activation of stem cells upon herbal treatment at different time points (Supported by Chow Tai Fook Charity Foundation).
Chinese medicine in traumatic brain injury
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a significant public health problem worldwide and a highly complex disease process, but there is no effective pharmacological intervention currently. Da Chuanxiong Formula (DCXF) composing of dried rhizomes of Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. and Gasrodia elata Bl. significantly improved the learning ability and memory retention of the controlled cortical TBI rats via the Morris water maze test, and remarkably enhanced their motor performances in the acceleration rotarod motor test and the catwalk quantitative gait analysis. This study was financially supported by the Health and Medical Research Fund (no. 12134111) of the Food and Health Bureau, Hong Kong Special Administration Region.