Bone Marrow Concentrate (BMC) Therapy, also known as Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC) Therapy, is a promising cutting-edge regenerative therapy to help accelerate healing in moderate to severe osteoarthritis and tendon injuries. While similar to Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) in its ability to harness the bodys ability to heal itself through the aid of growth factors, BMC also utilizes regenerative cells that are contained within a patients own bone marrow. The marrow contains a rich reservoir of pluripotent stem cells that can be withdrawn from the patients hip bone and used for the procedure. Unlike other cells of the body, stem cells are undifferentiated, meaning they are able to replicate themselves into various types of tissue.

In the past, the process of removing and harvesting these cells was often difficult and expensive. With recent medical advancements in both the aspiration of the bone marrow and harvesting of the regenerative cells, the procedure can be done with minimal discomfort and patients are sent home the same day. The process is relatively simple. The patient is first numbed using a mixture of local anesthetics. Under the guidance of an X-Ray machine, the physician then removes a small amount of the patients bone marrow from the hip bone which is then placed into a centrifuge to separate the regenerative cells and platelets from the rest of the blood products. The final product is a concentrate which has approximately 5-10 times the baseline levels of regenerative cells and growth factors. This point of care treatment allows for minimal manipulation of cells which are then injected to the injured area. The entire process takes approximately 2 hours and patients go home the same day.

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Stem Cell Therapy Has a Lot to OfferIt Just May Take Some Time to Get There

By: Ashwini Nagappan

In conversation with the New York Times, Dr. Shinya Yamanaka, the director of Kyoto Universitys Center for iPS Cell Research and Application and researcher at the Gladstone Institutes, illuminates the complexities and future of stem-cell research. Yamanaka was jointly awarded the 2012 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for reconfiguring adult cells back to their pluripotent states. These induced pluripotent stem cells, or iPS cells, have been used as treatments for conditions such as macular degeneration.

However, Yamanaka mentions that these treatments are temporarily suspended because of the possibility of mutations developing in the patients iPS cells. Cancer could be a potential outcome because the production of iPS cells increases the chance of mutations. Researchers are rigorously testing to make sure that there are no cancer-causing mutations and that the cells function as they should. In order to be certain that these cells are safe, they are transplantedinto mice or rats for about a year. Yamanaka approximates that only 100 lines would be needed to cover the Japanese population and 200 lines for the US population.

Yamanaka acknowledges that the potentialfor stem cells may have been too eagerlyanticipated as they can only remedy the small portion of diseases that are caused by a single cell failure such as heart failure. Stem cell therapy cannot target diseases caused by multiple types of cell failures. He mentions an alternative to iPS known as direct cellular reprogramming, which would be beneficial if the patient in question was elderly instead of a younger person, and if the area targeted was larger instead of a small wound.

In essence, Yamanaka highlights the need for an ethical consensus in order to understand how to move forward with advancing stem cell technology. Further, iPS cells are fairly young they are only tenyears old. For patients to be able to receive these treatments requires money and time. In the mean time, Yamanaka recommends arrivingat an ethical consensus onthe use of stem cells.

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Modern medicine has still not managed to crack the problem of spinal cord injuries that result in significant paralysis or loss of functional status.

There are numerous factors that influence the inability to restore movement or autonomous bodily control to these patients. A prominent example of these is the inability to cultivate new neurons that make up and power the spinal cord.

However, some researchers have claimed that they have successfully induced generic human stem cells to differentiate into stem cells that apply more specifically to the spine.

Why We Cant Repair a Spine (Yet)

Strategies involving the implantation of any kind of donor cell to regenerate or recreate damaged spinal tissue have not shown much success. Furthermore, some medical researchers also believe that such forays into regenerative medicine are not feasible, in terms of costs and resources, at this point. Therefore, this area of cell-based therapy is still very much at the development stage.

The goals of many current projects in this area revolve around the restoration of the motor function in subjects (mostly rodents in animal models). This requires the full re-generation and reinstatement of the corticospinal tract (CST), an important spinal region that communicates with the relevant cortices in the brain.

A limited number of reports claim to have achieved this. However, this leaves the rest of the spine un-addressed, which may have a residual effect on movement and other functions.

New Direction in Cell-Based Therapy for Spinal Injuries

In the past, CST-based trials used grafts of multipotent cells, which were progenitor cells rather than true stem cells.

However, a newer study has documented a technique in which human pluripotent stem cells were used, which could differentiate into all the cells a spinal section needs, and not just the CST ones.

Reportedly, these neural stem cells further diversified into different types of neurons. Therefore, it can be concluded that neural stem cells may be capable of more complete regeneration of missing or damaged spinal tissue in living subjects.

The researchers behind the apparent breakthrough claimed that their cells were capable of doing this in an appropriate model. However, the research was conducted by causing the stem cells to grow a customized spinal graft, which was then transplanted using the model.

A transverse spinal section showing some functions of various spinal region. (Source: Public Domain)

The scientists claimed that these grafts integrated well with the sections of pre-existing spinal tissue upstream and downstream of the graft location. These consisted of various intra-, supra- and cortico-spinal networks of neural connections, which allowed peripheral nervous functions, including movement, under normal circumstances.

In addition, it is necessary for these networks to distinguish between the dorsal (or backward-facing) and ventral portions of the spine. This is because these regions send different signals to the brain in different directions in the average healthy spine. The researchers asserted that their spinal grafts were indeed capable of these distinctions.

The scientists behind this project reported that their models subjects gained increased functional status as a result of receiving one of these grafts. However, it can be assumed that these assertions are getting slightly ahead of their time, in terms of being approved as a real-world treatment.

The researchers also noted that their new spinal stem cells and the neurons that they differentiate into can be used as an excellent in vitro model for the neurobiology of the spine. In addition, the cells may also now be used to test other novel potential treatments for spinal disorders.

Highlights

The scientists behind this project collaborated across the departments of neurosciences and psychiatry & neurology at the University of California (Los Angeles), as well as the San Diego Veterans Administrations Healthcare System. The team published their findings in an August 2018 issue of Nature Methods.

The researchers also hope that future work on this model could lead to the application of their cells to next-generation regenerative medicine that focuses on the spine and how to repair it after injury or damage.

Therefore, we may be able to look forward to a time, in which improved medicine could restore paraplegic patients to the health and autonomy that they may cherish.

Top Image: The spine is an important component of the human nervous system. (Source: Pixabay)

References

H. Kumamaru, et al. (2018) Generation and post-injury integration of human spinal cord neural stem cells. Nature Methods.

S. A. Goldman. (2016) Stem and Progenitor Cell-Based Therapy of the Central Nervous System: Hopes, Hype, and Wishful Thinking. Cell Stem Cell. 18:(2). pp.174-188.

K. Kadoya, et al. (2016) Spinal cord reconstitution with homologous neural grafts enables robust corticospinal regeneration. Nat Med. 22:(5). pp.479-487.

Deirdre ODonnell

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share WHAT ARE STEM CELLS?

Mesenchymal stem cells are specialized cells that naturally grow in our body and can differentiate into bone, cartilage or fat cells. They are widely used in medicine as a natural healing solution to effectively treat orthopedic conditions including the spine and major joints (like the shoulder, hip, knee, ankle, etc.).

There are many benefits of stem cell therapy, including but not limited to:

The human body has multiple sites for stem cells to repair degenerated and injured structures. We have found that obtaining stem cells from the hip bone (iliac bone) is easily performed within minutes. After the stem cells are obtained, minutes later they can be used for treatment in our outpatient state-of-the-art-facility. Regenerative stem cell injections are performed using image guidance (i.e. ultrasound or fluoroscopy) to ensure accurate placement of the stem cells. Once the affected area is sterilized and numbed with a novocaine-type solution, stem cells are injected and begin regenerating and strengthening weakened joints.

Stem cell injections are most commonly used for treatment of the following conditions:

Stem cell injections are designed to heal and strengthen damaged tissue, therefore pain relief is typically noticed several weeks after the procedure. Final relief is seen approximately two to three months after the entire treatment protocol has been completed.

In most cases, patients respond very well to just one treatment. Some patients, depending on the severity of the injury, may benefit from two to three injections over the course of 12 months.

As with all procedures, there are minor risks associated with stem cell injections including infection, bleeding, or nerve damage. It is important to note that there is no risk of allergic reaction since you are using your bodys own healing factors. The physicians at Virginia Spine Institute will always recommend the safest and most efficient procedures for our patients, however, your physician will review any possible risks associated with this treatment prior to administering.

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If you are providing the blood stem cells for a transplant, they will either be collected from your bloodstream (peripheral blood) or from your bone marrow.

The largest concentration of blood stem cells is in your bone marrow. However, the blood stem cells can be moved or "mobilized" out of the bone marrow into the bloodstream (peripheral blood) where they can be easily collected. Most transplants these days use stem cells collected from the bloodstream.

When blood stem cells are collected from the bloodstream, the procedure is called a peripheral blood stem cell collection or harvest.

Prior to the harvest, you will receive injections of a drug such as filgrastim (Neupogen) or plerixifor (Mozobil) over a four to five day period. These drugs move stem cells out of the bone marrow into the bloodstream.

Most people tolerate these drugs well, although mild, flu-like symptoms are common. The symptoms end a few days after the injections stop.

