UF Health researchers discover way to preserve, expand anti-diabetes cells

A group of UF Health researchers has found a way to preserve and expand certain umbilical cord blood cells as a potential treatment for Type 1 diabetes. The findings involve thymic regulatory T cells, or Tregs, a type of white blood cell that modulates the immune system and prevents autoimmune diseases such as Type 1 diabetes. The researchers found that Tregs can be frozen at birth and later multiplied in a lab. Having a large, pure population of Tregs is a crucial step toward the ultimate goal of stopping Type 1 diabetes in its early stages, said Todd M. Brusko, Ph.D., an associate professor in the UF College of Medicine department of pathology, immunology and laboratory medicine — Doug Bennett

UF approved for novel stem cell studies

A series of stem cell studies that could potentially lead to breakthroughs in medicine has been approved to take place at the UF College of Medicine – Jacksonville. The research will use adipose-derived stem cells taken from a patient’s own body fat, mainly from areas around the abdomen, said John Murray, M.D., an assistant professor in UF Health Jacksonville’s department of surgery and chief of the division of plastic surgery. The first study will last for one year and will attempt to determine whether human adipose-derived stem cells will retain their original relevant biological characteristics after they are isolated from the body. — Dan Leveton

Study shows testosterone treatment boosts bone density, coronary artery plaque

A year of testosterone treatment improved bone density and anemia among older men with low testosterone but also increased coronary artery plaque and had no effect on patients’ cognitive function, according to a team that includes UF Health researchers. They found bone strength was especially improved in the spine, but there was more coronary artery plaque buildup among those who received the testosterone treatment than those who did not. — Doug Bennett