Category Archives: Mesenchymal Stem Cells

By Estel Grace Masangkay Bone marrow stem cells may help in stroke recovery, according to a team of researchers from the University of California, Irvines Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center. Neurologist Dr. Steven Cramer and biomedical engineer Weian Zhao together analyzed 46 studies evaluating the use of a type of multipotent adult stem cells mostly processed from the bone marrow called mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) in animal models of stroke. Results showed that MSCs were superior to control therapy in 44 out of the 46 studies. Dr. Cramer said Stroke remains a major cause of disability, and we are encouraged that the preclinical evidence shows [MSCs] efficacy with ischemic stroke. MSCs are of particular interest because they come from bone marrow, which is readily available, and are relatively easy to culture. In addition, they already have demonstrated value when used to treat other human diseases. The MSCs effect on functional recovery was shown to be robust regardless of other factors such as dosage, time of administration relative to the stroke onset, or administration method. An earlier report focusing on MSC mechanisms of action explained how the cells were attracted to the injury sites and began releasing a … Continue reading →

DUBLIN, April 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Research and Markets(http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/228q6n/cell_therapy) has announced the addition of a new report"Cell Therapy - Technologies, Markets and Companies"to their offering. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130307/600769 ) This report describes and evaluates cell therapy technologies and methods, which have already started to play an important role in the practice of medicine. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is replacing the old fashioned bone marrow transplants. Role of cells in drug discovery is also described. Cell therapy is bound to become a part of medical practice. Stem cells are discussed in detail in one chapter. Some light is thrown on the current controversy of embryonic sources of stem cells and comparison with adult sources. Other sources of stem cells such as the placenta, cord blood and fat removed by liposuction are also discussed. Stem cells can also be genetically modified prior to transplantation. Cell therapy technologies overlap with those of gene therapy, cancer vaccines, drug delivery, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Pharmaceutical applications of stem cells including those in drug discovery are also described. Various types of cells used, methods of preparation and culture, encapsulation and genetic engineering of cells are discussed. Sources of cells, both human and animal (xenotransplantation) are discussed. … Continue reading →

Tampa, Florida (PRWEB) April 10, 2014 One year ago, Gary Oberschlake was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a deadly lung disease with no known cause characterized by the permanent scarring of lung tissue. Gary wasnt alone approximately 48,000 others received the same diagnosis last year. Claiming the lives of nearly 40,000 individuals annually, IPF is as deadly as breast cancer. Doctors told Gary, a family man with a wife, four children, and four grandchildren, his only treatment option was a double lung transplant. Knowing the inherent risks associated with this procedure, including his bodys rejection of the new lungs, Gary refused to accept it as his only chance for survival. After spending considerable time researching possible alternative options, Gary became fascinated by recent developments in stem cell medicine, and its potential for treating sufferers of chronic lung disease like IPF. His excitement regarding this option was met with doubt expressed by his pulmonologist, who didnt see the clinical viability of stem cells for lung conditions at the time. Despite his doctors reluctance, Gary decided to give stem cell therapy a chance. According to his wife Debra, when he found Lung Institute in Tampa, FL, it was like it was … Continue reading →

See Inside Stem cell therapy is emerging as a promising treatment for Parkinson's disease Neurosurgeon Ivar Mendez of the University of Saskatchewan often shows a video clip to demonstrate his work treating Parkinson's disease. It features a middle-aged man with this caption: Off medications. The man's face has the dull stare typical of Parkinson's. Asked to lift each hand and open and close his fingers, he barely manages. He tries but fails to get up from a chair without using his hands. When he walks, it is with the slow, shuffling gait that is another hallmark of Parkinson's, a progressive neurological disorder that afflicts an estimated one million Americans, most of them older than 60. Then the video jumps forward in time. The same man appears, still off medications. It is now eight years since Mendez transplanted dopamine cells from a fetus into the patient's brain. These neurons, which live in a midbrain region called the substantia nigra and secrete the neurotransmitter dopamine to initiate movement, are the ones that die off in Parkinson's. The man has aged, but his energy and demeanor are characteristic of a much younger man. Asked to do the same tasks, he smoothly raises his … Continue reading →

