Posted: July 11, 2013 at 2:41 am
Stem Cells For Spinal Cord Injury successfully results
Stem Cells For Spinal Cord Injury successfully results, Performed by NeuroSurgeon Dr. Luis Jorge Quintero, patient was treated with Stem Cells Therapy and ge...
By: enjades
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Stem Cells For Spinal Cord Injury successfully results - Video
Posted: July 11, 2013 at 2:41 am
Anti Aging Options for Healthy Adult Stem Cells and Body Renewal
By: miraclecell
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Anti Aging Options for Healthy Adult Stem Cells and Body Renewal - Video
Posted: July 10, 2013 at 8:26 pm
“(C)omplicating the issue is
California’s role as a national leader in stem cell research, the
existential question of who or what constitutes a research subject,
and finally, the fact that compensation for fertility purposes is and
has been legal for years in California.”
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| Lisa Ikemoto UC Davis photo |
“On the fertility side, it’s
politically hard to touch because it’s all around family formation.
Nobody wants to restrict family formation. On the research side, when
the issue of payment for eggs came up, it was connected with human
embryonic stem cell research, and human embryonic stem cell research
was politicized from the outset.”
“Groups that fundamentally oppose
stem cell research such as the California Catholic Conference and
other pro-life groups are natural opponents of the bill, but they are
joined by a number of pro-choice groups who expressed concerns over
the limited research on the effects of egg donation on women’s
health.”
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/uqpFc/~3/pskHpPceyco/pay-for-eggs-legislation-strange.html
Posted: July 10, 2013 at 11:52 am
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| Linda Marban Capricor photo |
“Nile
will issue to Capricor stockholders shares of Nile common stock such
that Capricor stockholders will own approximately 90% of the combined
company's outstanding shares, and Nile stockholders will own
approximately 10%, calculated in each case on a fully-diluted basis
assuming the issuance of shares underlying options and warrants.
Options of Capricor will be assumed by Nile and become options to
acquire stock of Nile.”
"Capricor's
and Nile's product portfolios complement each other well, as our
therapies will address both the underlying causes and debilitating
effects of heart disease. Capricor's CDCs are allogeneic cardiac
derived stem cells that aim to attenuate and potentially improve
damage to the heart that can result in heart failure, while Nile's
cenderitide is intended to treat patients following hospital
discharge from an acute episode of heart failure."
Posted: July 10, 2013 at 3:43 am
Public release date: 9-Jul-2013 [ | E-mail | Share ]
Contact: George Hunka ghunka@aftau.org 212-742-9070 American Friends of Tel Aviv University
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating motor neuron disease that rapidly atrophies the muscles, leading to complete paralysis. Despite its high profile established when it afflicted the New York Yankees' Lou Gehrig ALS remains a disease that scientists are unable to predict, prevent, or cure.
Although several genetic ALS mutations have been identified, they only apply to a small number of cases. The ongoing challenge is to identify the mechanisms behind the non-genetic form of the disease and draw useful comparisons with the genetic forms.
Now, using samples of stem cells derived from the bone marrow of non-genetic ALS patients, Prof. Miguel Weil of Tel Aviv University's Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Diseases and Personalized Medicine in the Department of Cell Research and Immunology and his team of researchers have uncovered four different biomarkers that characterize the non-genetic form of the disease. Each sample shows similar biological abnormalities to four specific genes, and further research could reveal additional commonalities. "Because these genes and their functions are already known, they give us a specific direction for research into non-genetic ALS diagnostics and therapeutics," Prof. Weil says. His initial findings were reported in the journal Disease Markers.
Giving in to stress
To hunt for these biomarkers, Prof. Weil and his colleagues turned to samples of bone marrow collected from ALS patients. Though more difficult to collect than blood, bone marrow's stem cells are easy to isolate and grow in a consistent manner. In the lab, he used these cells as cellular models for the disease. He ultimately discovered that cells from different ALS patients shared the same abnormal characteristics of four different genes that may act as biomarkers of the disease. And because the characteristics appear in tissues that are related to ALS including in muscle, brain, and spinal cord tissues in mouse models of genetic ALS they may well be connected to the degenerative process of the disease in humans, he believes.
Searching for the biological significance of these abnormalities, Prof. Weil put the cells under stress, applying toxins to induce the cells' defense mechanisms. Healthy cells will try to fight off threats and often prove quite resilient, but ALS cells were found to be overwhelmingly sensitive to stress, with the vast majority choosing to die rather than fight. Because this is such an ingrained response, it can be used as a feature for drug screening for the disease, he adds.
