Researchers find sex-specific benefits of experimental stroke therapy
Researchers have discovered that an experimental stroke therapy using extracellular vesicles derived from stem cells shows sex-specific efficacy in rats. The study suggests that female sex hormones may enhance the therapeutic benefits of these vesicles, potentially leading to more personalized stroke treatments.
Why it matters
This research underscores the importance of considering biological sex differences in medical treatments, which could significantly improve recovery outcomes for stroke patients.
by Bill Wellock, Florida State University
edited by Sadie Harley , reviewed by Robert Egan
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:
Add as preferred source Examples of stem cells that secrete extracellular vesicles. Credit: Yan Li Researchers at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering and National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, or MagLab, have shown that a potential stroke treatment derived from stem cells may be more effective for women.
In a study published in Theranostics , the research team used human mesenchymal stem cells, which can transform into a variety of cell types, to harvest extracellular vesicles, or EVs—small particles released by cells as chemical messengers. They tested those EVs as a therapy for ischemic stroke, when blood flow is blocked from reaching the brain.
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