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Major breakthrough in stem cell manufacturing technology

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Scientists at The University of Nottingham have developed a new substance which could simplify the manufacture of cell therapy in the pioneering world of regenerative medicine.

Cell therapy is an exciting and rapidly developing area of medicine in which stem cells have the potential to repair human tissue and maintain organ function in chronic disease and age-related illnesses. But a major problem with translating current successful research into actual products and treatments is how to mass-produce such a complex living material.

There are two distinct phases in the production of stem cell products; proliferation (making enough cells to form large tissue) and differentiation (turning the basic stem cells into functional cells). The material environment required for these two phases are different and up to now a single substance that does both jobs has not been available.

Now a multi-disciplinary team of researchers at Nottingham has created a new stem cell micro-environment which they have found has allowed both the self-renewal of cells and then their evolution into cardiomyocyte (heart) cells. The material is a hydrogel containing two polymers -- an alginate-rich environment which allows proliferation of cells with a simple chemical switch to render the environment collagen-rich when the cell population is large enough. This change triggers the next stage of cell growth when cells develop a specific purpose.

Professor of Advanced Drug Delivery and Tissue Engineering, Kevin Shakesheff, said:

"Our new combination of hydrogels is a first. It allows dense tissue structures to be produced from human pluripotent stem cells (HPSC) in a single step process never achieved before. The discovery has important implications for the future of manufacturing in regenerative medicine. This field of healthcare is a major priority for the UK and we are seeing increasing investment in future manufacturing processes to ensure we are ready to deliver real treatments to patients when HPSC products and treatments go to trial and become standard."

The research, "Combined hydrogels that switch human pluripotent stem cells from self-renewal to differentiation" is published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

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The above story is based on materials provided by University of Nottingham. Note: Materials may be edited for content and length.

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Major breakthrough in stem cell manufacturing technology

New human trial shows stem cells are effective for failing hearts: Bone marrow-derived stem cells injected directly …

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Patients with severe ischemic heart disease and heart failure can benefit from a new treatment in which stem cells found in bone marrow are injected directly into the heart muscle, according to research presented at the American College of Cardiology's 63rd Annual Scientific Session.

"Our results show that this stem cell treatment is safe and it improves heart function when compared to placebo," said Anders Bruun Mathiasen, M.D., research fellow in the Cardiac Catherization Lab at Rigshospitalet University Hospital Copenhagen, and lead investigator of the study. "This represents an exciting development that has the potential to benefit many people who suffer from this common and deadly disease."

Ischemic heart disease, also known as coronary artery disease, is the number one cause of death for both men and women in the United States. It results from a gradual buildup of plaque in the heart's coronary arteries and can lead to chest pain, heart attack and heart failure.

The study is the largest placebo-controlled double-blind randomized trial to treat patients with chronic ischemic heart failure by injecting a type of stem cell known as mesenchymal stromal cells directly into the heart muscle.

Six months after treatment, patients who received stem cell injections had improved heart pump function compared to patients receiving a placebo. Treated patients showed an 8.2-milliliter decrease in the study's primary endpoint, end systolic volume, which indicates the lowest volume of blood in the heart during the pumping cycle and is a key measure of the heart's ability to pump effectively. The placebo group showed an increase of 6 milliliters in end systolic volume.

The study included 59 patients with chronic ischemic heart disease and severe heart failure. Each patient first underwent a procedure to extract a small amount of bone marrow. Researchers then isolated from the marrow a small number of mesenchymal stromal cells and induced the cells to self-replicate. Patients then received an injection of either saline placebo or their own cultured mesenchymal stromal cells into the heart muscle through a catheter inserted in the groin.

"Isolating and culturing the stem cells is a relatively straightforward process, and the procedure to inject the stem cells into the heart requires only local anesthesia, so it appears to be all-in-all a promising treatment for patients who have no other options," Mathiasen said.

Although there are other therapies available for patients with ischemic heart disease, these therapies do not help all patients and many patients continue to face fatigue, shortness of breath and accumulation of fluid in the lungs and legs.

Previous studies have shown mesenchymal stromal cells can stimulate repair and regeneration in a variety of tissues, including heart muscle. Mathiasen said in the case of ischemic heart failure, the treatment likely works by facilitating the growth of new blood vessels and new heart muscle.

