Highlights

Dr Giulia Svizzero, Plastic Surgeon, Tajmeel Clinic, emphasises the importance of patients having realistic expectations to ensure safety and get the best results for their specific needs

Tajmeel is a beauty clinic from Burjeel holdings. We offer an elegant environment supported by the commitment to excellence of our group. We have a team of board-certified specialists with over 15 years of experience in their field. Tajmeels main departments are dental, plastic surgery and dermatology. Tajmeel redefines beauty to give its patients the best results they are looking for.

* Healthy individuals who do not have medical conditions that impair healing.

* Individuals with realistic expectations and positive outlook.

* What do you recommend as the best strategy for youth preservation or anti-aging?

* Sleep is the best anti-aging tool we have, at least 7-8 hours per night.

* Eating a healthy diet. No smoking and no alcohol.

* Healthy dose of omegas in your diet, fish oil supplements of 1,000-2,000mg daily.

* Take vitamin C 1,000mg daily.

* Decrease your sugar intake, as high sugar is very damaging to the skin. Collagen and elastin are particularly susceptible to glycosylation. Damage to these proteins leads to sallow, wrinkled, and sagging skin.

* Consume marine collagen and hyaluronic acid powder.

* Keep yourself well hydrated with alkaline water.

* Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day.

* Try yoga and meditation, and also do what you love to do.

* Daily use of sunblock SPF 50.

* Early use of neurotoxins (Botox or Dysport).

* Non-invasive skin treatments can help maintain the integrity of the skin over time.

* Retin A or vitamin A derivative anti-aging topical therapies.

Dr Giulia Svizzero, Plastic Surgeon

Dr Giulia is a board-certified plastic surgeon with many years of experience. Dr. Giulia received training at several hospitals and specialised clinics in Italy, France and Singapore. She gained broad experience performing high-precision surgeries, microsurgery, plastic surgery, and reconstructive plastic surgery.

Dr Giulias areas of expertise include aesthetic breast surgery (breast lifts, breast reductions, and breast augmentation), liposuction, abdominoplasty, ear reconstruction, oncoplastic breast surgery, and head and neck reconstruction. She is committed to staying current with the latest techniques and procedures in the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery, which is why she attends numerous specialised seminars and international conferences.

Can you prolong the length of time of the need to have a facelift by using new anti-wrinkle alternatives such as injectables?

Genetics play a role in how our face will age to some degree but our lifestyle choices and the way we care for our skin can actually delay the process. Liquid facelift, which uses an assortment of different injectables can help delay the need for surgery. You can go for Botox and fillers to smoothen dynamic wrinkles and restore the volume. Skin boosters can treat the skin superficially using new collagen stimulators or much better stem cells to tighten it to the underlying tissues before its too late, because the extra excess skin is the only thing we cant correct without surgery. However, be careful about not having an over injected look that can result after several liquid facelifts. When that starts happening its better to consider the pony tail lift or the complete face lift.

Body contouring, if done properly, can have wonderful results. What methods do you use for optimal results?

Yes, but again realistic expectations. We dont have a magic wand. We have to draw limits to ensure the safety of the patient and get the best results for the specific surgical indications. It also depends on the starting point, on the deposit of localised fat, and the skin laxity and quality.

With the introduction in the market of new technologies for skin tightening such as J-plasma and Bodytite, I always perform liposculpting with radio frequency that permits us to conduct heat on the skin and shrink it consequently. We can combine the treatment with fat transfer (sometimes enriched with stem cells) to specific areas to correct some depressions and to create more definition in the waistline. And eventually Brazilian butt lift, but again we need to have realistic expectations as not all the reinjected fat will survive long-term, but only about 60 per cent.

We cant ignore that when we have a severe skin laxity and extra excess of skin, we need the body lift or dermolipectomy (cutting the skin) as abdominoplasty, 360 belt abdominoplasty, thighs lift, and arms lift. However, this will result in permanent scarring, even though we position and suture the scar meticulously. Scar healing is a long, complicated and very individual process.

How much of your consultations and treatments are dedicated to assisting individuals who have had less than optimal results from previous procedures?

One of the most requested procedures is liposuction, which may require revisions. This is similar to what happened to the fake large breasts in the past. Breast implants are more popular than ever but now the augmentation has been moving towards a smaller size and natural shape. Patients wearing big and heavy implants are having unpleasant aesthetic consequences such as severe ptosis of the breast that requires a mastopexy or breast lift with implants exchange.

We need to need to be aware of the disaster caused due to the placement of permanent fillers in on the face and body that may lead to serious complications such as allergic reactions, infections, and necrosis (death of skin cells). So to conclude, lets say maybe around 70 per cent of all my procedures.

We see many plastic surgery clinics promoting patient education. How important is this aspect to patients?

It is very important. Patients need to understand perfectly what they will encounter and the realistic results that we can ensure. Besides, all the risks and benefits and the post-surgery or treatment care. The success and good results of plastic surgery is not only in the surgeons hands, but a well done post-operative care will definitely enhance the result.

The Tajmeel Royal Clinic is located on Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. For appointments and enquiries call 800 825

Highlights

* Board-certified surgeon with over 15 years of experience

* Member of ISAPS, ASPS, SICPRE

List of treatments

* Breast surgeries (augmentation, reduction, and lifts)

* Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)

* Body lifts (arms lift, thighs lift, and belt lift)

* Eyebrows and eyelid lifts (ponytail lift)

* Oncoplastic breast surgery

* Head and neck reconstruction

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Tajmeel redefines beauty to give its patients the best results - Gulf News

Skin Stem Cells Comments Off on Tajmeel redefines beauty to give its patients the best results – Gulf News | September 27th, 2022

A breed of pigs called Wisconsin Miniature Swine created by a team of UWMadison scientists will help researchers better model and understand human diseases. Photo: Jeff Miller

Cells from miniature pigs are paving the way for improved stem cell therapies.

A team led by University of WisconsinMadison Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Center researcher Wan-Ju Li offers an improved way to create a particularly valuable type of stem cell in pigs a cell that could speed the way to treatments that restore damaged tissues for conditions from osteoarthritis to heart disease in human patients.

In a study published in Scientific Reports, Lis team also provides insights into the reprogramming process that turns cells from one part of the body into pluripotent stem cells, a type of building block cell that can transform into any type of tissue. These new insights will help researchers study treatments for a wide range of diseases.

The researchers turned to pigs, a well-established animal model for potential human treatments, because translating research to improve human health is deeply important to Li, a professor of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation and Biomedical Engineering. He has spent much of his career studying cartilage and bone regeneration to develop innovative therapies to help people.

Li and members of his Musculoskeletal Biology and Regenerative Medicine Laboratory obtained skin cells from the ears of three different breeds of miniature pigs Wisconsin miniature swine, Yucatan miniature swine and Gttingen minipigs.

University of WisconsinMadison Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Center researcher Wan-Ju Li (left) shows a collagen fiber sample to Gwen Plunkett and Karen Plunkett. Funding from the Plunkett Family Foundation has contributed to research on cartilage repair therapies in UWMadisons Musculoskeletal Research Program.

The researchers reprogrammed the cells to create induced pluripotent stem cells and demonstrated that they have the capacity to become different types of tissue cells. Pluripotent stem cells are the bodys master cells, and they are invaluable to medicine since they can be used for the regeneration or repair of damaged tissues.

Findings of this study suggest that the miniature pig is a promising animal model for pre-clinical research. The team plans to use the established pig model to reproduce their recent findings of cartilage regeneration in rats as reported in Science Advances. Regenerating cartilage in animals even more alike to humans moves science one step closer to helping patients experiencing joint diseases such as osteoarthritis.

In successfully developing induced pluripotent stem cells from three different breeds of minipigs, we learned we can take somatic skin cells from these pigs that we programmed ourselves and then inject them back into the same animal to repair cartilage defects, says Li. Or we can create induced pluripotent stem cells from the skin cell that carried the gene causing cartilage diseases such as chondrodysplasia and put that into the culture dish and use that as a disease model to study disease formation.

Li says the approach can be applied to regenerative therapies targeting any organ or tissue.

The team also found that a particular protein complex involved in managing the way genes are expressed, and tied to cellular growth and survival, could influence how efficiently induced pluripotent stem cells are generated. While we successfully created induced pluripotent stem cells from the three different strains of pig, we noticed that some pigs had a higher reprogramming efficiency, says Li. So, the second part of our findings, which is significant in biology, is understanding how these differences occur and why.

These findings, he says, may directly translate to understanding differences in the effectiveness of induced pluripotent stem cell generation between individual people one study has shown cellular reprogramming efficiency varying by age and ancestry and lead to better tailored therapies.

I want to make sure that our findings in stem cell research can be used to help people, says Li. I just feel this internal drive to study this area and I feel good knowing this model carries significant weight in terms of its potential for translational stem cell research and the development of therapeutic treatments.

Interest in moving these treatments forward has grown, and while the study was funded in part by the National Institutes of Health, Li also received support from the Milwaukee-based Plunkett Family Foundation through their donation to the UW Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Center. After hearing of Lis research, Gwen Plunkett and her daughter Karen visited Lis lab in 2019 to learn more. They were inspired to support research into stem cells for cartilage regeneration.

Innovation in medicine sparks critical change, for the world and the survival of our species, and the Plunkett Family mission is to be a catalyst in stem cell and regenerative medicine research, says Karen Plunkett.

The donation was profoundly impactful, says Li, allowed him to further his goal of using stem cells to help patients living with osteoarthritis and other joint diseases many of whom write his lab regularly in hope of finding a clinical trial opportunity.

I have to keep saying, Wait for another two, three years, maybe well be ready for a clinical trial, Li says. But for me, its time to move on and really do our larger animal studies to fulfill our promise. At least that way, I can fill the gap between the lab and clinical trials as the larger animals must be studied before you go into a clinical trial.

This research was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health (R01 AR064803), the Plunkett Family Foundation and UW Carbon Cancer Center.

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Creating stem cells from minipigs offers promise for improved treatments - University of Wisconsin-Madison

Skin Stem Cells Comments Off on Creating stem cells from minipigs offers promise for improved treatments – University of Wisconsin-Madison | September 19th, 2022

An Israeli biotech company that recently created mouse embryos using stem cells, hasannounced plans to make human embryos to harvest tissue for organ transplants and anti-aging procedures. But an ethical scientist and stem cell expert with the Charlotte Lozier Institute told CBN News that these strides in stem cell research are a "real call for concern".

Renewal Bio is pursuing advances in stem-cell technology and artificial womb development with the help of Jacob Hanna, a biologist at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot.

In a peer-reviewed scientific journal, Cell, Hanna explained that without the use of sperm, egg, or fertilization, stem cells placed in a Petri dish spontaneously joined together, outside of the womb, and assembled embryos with beating hearts, intestinal tracts, and brains.

"Remarkably, we show that embryonic stem cells generate whole synthetic embryos, meaning this includes the placenta and yolk sac surrounding the embryo," Hanna said. "We are truly excited about this work and its implications."

Hanna noted that the synthetic embryos were not "real" embryos and did not have the potential to develop into live animals. But that is partly because they don't have the technology, right now, to do so. He did admit that the synthetic mouse embryos are "95% similar to normal mouse embryos."

"My contention would be the technique to create them may be synthetic, but if you have something growing [that has]a beating heart and a nervous system and limbs and digits and other organs that look exactly like the organism you would take out of the womb, its an embryo," Dr. David Prentice, Ph.D. from the Charlotte Lozier Institute told CBN News.

Prentice is the vice president and research director at the Charlotte Lozier Institute and was a founding advisory board member for the Midwest Stem Cell Therapy Center, a unique comprehensive stem cell center in Kansas that he was instrumental in creating.

He told CBN News that using the term synthetic to describe the embryos is misleading.

"It's being disingenuous to make us think that these are not actual organisms," Prentice explained.

"They're coming up with new and different ways to make an embryo is the bottom line," he noted. "And by calling it synthetic, you might say we are lulled into a false sense of security that 'oh there not experimenting on embryos [and]we don't have any problems with them doing this with mice.' But as they've said in their papers they also want to do this with humans."

And Prentice is right about why the firm wants to advance its research.

Hanna admits to taking his "ground-breaking" technology to the next level and creating human embryos. The purpose is to harvest tissue to be used in transplant treatments meant to lengthen a person's life and health.

He's behind Renewal Bio, a startup to make "humanity younger and healthier".

"The vision of the company is 'can we use these organized embryo entities that have early organs to get cells that can be used for transplantation?' We view it as perhaps a universal starting point," Hanna said.

CBN News reached out to Renewal Bio for comment and CEO Omri Amirav-Drory, Ph.D. said they were "not really ready to speak too much about the company."

Hanna told MIT Technology Review they plan to grow human embryos that are the equivalent of a 40 to 50-day-old pregnancy or about two months old. It is an age Hanna considers to be "the best entity to make organs and proper tissue."

Those embryonic blood cells would then be collected, multiplied, and transferred to an individual to help with "infertility, genetic diseases, and longevity", according to the company's website.

"There's a real call for concern here that whether they are making these the old fashion way with an egg and a sperm or they're making it by mixing stem cells together," Lozier explained. "You're still talking about instrumental use of a human being to harvest their spare parts."

Other field experts contend that Hanna's experiments are a step too far and not necessary.

"It's absolutely not necessary, so why would you do it?" Nicolas Rivron, a stem-cell scientist at the Institute of Molecular Biotechnology in Vienna said. He argues that scientists should only create "the minimal embryonic structure necessary" to yield cells of interest.

Prentice pointed out to CBN News that there are more ethical ways to get the same kind of cells.

"Something may be constructed or manufactured ethically and have an ethical source...and you could feel very good about your research because you haven't crossed an ethical line until somebody says 'well let's use it this way'," he explained.