The hunt for therapeutics
Whether these biomarkers are a cause or consequence of ALS is still unknown. However, this finding remains an important step towards uncovering the mechanisms of the disease. Because these genes have already been identified, it gives scientists a clear direction for future research. In addition, these biomarkers could lead to earlier and more accurate diagnostics.
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Newly identified bone marrow stem cells reveal markers for ALS
Posted: July 10, 2013 at 3:43 am
Newswise Before scientists and engineers can realize the dream of using stem cells to create replacements for worn out organs and battle damaged body parts, theyll have to develop ways to grow complex three-dimensional structures in large volumes and at costs that wont bankrupt health care systems.
Researchers are now reporting advances in these areas by using gelatin-based microparticles to deliver growth factors to specific areas of embryoid bodies, aggregates of differentiating stem cells. The localized delivery technique provides spatial control of cell differentiation within the cultures, potentially enabling the creation of complex three-dimensional tissues. The local control also dramatically reduces the amount of growth factor required, an important cost consideration for manufacturing stem cells for therapeutic applications.
The microparticle technique, which was demonstrated in pluripotent mouse embryonic cells, also offers better control over the kinetics of cell differentiation by delivering molecules that can either promote or inhibit the process. Based on research sponsored by the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation, the developments were reported online July 1 in the journal Biomaterials and were presented at the 11th Annual International Society for Stem Cell Research meeting held in Boston June 12-15, 2013 .
By trapping these growth factors within microparticle materials first, we are concentrating the signal they provide to the stem cells, said Todd McDevitt, an associate professor in the Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Tech and Emory University. We can then put the microparticle materials physically inside the multicellular aggregate system that we use for differentiation of the stem cells. We have good evidence that this technique can work, and that we can use it to provide advantages in several different areas.
The differentiation of stem cells is largely controlled by external cues, including morphogenic growth factors, in the three-dimensional environment that surrounds the cells. Most stem cell researchers currently deliver the growth factors into liquid solutions surrounding the stem cell cultures with a goal of creating homogenous cultures of cells. Delivering the growth factors from microparticles, however, provides better control of the spatial and temporal presentation of the molecules that govern the growth and differentiation of the stem cells, potentially allowing formation of heterogeneous structures formed from different cells.
Groups of stem cells stick together as they develop, forming multicellular aggregates that form spheroids as they grow. The researchers took advantage of that by driving microparticles containing growth factor BMP4 or noggin which inhibits BMP4 signaling into layers of stem cells using centrifugation. When the cell aggregates formed, the microparticles became trapped inside.
The researchers used confocal imaging and flow cytometry to observe the differentiation process and found that growth factors in the microparticles directed the cells toward mesoderm and ectoderm tissues just as they do in solution-based techniques. But because the BMP4 and noggin molecules were directly in contact with the cells, much less growth factor was needed to spur the differentiation approximately 12 times less than what would be required by conventional solution-based techniques.
One of the major advantages, in a practical sense, is that we are using much less growth factor, said McDevitt, who is also director of the Stem Cell Engineering Center at Georgia Tech. From a bioprocessing standpoint, a lot of the cost involved in making stem cell products is related to the cost of the molecules that must be added to make the stem cells differentiate.
Beyond more focused signaling, the microparticles also provided a localized control not available through any other technique. That allowed the researchers to create spatial differences in the aggregates a possible first step toward forming more complex structures with different tissue types such as vasculature and stromal cells.
To build tissues, we need to be able to take stem cells and use them to make many different cell types which are grouped together in particular spatial patterns, explained Andres M. Bratt-Leal, the papers first author and a former graduate student in McDevitts lab. This spatial patterning is what gives tissues the ability to perform higher order functions.
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Microparticles Create Localized Control of Stem Cells
Posted: July 10, 2013 at 3:43 am
TAMPA, Fla., July 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/--As new medical frontiers are forged, their place in sports medicine will be assured if athletes can recover or heal faster. This concept has not been lost in the dawn of Regenerative Medicine. This new age has emerged in which regenerative stem cell treatments are being applied to blindness, spinal cord injuries and congestive heart failure. It is no wonder that elite athletes such as Peyton Manning turned to stem cells when his neck wasn't healing. http://www.drlox.com
So what is it that makes the allure of stem cells attractive to high caliber athletes? According to Dr. Dennis Lox, a Sports Medicine and Regenerative specialist, in the Tampa Bay, Florida area, stem cells have unique capabilities for injured athletes. First the stem cells are very effective at alleviating inflammatory responses seen in chronic injuries. By blocking and altering the mechanisms in which inflammation occurs, some chronic injuries may heal. Dr. Lox then comments that, the stem cells are also at the same time regenerative cells that may heal by releasing factors that allow healing to occur, or trophic effects. Lastly, the stem cells may allow regeneration of injured tissue. All these mechanisms, Dr. Lox stresses, cannot be achieved by cortisone injections, or commonly prescribed anti-inflammatory medications. http://www.drlox.com
The unique way in which regenerative therapies such as Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and stem cells, exert effects on injured tissues will always be seen positively as athletes search for better and quicker healing treatments. Also, athletes need to be concerned with career longevity. The possible fountain of youth that repairing injured muscles and joints may hold with stem cell therapy makes it an attractive option. No adverse effects have been reported in clinical trials using stem cells for knee arthritis. The same cannot be said for knee surgery. The upside to minimizing further joint injury by avoiding surgery, may deter accelerated arthritis development. Dr. Lox notes a player's career may be lengthened by early repair of knee injury, and preventing arthritis development. These are two goals of regenerative medicine, and in some athletes mind two reasons to consider stem cell therapy.
