Connecting stem cell researchers in Vietnam

Information was given by Associate Professor, Dr. Pham Van Phuc, Director of the Stem Cell Institute, University of Natural Sciences, Ho Chi Minh City National University about the operational goals of the Vietnam Stem Cell Network, launched on October 10. /1. The network’s mission is to connect researchers, organizations and individuals in the field of stem cells. This is considered a platform to help create a strong community, where members share knowledge, cooperate in research and develop stem cell applications, contributing to promoting the development of Vietnam’s stem cell field. .

Associate Professor Phuc said that in 2001, Canada’s stem cell network was established for the first time in the world. Up to now, the Stem Cell Network concept is becoming widespread in many countries. He assessed that this is not an association but individuals and organizations that love stem cells. From this base, Associate Professor Phuc cherished the idea of ​​establishing a Vietnamese stem cell network 5 years ago. He expects that when launching the network, it will bring new values ​​to Vietnam through many community connection activities.

Specifically, the Vietnam Stem Cell Network will publish free monthly information materials to the community. The publication provides and updates applied research trends, business activities, and investments for the stem cell industry in the world and domestically. Associate Professor Phuc expects VNSCI to spread knowledge, promote Vietnam’s stem cell industry, and help the community enjoy the achievements brought by stem cells.

The network will work closely with the participating community to seek research orders from medical facilities and doctors during the treatment process. Experts and scientists will research the application of stem cells to solve ordering problems. “This is to solve the problem of stem cell research not finding applications,” Associate Professor Phuc said.

He said that in the immediate future, through training programs and seminars, he will gradually standardize the stem cell production process, to ensure uniform quality of output products. This is the basis for research units and hospitals to agree on a common standard for the production of stem cell products. There is currently no common standard for products in this field.

At the conference, representatives of VNSCI parties announced recent research on stem cell applications in health care.

Dr. Bach Thi Thu Cuc, Reproductive Support Center, Post Office Hospital, said that over the past 5 years, the unit has applied autologous platelet-rich plasma to support infertile patients. Post Office Hospital experts took blood samples from infertile patients, separated them into platelet-rich plasma and then pumped them into the patient’s body to support the process of implantation in the uterus, helping the patient get pregnant. Research helps improve the situation of infertile patients who transfer embryos many times but cannot conceive.

Van Hanh General Hospital uses mesenchymal stem cells from the umbilical cord to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells are believed to have high immunomodulating ability, helping to reduce the frequency of acute attacks in patients.