In his next set of experiments, Hanna plans to use his own blood or skin cells and those of his team as the starting point for human embryos.

"It does raise a problem for the stem cell field in general and maybe scientists need to ask that question 'should I do this experiment?' rather than 'can I do this experiment?'," Prentice said.

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Israeli Biotech Firm Plans to Create Human Embryos to Harvest Organs, Field Experts Say There are Ethical Concerns - CBN.com

Skin Stem Cells Comments Off on Israeli Biotech Firm Plans to Create Human Embryos to Harvest Organs, Field Experts Say There are Ethical Concerns – CBN.com | September 19th, 2022

SINGAPORE, Sept. 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --CellResearch Corporation, a Singapore-based biopharmaceutical company today announced it has successfully closed the first Phase I study in CorLiCyte, a stem cell therapy derived from umbilical cord lining stem cells, with research partners at the University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus and ClinImmune Cell and Gene Therapy.

CorLiCyte is in development for the treatment of a number of serious conditions, with a first target indication of treating diabetic foot ulcer (DFU). In the study protocol nine patients with chronic DFU were treated with CorLiCyte twice weekly for 8 weeks. None of the patients participating in the study experienced any treatment-related adverse events and all subjects saw a reduction in wound size during the treatment period.

"These results are encouraging and can be used to support further research with CorLiCyte in future studies, with the potential to address unmet medical needs in treatment of patients with chronic DFUs." said Cecilia Low-Wang, the lead investigator at the University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus.

About CorLiCyte

CorLiCyte is a live mesenchymal stem cell therapy derived from human umbilical cord lining stem cells, with a proprietary optimised expression of cytokines, growth and cellular factors for the treatment of a number of serious health conditions. In addition to DFU, CRC is pursuing a range of potential indications at pre-clinical stage such as osteoarthritis, venous leg ulcers, chronic inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.

About CellResearch Corporation

CellResearch Corporation (CRC) was founded in 2002 as a contract research provider focusing on skin cells. In 2004, the company made the discovery that the umbilical cord lining of mammals was an abundant source of both mesenchymal and epithelial stem cells. Today, the company owns this technology through a family of patents and holds the rights to commercialise this technology in most major markets globally.

CellResearch Consumer Health (Formerly known as CALECIM Cosmeceuticals) is a wholly owned subsidiary of CRC and produces an innovative range of skin and hair care products using cord lining stem cell media to power its products. It is used in medical hair and aesthetic clinics for in-office treatments and as part of an at-home anti-aging skincare regime. It is distributed globally through over 600 aesthetic physicians and online via its own website. It has a key distribution partnership with Menarini Group across South East Asia.

CRC partner, Cordlife offers parents the opportunity to bank their child's umbilical cord tissue alongside their cord blood. Cordlife has what is believed to be the largest licensed bank of umbilical cord tissue globally. As cell therapies move into the clinic, Cordlife will have the ability to expand stem cells from a banked umbilical cord for autologous and donor-related uses.

Contact:

Business Development and Investor Relations:Xavier SimpsonTel: +65 8815 6139Email: [emailprotected]

http://www.cellresearchcorp.com http://www.calecimprofessional.com

SOURCE CellResearch Corporation

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CellResearch Corporation (CRC) announces positive results of Phase I study for CorLiCyte - PR Newswire

Skin Stem Cells Comments Off on CellResearch Corporation (CRC) announces positive results of Phase I study for CorLiCyte – PR Newswire | September 19th, 2022

There are so many ways to ingest and inhale cannabis for better health, but we tend to overlook the ways cannabis can help us from the outside, too. Cannabis plants contain a bevy of compounds in addition to THC and CBD that benefit the body, such as antioxidants, inflammation fighters, and fatty acids.

The topical application of cannabis or hemp allows us a way to absorb cannabinoids, target specific areas, or take care of the bodys largest organthe skinfor everything from scalp dandruff to sun protection. And with the seasons changing from summer to fall, theres no better time to stock up on ways to maintain your skin barrier before the temperatures really drop.

Check out these CBD and hemp skincare picks for daily use, fun in the sun, and giving your body some much-needed TLC.

Derma-Es Skin De-Stress Calming CBD Cleanser is infused with CBD oil and other soothing ingredients such as aloe and hemp seed oil to gently [lift] away impurities, leaving the skin feeling ultra-moisturized, calm and stress-free. Use it as you would any face cleanser: lather it with water over your face and neck for 60 seconds, rinse, and pat dry.

Product can be found on the Derma-E website and beauty sites such as Ulta.

Flora + Bast has released its Age Adapting Facial Serum, infused with 750mg of CBD, 100mg CBC, 50mg CBG, and 2% hemp seed oil. This luxurious serum claims to help reduce redness, blemishes, and correct other skin imbalances. Rich in phytocannabinoids, Flora + Bast says the serum is designed so skin can be brought to a state of equilibrium where it can repair itself naturally, allowing for optimal skin aging.

This product is the perfect addition to a face routine that needs a little more moisture due to brisk weather.

Product can be found on the Flora + Bast website, and the 357mg CBD version is available on beauty sites such as Sephora.

Primas indulgent broad-spectrum face cream, The Afterglow Deeply Restorative Cream, boasts 500mg of CBD in addition to hyaluronic acid and vegan collagen.

Prima writes that their cream is clinically proven to combat age-inducing stressors, reduce the appearance of redness and discoloration, and increase elasticity for healthy, plump, radiant skin while being hydrating and moisturizing. Packed with antioxidants as well, this cream is more like splendor in a bottle.

This product can be found on the Prima website and beauty sites such as Sephora.

Cannuka is known for their CBD and manuka honey-infused skincare products, and their CBD Calming Eye Balm is the perfect choice for nurturing the delicate skin around your eyes.

Containing 15mg of CBD isolate, the eye balm works to moisturize, protect and refresh your skin while waving goodbye to dark circles. Cannuka writes that the balm is cool to the touch and warms upon contact with your skin and that the balm can be used twice daily.

This product can be found on the Cannuka website and beauty sites such as Ulta.

When taking care of the skin on your face, be sure not to overlook your lips. NYXs Bare With Me Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil Lip Conditioner combines hydration with shine for a soothing lip fix.

NYX says its hemp-infused lip conditioner is ideal for a parched pout and that the silky formula slips on smoothly and glosses lips with a clear shine thats oh so glowy.

This product can be found on the NYX website and beauty sites such as Ulta.

JSNs De-Stress Hemp Seed Oil Body Wash is the perfect way to get an all-over hemp-infused clean. Hemp seed oil, aloe, oatmeal, and lavender come together for a skin-nurturing combination in this body wash.

JSN writes that their body wash helps to balance your dry, stressed out skin for a relaxing, healthy feeling clean.

This product can be found on the JSN website using their store selector.

Exfoliation is one of the cornerstones of luminous skin. The Pink Pomelo & Himalayan Sea Salt Herbal Body Salt Scrub from Hempz is enriched with hemp seed oil and formulated to help reverse aging damage and leave skin soft.

The scrub is microbead free, so you can rest easy knowing no plastics are being wasted, and the lovely citrus scent will leave skin smelling fresh.

This product can be found on the Hempz website and beauty sites such as Ulta.

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6 cannabis strains for people who love citrus terpenes

Shaving can cause inflammation and irritation, so using a cannabis-infused product makes sense to help manage some of those negative effects. Andalous CannaCell Botanical Shave Cream has hemp seed oil and hemp cell culture extract, in addition to ingredients such as aloe, rosemary, and lemon balm.

Andalou writes that this skin soothing shave cream with vegan probiotics, CannaCell super antioxidants, nourishing organic hemp seed oil, and hydrating aloe vera provides effortless glide against nicks, cuts, and irritation, as the semitransparent cream allows for easy navigation.

This product can be found on the Andalou website and in select stores.

Packed with 300mg of CBD isolate and hemp seed oil, the Unicorn Soothe & Glow Whipped Body Butter by Truly is a whipped rainbow of hydration.

Truly says their formula helps calm skin inflammation while reducing redness and promoting glowing, naturally healthy skin. Combined with its sweet fruity scent and explosion of colors, its hard to resist.

This product can be found on the Truly website and on beauty sites such as Ulta.

Skincare is not complete with sun protection. Andalous CannaCell Sun Buddy SPF 30 is a facial lotion with SPF 30 and hemp seed oil and vegan hemp stem cells. The sheer sunscreen is gentle on all skin types and packed with pure plant essential oils.

Dont forget to wear sunscreen every day, not just in the heat of summer.

This product can be found on the Andalou website and on beauty sites such as Ulta.

Dont stop at your face. Sunscreen is important for the whole body. This Hemp SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion from Uncle Bud helps to prevent sunburn while also moisturizing the skin with a powerful blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and hemp seed oil.

Product can be found on the Uncle Buds website and at select stores such as Target.

Uncle Buds CBD Sunburn Gel with Aloe is the perfect remedy for after-sun woes if you come away burnt. This soothing gel has 120mg of CBD and cooling aloe to nurture skin thats been left red hot.

Product can be found on Uncle Buds website and at select stores such as GNC.

Briogeos luxurious CBD + Arnica Flower Soothing Skin & Scalp Oil features 100mg of broad-spectrum CBD, hemp seed oil, and other nurturing ingredients (such as arnica flower and jojoba seed oil) to bring your scalp back to life.

The phytoactive formula is a omega-rich but light. Simply rub it into your scalp as instructed and leave it on overnight to harness the benefits.

This product can be found on the Briogeo website and on beauty sites such as Sephora.

If your skin has ink then that ink is a part of your skin, and it deserves care too. INKEEZEs hemp tattoo ointment contains 1000mg of CBD and can be used as a lubricant during the tattoo process and as aftercare by providing healing support. Infused with essential oils, the ointment was developed by a team of tattooers and skin care specialists.

This product can be found on the INKEEZE website and many online tattoo supply shops.

The Body Shops Hemp Foot Protector is perfect for dry feet that need a little love. Combining hemp seed oil with cocoa butter, the cream will help soften rough heels and moisturize tired feet that have been in sandals all summer.

The Body Shop writes that the cream provides blissful moisture for your hard-working feet. It helps to soothe and soften ultra-dry feet with 24 hours of heavy-duty hydration.

This product can be found on The Body Shops website and in their brick-and-mortar stores.

Rae Lland

Rae Lland is a freelance writer, journalist, and former editor for Weedist and The Leaf Online. With a focus on culture, music, health, and wellness, in addition to her work for Leafly, she has also been featured in numerous online cannabis publications as well as print editions of Cannabis Now Magazine. Follow her on Instagram @rae.lland

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The best CBD and hemp products for pampering your skin this fall - Leafly

Skin Stem Cells Comments Off on The best CBD and hemp products for pampering your skin this fall – Leafly | September 19th, 2022

PARIS Barbra Streisand loved her dog Samantha, aka Sammy. The white and fluffy purebred Coton of Tulear was even present on the steps of the Elyse Palace, the French Presidents official residence, when Streisand received the Legion of Honor in 2007.

As the singer and actress explained inThe New York Times in 2018, she loved Sammy so much that, unable to bring herself to see her pass away, she had the dog cloned by a Texas firm for the modest sum of 50,000 dollars just before she died in 2017, at the age of 14. And that's how Barbra Streisand became the happy owner of Miss Violet and Miss Scarlet, two puppies who are the spitting image of the deceased Samantha.

This may sound like a joke, but there is one deeply disturbing fact that Harvard Medical School genetics professor David A. Sinclair points out in his book Why We Age And Why We Dont Have To. It is that the cloning of an old dog has led to two young puppies.

This proves that DNA ours as well as that of Sammy has everything it takes to restore lost youth. This is a property that could be used to "reverse" aging without having to go through the problematic stage of cloning.

The idea rests on identifying the "reset" button of the organism. And aging specialists all have the same piece of good news to announce: this button has been found.

Its name sounds like a Japanese techno-thriller title: "The Yamanaka factors". But Shinya Yamanaka is not a fictional character. He is a scientist specialized in stem cell research who received the 2012 Nobel Prize in Medicine.

If all this sound a bit too science-fictional, you should know that the U.S. biotech company Altos Labs, which was just founded early this year, received a check of three billion dollars from billionaires Yuri Milner and Jeff Bezos. Not bad for a start-up. But this is a start-up with a very promising technology cellular reprogramming, which is nothing more than the name given by biologists to the famous "reset" button.

In 2006-2007, Yamanaka announced to the scientific community that he had discovered a combination of four genes Oct4, Klf4, Sox2 and c-Myc which, when injected into a cell, induces it to go from being a differentiated cell (nerve, blood, and so on) to being a pluripotent stem cell, i.e., one that can subsequently redevelop into any cell type.

It didn't take long for Yamanaka's colleagues to take advantage of his amazing discovery. In 2011, French researcher Jean-Marc Lematre, who worked at the Institute of Functional Genomics at the University of Montpellier (which never received the same financial support as American biotech company Altos Labs!) was the first to experimentally prove, on human tissues, that cellular aging was a reversible process. He and his team succeeded in transforming aging or senescent human skin cells back into young skin cells.

The process has since been improved, since it is no longer necessary to go through the stage of pluripotent cells which can degenerate into cancerous cells to reverse cellular aging. Interrupting the process before reaching this stage is enough to start the series of gene reactions that counter cellular aging.

But that's not all. Since Lematre's pioneering work, biologists from both sides of the Atlantic have shown that what was possible at the level of the cell is also possible at the level of the organism as a whole. As is often the case, they used mice as guinea pigs. At the end of 2016, in a famous study published by the "Cell" magazine, a professor at the Salk Institute (San Diego, California) Juan Carlos Izpisua Belmonte revealed the more than promising results recorded on genetically modified rodents.