If you are collecting stem cells for your own transplant, chemotherapy drugs may be used to help move the stem cells out of your bone marrow into the bloodstream.

Peripheral blood stem cell collections are done in an outpatient clinic.

The procedure is painless. However, you may feel lightheaded, cold or numb around the lips. Some people feel cramping in their hands which is caused by the blood thinning agent used during the procedure. These symptoms cease when the procedure ends.

The procedure used to collect bone marrow for transplant is called a bone marrow harvest. It is a surgical procedure that takes place in a hospital operating room. Typically it is done as an outpatient procedure.

The amount of bone marrow harvested depends on the size of the patient and the concentration of blood stem cells in your marrow.

Typically one to two quarts of marrow and blood are harvested. While this may sound like a lot, your body can usually replace it in four weeks.

When the anesthesia wears off, you may feel some discomfort in your hip and lower back for several days. The pain is similar to what you would feel if you took a hard fall and bruised your hip. You may find sitting for a long period of time or climbing stairs uncomfortable for a few days. The pain is usually relieved with acetaminophen (Tylenol).

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Stem cell transplants are procedures that restore blood-forming stem cells in people who have had theirs destroyed by the very high doses of chemotherapy or radiation therapy that are used to treat certain cancers.

Blood-forming stem cells are important because they grow into different types of blood cells. The main types of blood cells are:

You need all three types of blood cells to be healthy.

In a stem cell transplant, you receive healthy blood-forming stem cells through a needle in your vein. Once they enter your bloodstream, the stem cells travel to the bone marrow, where they take the place of the cells that were destroyed by treatment. The blood-forming stem cells that are used in transplants can come from the bone marrow, bloodstream, or umbilical cord. Transplants can be:

To reduce possible side effects and improve the chances that an allogeneic transplant will work, the donors blood-forming stem cells must match yours in certain ways. To learn more about how blood-forming stem cells are matched, see Blood-Forming Stem Cell Transplants.

Stem cell transplants do not usually work against cancer directly. Instead, they help you recover your ability to produce stem cells after treatment with very high doses of radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or both.

However, in multiple myeloma and some types of leukemia, the stem cell transplant may work against cancer directly. This happens because of an effect called graft-versus-tumor that can occur after allogeneic transplants. Graft-versus-tumor occurs when white blood cells from your donor (the graft) attack any cancer cells that remain in your body (the tumor) after high-dose treatments. This effect improves the success of the treatments.

Stem cell transplants are most often used to help people with leukemia and lymphoma. They may also be used for neuroblastoma and multiple myeloma.

Stem cell transplants for other types of cancer are being studied in clinical trials, which are research studies involving people. To find a study that may be an option for you, see Find a Clinical Trial.

The high doses of cancer treatment that you have before a stem cell transplant can cause problems such as bleeding and an increased risk of infection. Talk with your doctor or nurse about other side effects that you might have and how serious they might be. For more information about side effects and how to manage them, see the section on side effects.

If you have an allogeneic transplant, you might develop a serious problem called graft-versus-host disease. Graft-versus-host disease can occur when white blood cells from your donor (the graft) recognize cells in your body (the host) as foreign and attack them. This problem can cause damage to your skin, liver, intestines, and many other organs. It can occur a few weeks after the transplant or much later. Graft-versus-host disease can be treated with steroids or other drugs that suppress your immune system.

The closer your donors blood-forming stem cells match yours, the less likely you are to have graft-versus-host disease. Your doctor may also try to prevent it by giving you drugs to suppress your immune system.

Stem cells transplants are complicated procedures that are very expensive. Most insurance plans cover some of the costs of transplants for certain types of cancer. Talk with your health plan about which services it will pay for. Talking with the business office where you go for treatment may help you understand all the costs involved.

To learn about groups that may be able to provide financial help, go to the National Cancer Institute database, Organizations that Offer Support Services and search "financial assistance." Or call toll-free 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237) for information about groups that may be able to help.

When you need an allogeneic stem cell transplant, you will need to go to a hospital that has a specialized transplant center. The National Marrow Donor Program maintains a list of transplant centers in the United States that can help you find a transplant center.

Unless you live near a transplant center, you may need to travel from home for your treatment. You might need to stay in the hospital during your transplant, you may be able to have it as an outpatient, or you may need to be in the hospital only part of the time. When you are not in the hospital, you will need to stay in a hotel or apartment nearby. Many transplant centers can assist with finding nearby housing.

A stem cell transplant can take a few months to complete. The process begins with treatment of high doses of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of the two. This treatment goes on for a week or two. Once you have finished, you will have a few days to rest.

Next, you will receive the blood-forming stem cells. The stem cells will be given to you through an IV catheter. This process is like receiving a blood transfusion. It takes 1 to 5 hours to receive all the stem cells.

After receiving the stem cells, you begin the recovery phase. During this time, you wait for the blood cells you received to start making new blood cells.

Even after your blood counts return to normal, it takes much longer for your immune system to fully recoverseveral months for autologous transplants and 1 to 2 years for allogeneic or syngeneic transplants.

Stem cell transplants affect people in different ways. How you feel depends on:

Since people respond to stem cell transplants in different ways, your doctor or nurses cannot know for sure how the procedure will make you feel.

Doctors will follow the progress of the new blood cells by checking your blood counts often. As the newly transplanted stem cells produce blood cells, your blood counts will go up.

The high-dose treatments that you have before a stem cell transplant can cause side effects that make it hard to eat, such as mouth sores and nausea. Tell your doctor or nurse if you have trouble eating while you are receiving treatment. You might also find it helpful to speak with a dietitian. For more information about coping with eating problems see the booklet Eating Hints or the section on side effects.

Whether or not you can work during a stem cell transplant may depend on the type of job you have. The process of a stem cell transplant, with the high-dose treatments, the transplant, and recovery, can take weeks or months. You will be in and out of the hospital during this time. Even when you are not in the hospital, sometimes you will need to stay near it, rather than staying in your own home. So, if your job allows, you may want to arrange to work remotely part-time.

Many employers are required by law to change your work schedule to meet your needs during cancer treatment. Talk with your employer about ways to adjust your work during treatment. You can learn more about these laws by talking with a social worker.

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VetStem Technology: Summary

VetStem Regenerative Cell Therapy is based on a clinical technology licensed from Artecel Inc. Original patents are from the University of Pittsburgh and Duke University.

Adipose-derived regenerative cells are:

VetStem Regenerative Cell (VSRC) therapy delivers a functionally diverse cell population able to communicate with other cells in their local environment. Until recently, differentiation was thought to be the primary function of regenerative cells. However, the functions of regenerative cells are now known to be much more diverse and are implicated in a highly integrated and complex network. VSRC therapy should be viewed as a complex, yet balanced, approach to a therapeutic goal. Unlike traditional medicine, in which one drug targets one receptor, Regenerative Medicine, including VSRC therapy, can be applied in a wide variety of traumatic and developmental diseases. Regenerative cell functions include:

In general, in vitro studies demonstrate that MSCs limit inflammatory responses and promote anti-inflammatory pathways.

Multiple studies demonstrate that MSCs secrete bioactive levels of cytokines and growth factors that support angiogenesis, tissue remodeling, differentiation, and antiapoptotic events.25,28 MSCs secrete a number of angiogenesis-related cytokines such as:28

Adipose-derived MSC studies demonstrate a diverse plasticity, including differentiation into adipo-, osteo-, chondro-, myo-, cardiomyo-, endothelial, hepato-, neuro-, epithelial, and hematopoietic lineages, similar to that described for bone marrow derived MSCs.22 These data are supported by in vivo experiments and functional studies that demonstrated the regenerative capacity of adipose-derived MSCs to repair damaged or diseased tissue via transplant engraftment and differentiation.6,9,30

Homing (chemotaxis) is an event by which a cell migrates from one area of the body to a distant site where it may be needed for a given physiological event. Homing is an important function of MSCs and other progenitor cells and one mechanism by which intravenous or parenteral administration of MSCs permits an auto-transplanted therapeutic cell to effectively target a specific area of pathology.

Adipose-derived regenerative cells contain endothelial progenitor cells and MSCs that assist in angiogenesis and neovascularization by the secretion of cytokines, such as hepatic growth factor (HGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), placental growth factor (PGF), transforming growth factor (TGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2), and angiopoietin.25

Apoptosis is defined as a programmed cell death or cell suicide, an event that is genetically controlled.35 Under normal conditions, apoptosis determines the lifespan and coordinated removal of cells. Unlike during necrosis, apoptotic cells are typically intact during their removal (phagocytosis).

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Stem cell-filled implants helped repair spinal cord damage in animals, according to a study led by UC San Diego scientists. If all goes well, the implants with neural stem cells could be ready for testing in human patients in a few years.

Rats with completely severed spinal cords regained some voluntary motion after getting the implants, said the study, published Monday in the journal Nature Medicine. The study is online at j.mp/ucsdspine.

They were able to move the joints of their lower legs, said study co-author Dr. Mark Tuszynski. They couldn't support their weight very well, but they could move the legs around the joints. If one were to project what this means to humans, it might mean that the legs are still weak, but that with an assist they would be able to control them.