About Dr. Dennis Lox Dr. Lox practices in the Tampa Bay Florida area. Dr. Lox is a Sports and Regenerative Medicine Physician, who specializes in the use of regenerative and restorative medicine to assist in treating athletic and arthritis conditions. Dr. Lox may be reached at (727) 462-5582 or visit Drlox.com.
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Sports Medicine and Stem Cells: Athletes are ready for New Era of Treatment
Posted: July 10, 2013 at 3:41 am
Freeport, The Bahamas (PRWEB) July 09, 2013
Okyanos Heart Institute, whose mission it is to bring a new standard of care and better quality of life to patients with coronary artery disease using cardiac stem cell therapy, has announced that Antonio Colombo, M.D., F.A.C.C. has joined the esteemed group of Okyanos medical advisory council members. Dr. Colombo is director of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory at Columbus Hospital and chief of invasive cardiology at San Raffaele Hospital, both in Milan, Italy, and is a visiting professor of medicine at Columbia Medical Center in New York, USA.
Dr. Colombo is a pioneer of the coronary stent placement concept, and he helped define the role of intravascular ultrasound in stent placement. In addition, he was the principal investigator for a cardiac stem cell therapy trial at San Raffaele Hospital, which treated patients with chronic angina.
Okyanos Chief Medical Officer Howard T. Walpole Jr. stated, Dr. Colombo is a leading innovator in cardiology. I welcome his contribution to Okyanos Heart Institutes goal of providing patients the highest standard of safety and care possible with the Okyanos treatment.
The use of adult stem cells derived from adipose (fat) tissue to treat coronary artery disease is an important innovation in cardiovascular care, said Colombo. I am pleased to be able to collaborate with the other members of the Okyanos medical advisory council and Dr. Walpole in bringing this new treatment option to those patients whom we believe it may benefit.
Dr. Colombos research has culminated in multiple publications in some of the most prestigious cardiology journals in the U.S. and Europe. In addition, he is very active in multiple medical societies such as the American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association, and the American College of Physicians. Dr. Colombo is also on the editorial boards of major journals such as Circulation, Journal of the American College of Cardiology, and the American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs.
We are delighted to have the accomplished Dr. Colombo actively participating in the Okyanos medical advisory council, which already includes thought leaders such as Dr. Eric Duckers, Dr. Farrell Mendelsohn, and Dr. Leslie Miller, says Okyanos CEO Matt Feshbach. Okyanos is committed to bringing together key opinion leaders in cardiology and cardiac stem cell therapy to ensure that patients suffering from chronic coronary artery disease are treated safely and effectively with their own adult stem cells.
About Okyanos Heart Istitue: (Oh key AH nos)
Based in Freeport, The Bahamas, Okyanos Heart Institutes mission is to bring a new standard of care and a better quality of life to patients with coronary artery disease using cardiac stem cell therapy. Okyanos adheres to U.S. surgical center standards and is led by Chief Medical Officer Howard T. Walpole Jr., M.D., M.B.A., F.A.C.C., F.A.C.A.I. Okyanos Treatment utilizes a unique blend of stem and regenerative cells derived from ones own adipose (fat) tissue. The cells, when placed into the heart via a minimally-invasive catheterization, stimulates the growth of new blood vessels, a process known as angiogenesis. The treatment facilitates blood flow in the heart and supports intake and use of oxygen (as demonstrated in rigorous clinical trials such as the PRECISE trial). The literary name Okyanos (Oceanos) symbolizes flow. For more information, go to http://www.okyanos.com/.