The rodents' genome had been enriched with the Yamanaka factors as well as a small piece of additional genetic code, corresponding to a sort of on-off switch. Controlling the activation of the four genes, this "promoter" was itself activated only if the mouse ingested an antibiotic the doxycycline to be precise.

By prescribing this molecule (and thus activating the Yamanaka factors) two days a week throughout the life of the mice, Belmonte and his team increased their lifespan by 40%. "Aging is no longer a unidirectional process, as we thought. We can slow it down and even reverse it," he announced triumphantly. In a very similar experiment, Jean-Marc Lematre has obtained a more modest lengthening, of 15%, but thanks to a single dose of doxycycline. And above all, insists the French researcher, this "extra" lifespan proved to be free of all age-related diseases: osteoporosis, arthritis, pulmonary or renal fibrosis, etc.

The genetic modification of mice is common practice in labs. But should we do the same with humans to get the same result? There was public outcry in 2018 when Chinese researcher He Jiankui gave birth to twins with tampered genomes the first genetically modified children in history with the objective of giving them resistance to HIV.

How we view "GMO babies" may change over the next few decades. But whether it changes or not, it will not be necessary to go that far to do cell reprogramming in humans. A simple vaccine will probably do the trick.

The Covid-19 pandemic made the public aware that a vaccine whether RNA or DNA could be used as a vector to introduce genetic material into the human body. BioNTech's and Moderna's messenger RNA vaccines do this, but many other "viral vectors" exist, such as adeno-associated viruses (AAVs), small, non-pathogenic DNA viruses commonly used in molecular biology to carry one or more "genes of interest. On paper, there is nothing to prevent these genes of interest from being precisely those highlighted by Yamanaka.

And this is what our near future could look like. Around the age of 30, when we are alas, only temporarily! at the peak of our mental and physical fitness, we would receive one or more injections of this viral vector responsible for carrying Yamanaka's factors into us. Nothing would change in our body yet, as the Yamanaka factors have been programmed to remain silent until activated by the promoter. So we would continue to age normally. The passing of the years would no longer be irreparable!

Indeed, as soon as we would start to feel their first undesirable effects, let's say in our mid-forties, we would be prescribed a month's treatment with doxycycline. And then but only then would the youth therapy kick in. White hair disappearing, wounds healing faster, wrinkles fading, organs regenerating, glasses becoming useless... "Like Benjamin Button," writes David Sinclair, "you would experience the sensations of a 35-year-old. Then 30. Then 25. But unlike Benjamin Button, you would not go beyond that limit, because the statute of limitations would be interrupted... You would be about two decades younger biologically, physically and mentally, without having lost any of your knowledge, wisdom or memories."

Of course, such a possibility, if it becomes a reality and especially if it becomes widespread, will revolutionize large parts of society and will not be without its own tricky problems for a resource-limited planet. But who among us, once we reach a certain age, wouldn't dream of regaining our lost youth, while retaining the "benefits of experience"?

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Benjamin Button For Real? Scientists Are Close To Cracking The Code To Reverse Aging - Worldcrunch

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Depending on whats being carried and how much they can pay, the patient or patients involved will choose either a hand-carry service, a commercial carrier such as DHL or FedEx, or something in between, such as the combination of commercial flights and local couriers that Loewen relied on during the pandemic. The cost of transporting my eggs with FlyVet Europa was 1,300 euros, or about $1,400 at the time. That includes the price of two one-way tickets for Paolo and the egg suitcase, and a few incidental expenses. (When I told Monaco how many eggs were traveling, he quipped, Uno squadro di calcio!a soccer team.)

CryoStork, the division of Cryoport devoted to the fertility sector, offers all three tiers of servicecommercial carriers for something that can be easily replaced (sperm, in other words), a middle-tier service using local couriers and air freight, and a door-to-door hand-carry servicefor prices ranging from a few hundred dollars to as much as $7,000 or $8,000 for an international hand-carry trip.

Ultimately, the pandemic boosted business for Loewen. Today, he and a team of eight colleagues, half employees and half working on a per-shipment basis, handle around 30 to 40 IVF-related shipments each month. Similarly, when the war in Ukraine began, Loewen and other colleagues received frantic requests from clients desperate to move their biomaterials out of the capital, Kiev, where most of the countrys IVF clinics and surrogacy agencies are based, and business shifted to nearby Georgia. But by September, Loewen was planning to once again deliver biomaterials to Ukraine. People want to have babiesconflict or not, he says.

What does it take to be a tissue courier, and how does one get into the field? Everyone I spoke to said that to succeed, you must love traveling, have a calm personality (in case, as happened to Loewen, youre ever surrounded by a knot of armed Belarusian soldiers at the airport and accused of trafficking human organs), and be adept at problem-solving.

Loewen looks for people with experience in the travel sector, who can navigate new cities and wont be rattled by a flight cancellation or a grumpy customs official. Mark Sawicki of Cryoport has several former pilots now working as couriers; their security clearances enable them to move through airports more easily than civilians.

Nicole Dorman, 43, has always loved children; she jokes that her current job as a courier is babysitting. She has three kids, aged 14 to 22, and has been a teachers aide and a school crossing guard, following four years in the US Army. When shes home for a week or two at a time with her kids in between gigs, she also makes deliveries for DoorDash in Clarksville, Tennessee.

WENN RIGHTS LTD / ALAMY STOCK PHOTO

Dorman had begun by transporting stem cells for a Frankfurt-based courier service. When she was looking for work in November of 2020, she emailed a half-dozen IVF courier companies and heard back from Loewen within 15 minutes. She has been working for him ever since, and also does US shipments for the Ukrainian company ARK Cryo, as well as EmbryoPort, a UK-based firm.

Dorman is on the road roughly 70% of each month; when we spoke in mid-May, she was preparing for a weeklong trip beginning with a pickup in Indianapolis, a drop-off in Bratislava, a train ride from there to Prague for another pickup, and then a flight to Greece. Like all couriers whove been working for any length of time, she has frequent flier status. In the 18 months since she started, she has transported more than 90 shipments. Now I can pretty much do it in my sleep, she says.

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I took an international trip with my frozen eggs to learn about the fertility industry - MIT Technology Review

Skin Stem Cells Comments Off on I took an international trip with my frozen eggs to learn about the fertility industry – MIT Technology Review | September 19th, 2022

MELBOURNE, Australia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Propanc Biopharma, Inc. (OTC Pink: PPCB) (Propanc or the Company), a biopharmaceutical company developing novel cancer treatments for patients suffering from recurring and metastatic cancer, today announced significant effects of PRP against the tumor microenvironment and pre-metastatic niche has been reported by the Companys joint researcher, Mrs. Beln Toledo Cutillas MSc, at the laboratory of Professor Macarena Pern, PhD, University of Jan. Treatment with PRP was shown to have a favorable impact inhibiting, slowing, or reversing tumor development by acting as an anti-tumor agent, decreasing tumor cell proliferation, developing a non-malignant phenotype (observable characteristics) and promoting cell adhesion (sticking close to one another) and differentiation (cell specialization rather than stem cell like). It was concluded that PRP could have a significant impact on the tumor microenvironment as a potential clinical application. PRP is a combination of the two proenzymes trypsinogen and chymotrypsinogen.

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death, globally. Despite recent advances in understanding its molecular and genetic basis, more than one third of those affected die each year from cancer. These alarming results are mainly attributed to current therapies not fully effective against cancer cells which may develop drug resistance, leading to recurrence and metastasis, causing more than 90% of cancer-related deaths. According to Mrs. Cutillas, This is why we need to find better and more effective therapeutic strategies. She explains that tumor formation is influenced by two factors, genetic changes in tumor cells and the rearrangement of components of the tumor microenvironment. In recent years, cancer research has focused on the tumor microenvironment.

Numerous assays, in vitro and in vivo studies, were conducted by Mrs. Cutillas confirming that PRP appears to have an anti-tumor effect and can act selectively against specific tumor elements, without affecting the non-tumor microenvironment and preventing its malignification (i.e., the process of making malignant).

Dr Julian Kenyon, MD, MB, ChB, Propancs Chief Scientific Officer said, The work undertaken by Mrs Cutillas highlights the significant potential applications of PRP in a clinical setting, specifically relating to drug resistance, and consequently recurrence and metastasis, which is the biggest cause of death for sufferers. The pioneering research being undertaken with our joint researchers at the Universities of Jan and Granada, continues to confirm our belief in the therapeutic potential of PRP, and may lead to exciting new ways to treat cancer patients suffering from solid tumors whilst reducing the threat of recurrence.

PRP is a mixture of two proenzymes, trypsinogen and chymotrypsinogen from bovine pancreas administered by intravenous injection. A synergistic ratio of 1:6 inhibits growth of most tumor cells. Examples include kidney, ovarian, breast, brain, prostate, colorectal, lung, liver, uterine and skin cancers.

About Propanc Biopharma, Inc.

Propanc Biopharma, Inc. (the Company) is developing a novel approach to prevent recurrence and metastasis of solid tumors by using pancreatic proenzymes that target and eradicate cancer stem cells in patients suffering from pancreatic, ovarian and colorectal cancers. For more information, please visit http://www.propanc.com.

The Companys novel proenzyme therapy is based on the science that enzymes stimulate biological reactions in the body, especially enzymes secreted by the pancreas. These pancreatic enzymes could represent the bodys primary defense against cancer.

To view the Companys Mechanism of Action video on its anti-cancer lead product candidate, PRP, please click on the following link: http://www.propanc.com/news-media/video

Forward-Looking Statements

All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release are forward-looking statements, which may often, but not always, be identified by the use of such words as may, might, will, will likely result, would, should, estimate, plan, project, forecast, intend, expect, anticipate, believe, seek, continue, target or the negative of such terms or other similar expressions. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. These factors include uncertainties as to the Companys ability to continue as a going concern absent new debt or equity financings; the Companys current reliance on substantial debt financing that it is unable to repay in cash; the Companys ability to successfully remediate material weaknesses in its internal controls; the Companys ability to reach research and development milestones as planned and within proposed budgets; the Companys ability to control costs; the Companys ability to obtain adequate new financing on reasonable terms; the Companys ability to successfully initiate and complete clinical trials and its ability to successful develop PRP, its lead product candidate; the Companys ability to obtain and maintain patent protection; the Companys ability to recruit employees and directors with accounting and finance expertise; the Companys dependence on third parties for services; the Companys dependence on key executives; the impact of government regulations, including FDA regulations; the impact of any future litigation; the availability of capital; changes in economic conditions, competition; and other risks, including, but not limited to, those described in the Companys periodic reports that are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and available on its website at http://www.sec.gov. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any obligations to update these statements except as may be required by law.

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Propanc Biopharma Reports Significant Effects of PRP Against the Tumor Microenvironment - Business Wire

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What we put in our bodiesfoodis regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

What we put on itskin care and beauty productsis not.

That could be an issue.

In one 2021 report, scientists tested 231 popular makeup products from the U.S. and Canada and found that more than 100 had Per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These are chemicals that dont break down and build up in the body over time.

They include perfluorooctanoic acid, which may cause cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.

Clean skin goes beyond washing your face.

Your skin is a living, dynamic organ, says Nava Greenfield, M.D. of Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City. Just like you consider carefully what you put into your mouth, you should take care in what you place on your skin.

Understanding whats in your products can help you achieve long-term health thats more than skin-deep.

Heres what the science says you should avoidand what to use instead.

The skin is our largest organ, notes Marianna Blyumin-Karasik, board-certified dermatologist, co-founder of Precision Skin Institute, and founder of Stamina Cosmetics.

The skin has high absorption, so skin care products that can be absorbed and enter our bloodstream can have detrimental effects on our overall health, Blyumin-Karasik says.

Some ingredients like synthetic or highly concentrated fragrances or chemicals in personal care products can trigger skin sensitivity, irritation, or a more intense allergy.

Symptoms can include:

Other ingredients have been linked to more serious problems, like:

For example, a 2018 review suggested that phthalates found in certain personal care products could adversely affect male fertility.

A 2021 study indicated that exposure to formaldehyde, sometimes used in keratin hair treatments, could lead to heart malformations in a developing fetus.

In 2020, California became the first state to issue a statewide ban on 24 chemicals, including methylene glycol and formaldehyde.

Other states dont have these bans, leaving consumers to analyze and interpret labels themselves.

Complicating things, some recommendations to avoid specific ingredients arent one-size-fits-all. Different people may have different (or no) reactions to certain ingredients, even if theyre common allergens.

Aside from real toxins and dangerous chemicals, a list like this will be different for each person, Greenfield says. Unfortunately, its not all black and white.

Having an idea of whats potentially toxic and whats more likely to cause skin irritation can help you make informed decisions about the products you choose.

From common allergens to potential carcinogens, here are the ingredients Blyumin-Karasik and Greenfield suggest avoiding:

Blyumin-Karasik and Greenfield warn that PEGs are a potential skin irritant.

Theyre most often found in lotions, creams, and hair products because they can act as skin conditioners and humectants, a common moisturizing agent.

A small 2021 case study examined six cases of acute sensitivity to PEGs. However, researchers also noted the allergy was rare.

Blyumin-Karasik notes that methyl and propyl parabens are preservatives with reputations for being hormone disruptors. However, research is mixed.

A 2017 study on gerbil prostates indicated that methylparaben could disrupt estrogenic and androgenic receptors that might affect the prostate.

Another 2017 study suggested parabens, including methyl and propyl parabens, posed little health risk. However, researchers noted that parabens could inhibit compounds with anti-estrogenic properties.

The FDA wrote in 2022 that it didnt have enough evidence to warn that parabens affect human health. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) reported similarly in 2019, noting that allergic reaction risks were low.

Found in some eye make-up products, lipsticks, and deodorants, aluminum can cause skin irritation, according to Greenfield.