The next step is to repeat the procedure in monkeys, said Tuszynski, director of the Translational Neuroscience Institute at UC San Diego School of Medicine.

If successful, it would fulfill one of the biggest hopes for stem cell therapy.

Repairing spinal cord injuries has long been a major goal of the states stem cell program, the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, or CIRM. The agency was formed in 2004 with the passage of Prop. 71. The late actor Christopher Reeve figured prominently in the campaign for Prop. 71.

While there have been encouraging reports of individual spinal cord injury patients benefiting from stem cell-based therapy, no such treatment has been approved as safe and effective. So scientists at UCSD and elsewhere are trying to make a treatment that can be reliably replicated.

Another study with neural stem cells without the implant has shown benefit in monkeys after spinal cord injury, Tuszynski said. This work is closer to the clinical stage.

The rat implants were constructed by 3D bioprinting of a biologically compatible hydrogel, which is mostly made up of water. These 2-millimeter-wide implants contain tiny channels that guide growth of neural stem cells, also called neural progenitor cells. The cells matured into neurons and reconnected severed nerves, Tuszynski said.

Besides guiding growth, the implants allowed blood vessels to grow, nourishing the newly formed cells. This process, called vascularization, has been hard to achieve in growing new tissue. But with the biologically compatible implants, vascularization occurred spontaneously.

The implants also protected the neural stem cells from the inflammatory damage associated with a fresh injury.

This is a nice marriage of the technology of bioengineering and 3D printing with stem cell biology to treat a really important human disease that needs better therapy, Tuszynski said.

Implants can be quickly custom-made for human spinal cord injuries, according to the study. Researchers bioprinted implants of 4 centimeters within 10 minutes. These were made according to MRI scans of real human spinal cord injuries.

Two other UCSD study authors, Shaochen Chen and Wei Zhu, have co-founded a San Diego startup, Allegro 3D, to commercialize the rapid bioprinting technology. Allegro is doing this independently of the spinal cord injury research.

We will be talking to people to find a partner, said Chen, a founding co-director of the Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering Center at UC San Diego. It takes money, time and effort, so it won't be done in a university setting.

The neural stem cells are produced from a lineage of human embryonic stem cells. This lineage was one of the original certified while George W. Bush was president.

The researchers treat the cells with their own cocktail of growth chemicals that coax them into becoming spinal cord neural stem cells, which cant become any other kind of cell besides types of spinal cord cells.

When these cells are placed at the injury site, with or without the implant, the stem cells complete development.

Importantly, these cells grow axons, the long fibers that carry nerve signals, Tuszynski said. They extend out of the implant and into the spinal cord below the injury. They relay signals that cross synapses, the tiny gaps between nerve cells.

Because the cells arent from the patient, the body may tend to reject them. So patients receiving these cells will need immunosuppressive therapy, he said.

Newer classes of immune-suppressing drugs now available are safer and better tolerated than earlier ones, Tusyznski said.

We think patients would stay on them for awhile, he said.

The research was funded by the National Institutes of Health; the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine; and the Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson Medical Research Foundation.

UCSD also hosts ongoing stem cell-based clinical trials for spinal cord injuries and other diseases. More information can be found at the Sanford Stem Cell Clinical Center, reachable at j.mp/ucsdssc.

Related reading

3D printed implant promotes nerve cell growth to treat spinal cord injury

Biomimetic 3D-printed scaffolds for spinal cord injury repair

Allegro 3D

Stem cell-based spinal cord therapy expanded to more patients

Stem cells have become keys to unlock how life develops

UCSD finds possible treatment for paralysis

Genetic analysis conducted on one Neanderthal woman who lived 52,000 years ago was published Oct. 5 in a report in the journal Science. (October 6, 2017)

Genetic analysis conducted on one Neanderthal woman who lived 52,000 years ago was published Oct. 5 in a report in the journal Science. (October 6, 2017)

At 9:52 a.m. Pacific, OSIRIS-REx (short for Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security-Regolith Explorer) hits its closest point to Earth, 11,000 miles above Antarctica. (Sept. 22, 2017)

At 9:52 a.m. Pacific, OSIRIS-REx (short for Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security-Regolith Explorer) hits its closest point to Earth, 11,000 miles above Antarctica. (Sept. 22, 2017)

The Food and Drug Administration has launched a crackdown on clinics hawking stem cell treatments for a range of ailments. (September 1, 2017) (Sign up for our free video newsletter here http://bit.ly/2n6VKPR)

The Food and Drug Administration has launched a crackdown on clinics hawking stem cell treatments for a range of ailments. (September 1, 2017) (Sign up for our free video newsletter here http://bit.ly/2n6VKPR)

Researchers used eggs from healthy females and the sperm of a man who carried a gene mutation that causes inherited hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. (Aug. 3, 2017)(Sign up for our free video newsletter here http://bit.ly/2n6VKPR)

Researchers used eggs from healthy females and the sperm of a man who carried a gene mutation that causes inherited hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. (Aug. 3, 2017)(Sign up for our free video newsletter here http://bit.ly/2n6VKPR)

Research published July 27 suggested that transcranial magnetic stimulation could prove useful in distinguishing Alzheimers disease from frontotemporal dementia. (July 27, 2017)(Sign up for our free video newsletter here http://bit.ly/2n6VKPR)

Research published July 27 suggested that transcranial magnetic stimulation could prove useful in distinguishing Alzheimers disease from frontotemporal dementia. (July 27, 2017)(Sign up for our free video newsletter here http://bit.ly/2n6VKPR)

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Cardiovascular disease, also called heart disease, is a broad medical term used to describe a group of conditions that affect the blood vessels or the heart. It is the most common cause of death worldwide.1

Conditions of cardiovascular disease include:

The Stem Cells Transplant Institutein Costa Rica, uses adult autologous stem cells for the treatment of cardiovascular disease (heart disease). The symptoms of cardiovascular disease will depend on the specific type of heart disease.

Treatment at the Stem Cells Transplant Institute could help improve the symptoms of cardiovascular disease such as:

Heart disease and cardiovascular disease are often used interchangeably. These terms refer to a group of conditions that affect the blood vessels and heart. Valvular heart disease affects how the valves pump blood flow in and out of the heart. Cardiomyopathy affects the contractions of the heart muscle. Heart arrhythmias are disturbances in the electrical conduction making the heart beat irregular. Coronary artery disease is the most common cause of cardiovascular disease and stem cell therapy may be an effective treatment.

Coronary artery disease is caused by atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque, causing a narrowing or blocking the blood vessels in the coronary arteries. Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of cardiovascular disease. Atherosclerosis can lead to chest pain, heart attack or stroke.

Coronary arteries carry oxygen rich blood to the heart. Plaque is caused by the presence of cholesterol, calcium, fat, and other substances in the blood. When plaque builds up in the blood vessels it narrows the arteries causing them to harden and weaken, reducing the amount of oxygen rich blood to the heart. As a result, the heart cannot pump blood effectively to the rest of the body potentially leading to heart failure and ultimately death.

If the plaque building up in the coronary arteries breaks, a blood clot forms around the plaque. If the clot cuts off the blood flow to the heart muscle completely, the heart muscle is unable to get the necessary oxygen and nutrients causing a part of the heart muscle to die. The result is a heart attack or myocardial infarction,

Coronary artery disease, high blood pressure or a previous heart attack can lead to the onset of heart failure. Heart failure is a chronic, progressive disease typically caused by another heart condition resulting in the heart muscle losing its ability to supply the rest of body with enough blood and oxygen.

Atherosclerosis can also cause peripheral artery disease. Peripheral arterial disease occurs when the narrowed peripheral arteries cannot send enough blood flow to the extremities, usually the legs. The most common symptoms of peripheral artery disease are; cramping, pain, and/or tiredness in the leg or hip muscles during exertion. The most severe symptom of peripheral artery disease is critical limb ischemia, pain at rest due to reduced blood flow to the limb.

Approximately 85% of strokes are ischemic strokes. Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of ischemic stroke. If the arteries become too narrow due to plaque buildup, the blood cells may collect and form a clot. A larger clot can block the artery where it is formed (thrombotic stroke) while a smaller clot may travel until it reaches an artery closer to the brain (embolic stroke). When the arteries to your brain become narrow or blocked, the required blood flow is reduced resulting in stroke. Other causes of ischemic stroke are clots due to an irregular heartbeat or heart attack.

Stem cell therapy at the Stem Cells Transplant Institute may be a good alternative for patients seeking a safe, non-surgical treatment for cardiovascular disease.

Notably, adult stem and progenitor cells including.mesenchymal stem cells have progressed into clinical trials and have shown positive benefits.5

Stem cell transplantation uses healthy cells to promote the repair of damaged cells and regeneration of healthy and functional cells to repair injured tissue.1 The therapeutic effect of stem cell transplantation in patients with cardiovascular disease may be due to the paracrine effect. The theory is transplanted stem cells repair damaged tissue by releasing factors that promote regeneration of healthy stem cells, reduce inflammation, promote the growth of new blood vessels, inhibit cell death, and reduce hypertrophy.1

The results of initial research using mesenchymal stem cell transplantation:

Heart Failure

Adipose derived stem cells improve left ventricular function, promote angiogenesis, lower fibrosis, and decrease inflammation. Several months following treatment, stem cells continue to migrate to the heart muscle regenerating and renewing healthy heart function. Stem cell therapy cannot help all patients with cardiovascular disease but for many patients stem cell therapy combined with lifestyle modification may be a safe, effective, non-surgical alternative treatment.