The study also supports findings from previous, smaller studies, which showed reduced scar tissue in the hearts of patients who received the stem cell treatment, offering additional confirmation that the treatment stimulates the growth of new heart muscle cells.

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New human trial shows stem cells are effective for failing hearts: Bone marrow-derived stem cells injected directly ...

30% of aesthetic medicine clinics in Taiwan close down in 2yrs

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Joy Lee

The China Post

Publication Date : 31-03-2014

About 30 per cent of the new aesthetic medicine clinics were closed down within two years due to a furious price war and constant medical disputes, the Chinese Society of Cosmetic Surgery and Anti-Aging Medicine (CSCSM) announced yesterday.

Since its establishment 20 years ago, the CSCSM reviews the current situation and development of Taiwan's cosmetic surgery industry, especially the development of aesthetic medicine clinics in recent years.

Dermatologist Sung Feng-yi said that opening an aesthetic medicine clinic requires at least NT$10 million (US$328,000) to cover a renovation of the premises and the purchasing of all medical equipment.

However, even if the clinic owner spends extra on promoting the clinic, most of the clinics cannot survive for more than two years, said Sung.

According to Sung, the operation of new aesthetic medicine clinics is getting more difficult as a result of competitive pricing and commercials on TV.

Some aesthetic medicine clinics even hired inexperienced doctors who recently graduated from medical schools, which caused medical disputes and decreased the degree of confidence the public has in the industry, said Sung.

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30% of aesthetic medicine clinics in Taiwan close down in 2yrs

Pollogen Will Showcase Its Advanced Anti-Aging Solutions- the Surgen and the geneO+ Systems at the Upcoming AMWC …

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Tel-Aviv, Israel (PRWEB) April 01, 2014

Pollogen Ltd., a global leader in the medical aesthetic market, will be exhibiting at the upcoming 12th Anti-Aging Medicine World Congress in Monte-Carlo, Monaco, held on 3-5 April 2014. Booth # B1.

Pollogen will be showcasing the Surgen system- an advanced dual technology platform for physicians that combines Hybrid Energy technology and TriFractional technology. Hybrid Energy technology was specifically developed to work with the bodys natural mechanism to promote wrinkle reduction, skin volumizing, stretch marks and acne scars improvement, without the need for surgery. Treatment is virtually painless and suitable for all skin types and colors. TriFractional technology is an advanced anti-aging sophisticated pulse sequence radio frequency solution that enables effective fractional skin resurfacing and is suitable for enhancing the Hybrid Energy treatment. The Surgen platform has a user friendly touch screen with pre-programmed and adjustable parameters for each treatment type.

Click here to see how Hybrid Energy technology works.

Dr. Ghislaine Beilin, Vice President of the Federation of Aesthetic Medicine and Anti-Aging (Fdration Syndicale des Mdecines Esthtiques et Anti-Age), will lecture at the AMWC on her experience with Hybrid Energy technology. The lecture entitled "Hybrid Energy Technology- an emerging advancement in fractional radio frequency technology" will take place on Friday, April 4th at 8:30 am in the Van Dongen room.

Dr. Beilin stated: "In my findings, Hybrid Energy demonstrated significant skin refilling along with improvement of skin texture and irregularities. No adverse effects were detected and treatments were well tolerated by patients with none to minimal pain and no down time."

Pollogen will also be featuring the geneO+- its advanced solution for spas and beauty salons. Powered by OxyGeneo technology, the geneO+ simultaneously performs three skin rejuvenation actions - gentle skin exfoliation, infusion of essential revitalizing nutrients and natural skin oxygenation. The oxygenation occurs from within the skin since the geneO+ triggers a body response called the "Bohr Effect" that results in the body sending oxygen to the treated area. This oxygenation process significantly increases the effectiveness of the treatment. The geneO+ treatment is fast and effective and softens fine lines and wrinkles, minimizes pore size, revitalizes dull complexion and provides a balanced healthy look. The geneO+ solution is suitable for all skin types and colors and results are visible after the very first session.

Click here to see how Oxygeneo works.

Janina Olszewska from Janinas Esthetics in Toronto Canada is a real geneO+ fan: geneO+ is working out like no other device I've ever bought. I was able to pay it off in 2 months. My clients are extremely satisfied with their results, noticing diminished lines and lighter pigmentation marks, less break outs and smoother skin. I had few clients calling me the day after the treatment and thanking me for the outcome.