Theres also been discussion as to whether aluminum is a carcinogen, or cancer-causing agent.

A 2015 study suggested aluminum can increase the migration of breast cancer cells and called for more research.

In 2013, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review said alumina and aluminum hydroxide was safe to put in cosmetics, noting that it doesnt get absorbed into the skin and less than 1 percent is absorbed orally.

This ingredient is a preservative commonly found in soaps and shampoos and may cause skin irritation or allergies, Blyumin-Karasik explains. Greenfield agrees with avoiding formaldehyde, saying its a common irritant.

A 13-year retrospective study of patch tests published in 2020 indicated that a polymer known as toluene-sulfonamide-formaldehyde resin (R-TSF or TSFR), often used in nail polish, was one of the most common allergens. Its also known as a carcinogen, but data shows its only hazardous if a person inhales a significant amount.

The American Cancer Society says formaldehyde in personal care products like shampoos typically contains formaldehyde levels that are far below hazardous to health. The organization says keratin hair smoothing treatments can raise indoor air concentration to hazardous levels.

Phthalates are typically used to make sure plastic doesnt break. They can also be used in fragrances in skin products. Blyumin-Karasik warns they may disrupt hormones.

A 2020 literature review indicated that phthalates could lead to:

A 2018 study suggested phthalates could lead to pregnancy loss and fertility issues.

However, its important to note that neither piece of research above was specific to phthalates in beauty products.

Key West and Hawaii recently banned oxybenozone, which is commonly found in sunscreen. Blyumin-Karasik says it can disrupt hormones and cause allergic reactions.

A 2020 review of 29 studies indicated no a link between fertility issues and oxybenzone and called for more research.

However, an older 2016 study indicated that men with higher levels of benzophenone-type ultraviolet (UV) filter concentrations had lower sperm concentrations.

Avoiding fragranced products and using a mineral-based sunscreen can help avoid harmful chemicals, Blyumin-Karasik says. Looking for preservative-free items can also cut down on risks of irritants and health hazards.

The main purpose of preservatives is to maintain the integrity of the personal care products, Blyumin-Karasik says. The natural alternatives may not attain as long of the shelf-life as the chemical ones, but theyre better for our well-being.

To clean up your beauty regimen, Blyumin-Karasik suggests looking for products that contain these safer ingredients instead.

Blyumin-Karasik suggests using tea tree oil, an essential oil found in shampoos, skin care items, hand sanitizers, and first aid products.

A 2021 study suggested tea tree oil could help disinfect hands when used in sanitizer.

Research from 2015 indicated it could aid wound healing, and a 12-week pilot study published in 2017 suggested it could reduce acne.

Instead of PEGs, opt for a humectant with fewer potential side effects. Blyumin-Karasik recommends glycerin.

One small 2017 study of women indicated that products with a mix of hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and Centella asiatica (gotu kola) could boost skin hydration for 24 hours.

A 2019 safety assessment suggested glycerin was safe to use in cosmetic practices.

Coconut oil, or Cocus nucifera, is extracted from the meaty part of a coconut fruit.

Blyumin-Karasik recommends it because its moisturizing and can reduce mold growth in skin care products.

A 2022 study indicated that a coconut oil-based serum combined with deer antler stem cell extract for two weeks could:

A 2019 study indicated virgin coconut oil had anti-inflammatory properties and supported its use in skin care products.

Blyumin-Karasik says elderberry, or Sambucus nigra extract, often found in serums, has versatile benefits for our skin.

She notes these benefits include antimicrobial effects and high levels of vitamin C.

Research on elderberry is limited, particularly in topical products. However, a 2019 study suggested it had anti-aging benefits when ingested as a supplement.

Blyumin-Karasik says willow bark, or Salix nigra extract, is an excellent source of skin preservation. She recommends it for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

Besides that, willow bark contains a potent salicin ingredient which has gentle exfoliating properties to cleanse pores and reduce skin surface oil, she says.

A 2019 study suggested willow bark total extract may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

An older 2010 study suggested that salicin, which is extracted from white willow bark, may have benefits when applied to the skin topically.

When shopping for personal care products, there are a few things youll want to keep in mind, depending on your age and any conditions you have.

Leave the layering for sweater weather, not skin care. Blyumin-Karasik says the biggest issues she sees in her clinic happen when people try to cake on too many products or ingredients.

Trying to be innovative or frugal, young individuals play with potentially hazardous ingredients such as baking soda or lemon juice which can lead to significant skin irritation, Blyumin-Karasik says. Older individuals try to layer too many products onto their skin such alpha hydroxy acids and potent retinoids and as a result, create skin allergy or irritation.

Blyumin-Karasik recommends working with a dermatologist to find the correct ingredients for your skin type and beauty goals.

A long ingredients list doesnt necessarily mean there are a ton of items working to boost your skins health. Sometimes, simple ingredient lists are most effective.

In general, if a skin care product has too many chemicals or fragrances, it can irritate the skin and cause skin rashes, and its best to avoid, Blyumin-Karasik says.

Individuals with sensitive skin, eczema, dermatitis, or rosacea will want to pay particular attention to product labels and the less is more mantra, Blyumin-Karasik says, as people with these conditions are more prone to irritation.

Theyre best served by using fragrance-free, sensitive skincare lines such as Avene and Bioderma, and definitely avoiding any of the above skin allergens, Blyumin-Karasik says.

Blyumin-Karasik advises acne-prone individuals to opt for products that wont clog pores. She suggests looking for words like oil-free and noncomedogenic and minimizing the use of occlusive moisturizers or make-up.

These can cause more breakouts and blemishes, Blyumin-Karasik warns.

When purchasing skin care products, youre making an investment in your bodys largest organ.

But some ingredients may not serve your skin or overall health.

Though research in some cases is minimal and others are mixed, Phthalates and some parabens are linked to hormonal disruption. Other ingredients are carcinogens or may cause irritation.

Speaking with a dermatologist can help you figure out the best and safest products and ingredients for your skin and overall health.

Beth Ann Mayer is a New York-based freelance writer and content strategist who specializes in health and parenting writing. Her work has been published in Parents, Shape, and Inside Lacrosse. She is a co-founder of digital content agency Lemonseed Creative and is a graduate of Syracuse University. You can connect with her on LinkedIn.

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6 Ingredients to Avoid Putting on Your Skin - Healthline

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Researchers from the Murdochs Children Research Institute (MCRI) are developing new treatments for congenital heart disease that could enable children born with birth defects can regenerate the damaged organ.

In 2011, Prof. Enzo Porrello, who is nowhead of the Heart Regeneration Laboratory at the MCRI,demonstrated the regenerative properties of newborn mouse hearts at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Centre. Prior to this research, the capacity of mammalian hearts to regenerate was a debated topic.

This sort of changed our thinking of what was possible in terms of stimulating the human heart to regenerate itself following damage, such as a heart attack, Porrello said, reported theAustralian. And I guess this also fuelled my own interest in my subsequent career in the area of regenerative medicine.

After hearing about cases where newborns recovered from massive heart attacks, Porrello began to explore the regenerative properties of human newborn hearts.

In 2017, Porrello and Prof. James Hudson manufactured living and beating heart tissues from stem cells in a laboratory at the University of Queensland.

Porrello said that although other scientists had grown heart muscle cells from stem cells, nobody had grown the cells as miniature complex three-dimensional tissues. Additionally, they were not able to grow such tissues in a format compliant to drug development, he said.

And thats really the technological breakthrough that we were able to make.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, approximately nine out of every 1,000 babies born around the world will be born with congenital heart disease. In Australia, it is estimated that 2,400 babies are born with congenital heart disease annually, while in America, nearly one percent of all babies born are estimatedby the Centre For Disease Control to have the condition.

Porrello said that, at the moment, if a child develops heart failure and doesnt respond to standard frontline therapies, a heart transplant is their only option. Children in this situation are put on a transplant waiting list, and whilst waiting for a heart to become available, they are put on mechanical support.

Heart transplantation is limited by organ donor availability, and its also limited by the need for lifelong immunosuppression in those patients, Porrello said.

And so if were able to develop these bioengineered heart tissues from stem cells, this could potentially prevent or delay the need for heart transplantation in these very unwell individuals with end-stage heart failure.

Porrello said that the ultimate goal of his research is to harness the self-repairing capacity of the newborn heart and to develop drugs that waken the hearts dormant regenerative abilities so that the organ may repair itself after damage.

I would say that based on recent studies in the field in the past 10 years since we first made our discovery in mice, we are certainly getting closer, he said.

There is sort of proof of concept that this is possible now, at least in mice, and the question is whether or not we can now make that a therapeutic reality in humans.

The first step in creating these complex heart tissues is attaching special molecules to stem cells; these molecules trigger the cells to morph into heart muscle tissue. The heart tissues are then developed in a plastic culture dish that consists of 96 tiny wells.

The geometry of the well is designed in such a way that the heart tissues spontaneously form when the heart muscle cells are inserted into the well, Porrello said.

He said that within each well of the device are tiny elastic micropillars; the pillars function as elastic cantilevers since they are attached to the dish at only one end and extend horizontally to the dish. The heart muscle cells condense around these cantilevers to produce tiny miniature beating heart tissues that contract around the micropillar; every time the tissue contracts, the micropillar within it deflects.

Porrello said that the device enables researchers to measure the force that the tissues are generating, allowing them to observe how fast the tissues are beating and whether they display any irregularities in their heartbeat. These capabilities are useful for treatment testing because the effect that medication or genetic manipulations of stem cells have on the tissues heartbeat can be seen.

And so it serves as a pretty powerful platform for looking at drug responses, but also modelling genetic forms of heart disease.

Were actually now scaling up these tissues and growing very, very large bioengineered heart tissue patches that can be implanted onto the heart.

In an email to The Epoch Times, Porrello said in the future that, bioengineered heart tissue patches could be used to treat adults with heart failure, and alternative approaches are already being trialled.

Our bioengineered heart tissues could also be used to support the failing heart in adults with underlying heart disease.

Further studies are required to confirm that our bioengineered heart tissue patches are safe and effective in animal models before progressing to human trials. These pre-clinical safety and efficacy studies are underway.

He noted that although significant advances and a better understanding of the hearts regenerative mechanisms have been made in recent years, using this knowledge to develop a safe and effective drug is a slow process.

It typically takes 10 years and around $1 billion dollars to develop a new heart failure drug and take it all the way through to clinical approval. We are at the beginning of that journey.

We need to gain a better understanding of the fundamental biology underlying heart regeneration before we can develop effective treatments.

Porello is now applying his discoveries in a clinical context at theMCRIto reach his goal of regenerating human hearts. The regeneration research at the institute has two branches, the first focuses on studying diseases using lab-grown models of the heart muscle. The models are made using blood and tissue samples collected from sick children at the Royal Childrens Hospital in Melbourne.

He said that this branch of the research enables the team to model the genetic basis of the disease in any individual.

Were using this technology to model childhood heart disease, trying to understand its causes, and then using those genetic models of heart disease to test and develop therapeutic approaches to treat those conditions, he said.

Porrello said that the second branch of the research performed at the MCRI explores the regenerative approach to growing the very, very large bioengineered heart tissue patches. The researchers plan is to eventuallyimplant the patches into a heart to function as a biological assistance device that supports the function of the heart.

If it works, it would be transformative, Porrello said.

Stem cells have been used in medicine for more than fifty years, with the most common stem cell procedure currently beingbone marrow transplantsalso known as hematopoietic stem cell transplantsused to treat patients with blood cancers such asleukemiaand blood disorders such assickle cell diseaseandthalassemia.

More recently, skin grown from stem cells has been used to treat extensive burns, and stem cells from fat (adipose tissue) have been used as tissue fillers.

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Regenerative Properties of the Newborn Heart Offers Hope for Those With Congenital Heart Disease - The Epoch Times

Skin Stem Cells Comments Off on Regenerative Properties of the Newborn Heart Offers Hope for Those With Congenital Heart Disease – The Epoch Times | September 3rd, 2022

After struggling with acne for years, White Orange founder Carishma Khubhani still had a hard time finding skin are products that worked for her and even when her acne cleared, she was worried that her skin may revert back to its old habits. I always wanted to have my own skin care line one day, said Khubani, who was a musician in Los Angeles before becoming a brand founder. [My dermatologist and esthetician] told me that the only things that have been proven to make a visible difference in your skin are vitamin C and retinol. Other vitamin C serums were expensive or unpleasant to use or simply didnt work which led her to create White Orange.

After three years of formulating, White Orange claims to bring on a new generation of vitamin C. Vitamin C is the king of skin care ingredients for good reason its proven to help with sun damage, dark spots, and even acne. But you might be surprised to learn that there are different types of vitamin C in the products you use. Most vitamin C products on the market (including the priciest products) use a form of vitamin C called L-ascorbic acid. Its a go-to because there have been so many clinical studies supporting its efficacy; however, the downside is that it can be irritating and unstable. (Stability ensures that the product retains its potency over time.) It's cheap and it's inexpensive and [brands who use it] want to maximize their profit margins to be able to pay all their overhead, Khubani says.

With this knowledge, Khubani chose to use a less-common form of vitamin C called tetra hexadecyl ascorbate, or BV-OSC. She claims its the most potent, yet stable form of vitamin C, and so far, the science looks promising: A study found that after an aqueous gel with 10% BV-OSC was applied to a group of patients over the span of two to 10 months, age spots, acne and skin redness all showed immense improvement.

In addition to tetrahexadecyl ascorbate, one of the most significant ingredients that influenced the name of the product is pith the white part of the orange (hence the brand name) which was included for its high concentration of vitamin C. Other ingredients include hyaluronic acid, ferulic acid, and vitamin E all superstar skin care ingredients proven to fight free radicals and help overall skin texture and brightness. White Orange also added orange stem cells, which feature their own exclusive proprietary complex, and a liposomal delivery system to help the ingredients penetrate more deeply into the skin.