Lifestyle changes that can help improve cardiovascular disease include:

The Stem Cells Transplant Institute uses autologous mesenchymal stem cells for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Autologous means the stem cells are collected from the recipient so the risk of rejection is virtually eliminated. Mesenchymal stem cells are one type of adult stem cells that are found in a variety of tissues including; adipose tissue, lung, bone marrow, and blood. Mesenchymal stem cells have several advantages over other types of stem cells; ability to migrate to sites of tissue injury, strong immunosuppressive effect, and better safety after infusion.2,3 Mesenchymal stem cells are a promising treatment for cardiovascular disease. Treatment at the Stem Cells Transplant Institute may improve the symptoms and long-term complications of cardiovascular disease.

A team of stem cell experts developed an FDA approved method and protocol for harvesting and isolating adipose derived stem cells for autologous reimplantation. The collection and use of adult stem cells does not require the destruction of embryos and for this reason, more U.S. federal funding is being spent on stem cell research.

The stem cells are administered intravenously.

Costa Rica has one of the best healthcare systems in world and is ranked among the highest for medical tourism. Using the most advanced technologies, the team of experts at The Stem Cells Transplant Institute believes in the potential of stem cell therapy for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. We are committed to providing personalized service and the highest quality of care to every patient. Contact us to see if stem cell therapy may be a treatment option for you.

1.Sun R.Advances in stem cell therapy for cardiovascular disease (Review). National Journal of Mol. Med. 38: 23-29, 2016. 2 Hare JM, Fishman JE, Gerstenblith G, DiFede Velazquez DL, Zambrano JP, Suncion VY, Tracy M, Ghersin E, Johnston PV, Brinker JA, et al: Comparison of allogeneic vs autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells delivered by transendocardial injection in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy: the POSEIDON randomized trial. JAMA 308: 2369-2379, 2012.3 Miyahara Y, Nagaya N, Kataoka M, Yanagawa B, Tanaka K, Hao H, Ishino K, Ishida H, Shimizu T, Kangawa K, et al: Monolayered mesenchymal stem cells repair scarred myocardium after myocardial infarction. Nat Med 12: 459-465, 2006. 4 Mazo M, Planat-Bnard V, Abizanda G, Pelacho B, Lobon B, Gavira JJ, Peuelas I, Cemborain A, Pnicaud L, Laharrague P, et al: Transplantation of adipose derived stromal cells is associated with functional improvement in a rat model of chronic myocardial infarction. Eur J Heart Fail 10: 454-462, 2008. 5 Stem cell-based therapies to promote angiogenesis in ischemic cardiovascular disease Luqia Hou,1,2 Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 310: H455H465, 2016. 6 Kinnaird T, Stabile E, Burnett MS, Lee CW, Barr S, Fuchs S, Epstein SE. Marrow-derived stromal cells express genes encoding a broad spectrum of arteriogenic cytokines and promote in vitro and in vivo arteriogenesis through paracrine mechanisms. Circ Res 94: 678685, 2004. 7 Kinnaird T, Stabile E, Burnett MS, Shou M, Lee CW, Barr S, Fuchs S, Epstein SE. Local delivery of marrow-derived stromal cells augments collateral perfusion through paracrine mechanisms. Circulation 109: 15431549, 2004.

8 Hare JM, Fishman JE, Gerstenblith G, DiFede Velazquez DL, Zambrano JP, Suncion VY, Tracy M, Ghersin E, Johnston PV, Brinker JA, Breton E, Davis-Sproul J, Schulman IH, Byrnes J, Mendizabal AM, Lowery MH, Rouy D, Altman P, Wong Po Foo C, Ruiz P, Amador A, Da Silva J, McNiece IK, Heldman AW, George R, Lardo A. Comparison of allogeneic vs autologous bone marrowderived mesenchymal stem cells delivered by transendocardial injection in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy: the POSEIDON randomized trial. JAMA 308: 23692379, 2012.

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Stem Cell Treatment Cardiovascular Disease, Heart Disease ...

Cardiac Stem Cells Comments Off on Stem Cell Treatment Cardiovascular Disease, Heart Disease … | January 13th, 2019

A cell-by-cell search for cardiac stem cells has come up empty, suggesting that previous studies hinting at the existence of cardiac stem cells were mistaken. More significantly, the absence of cardiac stem cells indicates that heart muscle that is lost due to a heart attack cannot be replaced.

The sobering finding was reported by scientists based at the Hubrecht Institute, which is located in the Netherlands. The scientists, led by Hans Clevers, group leader at the Hubrecht Institute and professor of molecular genetics at the University Medical Center Utrecht, published their work this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Along with colleagues from cole Normale Suprieure de Lyon and the Francis Crick Institute London, the Hubrecht Institute scientists described how they applied the broadest and most direct definition of stem cell function in the mouse heart: the ability of a cell to replace lost tissue by cell division. In the heart, this means that any cell that can produce new heart muscle cells after a heart attack would be termed a cardiac stem cell.

In an attempt to find cardiac stem cells, the scientists generated a cell-by-cell map of all dividing cardiac cells before and after a myocardial infarction using advanced molecular and genetic technologies. Details of this work appeared in the PNAS article, which is titled, Profiling proliferative cells and their progeny in damaged murine hearts.

Cycling cardiomyocytes were only robustly observed in the early postnatal growth phase, while cycling cells in homoeostatic and damaged adult myocardium represented various noncardiomyocyte cell types, the articles authors indicated in a prepublication version of their paper. Proliferative postdamage fibroblasts expressing follistatin-like protein 1 (FSTL1) closely resemble neonatal cardiac fibroblasts and form the fibrotic scar. Genetic deletion of FSTL1 in cardiac fibroblasts results in postdamage cardiac rupture.

Ultimately, the researchers found no evidence for the existence of a quiescent circulating stem cell population, for transdifferentiation of other cell types toward cardiomyocytes, or for proliferation of significant numbers of cardiomyocytes in response to cardiac injury.

Most tissues of animals and humans contain stem cells that come to the rescue upon tissue damage: they rapidly produce large numbers of daughter cells to replace lost tissue cells. Cardiac tissues, however, appear to behave differently. According to the new study, the damaged heart incorporates many types of dividing cells, but none that are capable of generating new heart muscle. In fact, many of the false leads of past studies can now be explained: cells that were previously named cardiac stem cells now turn out to produce blood vessels or immune cells, but never heart muscle. Thus, the sobering conclusion is drawn that heart stem cells do not exist.

The authors make a second important observation. Connective tissue cells (also known as fibroblasts) that are intermingled with heart muscle cells respond vigorously to a myocardial infarction by undergoing multiple cell divisions. In doing so, they produce scar tissue that replaces the lost cardiac muscle.

While this scar tissue contains no muscle and thus does not contribute to the pump function of the heart, the fibrotic scar holds together the infarcted area. Indeed, when the formation of the scar tissue is blocked, the mice succumb to acute cardiac rupture. Thus, while scar formation is generally seen as a negative outcome of myocardial infarction, the authors stress the importance of the formation of scar tissue for maintaining the integrity of the heart.

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Adult Hearts Lack Cardiac Stem Cells - genengnews.com

Cardiac Stem Cells Comments Off on Adult Hearts Lack Cardiac Stem Cells – genengnews.com | January 13th, 2019

In terms of scientific advances, the discovery and use of Stem Cells to treat disease and injury, rank as critical milestones in the field of Medicine.

If any single medical advancement can be said to be revolutionary then it is Regenerative Medicine and the use of Stem Cells. Stem Cells in their most basic form are undifferentiated and have the ability to differentiate into any type of specialised cell.

Stem Cell Therapy is used as a repair system for the body that has been affected by either disease or injury. Stem Cell Transplantation for Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) patients has the potential to forever change how SCIs are viewed and how future interventions will be handled.

The greater majority of Spinal Cord Injuries are particularly harrowing since they happen without warning. Most are the result of motor vehicle accidents, physical assaults, industrial accidents and falls. It takes literally less than a second for one to move from an able-bodied state to partial or complete paralysis.

The use of walking aids such as crutches and walking frames played an important role in helping patients with incomplete SCIs to move around, however, we are already at a point where medical advancement has provided effective long term solutions where the source of treatments is within the human body itself.

Recent trials have compared the effects of Stem Cell Transplantation to those of Rehabilitation Treatment for patients with SCI. These studies involved 377 patients grouped into 10 randomised controlled trials. Some patients received only Stem Cell Therapy while others had the Stem Cell Transplantation combined with Rehabilitation Therapy. Observable developments were recorded in different areas: neurological function (sensory and locomotor functions), urination function, daily living activities and the appearance of any side effects.

The studies concluded that Stem Cell Therapy is a safe and efficient treatment for SCI. The primary action of the therapy, which was to produce measurable changes in the spinal cord, turned out positive. As a result of the Stem Cell Therapy spinal cord repair was apparent. Further,axon remyelination (or resheathing of denuded nerve cells) was observed. It was further determined that Stem Cell Therapy improved sensory and bladder functions.

