Total Recovery Lecture Series: Novel Treatments for Joint, Tendon Ligament Pain, Part 3
Dr. David Wang, Harvard trained and Board Certified in Physical Medicine Rehabilitation, is an international leader in the growing field of Regenerative In...
By: KaplanCenter
See more here:
Total Recovery Lecture Series: Novel Treatments for Joint, Tendon & Ligament Pain, Part 3 - Video
Released: 2/11/2014 6:00 PM EST Source Newsroom: City of Hope Contact Information
Available for logged-in reporters only
Newswise DUARTE, Calif. Despite continual advances in the treatment of brain tumors, infants and children diagnosed with medulloblastoma a fast-growing tumor in the cerebellum portion of the brain still face significant challenges overcoming this disease. One particularly tricky obstacle is the blood-brain barrier, which prevents cancer drugs from passing into the brain and attacking the tumor. Margarita Gutova, M.D., an assistant research professor in City of Hopes Department of Neurosciences, may have found a way to bypass that hurdle using neural stem cells.
Neural stem cells offer a novel way to overcome this obstacle because they can cross the blood-brain-barrier, migrate to and selectively target tumor cells throughout the brain, Gutova said. The cells also can be engineered to help deliver anti-cancer agents directly to the tumor site, effectively targeting cancer cells while minimizing harm to surrounding normal tissue.
Five foundations Alexs Lemonade Stand Foundation, Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation (PCRF), The Matthew Larson Foundation for Pediatric Brain Tumors and two anonymous foundations have announced grants totaling $450,000 in support of Gutovas work, allowing her to continue her preclinical studies of this novel treatment method. If additional research proves promising, human clinical trials could begin in three to five years, Gutova said.
Ultimately, Gutova hopes to develop neural stem cells into a potent and highly targeted therapy that is superior to current medulloblastoma treatments: surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Surgery can leave behind residual cancerous cells that will continue to grow after the procedure, and radiation and chemotherapy can affect normal brain tissue.
This is especially damaging to brain and skeletal development, especially for pediatric patients still-growing bodies, Gutova said of current treatments.
In addition to testing the efficacy of neural stem cell-mediated therapy, Gutova will study the intranasal administration of neural stem cells. This novel delivery method is non-invasive and, if proven effective, will reduce the number of complicated procedures and their associated risks that a patient has to endure.
When the traditional treatment protocol failed for my daughter Alex, clinical trials became our best and only option for combating her cancer, said Jay Scott, co-executive director of Alexs Lemonade Stand Foundation. We know firsthand how important these trials are to bettering the lives of childhood cancer patients, and we are dedicated to bringing promising research from the lab to the clinic. We see promise in Dr. Gutovas brain tumor research and are glad to be able to support her efforts.
We are proud to support City of Hope and Dr. Gutovas research. City of Hope is a leader in making a difference every day in the laboratory, clinics and the lives or our young patients, said, Jeri Wilson, executive director of PCRF. I know Dr. Gutova and her colleagues will strive every day to ensure their research delivers the best possible outcomes to families who so richly deserve a cure.
See the original post here:
City of Hope Researcher Receives Five Grants Totaling $450,000 to Fight Pediatric Brain Tumors
Research | Events | Policy | People | Facilities | Business | Trend watch | Journalism grant | Coming up
Cancer genomics Tumour genome sequencing may identify targeted treatments for only a fraction of patients with advanced breast cancer, according to research published on 7February (F.Andr etal. Lancet Oncol. http://doi.org/rdh; 2014). Of 423 people studied, the authors identified only 13% with mutations that matched an available experimental treatment. The rate of successful therapy-matching falls short of claims from some tumour-sequencing companies, but researchers expect odds to improve as more drugs move into clinical trials.
Sharing drug data Ten major pharmaceutical companies have agreed to share data from early-stage trials with each other and with academic researcher, as part of a US$230-million venture with the US National Institutes of Health. The Accelerating Medicines Partnership, announced on 4February, is designed to speed up identification of biomarkers and promising drug targets for four diseases: Alzheimers, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and diabetes. Once the data are shared, the companies will be free to pursue proprietary research towards their own therapies. See go.nature.com/rn12cl for more.
Frederic Stevens/Getty
Illegal ivory crushed France destroyed 3 tonnes of poached ivory on 6February. It is the first European country to take such a step since the global ban on ivory came into force in 1989. We are resolved to continue the fight against trafficking and to remove any temptation to recover the seized ivory for black-market sales, said French environment minister Philippe Martin.
UK animal research The British government says that it is still committed to cutting the number of animals used in research, despite failing to meet a 2010 pledge to do so. The number of animal experiments in the United Kingdom topped 4million in 2012, up from more than 2.5million in 2000. On 7February, science minister David Willetts unveiled a new plan to reduce animal research, which included encouraging data sharing and providing advice on alternatives to animal testing. But he stopped short of setting a numerical limit on animal experiments. See go.nature.com/zvmeru for more.
Suicide prevention A national research agenda for suicide prevention in the United States was published on 5 February. The plan was drawn up by the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention, a publicprivate partnership. It sets a goal of decreasing suicides by 20% over five years. In its report, the team said that researchers should focus on the areas that will prevent the most deaths, such as identifying at-risk people through mental-health screenings in hospital emergency departments, and preventing suicidal people from accessing firearms. See page 131 for more.
Wolf plan flawed The US governments proposal to weaken protection for grey wolves (Canis lupus) is not based on good science, said an independent review panel on 7February. The US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) says that wolves in the lower 48states no longer face extinction (see Nature 501, 143144; 2013). But the scientists, appointed by the FWS to review its policy, found that the agency failed to use the best available science to reach its conclusions. The FWS is now reviewing its proposal and will reopen it for public comment for 45days. The government is expected to make a final decision this year.