Other products also use tetrahexadecyl ascorbate, like Sunday Riley C.E.O 15 Vitamin C Brightening Serum so what makes White Orange different? Its all in the delivery system. Many vitamin C products come in glass dropper bottles, so the product is exposed to light and air every time you use it, which allows the product to oxidize and become less effective. White Orange puts their product in a syringe-style bottle, so your product isnt exposed to air and you only pump out the amount you need, preserving the freshness of the serum. The formula is also vegan and cruelty-free.

Khubani recommends using the product before you apply your moisturizer and SPF and after you wash your face and potentially apply a toner. After washing my face with my CeraVe Hydrating facial cleanser, I used the White Orange serum and finished off with my trusty CeraVe moisturizer. The formula is very light and non-sticky and so far, the product seems to be very gentle and non-irritating (I have highly sensitive skin). I also really like the syringe bottle, which is travel-friendly and dispenses the perfect amount each time. I havent noticed any anti-aging or acne-preventing effects, but I would recommend trying this product if youre looking to add a gentle serum to a simple skincare routine and if you have sensitive skin, you can rest easy knowing this formula wont irritate.

Studies cited:

Telang P. S. (2013). Vitamin C in dermatology. Indian dermatology online journal, 4(2), 143146.

Al-Niaimi, F., & Chiang, N. (2017). Topical Vitamin C and the Skin: Mechanisms of Action and Clinical Applications. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology, 10(7), 1417.

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Meet White Orange: The Vitamin C Skin Care Brand For Sensitive Skin - Bustle

Skin Stem Cells Comments Off on Meet White Orange: The Vitamin C Skin Care Brand For Sensitive Skin – Bustle | September 3rd, 2022

EARD2022 is over, but the research and events continue. Heres a summary of everything thats happened in August.

We are hiring! We are currently looking for a full-time chief of staff, a full-time data-driven Senior Marketing Manager, a part-time Youtube sponsorship/partnership acquisition lead, a social media intern, a part-time grant writer, and volunteers to support various programs. If you are interested in learning more about any of these positions, please contact us with your resume and salary expectations.

Announcing the Longevity Prize: The Longevity Prize is a series of prizes designed to honor the researchers who are helping to build a future in which age-related diseases are a thing of the past. This new initiative aims to accelerate progress in the rejuvenation biotechnology field and encourage innovation.

Stephanie Dainow to Present at the 9th ARDD Conference: On August 22, 2022, Lifespan.io Executive Director Stephanie Dainow participated in the Decentralized Science and Blockchain session as a part of the Emerging Tech Workshop at the worlds largest annual Aging Research and Drug Discovery conference (9th ARDD).

Longevity Camp: The Longevity Summer Camp is a four-day retreat featuring people from many longevity-related walks of life. Recently, somewhere between the former gold mining town of Nevada City and the infamous Donner Pass, a unique gathering took place.

Cells Return from Death: Cells, dead for an hour under warm conditions, have been revived. Questions about when life begins have been hot topics for awhile, but there is also debate about when life ends.

Rapamycin and Metformin: Rapamycin and metformin, two well-studied drugs in aging research, can be combined for synergistic effects in mice. Rapamycin and metformin are viewed by many as the two most promising anti-aging drugs, but now scientists have found that these drugs can work hand in hand.

Steve Horvath on the Present and Future of Epigenetic Clocks: Dr. Steve Horvath is the inventor of the epigenetic clock and, currently, principal investigator at Altos Labs. We talked about the recent developments in this immensely important field, including pan-mammalian clocks, two-species clocks, and single-cell clocks, along with the challenges the field faces.

Prof. Albert-Lszl Barabsi on Network Medicine: Albert-Lszl Barabsi is the Robert Gray Dodge Professor of Network Science at Northeastern University, and he also holds an appointment in the Department of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. We talked about a revolutionary network medicine approach that can greatly enhance our ability to understand biological processes and seek cures for disease.

Martin ODea Talks About the Longevity Summit: We recently had the opportunity to speak to Martin ODea about a new longevity-focused event happening in Irelands capital city on September 18th-20th. Martin holds an MBS and is a business lecturer at Dublin Business School in Dublin, Ireland. He is also the author of Beyond the Subjectivity Trap.

Dr. Aubrey de Grey Will Speak at the Longevity Summit Dublin: We recently caught up with Dr. Aubrey de Grey and talked to him about the upcoming Dublin Longevity Summit and how things are looking on the advocacy landscape.

Old Plasma Dilution Reduces Human Biological Age: The Journal Club has returned to our Facebook page with your host, Dr. Oliver Medvedik. This month, we have investigated a paper, Old plasma dilution reduces human biological age: a clinical study, in which Irina Conboy and her team investigated the effects of therapeutic plasma exchange on aging in people.

Vitamin D Fails to Improve Bone Health in Mega-Study: A high-quality, randomized, controlled trial found no effect of vitamin D supplementation or blood levels on the incidence of fractures in an aging population.

Hesperetin Upregulates Metabolism and Longevity in Mice: Researchers publishing in Journal of Biomedical Science have concluded that hesperetin, a compound found in various herbs, improves longevity in mice by promoting the expression of the pro-longevity gene Cisd2.

Caloric Restriction Improves Immune System Function: A new study published in Mechanisms of Aging and Development has shown that caloric restriction effectively restores T cell abundance in aged mice. Caloric restriction has become a well-known anti-aging intervention, as it can reverse several hallmarks of aging and extend lifespan in different animal models.

Ghrelin Is Associated with Worse Muscle Aging in Mice: A team of researchers publishing through Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute has described an association between ghrelin and skeletal muscle aging in mice. Ghrelin is a peptide containing 28 amino acids. Its main function is to stimulate the appetite through receptors in the hypothalamus.

Sauna Combined with Exercise Improves Cardiovascular Health: In a randomized, controlled trial, scientists have shown that sauna and exercise, when taken together, might have a synergistic, beneficial effect on cardiovascular health and cholesterol levels. Sauna bathing has been credited with many health benefits, predominantly for the cardiovascular system.

Developing Nanobodies to Fight Parkinsons Disease: A team of researchers publishing in Nature Communications has described nanobodies that can destroy the -synuclein aggregates that characterize Lewy bodies, which are associated with dementia and Parkinsons disease. Traditional antibody therapies, while promising in some studies, are too large to enter cells in order to affect the aggregates there.

Scientists Move the Boundaries of Post-Mortem Recovery: Researchers have been able to achieve substantial recovery of cellular and organismal activity in pigs that had been dead for a full hour. Advances in resuscitation have already moved the boundaries of life and death, making it possible to revive a person several minutes after the heart stops beating.

An In-Depth Review of Skin Aging Genes: In a new systematic review published in Scientific Reports, multiple genes driving skin aging were identified. The authors start by explaining the intrinsic (genetic and chronological) and extrinsic (environmental) factors that drive skin aging.

Hypertension Is Associated with Brain Drainage Changes: Researchers publishing in Aging have found that enlarged perivascular spaces in the brain are correlated with vascular disorders. These spaces, which are part of the brains glymphatic system, allow for the drainage of potentially dangerous metabolites such as beta amyloid.

Rapamycin-Loaded Microneedles Reverse Hair Loss in Mice: Scientists have successfully regrown hair in a mouse model of hair loss using custom-made plastic microneedles loaded with rapamycin and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), an active ingredient in green tea.

Identifying Mitonuclear Genes for Longevity: Publishing in GeroScience, a team of researchers that included Nir Barzilai and Matt Kaeberlein examined genes that may affect both mitochondria and lifespan.

Dietary Restrictions Do Not Help Cognitive Function in Mice: A new study published in Neurobiology of Aging has shown that neither caloric restriction nor intermittent fasting improve late-life cognition in genetically diverse mice, but the effect depends on genetic composition.

Combining Senolytic Pathways Has Synergistic Effects: A team of researchers have explained in Aging how multiple compounds that target the BCL-2 protein family are considerably more effective against senescent cells than each compound by itself.

New Synthetic Molecule Alleviates Alzheimers in Mice: Scientists have synthesized a molecule that alleviates Alzheimers in a mouse model by targeting inflammation. Two of the most prominent and probably interconnected symptoms of Alzheimers disease are the accumulation of amyloid beta (A) and chronic neuroinflammation.

The Relationship Between Stroke and Inflammation: Publishing in Aging, a team of Chinese researchers has provided evidence showing a relationship between systemic inflammation and prognosis after a stroke. As the researchers point out, strokes are the leading cause of death in China.

Almost Half of Cancer Deaths Worldwide are Preventable: Researchers have shown that 44.4% of cancer deaths worldwide can be attributed to preventable risk factors, including behavioral and environmental ones. It is well known that many cancer cases occur due to behavioral and environmental and factors such as smoking and pollution, which makes them theoretically preventable.

Rapamycin and Metformin Show Synergy in Mice: Scientists have found that rapamycin and metformin work hand in hand in diabetes-prone mice, boosting each others effectiveness and blocking side effects. Both have been in use for various indications for decades and have decent safety profiles.

Plasma Dilution Appears to Rejuvenate Humans: Published in GeroScience, a groundbreaking study from the renowned Conboy lab has confirmed that plasma dilution leads to systemic rejuvenation against multiple proteomic aspects of aging in human beings. This paper takes the view that much of aging is driven by systemic molecular excess of signaling molecules, antibodies, and toxins.

Mitochondrial Drug Alleviates Atherosclerosis in Mice: Scientists have drastically improved various symptoms of atherosclerosis in mice by precisely targeting mitochondria with a plant-derived antioxidant. Atherosclerosis, the accumulation of plaques on arterial walls, is one of the deadliest age-related diseases.

Intravenous Stem Cells Alleviate Guinea Pig Osteoarthritis: Scientists have shown that intravenous delivery of mesenchymal stem cells, which has some advantages over the more conventional intra-articular injection, alleviates age-related osteoarthritis and decreases inflammation in guinea pigs. Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, is one of the most common causes of disability in old age.

Glycans as Biomarkers of Aging: In a new review published in Clinica Chimica Acta, researchers from the University of Zagreb discuss immunoglobulin G glycans, the changes that their composition undergoes with aging, and their potential as biomarkers of aging. One of the reviews co-authors is Prof. Gordan Lauc, who gave a presentation on them at EARD2022.

A wearable electrochemical biosensor for the monitoring of metabolites and nutrients: The monitoring of metabolites for the early identification of abnormal health conditions could facilitate applications in precision nutrition.

Epigenome-wide association study analysis of calorie restriction in humans, CALERIE TM Trial analysis: DNA methylation changes may contribute to caloric restrictions effects on aging.

Association of Leisure Time Physical Activity Types and Risks of All-Cause, Cardiovascular, and Cancer Mortality Among Older Adults: There were significant associations between participating in 7.5 to less than 15 MET hours per week of any activity and mortality risk.

Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 plus acetylcholinesterase inhibitors improved cognitive function in patients with mild cognitive impairment: These findings suggest that combined therapy with EGb 761 plus AChEI may provide added cognitive and functional benefits in patients with MCI.

Suppression of trimethylamine N-oxide with DMB mitigates vascular dysfunction, exercise intolerance, and frailty associated with a Western-style diet in mice: These therapies may be promising for mitigating the adverse effects of a Western diet on physiological function and thereby reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

Canagliflozin retards age-related lesions in heart, kidney, liver, and adrenal gland in genetically heterogenous male mice: Canagliflozin can be considered a drug that acts to slow aging and should be evaluated for potential protective effects against many other late-life conditions.

Fecal microbiota transplantation can improve cognition in patients with cognitive decline and Clostridioides difficile infection: This study revealed important interactions between the gut microbiome and cognitive function. Moreover, it suggested that FMT may effectively delay cognitive decline in patients with dementia.

Mitochondrial dynamics maintain muscle stem cell regenerative competence throughout adult life by regulating metabolism and mitophagy: As mitochondrial fission occurs less frequently in the satellite cells in older humans, these findings have implications for regeneration therapies in sarcopenia.

Long-lasting, dissociable improvements in working memory and long-term memory in older adults with repetitive neuromodulation: These findings demonstrate that the plasticity of the aging brain can be selectively and sustainably exploited using repetitive and highly focalized neuromodulation

Supplementing Glycine and N-Acetylcysteine (GlyNAC) in Older Adults Improves Aging Hallmarks: By combining the benefits of glycine, NAC and GSH, GlyNAC is an effective nutritional supplement that improves and reverses multiple age-associated abnormalities to promote health in aging humans.

VitaDAO Funds ApoptoSENS Project for $253,000: Preventing the dysfunction of natural killer cells may be a promising area to explore in the fight against cellular senescence. Researchers are hoping to define the correlation between the increase in senescent cells and the onset or worsening of disease in humans.

VitaDAO Backs Research into Chronic Oral Disease: Periodontal disease affects more than 47% of adults aged 30 and over. For people over 65 years of age, that number rises to over 70%, making periodontitis one of the most commonly observed age-related illnesses. Jonathan Ans lab seeks to research inflammation-targeting compounds that can help treat periodontal disease.

Researchers Propose Five New Hallmarks of Aging: Publishing in Aging five months after their panel discussion in Copenhagen, many well-known researchers have explained their reasons for wishing to add new hallmarks of aging to the existing paradigm.

SENS Research Foundation Announces Ending Aging Forum 2022: SENS Research Foundation has announced this years Ending Aging Forum, which will be held through a virtual conference platform with an immersive environment.