Whereas a Spinal Cord Injury once meant a life sentence in a wheelchair, the advent of stem cells is bound to change this narrative. Through the use of Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs), SCIs are now firmly within the scope of treatable conditions. MSCs are particularly effective in the treatment and management of SCIs as they are also able to regulate the immune systems reaction to the injury. Equally important, MSCs also have the capability to differentiate cell types including astrocytes (which are glial cells of the central nervous system) and neurons, which are responsible for transmitting nerve impulses.

A comprehensive treatment protocol that includes Stem Cell Therapy and supportive therapies such as Aquatic Therapy, Physiotherapy, Acupuncture, Occupational Therapy and others, as determined by the doctor, produces quantifiable results in various areas. Improvement is observable in balance, coordination and motor function, sensation, bowel and bladder control and sexual function. Other areas of improvement include a lessening of neuropathic pain and an increase in strength and improved muscle mass, among others.

To learn more about our Stem Cell Treatments, do get in touch and a patient representative shall guide you at your earliest convenience.

H/T:National Center for Biotechnology Information

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Stem Cell Transplantation for Spinal Cord Injuries ...

Spinal Cord Stem Cells Comments Off on Stem Cell Transplantation for Spinal Cord Injuries … | January 10th, 2019

- Accelerating the practical application of treatments that apply iPS cells towards the early industrialization of regenerative medicine- Making the high quality and highly efficient production of iPS cells a reality

January 4, 2019FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics, Inc.

FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics, Inc. (FCDI), a US subsidiary of FUJIFILM Corporation (President: Kenji Sukeno) and a leader in the development and manufacture of human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells and tissue-specific cells differentiated from iPS cells, will establish a new cGMP-compliant* production facility with an investment of about 21 million US dollars in order to enhance its production of iPS cells for cell therapy. The facility is scheduled to begin operations during fiscal year ending March 2020.FCDI will use the iPS cells produced at this facility to accelerate development of its regenerative medicine products. In addition, by also conducting contract development and manufacturing of iPS cells and iPS cell-derived differentiated cells, it will expand its business and scale to the industrial stage.

Regenerative medicine is drawing interest as a solution for unmet medical needs. There are high expectations for the practical application of treatments that utilize iPS cells, as these cells possess totipotency and the capacity for infinite reproduction, making it possible to produce a large volume of diverse cells. To fulfill the promise of cell therapy, sophisticated techniques and know-how are required to culture, induce differentiation in, and control the quality of cells.

FCDI will be establishing a new production facility equipped with cell culture facilities appropriate for the production of a large volume of cells, as well as culture facilities appropriate for small-scale, diverse production, and a system capable of highly precise cell quality analyses. By also harnessing world-class technologies for the initialization and induction of differentiation in iPS cells and Fujifilm's advanced engineering technology and image analysis technology, the facility will be capable of efficiently producing high-quality iPS cells.Going forward, FCDI will use the high-quality iPS cells produced at this facility to accelerate the development of regenerative medicine products in the areas of age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, Parkinson's disease, heart diseases, and cancer. FCDI will also contribute to the realization and spread of treatments that utilize iPS cells by widely conducting the contract development and manufacturing of iPS cells and iPS cell-derived differentiated cells.

Currently, FCDI provides iPS cells and iPS cell-derived differentiated cells to public institutions, major pharmaceutical companies, and academia including the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine** and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute*** while accelerating the development of its regenerative medicine products. FCDI will continue to harness its accumulated data, technologies, and know-how related to iPS cells, working together with academic institutions and corporations around the world and utilize the technologies and know-how of Fujifilm group companies including Fujifilm, Japan Tissue Engineering Co., Ltd., FUJIFILM Wako Pure Chemical Corporation, and Irvine Scientific Sales Company, Inc. to further expand its iPS cell-based business and contribute to the elevation of regenerative medicine business to the industrial stage.

Overview of the New Facility

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FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics to Establish New Production ...

IPS Cell Therapy Comments Off on FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics to Establish New Production … | January 9th, 2019

CTERP INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCEApril 11-13, 2018Moscow, Russia

In recent years there have been rapid advances in applying the discoveries in cell technologies field into medical practice. Cell technologies are progressing as the result of multidisciplinary effort of scientists, clinicians and businessmen,with clinical applications of manipulated stem cells combining developments in transplantation and gene therapy.Challenges address not only thetechnology itself but also compliancewith safety and regulatory requirements.

The Conference will provide a platform for scientists from basic and applied cell biology fields, practical doctors, and biotech companies to meet and share their experience, to discuss the research associated with developing biomedical clinical products and translating this research into novel clinical applications, challenges of such translational efforts and foundation of bioclusters assisting further developments in cell technology.

The official language of the conference is English.

Conference materials will be published in the Russian Journal of Developmental Biology.

Please download your abstracts in accordance with the journal guidelines (english, russian) for authors provided on their website.

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CTERP International Conference - 2018: About

IPS Cell Therapy Comments Off on CTERP International Conference – 2018: About | January 4th, 2019

Bone marrow suppressionSynonymMyelotoxicity, myelosuppression

Bone marrow suppression also known as myelotoxicity or myelosuppression, is the decrease in production of cells responsible for providing immunity (leukocytes), carrying oxygen (erythrocytes), and/or those responsible for normal blood clotting (thrombocytes).[1] Bone marrow suppression is a serious side effect of chemotherapy and certain drugs affecting the immune system such as azathioprine.[2] The risk is especially high in cytotoxic chemotherapy for leukemia.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), in some rare instances, may also cause bone marrow suppression. The decrease in blood cell counts does not occur right at the start of chemotherapy because the drugs do not destroy the cells already in the bloodstream (these are not dividing rapidly). Instead, the drugs affect new blood cells that are being made by the bone marrow.[3] When myelosuppression is severe, it is called myeloablation.[4]

Many other drugs including common antibiotics may cause bone marrow suppression. Unlike chemotherapy the effects may not be due to direct destruction of stem cells but the results may be equally serious. The treatment may mirror that of chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression or may be to change to an alternate drug or to temporarily suspend treatment.

Because the bone marrow is the manufacturing center of blood cells, the suppression of bone marrow activity causes a deficiency of blood cells. This condition can rapidly lead to life-threatening infection, as the body cannot produce leukocytes in response to invading bacteria and viruses, as well as leading to anaemia due to a lack of red blood cells and spontaneous severe bleeding due to deficiency of platelets.

Parvovirus B19 inhibits erythropoiesis by lytically infecting RBC precursors in the bone marrow and is associated with a number of different diseases ranging from benign to severe. In immunocompromised patients, B19 infection may persist for months, leading to chronic anemia with B19 viremia due to chronic marrow suppression.[5]

Bone marrow suppression due to azathioprine can be treated by changing to another medication such as mycophenolate mofetil (for organ transplants) or other disease-modifying drugs in rheumatoid arthritis or Crohn's disease.

Bone marrow suppression due to anti-cancer chemotherapy is much harder to treat and often involves hospital admission, strict infection control, and aggressive use of intravenous antibiotics at the first sign of infection.[citation needed]

G-CSF is used clinically (see Neutropenia) but tests in mice suggest it may lead to bone loss.[6][7]

GM-CSF has been compared to G-CSF as a treatment of chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression/Neutropenia.[8]

In developing new chemotherapeutics, the efficacy of the drug against the disease is often balanced against the likely level of myelotoxicity the drug will cause. In-vitro colony forming cell (CFC) assays using normal human bone marrow grown in appropriate semi-solid media such as ColonyGEL have been shown to be useful in predicting the level of clinical myelotoxicity a certain compound might cause if administered to humans.[9] These predictive in-vitro assays reveal effects the administered compounds have on the bone marrow progenitor cells that produce the various mature cells in the blood and can be used to test the effects of single drugs or the effects of drugs administered in combination with others.

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Bone marrow suppression - Wikipedia

Bone Marrow Stem Cells Comments Off on Bone marrow suppression – Wikipedia | January 3rd, 2019

A bone marrow transplant, also called a stem cell transplant, is a treatment for some types of cancer. For example, you might have one if you have leukemia, multiple myeloma, or some types of lymphoma. Doctors also treat some blood diseases with stem cell transplants.

In the past, a stem cell transplant was more commonly called a bone marrow transplant because the stem cells were collected from the bone marrow. Today, stem cells are usually collected from the blood, instead of the bone marrow. For this reason, they are now often called stem cell transplants.

A part of your bones called bone marrow makes blood cells. Marrow is the soft, spongy tissue inside bones. It contains cells called hematopoietic stem cells (pronounced he-mah-tuh-poy-ET-ick). These cells can turn into several other types of cells. They can turn into more bone marrow cells. Or they can turn into any type of blood cell.

Certain cancers and other diseases keep hematopoietic stem cells from developing normally. If they are not normal, neither are the blood cells that they make. A stem cell transplant gives you new stem cells. The new stem cells can make new, healthy blood cells.

The main types of stem cell transplants and other options are discussed below.

Autologous transplant. This is also called an AUTO transplant or high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell rescue.

In an AUTO transplant, you get your own stem cells after doctors treat the cancer. First, your health care team collects stem cells from your blood and freezes them. Next, you have powerful chemotherapy, and rarely, radiation therapy. Then, your health care team thaws your frozen stem cells. They put them back in your blood through a tube placed in a vein (IV).