Multiple Sclerosis At present there are no treatments that specifically target the abnormal immune responses in MS. Current approaches, such as interferon, copaxone, or immune suppressants all act in a nonspecific manner blocking immune responses against the myelin sheath. While these approaches are useful for reducing the severity of disease, they do not repair the damage to nervous system tissue that has already occurred and therefore they cannot cure multiple sclerosis. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), have immune regulatory properties which may stop the immune system from attacking the myelin sheath. Mesenchymal stem cells may also potentially help remyelination (re-generation of the myelin sheath) of the affected neurons. Currently, the University of Cambridge is conducting formal clinical studies using mesenchymal stem cells for treatment of MS. VIDEO Professor Arnold Caplan The father of mesenchymal stem cells from Case Western Reserve University discusses stem cell therapy for MS. The adult stem cells used to treat MS at the Stem Cell Institute are called allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells. They are harvested from human umbilical cords donated after normal, healthy births. Each mother is tested for infectious diseases and has her medical history screened. Proper consent is received from each family prior to donation. … Continue reading →

Introduction to Stem Cell Therapy Dr. Michael Belich of Integrative Medical Clinics talks about Stem Cell Therapy basics. For more detailed information go to http://www.integrativemc.com.au. By: Integrative Medical Clinics … Continue reading →

New York, New York (PRWEB) April 03, 2014 Dr. Jeffrey Adler, New York podiatrist and Owner/Medical Director of Adler Footcare New York, will be interviewed by radio personality Laura Smith and taking live calls on New York talk show 77 WABC about the use of stem cells to treat chronic foot pain. Adler Footcare New York uses live birth stem cells to help treat patients with chronic foot problems such as: Plantar fasciitis, Osteoarthritis, Achilles tendonitis and torn soft tissue. The stem cell treatment is proving to be much more effective than traditional treatments like physical therapy or orthotic therapy. Stem cells have the ability to replicate themselves or change into the cell type that is needed to repair damaged tissue. The therapy works by directly introducing live stem cells into the affected area causing pain. Its approved by the FDA and consistently reviewed by medical professionals to remove the potential of any communicable diseases. Dr. Adler often travels to other states to share his knowledge with other doctors in his profession. His latest research on stem cell therapy has gained much interest among his peers in the medical industry. When compared to traditional treatments, stem therapy is proving to … Continue reading →

Using stem cells in breast reconstruction The advantages linked to the use are mainly due to the effects of post-mastectomy radiotherapy. Mesenchymal stem cells are able to both restore and reduce po... By: Xellbiogene … Continue reading →

Dallas, TX (PRWEB) April 03, 2014 Translational Biosciences, a subsidiary of Medistem Panama, has received the green light for a phase I/II clinical trial using human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSC) for multiple sclerosis from the Comit Nacional de Biotica de la Investigacin (CNEI) Institutional Review Board (IRB) in Panama. According to the US National Multiple Sclerosis Society, in Multiple Sclerosis (MS), an abnormal immune-mediated T cell response attacks the myelin coating around nerve fibers in the central nervous system, as well as the nerve fibers themselves. This causes nerve impulses to slow or even halt, thus producing symptoms of MS that include fatigue; bladder and bowel problems; vision problems; and difficulty walking. The Cleveland Clinic reports that MS affects more than 350,000 people in the United States and 2.5 million worldwide. Mesenchymal stem cells harvested from donated human umbilical cords after normal, healthy births possess anti-inflammatory and immune modulatory properties that may relieve MS symptoms. Because these cells are immune privileged, the recipients immune system does not reject them. These properties make UC-MSC interesting candidates for the treatment of multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune disorders. Each patient will receive seven intravenous injections of UC-MSC over the course of … Continue reading →

Heather Burke - Stem Cell Therapy for treating her Multiple Sclerosis Heather Burke, a 26-year-old mother of two is about to embark on a medical journey that could stop her multiple sclerosis in its tracks. The disease, which a... By: DIAD0NU … Continue reading →