Thalassemia Patients and Friends
Discussion Forums => Thalassemia Major => Topic started by: howard on May 25, 2007, 09:57:35 AM
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Has anyone seen the new lately regarding a new developed plastic blood. It was developed in the UK by the Researchers at Sheffield University.
Was wondering if one day they could eventually develop a plastic blood that does not contain iron and can last much longer than nature human blood.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/north_yorkshire/6645923.stm
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Hi Howard,
Iron is the key for the proper function of blood. Oxygen reacts with it more readily than anything else and it is carried throughout the body, therefore it is essential and thus there can't be blood without Iron (Unless they find an alternative for the same function). However the concerns for us Thals is the freed up iron after the RBC dies off. This Iron is useless outside the RBC and thus deposits in the other cells of different organs out of which spleen is the most effected one as the RBCs go there to get removed where they are decomposed after the life span of RBC is complete and the Iron molecule is also released.
The Plastic Blood has great use for Thals. If they can develop such plastic cell that never dies, then the Iron in the cell will remain inside it!! This means no depositing of free iron in organs! and no Transfusion EVER!!! WOW!
If it's safe and long lasting, then it can be a great alternative! No more Desferal, risky BMT and TransXs
I hope this comes true! :pray
Take care, Peace!
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AMEN to that Sajid! Every thal patient would want that to happen. :yeahthat
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All Praise to GOD if this comes True. This is wonferul news and luking forward that we too could make us of it.
Live Long Thal Buddies!
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I've just read this post and got really excited :cheer :cheer :cheer :cheer
Lets keep our fingers crossed friends