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Professor Antonio Colombo Named to Okyanos Heart Institute’s Medical Advisory Council for Stem Cell Therapy
Posted: July 10, 2013 at 3:41 am
by Rappler.com Posted on 07/09/2013 9:42 PM |Updated 07/10/2013 1:18 PM
MANILA, Philippines - Everyone is talking about stem cell therapy. But scammers and swindlers are also taking advantage of the fad, prompting the Health Department to step in. Buena Bernal reports.
Its the new medical buzzword in the Philippines. Stem cell therapy is a procedure which uses repair cells found in the body to replace old cells. Dr Florencio Lucero started doing the procedure 6 years ago.
DR FLORENCIO LUCERO, STEM CELL TRANSPLANT SURGEON: Stem cells can help degenerative diseases. Some people who have serious illnesses, and they cannot find any solution to their condition, they seek this kind of treatment, because it can improve their condition. But not a cure. It cannot cure.
Pilar Vazquez who went through a mild stroke says she felt energized after undergoing the treatment.
PILAR VAZQUEZ, STEM CELL TRANSPLANT PATIENT: Stem cell is very good. I did not feel pain or what. Everything is very good. Before, I dont [always] talk. Now, I always talk. Thats a very good difference, because now they say, Ay si Mommy, ang galing galing niyan, parating nagsasalita!
But stem cell therapy became controversial after 3 government officials allegedly died from the treatment, while another official filed charges against his German doctor for his botched treatment last year. Food and Drug Administration director Dr. Kenneth Hartigan Go says right now, stem cell therapy is allowed but under investigation.
DR KENNETH HARTIGAN-GO, DIRECTOR, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION: We are keeping an objective mind and saying, okay, if this is investigational, go ahead. And then we have to see outcome, say, within a period of a time whether the product actually works or not.
The Department of Health cautions the public from engaging in prohibited forms of the treatment -- those that are performed outside accredited facilities and those that source stem cells from human embryos. Health Secretary Enrique Ona says he does not want to stifle the innovation but there must be regulation.
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Stem cell therapy: Future of medicine?
Posted: July 10, 2013 at 3:41 am
TAMPA, Fla., July 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Stem Cell Therapy for knee joint pain has been involved in multiple clinical trials worldwide. In the United States trials for knee arthritis and back pain with degenerative disc disease have undergone safety trials and phase studies for effectiveness. The safety profile for stem cell therapy in joints has been proven. Adverse effects are not seen as related to the stem cells. These studies were conducted with allogenic (other people's) stem cells. Naturally, if using your own stem cells, the issues which may be raised from someone else's stem cells is not a concern, and are therefore even safer. There are no immune rejection issues or communicable diseases that can be obtained by using your own cells.
Stem Cell Therapy for joints also do not carry surgical risks such as anesthesia, there is no greater risk for other postoperative complications such as blood clots, infections, or need for revision surgery if it is unsuccessful. Dr. Dennis Lox, a Regenerative and Sports Medicine physician in the Tampa Bay, Florida area (www.drlox.com), comments, "Surgery for joint replacement does carry some significant risks, as this is a highly invasive surgery. Knee and other joint replacement surgery consent forms do include the complication of death. More common problems are infection and blood clots. Stem Cell Therapy injections for joints are no more difficult than injecting cortisone into the knee," states Dr. Lox."There is preparation involved to get to that point, however the injection can be a simple, same-day, office-based procedure."
Dr. Lox notes, "Stem Cell Therapy for joint repair has been used for acute and chronic injuries, knee meniscal tears, loss of knee joint cartilage, and to stop the progression of degenerative arthritis. Even avascular necrosis (AVN) or osteonecrosis has been treated with Stem Cell Therapy. The secondary arthritis from joint collapse in avascular necrosis (AVN) can be significant leading to knee joint replacement. The useof stem cells is becoming a more common alternative to joint replacement."
Dr. Lox further notes, "Some patients may have already had one knee joint replaced with a bad outcome, and wish to avoid a second knee replacement. Others may not be healthy enough. Some medical disorders such as bad hear ailments may preclude having a knee replacement. In these cases, having a regenerative medicine procedure is an attractive, conservative option. Patients who are not medically suited for joint or knee replacement are generally good candidates for Stem Cell Therapy. The pursuit of conservative options in patients who wish to avoid surgery for joint disorders, may find Stem Cell Therapy as an attractive alternative."
About Dr. Dennis Lox Dr. Lox practices in the Tampa Bay Florida area. Dr. Lox is a Sports and Regenerative Medicine Physician, who specializes in the use of regenerative and restorative medicine to assist in treating athletic and arthritis conditions. Dr. Lox may be reached at (727) 462-5582 or visit Drlox.com.
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Stem Cell Therapy for Knee Pain: Safer than Surgery
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