Longevity Investors Conference: Organized and sponsored by Maximon, the Longevity Investors Conference is focused on the investment aspects of longevity. The LIC welcomes everyone with an interest in the financial aspects of the longevity sector, including venture capitalists, asset managers, and managers of private equity funds and private banks.

Longevity Summit Dublin: This conference will feature two days of inspiring research developments along with top longevity entrepreneurs, biotech companies, longevity investors, and researchers from around the world.

Read more:
Rejuvenation Roundup August 2022 - Lifespan.io News

Skin Stem Cells Comments Off on Rejuvenation Roundup August 2022 – Lifespan.io News | September 3rd, 2022

Jeanne Loring likes to say shes been to space without her feet even leaving the ground.

Just weeks ago, the Scripps Research Institute professor of molecular medicine sent some of her own genetically mapped cells to space as part of first-of-its-kind research to study the progression and onset of Parkinsons disease, multiple sclerosis and other neurodegenerative diseases.

I love traveling. Ive been on all the continents, and so I figured, whats left? Loring said jokingly. I just jumped at the opportunity when I learned that it was possible.

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In July, the cells arrived via cargo spacecraft at the International Space Station, where they remained under close observation for about a month 250 miles above Earth, and traveling at 17,500 miles per hour before they splashed back down to Earth last week.

The study is part of new National Stem Cell Foundation-funded neurodegeneration research to observe how cells communicate in microgravity in a way not possible on Earth, explained Paula Grisanti, founder and CEO of the foundation.

Its really pure exploration at this point, because theres no history of anybody doing this before, she said. Were paving the path.

An organoid derived from Dr. Jeanne Lorings induced pluripotent stem cells is prepared to be sent to the International Space Station.

(Courtesy of Dr. Davide Marotta)

Loring, a Del Mar resident who is one of the worlds leading experts in Parkinsons and a senior scientific advisor for the foundation, has been working with human-induced pluripotent stem cells since the technology was first discovered in 2006.

Called organoids, these cells are made from human skin tissue, which is put into a culture dish and turned into pluripotent stem cells, Loring explained.

Pluripotent stem cells only exist in culture dishes, they dont exist in our bodies, she said. Pluripotent means they can form any cell type in the body so for Loring, that meant forming nerve cells to create brain-like structures.

Its hard to study peoples brains, Loring said. You can do all this external stuff like they do with physical exams, but theres not any window into the brain so this is providing a sort of brain avatar.

Organoids provide a stand-in for the brain that can be studied by researchers, Loring explained. They make connections with each other, the cells talk to each other, so in a lot of ways, its a really good model of the brain, she added.

Moreover, the organoids mimic the brains of people with MS and Parkinsons.

Loring has been working with these organoids for years through Aspen Neuroscience, a San Diego-based company she co-founded that is working to create the worlds first personalized cell therapy for Parkinsons, using a patients own cells so they dont have to worry about rejection. Clinical trials may start as early as next year, she said.

Tubes containing neural organoids are loaded into a rack in preparation for placement in Cube Lab to travel to the International Space Station.

(Courtesy of Space Tango)

For the last four years, the foundations team of bicoastal researchers has been working together to study these organoids in space.

While an experiment in space presents its own challenges, Loring said its worth the work, as researchers hope to gain valuable and unique insight into how disorders like Parkinsons and MS develop. You can see them interacting and talking to each other in 3-D in a way that you cannot on Earth, Grisanti said.

Along with Lorings healthy organoids, which are used as a control, organoids derived from patients with Parkinsons and MS were sent to the space station, while the entire experiment was replicated on Earth.

Specifically, researchers are studying the neuroinflammation in the organoids, which is like when the immune system in the brain is overactive, Grisanti explained.

Organoid cultures are sealed in holders and ready to be placed in Cube Lab for space flight. The cover shows National Stem Cell Foundations SpaceX CRS-25 mission patch.

(Courtesy of Space Tango)

What we hope to find is a point at which things start to go wrong in those neurodegenerative diseases, where we could then intervene with a new drug or cell therapy, she said. And were seeing signs that that happens more in space than it does on the ground, so it helps create the type of interaction that you would see early in a neurodegenerative disease.

Grisanti said they hope to be able to use this research to develop a new drug or cell therapy to treat these disorders and potentially other neurodegenerative diseases in the future.

I think weve cracked the door open, but weve got some more flying to do, she added.

Continued here:
To better understand Parkinson's disease, this San Diego expert sent her own cells to space - The San Diego Union-Tribune

Skin Stem Cells Comments Off on To better understand Parkinson’s disease, this San Diego expert sent her own cells to space – The San Diego Union-Tribune | August 26th, 2022

But there are other hurdlessome so challenging that many scientists have given up. For one thing, nudging the stem cells in the right direction requires, it seems, a unique touch and expertise. Not just anyone will be able to make egg and sperm cells in the lab, says Saitou.

Saitou and Hayashi, now at Kyushu University, lead world-renowned teams of extraordinary skill. Their achievements might not have been possible without the contributions of Hiroshi Ohta, for example. Ohta is an expert in anesthetizing newborn mice using ice, performing intricate surgery on them, and injecting cells into the animals miniature gonads. The entire procedure must be completed within five minutes or the animals die. Only a few people have such skills, which take months to develop. I think our group was kind of lucky, says Saitou. It was a get-together of many talented scientists.

The work is hampered by the lack of in-depth knowledge about how the primitive forms of egg and sperm cells develop naturally in the embryoa process that is far from fully worked out in humans. Some of the embryos cells begin to differentiate into these primitive sex cells at around 14 days. But in some countries, it is illegal for researchers to even grow human embryos beyond 14 days. They would send me to jail if I went beyond day 14, says Azim Surani, who is working with precursors to artificial sex cells at the University of Cambridge in the UK.

The problem, from a research point of view, is that the 14-day rule comes in just as the embryos start to get interesting, says Surani. Without being able to easily study the critical process of how primitive cells begin forming egg and sperm cells, scientists are limited in their ability to mimic it in the lab.

Even if scientists were able to study embryos more freely, some mysteries would remain. Once the cells that make eggs and sperm are created, they are held in a kind of suspended animation until puberty or ovulation. What happens to them in the years in between? And how important is this phase for the health of mature eggs and sperm? The honest answer is we dont know, says Surani.

The stem cells in the lab must also be generated and cared for under precise conditions. To survive, they must be bathed in a cocktail of nutrients that must be replaced every day. Its very time consuming and labor intensive and it takes a lot of money, says Bjorn Heindryckx at Ghent University in Belgium, one of the scientists who have given up on creating human eggs this way in the lab. The outcome was too limited for the effort and the money that we spent on it, he says.

Part of the challenge is that for the precursor stem cells to develop into fully matured egg or sperm cells, they must be placed in an environment mimicking that of newly developing ovaries or testes. Researchers studying mice use tissue taken from mouse embryos to induce the stem cells to differentiate into sex cells. But similarly using human tissue from discarded embryos is ethically and legally problematic. So scientists are working on ways to create the right environment without using tissue from embryos.

The upshot is that it will likely take a highly skilled team years of dedicated research. Its not impossible, but it would not be easy to do, says Surani.

Continue reading here:
Inside the race to make human sex cells in the lab - MIT Technology Review

Skin Stem Cells Comments Off on Inside the race to make human sex cells in the lab – MIT Technology Review | August 26th, 2022

Westford, USA, Aug. 25, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As the world increasingly becomes connected and people live longer, surgery and medical procedures become more complex. Surgery, one of the most common medical procedures, is now estimated to use over 1 million surgical tools each year. In order to meet the rising demand for surgical tools, surgeons are turning to biomaterials as a key component in their procedures. The main reason for this growth of the global biomaterials market is the increasing demand for novel biomaterials in various sectors such as automotive, aerospace, construction, and medical applications.

The growing demand for biomaterials has led to several companies developing unique biomaterials specifically for surgery. Some of the most well-known biomedical materials including polypropylene microspheres, chitosan hydrogel, and alginate matrix were pioneers in the field of biomaterials. Today, there are numerous new types of biomaterials being developed and marketed for a variety of medical applications, such as wound healing and orthopedic surgery. Global biomaterials market is expanding rapidly due to increasing public awareness of the benefits of using these materials and growing demand from pharmaceutical and medical device companies.

SkyQuest has published a report on global biomaterials market. The report provides a detailed market analysis, which would help the market participant in gaining is insights about market forecast, company profiles, market share, pricing analysis, competitive landscape, value chain analysis, porters five, and pestle among others.

Get sample copy of this report:

https://skyquestt.com/sample-request/biomaterials-market

Demand For Biomaterials in the Healthcare Industry will Grow by 53% Over the Next Five Years

The demand for biomaterials market in the healthcare industry is growing rapidly, according to SkyQuest study. We studied global economic data and discovered that the demand for biomaterials in the healthcare industry will grow by 53% over the next five years. In 2021, 10.7 million patients used some kind of biomaterials across different applications such as wound care, tissue implant, surgeries, and medical devices, among others. This rising demand is impacting not only hospitals and clinics, but also diagnostic laboratories and pharmaceutical companies.

Most biomedical materials are manufactured from organic materials such as skin, bone, cartilage, and tendons. While these materials can be derived from a variety of sources, synthetic biomedical materials are often cheaper and more readily available. However, synthetic biomedical materials do not have the same properties as natural materials, which means they may not be as effective when used in medical treatments. Biologically based biomaterials are more effective because they can mimic the properties of natural tissues. Their potential benefits make them a highly desired commodity in the healthcare industry across the global biomaterials market. In 2021 alone, sales of artificial joints were worth $2.2 billion, while sales of regenerative medicine products such as stem cells and platelet-rich plasma were estimated to be worth $8.8 billion in the same year.

SkyQuest has done a detailed study on global biomaterials market and prepared a report that also covers current consumer base, potential demand for products, demand analysis by category and volume, expected growth, prominent growth factors, market dynamics, trends, opportunities, and innovation, among others.

Browse summary of the report and Complete Table of Contents (ToC):

https://skyquestt.com/report/biomaterials-market

Top 4 Biomaterials in Global Market

1. Stem cells- Stem cells have become one of the most promising areas of biomaterial research because they can be modified to create a wide variety of tissue types, including cartilage, skin, and bone.

2. Chitosan- Chitosan is a natural polymer found in creatures ranging from crabs to shrimp, and it is prized for its ability to form strong and durable bonds with other materials.

3. Polycaprolactone- Polycaprolactone is a modified form cellulose that has been shown to have many potential biomedical applications, including as a replacement for hard tissues like heart valves and bones.

4. Mesenchymal stem cells- Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are adult cells found in the connective tissue and skeletal muscles of mammals. MSCs have characteristics that make them especially effective at repairing tissues damaged by disease or injury, which is why they are commonly used in studies on regenerative therapies.

Recent Advancements in Biomaterials Market

Successful applications of biomaterials in disease treatment have made them a preferred choice for many medical procedures. For example, use of biomaterials for artificial heart valves has revolutionized the way these devices are operated and prevented heart failure in patients.

In addition, various biomaterials are being developed for use in regenerative medicine. For example, researchers in the global biomaterials market are exploring the possibilities of using nano-sized polymers to promote the growth of new tissue in injured or damaged tissues. This approach may prove to be an effective way to restore function to damaged organs and limbs.

Biomaterials are also being used to create new types of prosthetic devices. For example, doctors are currently testing a new type of artificial hip that uses a biocompatible material as its main component.

Speak to Analyst for your custom requirements:

https://skyquestt.com/speak-with-analyst/biomaterials-market

SkyQuests report on global biomaterials market would help you in gaining insights about current developments and its impact on the overall market growth, pricing, demand and supply, change in growth strategies of existing players, among others. Also, the report would help in understanding how the market value is changing and affecting the forecast revenue over the period.

Top Players in the Global Biomaterials Market

Related Reports in SkyQuests Library:

Global Cell Therapy Market

Global Flow Cytometry Market

Global Bioinformatics Market

Global Synthetic Biology Market

Global Biopharmaceutical Analytical Testing Services Market

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Global Biomaterials Market to Reach Value of $372.7 Billion by 2028 | Demand For Biomaterials in the Healthcare Industry will Grow by 53% Over the...

Skin Stem Cells Comments Off on Global Biomaterials Market to Reach Value of $372.7 Billion by 2028 | Demand For Biomaterials in the Healthcare Industry will Grow by 53% Over the… | August 26th, 2022

We are what we eat. And drink. And how we sleep, detox, and exercise or not.

Nothing new there. But in a world where new-to-market serums, creams, and spiritual berry tonics extracted by hand by Tibetan monks are in our (digital) face every day, were being presented with so many cool options on how to cleanse, moisturize, and treat wrinkles, lackluster skin, and hair that its next to impossible to keep up, let alone care for.

And while I wont be ditching my tried-and-true products any time soon, these newer, technologically advanced plant-based offerings are, in truth, quite effective. Products flooded with adaptogens help the body respond and adapt to various kinds of stress and inflammation. And how we weave them into our lifestyle regimens can be fun too.

Rather than barrage you with a ton of products, I thought a conversation regarding upcoming trends that embrace these new, full-circle, inside-and-out additions to our anti-aging routines is in order. We may have to look a little harder for these over-the-counter retail items, but not for long. Keep in mind that several of these brands combine two or three categories as ingestibles and topicals, which include CBD, functional mushrooms, and waterless skin care all of it nonpsychoactive, of course.

While recreational and medicinal marijuana are slowly becoming legal in more and more states, its tempting to get into the weeds with a cannabis/hemp/CBD tutorial. Lets simplify: it all comes from the same hemp plant thats loaded with restorative and preventative properties. CBD is legal (no high) and widely used for general to advanced wellness. Categories include singular isolates (113+ CBD extracts); broad spectrum (whole plant extract minus THC); and full spectrum (whole plant extract with less than 0.3 percent THC, the legal limit for all CBD products in the U.S.).