It takes about 24 hours for your stem cells to reach the bone marrow. Then they start to grow, multiply, and help the marrow make healthy blood cells again.

Allogeneic transplantation. This is also called an ALLO transplant.In an ALLO transplant, you get another persons stem cells. It is important to find someone whose bone marrow matches yours. This is because you have certain proteins on your white blood cells called human leukocyte antigens (HLA). The best donor has HLA proteins as much like yours as possible.

Matching proteins make a serious condition called graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) less likely. In GVHD, healthy cells from the transplant attack your cells. A brother or sister may be the best match. But another family member or volunteer may also work.

Once you find a donor, you receive chemotherapy with or without radiation therapy. Next, you get the other persons stem cells through a tube placed in a vein (IV). The cells in an ALLO transplant are not typically frozen. This way, your doctor can give you the cells as soon as possible after chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

There are 2 types of ALLO transplants. The best type for each person depends on his or her age, health, and the type of disease being treated.

Ablative, which uses high-dose chemotherapy

Reduced intensity, which uses milder doses of chemotherapy

If your health care team cannot find a matched adult donor, there are other options. Research is ongoing to determine which type of transplant will work best for different people.

Umbilical cord blood transplant. This may be an option if you cannot find a donor match. Cancer centers around the world use cord blood.

Parent-child transplant and haplotype mismatched transplant. These types of transplants are being used more often. The match is 50%, instead of near 100%. Your donor might be a parent, child, brother, or sister.

Your doctor will recommend an AUTO or ALLO transplant based mostly on the disease you have. Other factors include the health of your bone marrow and your age and general health. For example, if you have cancer or other disease in your bone marrow, you will probably have an ALLO transplant. In this situation, doctors do not recommend using your own stem cells.

Choosing a transplant is complicated. You will need help from a doctor who specializes in transplants. You might need to travel to a center that does many stem cell transplants. Your donor might also need to go. At the center, you will talk with a transplant specialist and have an examination and medical tests.

Before a transplant, you should also think about non-medical factors. These include:

Who can care for you during treatment

How long you will be away from work and family responsibilities

If your insurance pays for the transplant

Who can take you to transplant appointments

Your health care team can help you find answers to these questions.

The information below tells you the main parts of AUTO and ALLO transplants. Your health care team usually does the steps in order. But sometimes certain steps happen in advance, such as collecting stem cells. Ask your health care team what to expect before, during, and after a transplant.

Part 1: Collecting your stem cells

During this part, you get injections of a medication to raise your number of stem cells.Your doctor may collect stem cells through your veins using standard IVs or a catheter, which is placed in a large vein in the chest. This stays in place throughout your stay at the hospital. The catheter is used to give chemotherapy, other medications, and blood transfusions.

Time: Several days

Where it is done: Clinic or hospital building. You do not need to stay in the hospital overnight.

Part 2: Transplant treatment

You get high doses of chemotherapy, and rarely, radiation therapy.

Time: 5 to 10 days

Where it is done: A clinic or hospital. At many transplant centers, people need to stay in the hospital for the duration of the transplant, usually about 3 weeks. At some centers, a person receives treatment in the clinic and can come in every day.

Part 3: Getting your stem cells back

This part is called the stem cell infusion. Your health care team puts your stem cells back in your blood through the transplant catheter.

Time: Each infusion usually takes less than 30 minutes. You may receive more than 1 infusion.

Where it is done: A clinic or hospital.

Part 4: Recovery

You take antibiotics and other drugs. You get blood transfusions through your transplant catheter, if needed. This is also when your health care team helps with any transplant side effects.

Time: Approximately 2 weeks

Where it is done: A clinic or hospital. You might be staying in the hospital.

Part 1: Collecting stem cells from your donor

During this part, the health care team gives your donor injections of a medication to increase white cells in the blood, if the cells are collected from blood. Some donors will donate bone marrow in the operating room during a procedure which takes several hours.

Time: Varies based on how the stem cells are collected

Where it is done: A clinic or hospital

Part 2: Transplant treatment

You get chemotherapy with or without radiation therapy.

Time: 5 to 7 days

Where it is done: Many ALLO transplants are done in the hospital.

Part 3: Getting the donor cells

This part is called the stem cell infusion. Your health care team puts the donors stem cells in your blood through the transplant catheter. It takes less than 1 hour. The transplant catheter stays in until after treatment.

Time: 1 day

Where it is done: A clinic or hospital

Part 4: Recovery

During the recovery, you receive antibiotics and other drugs. This includes medications to prevent graft-versus-host disease. If needed, you get blood transfusions through your catheter. This is also when your health care team takes care of any side effects from the transplant.

After the transplant, people visit the clinic frequently at first and less often over time.

Time: It varies.For an ablative transplant, people are usually in the hospital for about 4 weeks in total.For a reduced intensity transplant, people are in the hospital or visit the clinic daily for about a week.

The words successful transplant might mean different things to you, your family, and your health care team. Below are 2 ways to measure transplant success: Your blood counts are back to safe levels. A blood count is the number of red cells, white cells, and platelets in your blood. A transplant makes these numbers very low for 1 to 2 weeks. This causes risks of:

Infection from low numbers of white cells, which fight infections

Bleeding from low numbers of platelets, which stop bleeding

Tiredness from low numbers of red cells, which carry oxygen

Doctors lower these risks by giving blood and platelet transfusions after a transplant. You also take antibiotics to help prevent infections. When the new stem cells multiply, they make more blood cells. Then your blood counts improve. This is one way to know if a transplant is a success.

It controls your cancer. Doctors do stem cell transplants with the goal of curing disease. A cure may be possible for some cancers, such as some types of leukemia and lymphoma. For other people, remission is the best result. Remission is having no signs or symptoms of cancer. After a transplant, you need to see your doctor and have tests to watch for any signs of cancer or complications from the transplant.

Talking often with your health care team is important. It gives you information to make decisions about your treatment and care. The following questions may help you learn more about stem cell transplant:

Which type of stem cell transplant would you recommend? Why?

If I will have an ALLO transplant, how will we find a donor? What is the chance of a good match?

What type of treatment will I have before the transplant? Will radiation therapy be used?

How long will my treatment take? How long will I stay in the hospital?

How will a transplant affect my life? Can I work? Can I exercise and do regular activities?

How will we know if the transplant works?

What if the transplant does not work? What if the cancer comes back?

What are the short-term side effects that may happen during treatment or shortly after?

What are the long-term side effects that may happen years later?

What tests will I need later? How often will I need them?

If I am worried about managing the costs of treatment, who can help me with these concerns?

Side Effects of a Bone Marrow Transplant (Stem Cell Transplant)

Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy

Donating Bone Marrow is Easy and Important: Here's Why

How Umbilical Cord BloodCan Save Someone's Life

Bone Marrow Transplants and Older Adults: 3 Important Questions

Be the Match: About Transplant

Be the Match: National Marrow Donor Program

Blood & Marrow Transplant Information Network (BMT InfoNet) National Bone Marrow Transplant Link (nbmtLINK)

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Learn About Transplant as a Treatment Option

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What is a Bone Marrow Transplant (Stem Cell Transplant ...

Bone Marrow Stem Cells Comments Off on What is a Bone Marrow Transplant (Stem Cell Transplant … | December 30th, 2018

Injury to the spinal cord can be caused by acute (sudden) or chronic (developing) trauma as well as medical conditions. Frequent causes of chronic compression injuries are herniated disks and primary or secondary tumors. Compromised blood perfusion, the delivery of nutritive arterial blood to capillary bed, as in anterior spinal cord syndrome can also be severely detrimental to spinal cord function. However the most damaging Spinal Cord Injury is one of acute trauma resulting in permanent paralysis.

Traumatic spinal cord injury have been classified into five categories by the American Spinal Injury Association and the International Spinal Cord Injury Classification System:

Spinal cord injury where no motor or sensory function remains in the sacral segments S4-S5.

Spinal cord injury sensory but not motor function remains below the neurological level and includes the sacral segments S4-S5. Typically a transient phase and if the person recovers any motor function below the neurological level, theyare considered motor incomplete and classified C or D.

Spinal cord injury where motor function remains below the neurological level and more than half of key muscles below the neurological level have a muscle grade of less than 3, which indicates active movement with full range of motion against gravity.

Spinal cord injury where motor function exists below the neurological level and at least half of the key muscles below the neurological level have a muscle grade of 3 or more.

Where motor and sensory scores are normal. It is possible to have spinal cord injury and neurological deficits with completely normal motor and sensory scores.

The annual incidence rate of spinal cord injury varies from country to country, ranging from 15 to 71 per million (/m). In 2008 the incidence of spinal cord injury in the United Kingdom around 13 /m, Australia 14 /m, Canadi 35 /m, China 65 /m and the United States 35 /m per year. This suggests around 40 per million or 52,000 spinal injuries occur every year globally.

Of the 12,000 new cases of paraplegia and quadriplegia that occur in the United States each year 4,000 patients die before reaching hospital. Causes of acute spinal cord injury include motor vehicle accidents, work-related accidents, recreational accidents, falls and violence (shootings and stab wounds).