Mr. Amichai Bar-Nir, Pollogen's CEO stated: The Anti-Aging Medicine World Congress in Monaco is an important event for aesthetic practitioners which sets the tone for the industry. Pollogen has performed clinical trials with Dr. Beilin for many years and we are delighted by the results of her study which further confirm the safety and effectiveness of the Surgen system. We are very excited to showcase the Surgen and geneO+ systems and are confident that skin care specialists will be impressed by the anti-aging results they deliver."

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Pollogen Will Showcase Its Advanced Anti-Aging Solutions- the Surgen and the geneO+ Systems at the Upcoming AMWC ...

New Face of Anti-Aging: Liquid Facelift Demand Creates Market for Illegal InjectablesSkinspirations Urges Caution

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Tampa Bay, FL (PRWEB) March 31, 2014

Liquid facelifts rank as the top nonsurgical cosmetic procedure in the nation, an accomplishment overshadowed as the demand for Botox and fillers has triggered a rise in illegal injectables (1), despite repeated warnings of the associated risks. Dr. Cynthia Elliott, owner of nonsurgical cosmetic facility Skinspirations, says that liquid facelifts can offer dramatic improvements in the skin, but urges potential patients to be especially cautious and seek only the help of qualified practitioners.

Liquid facelifts, a process during which injectable treatments such as Botox and dermal fillersincluding Juvderm, Restylane, Radiesseare used to restore youthful facial proportions, have grown in popularity due in large part to their effectiveness, versatility and accessibility. Unlike a surgical facelift, a liquid facelift typically takes less than an hour, requires no sedation and little or no downtime, and results become apparent almost immediately. But along with the increasing demand for Botox and fillers has come a rise in illegal injectables, prompting the FDA to issue an ongoing alert for unlicensed Botox that is shipped in from other countries (1).

Dr. Elliott says that some of her clientele have been the recipients of such unauthorized products and have turned to her for corrective proceduresan unsurprising statement, as a reported 84 percent of people who suffered complications from permanent dermal fillers required corrective action (2). But some of consequences of botched procedures are impossible to repair, per Dr. Elliott:

A client of mine had fillers in her cheeks done at another practice several years agoshe doesnt know what substance was used, and her cheeks are so large now that her dentist had difficulty getting her to open her mouth enough for a treatment. I administered a medication that would have dissolved it if it had been a hyaluronic acid filler like Juvderm or Restylane, but there was no response; its likely that the filler was permanent and, therefore, nothing can be done to remove it besides cutting it out.

Dr. Elliott says that the number of botched cosmetic procedures is likely due to people allowing the price to dictate the quality of the surgerya move that she says increases the chances of attracting unqualified physicians.

An experienced practitioner should be the top consideration when seeking any cosmetic procedure, not bargain hunting, said Dr. Elliott. Rather than blindly putting trust in those who claim to be in the medical profession, its up to the public to be proactive about their health and do extensive research before committing to any type of procedure.

Dr. Elliott says the risks associated with liquid facelifts and other cosmetic treatments can be limited by adhering to the following:

1.Check the FDA website which contains a list of approved fillers and providers. Botox and Juvderm manufacturer Allergan also posts pictures and a list of legitimate providers on its site. Ask the practitioner if they are a legitimate provider and if they can show credentials.

2.Botox containers for the use of cosmetic alterations always contain the word cosmetic. Boxes and vials missing the cosmetic label are not approved for cosmetic use in the United States; do not allow these products to be administered. And do not be afraid to ask to see the box from the practitioner; if you are made to feel wrong for doing so, be cautious.

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New Face of Anti-Aging: Liquid Facelift Demand Creates Market for Illegal InjectablesSkinspirations Urges Caution

2. Leadership East Bay 2013-2014: Health and Human Services: Pt 2: Alternative Medicine 2-14-14 – Video

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2. Leadership East Bay 2013-2014: Health and Human Services: Pt 2: Alternative Medicine 2-14-14
Dr. Jay Sordean, LEB alumni, discusses alternative medicine, acupuncture, chiropractic, naturopaths, licensing, placebo effect, complimentary medicine, quack...

By: The Redwood Clinic - Wellness Foundation - Berkeley Acupuncture

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2. Leadership East Bay 2013-2014: Health and Human Services: Pt 2: Alternative Medicine 2-14-14 - Video