See the rest here:
A Groovy Guide to Anti-Aging Products With CBD and Mushrooms - Out Magazine

Skin Stem Cells Comments Off on A Groovy Guide to Anti-Aging Products With CBD and Mushrooms – Out Magazine | August 26th, 2022

The concept of synthesizing small-scale human organs in lab dishes has matured from pure science fiction to legitimate bioscientific reality in recent years. However, the usefulness of organoids as a research tool for studying the digestive system quickly ran into a roadblock, due to the fact that these in-demand tissues remain difficult to create.

Organoids are stem cell-derived three-dimensional tissue cultures that are designed to exhibit detailed characteristics of organs or act as model organs to produce a specific cell type in laboratory conditions. However, when growing organoids, the yield from each batch of starting material can vary massively and can even fail to produce any viable organoids at all. This of course results in severe delays in their production and utilization in pre-clinical experiments that test the efficacy and safety of drugs.

In a recently published paper from Stem Cell Reports, researchers from Cincinnati childrens (OH, USA) have developed a new practice that overcomes the organoid production hurdle. This novel procedure is already being utilized within the medical facility to boost organoid studies. However, because the materials utilized can be frozen and thawed while still producing high-quality organoids, this discovery allows for the shipment of starter materials to other labs anywhere in the world, foreseeably leading to a dramatic increase in the utilization of human gastrointestinal organoids in medical research.

This method can make organoids a more accessible tool, explains the first author Amy Pitstick, manager of the Pluripotent Stem Cell Facility at Cincinnati Childrens. We show that the aggregation approach consistently produces high yields and we have proven that precursor cells can be thawed from cryogenic storage to produce organoids of the small intestine.

Using this approach will make it possible for many research labs to use organoids in their experiments without the time and expense of learning how to grow induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), states corresponding author Chris Mayhew, director of the Pluripotent Stem Cell Facility. The ability to freeze the precursor cells also will allow labs to easily make organoids without having to start each new experiment with complicated and highly variable iPSC differentiation.

Generally, organoid creation begins with the collection of skin or blood cells, which are then transformed in the lab to become induced pluripotent stem cells. To create intestinal organoids, highly skilled lab professionals produce a flat layer of organ precursor cells known as the mid-hindgut endoderm.

Under the correct conditions, early-stage organoids, termed spheroids, autonomously develop into a three-dimensional ball of cells. These are then collected and placed into a growth medium, which supplies the required signals for the cells to develop into the specialized cell types of a human organ.

However, the quantity of spheroids produced in this manner has been unpredictable. The Cincinnati Childrens researchers discovered that they could harvest the unused precursor cell layer and employ a centrifuge to transport cells into hundreds of tiny wells housed on small plastic plates. This causes the creation of 3D cell aggregates, which may then be collected and utilized to produce organoids.

The experiment described in the research paper demonstrates that the spheroids created in this manner had no discernible differences from those that formed naturally. The scientists then stored samples of the progenitor cells in freezers. These cells generated viable spheroids after being frozen and aggregated.

The paper goes on to verify that these spheroids can be consistently grown into mature organoids, which can simulate organ function. In the case of this research, the mature organoids went on to mimic the function of the small intestine, large intestine and the antrum, the portion of the stomach that links to the intestine.

Although this development is a welcome and promising advance in organoid fabrication, years of research will be required to create organoids large enough and complex enough to be utilized as replacement tissue in transplant surgery. However, having access to a large number of readily manufactured organoids offers up numerous possibilities for medical study.

More labs will be able to create patient-specific organoids in order to evaluate drugcombination therapiesfor precision treatment of complex or rare disease states that necessitate personalized care. Scientists also conducting basic research to understand more about the genetic factors and molecular pathways at play in digestive tract diseases will be able to incorporate organoids in their experiments by procuring frozen spheroid precursors.

In his current effort to generate transplantable intestinal tissues, Michael Helmrath, Director of Clinical Translation for the Center for Stem Cell & Organoid Medicine (CuSTOM) at Cincinnati Childrens, has already begun employing materials made from this new method.

This is a great step forward for the field on many fronts, Helmrath says. To be able to reduce the complexity of the process and provide higher yields is beneficial to our work. And to be able to translate the methods to other labs will help move regenerative medicine forward.

Source: https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S2213671122003599

Continued here:
New milestone organoid synthesis will boost disease and drug development research - RegMedNet

Skin Stem Cells Comments Off on New milestone organoid synthesis will boost disease and drug development research – RegMedNet | August 10th, 2022

Professor Augustinus Baders skincare products contain the patented TFC8 technology, backed by 30 years of science and research - and results have shown an increase by 110% of more elasticity in the skin as well!

Image: Augustinus Bader)

When we hear on the grapevine that celebrities are obsessing over skincare products or with a beauty brand - we too are equally eager to hear the secret behind their gorgeous, glowing skin.

Augustinus Bader, whos earned a cult-beauty status thanks to his rejuvenating skin care products, is the man whom Jennifer Aniston, Kim Kardashian and Victoria Beckham all love too. And its not just celebrities who hail his namesake products as the secret weapon behind nourished and renewed skin, but beauty editors and dermatologists too. Not to mention contain the patented TFC8 technology, which is backed by 30 years of science and research.

And we have a way to you can get 20% off your next order, thanks to the auto-replenish programme! Customers are able to save 20% on each order when they subscribe to regular, customisable, delivery cycles. How cool is that?

Augustinus Bader

Augustinus Bader

Augustinus Bader

And its so simple too!

The skincare formulas are hand crafted by Professor Augustinus Bader in his own laboratory. Hes a globally recognised biomedical scientist, physician and one of the foremost experts in the field of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. So its no wonder why celebs are quick to reach for his products before hitting the red carpet.

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Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease that targets motor neurons, gradually bereaving patients of their ability to control muscle movements. Scientists discovered more than 50 potential disease-causing genes and linked several cellular pathways to ALS, but the syndromes diverse clinical and genetic nature make it difficult to predict and interfere with disease progression.1

Researchers discovered a T cell population in mice that mirrors ALS-4 disease progression.

In a recent study published in Nature, Laura Campisi, Ivan Marazzi, and colleagues at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai discovered an immune cell signature in patients with early onset ALS (ALS-4) that mirrors disease progression and may contribute to neuronal death.2 These findings could have significant implications for ALS diagnostics, prognostics, and therapeutics.

Laura Campisi joined Marazzis laboratory wanting to better understand how the body mounts immune responses. She set out to molecularly profile activated immune cells and discovered several immunity regulators, including SENATAXIN (SETX). Because SETX mutations cause ALS-4, Campisi wondered if ALS might join the suite of other neurodegenerative diseases such as narcolepsy, Alzheimers disease, and Parkinsons disease that scientists recently connected to the immune system.3,4,5,6

To test whether the immune system plays a role in ALS-4 disease progression, Campisi turned to a mouse model that carries the most common human SETX mutation.7 She replaced their mutated hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs)progenitors that form immune cellswith wildtype ones and found that they protected against disease. In contrast, replacing healthy HSCs with SETXmutant ones in wildtype mice did not cause disease. This set of experiments showed that mutant HSCs and their progeny contribute to disease, but do not cause disease on their own. This is extremely strong preclinical evidence that forms a basis for pharmaceutically targeting these cells, said David Gate, an assistant professor of neurology at Northwestern University, who was not involved in this study.

Campisi and her colleagues next characterized the immune system in pre-symptomatic mice and discovered an ALS-specific immune cell signature: ALS-4 mice contained more CD8+ T cells in their blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) prior to symptom onset, and this cell population continued to expand as the disease progressed. While Campisis team faced pandemic-related difficulties in recruiting enough ALS-4 patients to confirm these findings, they are now teaming up with clinicians to expand their preclinical trials. We want to follow this [T cell] population in patients to see if they express specific markers that can predict if and when the disease progresses, Campisi said.

My hypothesis is that the T cells are autoreactive, so they are reacting against a cellular antigen.Laura Campisi, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

To find what these T cells responded to, Campisi sequenced them and found that nearly all cells expressed the same T cell receptor, suggesting they bind the same antigen. The problem is that it is very difficult to find the antigen. I dont think it is an infection because [the] mice live in a pathogen-free facility. My hypothesis is that the T cells we found are autoreactive, so they are reacting against a cellular antigen, Campisi said.

Given that ALS targets motor neurons, Campisi wondered if the ALS-4 T cells promoted disease progression because they react to and are activated by a protein in the brain. To test this hypothesis, Campisi injected ALS-4mice with brain cancer cells that express neuronal antigens to see if the T cell population would react and confer protection against the cancer type. It was pretty striking: the tumors became so big in wildtype mice that I had to stop the experiment, but the [mutant] mice that were in the same cage were completely fine, their tumor was not growing, Campisi said. In contrast, there was no protection against skin-related cancer cells that she injected as a control. The T cells that infiltrated the ALS-4 mices brain tumors expressed the same T cell receptor as cells found in their CSF. While Gate cautions that cancer cells typically express many newly created neoantigens, Campisis data suggests that the T cell population likely recognizes a brain cell-related antigen.

Campisis challenge now lies in identifying the actual antigen and therapeutically targeting these T cells to slow and restrict the disease course. In ALS, you probably have a defect that starts with neurons, triggering a cascade of events. So, even if you restore what is wrong in neurons, we have to [also] target the other players, Campisi said.

References

Excerpt from:
Mutant T Cells That Drive Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Progression May React To a Brain Antigen - The Scientist

Skin Stem Cells Comments Off on Mutant T Cells That Drive Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Progression May React To a Brain Antigen – The Scientist | August 10th, 2022

The procedure recommended by most doctors might not always be a good option, as it could turn a potentially benign situation into a malignant one.

Thomas Seyfried, Ph.D., professor in the biology department at Boston College, is a leading expert and researcher in the field of cancer metabolism and nutritional ketosis. His book, Cancer as a Metabolic Disease: On the Origin, Management and Prevention of Cancer is a foundational textbook on this topic, and in August 2016, he received the Mercola.com Game Changer Award for his work.

Here, we discuss the mechanisms of cancer and the influence of mitochondrial function, which plays a crucial role in the development and treatment of this disease. Hislandmark cancer theory is available as a free PDF.

Many of his views are now encapsulated in his most paper,1Mitochondrial Substrate-Level Phosphorylation as Energy Source for Glioblastoma: Review and Hypothesis, published online December 27, 2018. Hes also published a number of other papers2,3,4on the metabolic underpinnings of cancer.

The paper is a review and hypothesis paper identifying the missing link in Otto Warburgs central theory,Seyfried explains. [Warburg] defined the origin of cancer very accurately back in the 1920s, 30s, 40s and 50s in his work in Germany. Basically, he argued and provided data showing that all cancer cells, regardless of tissue origin, were fermenters. They fermented lactic acid from glucose as a substrate.

Even in the presence of oxygen, these cells were fermenting. This is clearly a defect in oxidative phosphorylation. The problem is that for decades, people said Warburg was wrong mainly because we see a lot of cancer cells take up oxygen and make adenosine triphosphate (ATP) from within the mitochondria People began to question, If cancer cells have normal respiration, why would they want to use glucose as a fermentable fuel?

The whole concept became distorted The cancer cells simply choose to ferment rather than respire. Now, of course, if you look under the electron microscope at majority of cancers, youll see that the mitochondria are defective in a number of different ways. Their structures are abnormal. The numbers are abnormal. There are many abnormalities of mitochondria seen directly under electron microscopy. Clearly, Warburg was not wrong.

Before we delve into the meat of how cancer actually occurs it would be good to review a diagnostic strategy that nearly all of us are offered when confronted with a cancer diagnosis. It is vital to understand that this may not be your best strategy and that for many it would be wise to avoid the biopsy.

Seyfried warns against doing biopsies, as this procedure may actually cause the cancer to spread. A tumor is basically a group of proliferating cells in a particular part of your body. For purposes of diagnosis, a small biopsy sample will often be taken to ascertain whether the tumor is benign or malignant.

The problem is that when you stab into the cancer microenvironment to remove a part of the tissue, it creates a wound in that microenvironment that in turn elicits the invasion by macrophages and other immune cells.

If you already have an acidic microenvironment, you run the risk of causing a fusion hybridization event in that microenvironment between your macrophages and cancer stem cells (as discussed below). This could turn a potentially benign situation into a malignant one, and if the tumor is malignant, stabbing into it could make a bad situation worse.

The question is, what is the value of doing a biopsy in the first place? We take biopsies of breast tissue to get a genomic readout of the different kinds of mutations that might be in the cells. Now, if cancer is not a genetic disease and the mutations are largely irrelevant, then it makes no sense to do that in the first place. If the tumor is benign, why would you want to stab it? If the tumor is malignant, why would you ever want to stab it?

I came to this view by reading so many articles in the literature based on brain cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, liver cancer showing how needle biopsies have led to the dissemination of these tumor cells, putting these people at risk for metastatic cancer and death,Seyfried says.

In metabolic therapy you would not touch the tumor; you would not disturb the microenvironment. By leaving it alone, you allow the tumor to shrink and go away.

When you start to look at this as a biological problem, many of the things that we do in cancer make no sense. We have, in brain cancer, people say, You have a very low-grade tumor. Lets go in and get it out. What happens is you go in and get it out, and then the following year it turns into a glioblastoma.

How did that happen? Well, you disturbed the microenvironment. You allowed these cells that are marginally aggressive to become highly aggressive. Then you lead to the demise of the patient,Seyfried says.

That happens significantly because its called secondary glioblastoma arising from therapeutic attempt to manage a low-grade tumor. The same thing can happen with all these different organs. You stab breast tumors, you stab colon tumors, you run the risk of spreading the cells

My argument is the following: If the patient has a lump, whether its in the breast, in the colon, lung or wherever or a lesion of some sort, that should be the cue to do metabolic therapy.