Paralysis occurs our times as often in males as females where about 60% of victims are under 30 years of age and 5% under 13 years of age (the pediatric age group). Falls from a height greater than their own is the largest cause of spinal trauma amongst the pediatric age group. A long-term outcome study of patients aged 25 to 34 who had suffered acute traumatic SCI before the pediatric age showed an employment rate of 54% while the employment rate in the general population for the same age group was 84%.

Limitation or complete loss of the capability to achieve economic independence following SCI combined with additional medical costs causes severe economic hardship for many living with paralysis and their immediate family. Further limitations to living a full social life are architectural barriers, buildings only accessible by stairs and a lack of ramps on sidewalks for example.

Increased awareness through education has played a key role in resolving these barriers and those created by negative or overprotective attitudes of healthy, non-injured people toward persons with spinal cord injury. When persons with spinal cord injury cannot fully participate society suffers. Not only are ethical standards, artistic and financial contributions to society lost, huge expenses for specialised lifelong care are incurred.

80% of SCI occur in people under the age of 30. The average life-time cost of thoracic paraplegia is $1.25 million and high level cervical quadriplegia such as those on ventilators $25 million USD. In 1990 the cost for acute and long term care of surviving spinal cord injury victims was estimated at $4 billion in the United States alone.

Road traffic accidents 45%

Domestic and industrial accidents 34%

Sporting injuries 15%

Self harm and criminal assault 6%

The first known description of acute spinal cord trauma and resulting neurological deficits was in the Edwin Smith papyrus which is believed to be more than 3,500 years old. In this ancient Egyptian document Smith accurately described the clinical symptoms and traumatic effects of quadriplegia (tetraplegia) anailment not to be treated. An indication of the feelings helplessness medical practitioners suffered at the time, a doctors value measured by the extent of cure achieved.

No strategies ensuring longterm survival for patients with spinal cord injury existed. A view which prevailed well into the early 1900s. In the First World War the mortality rate for those with a spinal cord injury was 95%, mainly attributed to urinary sepsis and complications from pressure sores. Less than 1% survived for more than twenty years.

During World War II the number of casualties from spinal cord injuries both military and civilian increased dramatically in Europe. Specialized hospital units known as peripheral nerve centers developed between the wars in Germany and the United States demonstrating the advantages of concentrating special needs patients under specialized care. Great importance was placed on the unique opportunities offered by these specialized units. Gaining new insight in the natural course of the disease and further development of new therapeutic strategies.

Building on those experiences, specialized spinal cord injury units started opening throughout England in the 1940s. Mortality rates from a spinal cord injury were recorded at 35% in the 1960s. Today nearly every capital city operates an acute care spinal unit.

Dr. Ludwig Guttmann and his colleagues at the Spinal Cord Unit of Stoke Mandeville Hospital developed new treatment approaches including frequent repositioning of paralyzed patients to avoid developing bedsores, a potential source of sepsis and intermittent sterile catheterization to prevent urinary sepsis. The success in patient survival was dramatic enough to require development of completely new strategies for social reintegration of patients with spinal cord injury. Adapted workplaces and wheelchair accessible housing championed in the 1940s and 1950s by the English Red Cross has today become an integral component in the framework of social politics in most industrialized countries. Respiratory complications are now the leading cause of death in patients admitted with SCI. Secondary are heart disease, septicemia (blood poisoning), pulmonary emboli (blood clot in lungs), suicide, and unintentional injuries.

Dr. Guttmann and his colleagues viewed physical rehabilitation as the basis of social reintegration both physically and psychologically. Supporting the idea of athletic competition in disciplines adequate and adapted to the physical capacity of their patients. Starting with two teams a competition in 1948 paralleling the Olympic Games in England, the idea of competitive sports for the paralyzed developed rapidly.

In 1960 the first Paralympic Games were held in Rome. The Paralympic games were held in the same year as the Olympic Games for the able-bodied using the same facilities, a tradition that has been followed ever since. The idea of competitive sports was extended to include people with a multitude of physical handicaps other than spinal cord injury emerging as the Paralympics we know today.

In many countries initiatives have risen at communal and national levels with the intent to decrease the incidence of spinal cord trauma and offer support and advice to both those with spinal cord injuries and their families. Many generously offer financial support for scientific and clinical research.

The prevention oriented Think First initiative, Canadian-based CORD and Wheels in Motion, the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation, the U.K. Spinal Cord Trust, and the Paralyzed Veterans of America all maintain informative web sites with valuable information on the subject of spinal cord injury.

Although the overall incidence of SCI has not noticeably decreased the severity of injuries has deceased overall. Fewer now suffer complete injuries and survival rates have increased. This is mostly attributed to improvements in prehospital care including widespread instruction of first aid principles as well as the introduction of spinal cord immobilization and administration of advanced medicines during rescue and transport. Increased public awareness of risk factors leading to head trauma and spinal cord injury, the introduction of mandatory use of safety belts and installation of air bags in modern vehicles has also served to decrease trauma severity.

Until recently research suggested once spinal cord trauma had occurred nothing could be done to alter the natural course of developing pathology, that damage to the central nervous system was permanent and repair impossible. At the beginning of the twenty-first century this belief came to change in the minds of scientists, clinicians, patients and their families. Research laboratories around the world adopted two new approaches:

1. Prevention of secondary injury and repair of manifest damage. The term secondary injury describes the observation that central nervous system structures that survived the primary mechanical trauma die at a later point in time due to deterioration of the milieu (nerve ending sheath) at the site of injury.

2. The amount and severity of secondary injury damage can be significantly larger than that of the primary injury. Researchers focused on identification of substances and therapeutic methods that help minimize secondary injury effects. In the field of cell biology, isolation and manipulation of specific cell types is being undertaken in effort to induce certain cell types, including stem cells and olfactory ensheathing cells to help repair damaged central nervous system structures.

Clinical research continues to improve outcomes for those with a spinal cord injury, such as stimulators for bladder control, orthopedic correctional procedures and physical mobilization. Integration of biomedical research like pattern generators, mechanics and kinetics of movement with the latest developments in computer science and engineering has given rise to neuronal networks. Neuroprostheses are being developed which enable paraplegics to move about and walk.

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Spinal Cord Injury Explained - Mad Spaz Club

Spinal Cord Stem Cells Comments Off on Spinal Cord Injury Explained – Mad Spaz Club | December 25th, 2018

Mayo Clinic is enrolling patients in a phase 1 clinical trial of adipose stem cell treatment for spinal cord injury caused by trauma. The researchers already have approval from the Food and Drug Administration for subsequent phase 2A and 2B randomized control crossover trials.

Participants in the phase 1 clinical trial must have experienced a trauma-related spinal cord injury from two weeks to one year prior to enrollment. They will receive intrathecal injections of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells. No surgery or implantable medical device is required.

"That is the most encouraging part of this study," says Mohamad Bydon, M.D., a consultant in Neurosurgery specializing in spinal surgery at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, and the study's director. "Intrathecal injection is a well-tolerated and common procedure. Stem cells can be delivered with an implantable device, but that would require surgery for implantation and additional surgeries to maintain the device. If intrathecal treatment is successful, it could impact patients' lives without having them undergo additional surgery or maintain permanently implantable devices for the rest of their lives."

To qualify for the trial, patients must have a spinal cord injury of grade A or B on the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale. After evaluation at Mayo Clinic, eligible patients who enroll will have adipose tissue extracted from their abdomens or thighs. The tissue will be processed in the Human Cellular Therapies Laboratories, which are co-directed by Allan B. Dietz, Ph.D., to isolate and expand stem cells.

Four to six weeks after the tissue extraction, patients will return to Mayo Clinic for intrathecal injection of the stem cells. The trial participants will then be evaluated periodically for 96 weeks.

Mayo Clinic has already demonstrated the safety of intrathecal autologous adipose-derived stem cells for neurodegenerative disease. In a previous phase 1 clinical trial, with results published in the Nov. 22, 2016, issue of Neurology, Mayo Clinic researchers found that therapy was safe for people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The therapy, developed in the Regenerative Neurobiology Laboratory under the direction of Anthony J. Windebank, M.D., is moving into phase 2 clinical trials.

Dr. Windebank is also involved in the new clinical trial for people with traumatic spinal cord injuries. "We have demonstrated that stem cell therapy is safe in people with ALS. That allows us to study this novel therapy in a different population of patients," he says. "Spinal cord injury is devastating, and it generally affects people in their 20s or 30s. We hope eventually that this novel therapy will reduce inflammation and also promote some regeneration of nerve fibers in the spinal cord to improve function."

Mayo Clinic's extensive experience with stem cell research provides important guidance for the new trial. "We know from prior studies that stem cell treatment can be effective in aiding with regeneration after spinal cord injury, but many questions remain unanswered," Dr. Bydon says. "Timing of treatment, frequency of treatment, mode of delivery, and number and type of stem cells are all open questions. Our hope is that this study can help answer some of these questions."

In addition to experience, Mayo Clinic brings to this clinical trial the strength of its multidisciplinary focus. The principal investigator, Wenchun Qu, M.D., M.S., Ph.D., is a consultant in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Mayo Clinic's Minnesota campus, as is another of the trial's investigators, Ronald K. Reeves, M.D. Dr. Dietz, the study's sponsor, is a transfusion medicine specialist. Also involved is Nicolas N. Madigan, M.B., B.Ch., BAO, Ph.D., a consultant in Neurology at Mayo Clinic's Minnesota campus.

