BACKGROUND:  Urinary incontinence (UI) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI) are medical and social conditions that greatly erode one's quality of life. Not only are these conditions embarrassing, these conditions are also significant causes of hospitalization. There is a great prevalence of UI in women of all ages (13 million), and approximately 50% of all incontinent women are classified as having SUI. SUI is caused by the loss of anatomic support and/or atrophy and dysfunction of the sphincteric mechanism of the urethra. This loss of support and/or atrophy then results in involuntary urine loss during any activity that causes abdominal straining (i.e. laughing, coughing, and sneezing). One of the current treatments for SUI involves injecting bulking materials into the urethral tissues. However, multiple injections are required, cure rates are low, and there are significant problems with material loss and migration. Treatments of bladder conditions and bladder substitution involve attempts at urinary tract reconstruction, using mature smooth muscle cells obtained from the host. The procurement process is morbid, and only small amounts of cells are obtained. There is a need for a better curative treatment that can improve the quality of life of these patients.

INNOVATION:  UCLA researchers have successfully induced the differentiation of adipose derived stem cells into contractile smooth muscle cells. Researchers have also developed ways to deliver these cells into the smooth muscle layer of the urinary tract (bladder and urethra). These adipose derived stem cells can be used for the reconstruction of the urethra in the treatment of urinary stress incontinence and for reconstruction of the bladder in conditions such as neurogenic bladder, bladder augmentation, and bladder extrophy.

POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS 

• Harvest stem cells from adipose tissue and differentiate them into functioning smooth muscle cells
• Utilize adipose derived stem cells for reconstruction or tissue engineering of smooth muscle containing organs
• Use developed delivery methods to deliver adipose derived stem cells into smooth muscle layer of the urinary tract

ADVANTAGES

• Human adipose tissue is abundant, can be maintained in vitro for extended periods, can be easily obtained with minimal discomfort to the patient, and can be maintained in vitro for extended periods
• No ethical or political considerations

DEVELOPMENT-TO-DATE:  Stem cells have been harvested from human and animal adipose tissues and successfully induced to differentiate into smooth muscle cells.

Reference: UCLA Case No. 2004-084

PCT Application: WO2007/015906