Do metabolic therapy first. In all likelihood, it will shrink down and become less aggressive. Then the option becomes, Should we debulk completely rather than doing some sort of a biopsy? We want to reduce the risk, because if we can catch the whole tumor completely, then we dont run the risk of spreading it

In our procedure, you bring the body back into a very high state of metabolic balance, and then you strategically go and degrade the tumors slowly without harming the rest of the body.

Radiation, chemo and the strategies that were using today dont do this. Theyre based on the gene theory of cancer that genetic mutations are causing the cell cycle to grow out of control. Well, this is not the case. Again, a lot of these toxic procedures need to be rethought, reanalyzed in my mind.

In biology, structure determines function. This is an evolutionarily conserved concept. So, how can mitochondria be structurally abnormal in tissue, yet have normal respiration? As Seyfried notes, this doesnt make sense. Confusion has arisen in part because many study cancer in culture, and make profound statements and comments regarding what happens in culture, Seyfried says.

If you look at cancer cells in culture, many of them do take in oxygen and make ATP, but at the same time, theyre fermenting. This was the conundrum. They called it the Warburg Effect. Theyre fermenting, but many people at the same time thought their respiration was normal.

This was the main problem with Warburgs theory. But Warburg clearly said in his papers [that] its not the fact that they take in oxygen; its how much ATP they can generate from oxidative phosphorylation, which is the normal respiratory capacity of the mitochondria.

As explained by Seyfried, if you measure ATP and look at oxygen consumption in tumor cells, it appears theyre making ATP and taking in oxygen, therefore, their respiration is assumed to be normal. However, when you look at the tissues in cancer patients, the mitochondria are abnormal.

What I and Dr. Christos Chinopoulos from Semmelweis University in Budapest, Hungary, who is the world-leading expert on mitochondrial physiology and biochemistry realized [was] that the mitochondria of tumor cells are actually fermenting amino acids, glutamine in particular. Theyre not respiring. Theyre fermenting an alternative fuel, which is glutamine,Seyfried says.

With this understanding, Warburgs theory can be proven correct cancer arises from damage to the mitochondrias ability to produce energy through respiration in their electron transport chain.

The compensatory fermentation involves not only lactic acid fermentation, but also succinic acid fermentation using glutamine as a fermentable fuel. Its been known for decades that glutamine is a main fuel for many different kinds of cancers, but most people thought it was being respired, not fermented.

Seyfried and Chinopoulos discovery confirms that cancer cells in fact have damaged respiration, and to survive, the cancer cells must use fermentation. The two most available fermentable fuels in the cancer microenvironment are glucose and glutamine. Hence, targeting glucose and glutamine is a crucial component of cancer treatment.

Without glucose and glutamine, the cancer cells will starve, as they cannot use ketones. The simplest approach to cancer then is to bring patients into therapeutic ketosis, and then strategically target the availability of glucose and glutamine.

Basically, what were saying [is] that mitochondrial substrate-level phosphorylation is a non-oxidative metabolism mechanism inside the mitochondria that would generate significant amounts of energy without oxidative phosphorylation,Seyfried says.

According to Seyfried, mitochondrial dysfunction is at the heart of nearly every type of cancer. Unfortunately, few oncologists have this understanding and many still believe cancer is the result of genetic defects. However, nuclear transfer experiments clearly show cancer cannot be a genetic disease.

Theres been no rational scientific argument that I have seen, to discredit the multitude of evidence showing that the [genetic] mutations are not the drivers but the effects [of mitochondrial dysfunction],Seyfried says.

As a matter of fact, theres new information now where people are finding so-called genetic drivers of cancer expressed and present in normal cells, normal skin and also esophagus This is another [issue] how you get these so-called driver mutations in normal tissues. Were also finding some cancers that have no mutations, yet, theyre fermenting and growing out of control.

There are a number of new observations coming out that challenge the concept that cancer is a genetic disease. And once you realize that its not a genetic disease, then you have to seriously question the majority of therapies being used to manage the disease. This [helps] explain [why] we have 1,600 people a day dying from cancer in the United States.

Why do we have such an epidemic of suffering and death when we have been studying this disease for decades? Well, if you look at the massive amounts of scientific papers being written on cancer, youll often find that theyre structured around gene defects.

What Im saying is that if cancer is not a genetic disease and the mutations are downstream epiphenomena, why would the field continue to focus on things that are mostly irrelevant to the nature of the disease? What Im saying is very devastating, because Im telling the majority of the people in the field that theyre basically wasting their time

I think we can drop the death rate of this disease by about 50% in 10 years if cancer is treated as a mitochondrial metabolic disease, targeting fermentable fuels rather than using toxic therapies that are focused on downstream effects.

Radiation is designed to stop DNA replication. DNA replication requires energy. If you pull the plug on their fermentable fuels, theyre not going to be able to replicate anyway All of the things that were doing to treat cancer is basically approaching the disease from a misunderstanding of the biology

We know viruses can cause cancer. We know radiation causes cancer. We know carcinogens cause cancer. We know intermittent hypoxia causes cancer. We know systemic inflammation causes cancer. We know just getting older puts you at risk for more cancer.

We know there are inherited mutations in the genome that can cause cancer. But how are all these things linked through a common pathophysiological mechanism? The common pathophysiological mechanism is damaged through the structure and function of the mitochondria.

Every one of the issues including inherited mutations, damage the respiration of a particular population of cells in a tissue. You look at the breast cancer gene (BRCA 1), for example. People will say, Cancer must be a genetic disease because you inherit a mutation that causes the disease.

You only get the disease if that mutation disrupts the function of the mitochondria. Fifty percent of women who carry the mutation never get cancer or breast cancer because the mutation, for some reason, did not damage the mitochondria in that person.

So, to summarize, the true origin of cancer is damage to the respiratory function of the mitochondria, triggering compensatory fermentation, which is run by oncogenes. Oncogenes play a role by facilitating the entry of glucose and glutamine into the cell to replace oxidative phosphorylation.

Seyfried also has a very different view on the biology of metastasis (the spread of cancer). He explains:

Weve looked at cancer stem cells in a number of our preclinical models These guys grow like crazy in place. The tumor just keeps expanding, but it doesnt spread. It doesnt spread into the bloodstream or metastasize to various organs.

We discovered a very unusual cancer 20 years ago. It took us 10 to 15 years to figure out what it was. You can put a few of these cells anywhere in the mouses body and within three to four weeks, this mouse is full of metastatic cancer. It made the cover of the International Journal of Cancer, when we published this back in 2008, but we had worked on the problem for years.

We couldnt figure out what it was that made these cells so incredibly metastatic. We found out that once we identified the biology of the cell, it turned out [it has] many characteristics in common with the macrophage, which is one of the most powerful immune cells in our body.

We said, Wow. Is this unique only to this kind of cell or do metastatic cancers in humans also express characteristics of macrophages? We looked and we found that almost every major cancer that metastasizes has characteristics of macrophages. Then we said, Well, how could this possibly happen? Is it coming from the macrophage?

A number of scientists have all clearly shown that there is some fusion hybridization character going on. In other words, macrophages, our wound-healing cells, they come into a microenvironment where you might find many proliferating neoplastic stem cells, but they dont have the capacity to metastasize.

Its only when the macrophages fuse with these stem cells that you have a dysregulated energy metabolism coming in this hybrid cell. This hybrid cell now has characteristics of both stem cells and macrophages.

The stem cell is not genetically equipped to enter and exit tissue. The macrophage, as a normal cell of your body, is genetically equipped to enter and exit tissue and live in the bloodstream. Theyre very strongly immunosuppressive. These are all characteristics of metastatic cancer.

According to Seyfried, metastatic cancer cells are essentially a hybrid, a mix of an immune system cell and a dysregulated stem cell, the latter of which could originate from a disorganized epithelial cell or something similar. In short, its a hybrid cell with macrophage characteristics.

Macrophages are essential for wound healing and part of our primary defense system against bacterial infections. They live both in the bloodstream and in tissues, and can go anywhere in the body. When an injury or infection occurs, they immediately move in to protect the tissue.

The metastatic cancer cell has many of those same properties,Seyfried explains,But the energy and the function of the cell is completely dysregulated, so it proliferates like crazy but has the capacity to move and spread through the body, so its a corrupted macrophage. We call it a rogue macrophage.

Like macrophages, metastatic cancer cells can also survive in hypoxic environments, which is why most angiogenic therapies are ineffective against metastatic cancer.

So, what do these metastatic hybrid cells need to survive? Both macrophages and immune cells are major glutamine consumers, and according to Seyfried, you can effectively kill metastatic cells by targeting glutamine.

However, it must be done in such a way so as to not harm the normal macrophages and the normal immune cells. In other words, it must be strategic. For this reason, Seyfried developed a press-pulse therapy for cancer, which allows the patient to maintain normal immune system function, while at the same time targeting the corrupted immune cells the macrophage fusion hybrid metastatic cells as well as inflammation.

The therapies we are using to attempt to kill these [metastatic] cells put us at risk for having the cells survive and kill us. You can control these cells for a short period of time, but they can hunker down and enter into some sort of a slightly dormant state, but they reappear.

People say, Oh, these tumor cells are so nifty and smart they can come back at you. The problem is youve never really challenged them on their very existence, which is they depend on fermentation to survive. If you dont target their fermentation, theyre going to continue to survive and come back at you.

Many of the therapies that we use radiation, chemo and some of these other procedures are not really going after the heart of the problem. That oftentimes puts you at risk for the recurrence of the disease. Your body is already seriously weakened by the toxic treatments. And in the battle, you lose. If you are fortunate enough to survive your body is still beat up.

You have now put your [body] at risk for other kinds of maladies Why are we using such toxic therapies to kill a cell when we know what its weaknesses are? These are the paradigm changes that will have to occur as we move into the new era of managing cancer in a logical way.

To properly address cancer, then, you need to clean up the microenvironment, because the microenvironment will strategically kill cells that are dependent on fermentation while enhancing cells that arent. At the same time, the microenvironment will also reduce inflammation.

You also have to be very careful not to kill your normal and healthy immune cells, because they need glutamine too,Seyfried says. What we find is that when we strategically attack the tumor this way, it turns out that our immune cells are paralyzed.

The cancer cells are killed, but the normal immune cells are paralyzed. Theyre not dying, theyre just not doing their job. What we do is we back off the therapy a little; allow the normal immune cells to regain their biological capacity, pick up dead corpses, heal the microenvironment, and then we go after the cancer cells again.

Its a graded response, knowing the biology of the normal cells and the abnormal biology of the tumor cells. This is a beautiful strategy. Once people know how you can play one group of cells off another, and how you can strategically kill one group of cells without harming the other cells, it really becomes a precision mechanism for eliminating tumor cells without harming the rest of the body.

You dont need to be poisoned and irradiated. You just have to know how to use these procedures to strategically kill the cells. Protecting normal macrophages is part of the strategic process. Killing the corrupted ones is part of the strategic process. Again, you have to put all of these together in a very logical path. Otherwise, youre not going to get the level of success that we should be getting.

This strategy is what Seyfried calls press-pulse treatment, and essentially involves restricting the fermentable fuels glucose and glutamine in a cyclical fashion to avoid causing damage to normal cells and tissues. Glucose is effectively restricted through a ketogenic diet. Restricting glutamine is slightly trickier.

The press-pulse strategy was developed from the concept of press-pulse in the field of the paleobiology. A press was some chronic stress on populations, killing off large numbers, but not everything, because some organisms can adapt to stress. The pulse refers to some catastrophic event.

The simultaneous occurrence of these two unlikely events led to the mass extinction of almost all organisms that existed on the planet. This was a cyclic event over many hundreds of millions of years. The geological records show evidence for this press-pulse extinction phenomenon.

What we simply did was take that concept and say, Lets chronically stress the tumor cells. They need glucose. You can probably kill a significant number of tumor cells by just stressing their glucose. Thats the press. The press is different ways to lower blood sugar. You put that chronic stress on top of the population either by restricted ketogenic diets [or] therapeutic fasting. There are a lot of ways that you can do this.

Also, emotional stress reduction. People are freaked out because they have cancer, therefore their corticoid steroids are elevated, which elevates blood sugar. Using various forms of stress management, moderate exercise all of these will lower blood sugar and contribute to a chronic press and stress on the cancer cells.

However, youre not going to kill all cancer cells if you just take away glucose. Because the other fuel thats keeping the beast alive is the glutamine. We have to pulse, because we cant use a press for glutamine targeting, because then youre going to kill your normal immune cells or impair them, and they are needed for the eventual resolution of the disease.

What were going to do is were going to pulse various drugs. We dont have a diet system that will target glutamine. Glutamine is everywhere. Its the most abundant amino acid in your body But you have to use [the drugs] very strategically; otherwise they can harm our normal immune system and then be counterproductive

I think that once we understand how we can target effectively glutamine without harming our normal immune cells this is the strategy that will make most of these other therapies obsolete Its cost-effective and non-toxic and it will work very well.

But were still at the very beginning of this. We need to continue to develop the doses, timing and scheduling of those drugs that are most effective in targeting glutamine that can be done without harming the rest of the cells in our body.

If you would like to support Dr. Seyfrieds research, please consider making a donation to the Foundation For Metabolic Cancer Therapies. The donation tag is on the top row of the of the foundationsite. This Foundation is dedicated to supporting Dr. Seyfrieds studies using metabolic therapy for cancer management with 100% of the donated funds going directly to research on metabolic therapy for cancer.

Originally published July 31, 2022 on Mercola.com

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Epoch Health welcomes professional discussion and friendly debate. To submit an opinion piece, please follow these guidelines and submit through our form here.

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