The study team is in discussions with U.S. military medical centers to enroll patients, and discussing additional collaboration with international sites, potentially in Israel or Europe, for future phases of the study.

"At Mayo Clinic, we have a high-volume, patient-centered multidisciplinary practice," Dr. Bydon says. "That allows us to do the most rigorous scientific trial that is in the best interests of our patients."

Mayo Clinic. Adipose Stem Cells for Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury (CELLTOP). ClinicalTrials.gov.

Staff NP, et al. Safety of intrathecal autologous adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells in patients with ALS. Neurology. 2016;87:2230.

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Clinical trial of stem cell therapy for traumatic spinal ...

Spinal Cord Stem Cells Comments Off on Clinical trial of stem cell therapy for traumatic spinal … | December 24th, 2018

Stem Cell Therapy for Spinal Cord Injury-Spinal cord injury is one of the progressively degenerating, crippling disorders attributing towards the dislocation of bones and vertebrae; which is a general result of trauma and/or injury.

The accidental injury generally damages connecting nerves internally; in order to halt the back and forth communication between brain and rest of the body parts. This communication gap is the primary cause of partial or complete loss of movement, paralysis as well as numbness. Apparently, many times it has also been evident that spinal cord may get affected not because of the injury but because of different types of nerve infection; which if ignored for a longer time, may allow unusual bleeding in between the spaces around the spinal cord. Some of the common forms of these notable infections are spinal stenosis, spina bifida, etc.

A person with a potential threat to severe spinal cord damage should be hospitalized for an intensive care unit immediately. Stabilization of blood pressure, lung function, and prevention of further damage to the spinal cord; should be emphasized with immediate effect. Other injuries are as well to be looked at; for an accidental damage.

Experts may prescribe some routine tests, in order to detect the extent of injuries. These tests can be

Classification of SCI is generally based on the extent of pain and loss of movement, associated with the damage. Moreover, when the damage is associated with neuronal loss, nerve locations and anumber of nerves that have been damaged can as well be referred to classify spinal cord injury.

The recovery period for patients suffering from spinal cord injury is dependent upon the level of injury, muscular strength and the type of injury; but in general, the notable recovery period can be anytime between 4-6 months.

Through conventionally demonstrated medicines, it is generally impossible to completely cure spinal cord damage or paralytic aftereffects of injury. In fact, the anti-inflammatory medicines that have been prescribed conventionally can affect other vital organs of the body, due to continuous hormonal modifications. Although with the advent of stem cells through the science of regenerative medicine has proven to be very helpful in offering a definite cure for SCI and other orthopedic related illnesses. The potential ability of these stem cells to be differentiated into neurons has been well studied and confirmed through different scientific literature and the same hypothesis can be applied to treat and restore back the functional attributes of damaged spinal cord.

Thus, stem cells and their regenerative powers can potentially work to solve the internal mysteries of spinal cord injury; but the extent of recovery and therapeutic outcome are still the challenges that are being faced by the medical fraternities.

For further queries regardingstem cell therapy for spinal cord injury, feel free to connect us at+91-96543 21400 or info@advancells.com. You can also connect us through Advancells Enquiry.

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Stem Cell Therapy for Spinal Cord Injury- Treatment for ...

Spinal Cord Stem Cells Comments Off on Stem Cell Therapy for Spinal Cord Injury- Treatment for … | December 23rd, 2018

Theme Leaders

James Martin, M.D. Ph.D.Professor, Molecular PhysiologyResearch Interest - Hippo, Wnt, Bmp signaling in development, regeneration, heart disease

Todd Rosengart, M.D., F.A.C.S.Chair/Professor, SurgeryResearch Interest - Cardiac regeneration, cardiac gene therapy, angiogenesis

Members of Theme Six are developing stem cell and cellular reprogramming strategies to treat cardiovascular diseases such as infarction in situ. The goal is to use viral vectors to induce transdifferentiation of cardiac fibroblasts and myofibroblasts into functionalcardiomyocytes in situ in a patients heart. We are modeling and developing the processes in rats, pigs, and in human cardiac fibroblasts. The hope is to have options available for clinical trials within 3-5 years.

Members of Theme Six are involved in research aimed at improving heart function after different types of injury and in particular the devastating loss of heart muscle after myocardial infarction. One current approach is to investigate gene pathways, many of which are important in heart development, that enhance the ability of cardiac muscle to respond to injury. Recent exciting findings have shown that manipulations of specific genetic pathways, such as the Hippo pathway, enhance heart repair. Current investigations in this area include uncovering the molecular mechanisms underlying improved heart repair in order to develop novel therapies.

Another exciting approach involves in vivo reprogramming of cardiac fibroblasts into cardiac muscle as a way to enhance heart function after ischemic injury. This novel method was inspired by the observation by Yamanaka that fibroblasts can be reprogrammed to pluripotent cells in cultured cells. Important recent work has shown that providing a cocktail of factors to cardiac fibroblasts results in conversion of those fibroblasts into cardiac muscle. Current efforts are directed at improving the efficiency of in vivo reprogramming with the goal of using this approach in therapy, recognizing that use of this strategy in human cells will likely be more challenging than in rodent and other non-human strains. The combination of angiogenic pretreatment of scar with this strategy appears to be critical to its success.

Sadek HA, Martin JF, Takeuchi JK, Leor J, Nei Y, Giacca M, Lee RT. Multi-investigator letter on reproducibility of neonatal heart regeneration following apical resection. Stem Cell Reports. 2014; 3(1): 1.

Yen ST, Zhang M, Deng JM, Usman SJ, Smith CN, Parker-Thornburg J, Swinton PG, Martin JF, Behringer RR. Somatic mosaicism and allele complexity induced by CRISPR/Cas9 RNA injections in mouse zygotes. Dev Biol. 2014; 393(1): 3-9.

C. Thomas Caskey, M.D. - FACP, FRSC Schizophrenia disease genes

Katarzyna Cieslik, Ph.D. - Cardiac mesenchymal progenitors

Austin Cooney, Ph.D. - Nuclear receptor regulation of embryonic stem cell function

Thomas Cooper, M.D. - Alternative splicing in cardiac development and disease

Mary Dickinson, Ph.D. - Role of fluid-derived mechanical forces in vascular remodeling and heart morphogenesis

Mark Entman, M.D. - Molecular mechanisms of cardiac injury and repair, inflammatory signaling

Charles Fraser, M.D. - Congenital heart surgery outcomes, bioengineering and assist devices

Peggy Goodell, M.D. - Hematopoietic stem cells, epigenetic modifications

Jeffrey Jacot, Ph.D. - Regenerative therapies for congenital heart disease

Sandra Haudek, Ph.D. - Circulating monocytic fibroblast precursors, cardiac hypertrophy

George Noon, M.D. - Transplant and assist devices

JoAnn Trial, Ph.D. - Origins of fibroblasts in cardiac injury healing

Peter Tsai, M.D., FACS - Custom-fenestrated endovascular stents to repair aortic transections or aneurysms

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Cardiac Regeneration, Stem Cells | Research | Baylor ...

Cardiac Stem Cells Comments Off on Cardiac Regeneration, Stem Cells | Research | Baylor … | December 23rd, 2018

Preclinical Research

Scientists are developing novel therapeutics for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases using cardiac-derived stem cells in mice and large-animal models. Three current projects are studying:

ExosomesOur researchers are isolating exosomes from specialized human cardiac-derived stem cells and finding that they have the same beneficial effects as other types of stem cells. In mice models, our research shows that exosomes produce the same post-surgery benefits, such as decreasing scar size, increasing healthy heart tissue and reducing levels of chemicals that lead to inflammation. This research suggests that exosomes convey messages that reduce cell death, promote growth of new heart muscle cells and encourage the development of healthy blood vessels.

Mechanisms of Heart Regeneration by Cardiosphere-Derived CellsInvestigators seek to understand the basic mechanisms of coronary artery disease in preclinical disease models. We hope to gather novel mechanistic insights, enabling us to boost the efficacy of stem cell-based treatments by bolstering the regeneration of injured heart muscle.

Biological PacemakersUsing an engineered virus carrying T-box (TBx18), Cedars-Sinai researchers are reprogramming heart muscle cells (cardiomyoctes) into induced sinoatrial node cells in pigs. Cedars-Sinai research shows that these new cells generate electrical impulses spontaneously and are indistinguishable from sinoatrial node or native pacemaker cells. Investigators believe this could be a viable therapeutic avenue for pacemaker-dependent patients afflicted with device-related complications.

Researchers hope to someday incorporate therapeutic regeneration as a regular treatment option for a broad range of cardiovascular disorders, such as myocardial infarctions, heart failure, refractory angina and peripheral vascular disease. Through the Regenerative Medicine Clinic at the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute, several cardiac stem cell trials are underway. They include:

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Cardiac Stem Cells - Cedars-Sinai

Cardiac Stem Cells Comments Off on Cardiac Stem Cells – Cedars-Sinai | December 20th, 2018