Growing fish farms Some 62% of all the seafood eaten globally will be farm-raised by 2030, the World Bank predicts in a report released on 5February. Fish farming contributed 40% of total supply in 2010, and is projected to expand to meet growing demand from regions including Asia, the bank says. Depleted wild fish stocks will also contribute to the growth in farmed fish, the report notes.
Climate hubs US agriculture secretary Tom Vilsack announced the creation of seven regional climate hubs on 5February, to help farmers to reduce carbon emissions and cope with climate change. The hubs will provide climate data and assessments, and will support agricultural research. They are part of a move by President Barack Obamas administration to advance climate science at regional and local levels.
Read more here:
Seven days: 713 February 2014
(PRWEB) February 11, 2014
The report Autologous Cell Therapy (ACT) Market (2012 - 2017), would be the first global and exclusive report on ACT market. It also gives clear information about the complete industry, approved products and potential market size; it also identifies driving and restraining factors for the global ACT market with analysis of trends, opportunities and challenges. The market is segmented and revenue is forecasted on the basis of major regions such as USA, Europe and Rest of the World (ROW). Further, market is segmented and revenues are forecasted on the basis of potential application areas of ACT.
Browse ACT market research data tables/figures spread through 111 slides and in-depth TOC on Autologous Cell Therapy Market". http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/autologous-cell-therapy-market-837.html
Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report @ http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestCustomization.asp?id=837.
The global market for ACT is valued around $650 million by 2011 with a CAGR of 21%. Several products and technologies of ACT are in pipeline which is expected to hit the market during the forecast period, which will result in increased growth rate.
There is a wide market potential and favorable landscape for adoption across many geographical locations of the world. During the forecast period, these technologies are expected to revolutionize the area of bio-pharma and personalized medicine. High incidence and lack of effective treatment for several diseases will drive the ACT technology in developed and developing nations.
Investment activities, for the past five years are actively held in research and developments, attracting interests of cell therapy industry firms, medical centers and academic institutions. ACT potential can be demonstrated by mergers, collaborations, acquisitions and partnerships that happened actively between the ACT technology developing companies in past three years. Development of sophisticated automation devices for cell expansion and culture process for use in the treatment is one of the emerging trends of ACT market.
Autologous Stem Cell and Non-Stem Cell Based treatments in North America are rapidly emerging as a major treatment for various incurable diseases such as Myocardial infarction, ischemic heart failure and diabetes.
Browse Related Reports: Global Transfection Technologies Market (Lipofection, Calcium Phosphate, Electroporation, Nucleofection, Magnetofection, Gene Gun, Viral) And Types (Gene Delivery, DNA Delivery, Protein Delivery, SiRNA Delivery) (2012 2017) http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/transfection-technologies-market-895.html
High Throughput Screening (HTS) Market by Technology (Cell Based, Ultra High Throughput Screening (uHTS), Label Free, Bioinformatics), by Apllications (Target Identification, Primary Screening, Toxicology, Stem Cell) & by End Users (Pharmaceutical Industry, Biotechnology Industry, CRO) - Forecast to 2018 http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/high-throughput-screening-market-134981950.html
See the original post here:
Autologous Stem Cell and Non-Stem Cell Based Therapies Market Worth $2.2 Billion by 2017
Freeport, Bahamas (PRWEB) February 11, 2014
Matt Feshbach, CEO of 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, announces the company will host a hard hat reception for conference attendees at their new facility in Freeport. The conference, titled Bridging the Gap: Research to Point of Care, brings together medical scientists, clinicians, regulatory experts, and investors to discuss progress in the field of research and clinical protocols and the process of taking promising therapies to fight chronic disease to market in a responsible manner. Gold Sponsor Okyanos Heart Institute hosts a networking reception for conference attendees at their facility in Freeport on Friday, February 21st from 5:00 7:00 p.m. The company is calling the reception a hard hat reception metaphorically as the construction is not yet completed.
Chief Medical Officer Howard Walpole, M.D., M.B.A., F.A.C.C., F.S.C.A.I. and Chief Science Officer Leslie Miller, M.D., F.A.C.C. will host the reception, along with CEO Matthew Feshbach and offer tours of the commercial cath lab which will offer stem cell therapy to qualified patients with advanced coronary artery disease under the new laws and regulations in The Bahamas.
Douglas Hammond, president of STEMSO, states, STEMSO will continue to provide a proactive and positive voice for organizations and jurisdictions using adult stem cells for therapies and transplants. The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, and our Gold Sponsor Okyanos Heart Institute provide an excellent example of the results that can be brought about with realistic, modern and balanced regulations that serve the national economic interest, patient needs for life-saving medicine and the business advantages for commercialization and translation of adult stem cells.
The reception in our facility will showcase the capabilities in The Bahamas to deliver high quality healthcare to patients in need, says Walpole. It will also provide an informal forum for relevant discussion on bridging the gap between research and point of care between scientists, regulatory experts, clinicians and government officials, and help to address issues of paramount importance such as patient safety and effective tracking of progress once the patients return home. We are proud to host this reception at Okyanos Heart Institute.
Treating patients with adipose-derived stem and regenerative cells (ADRCs) is showing existing promise in clinical trials, states Leslie Miller, M.D., F.A.C.C. an investigator in more than eighty clinical trials for heart failure. The next step in delivering stem cells to patients outside of clinical trials is close. I am enormously excited about the opportunity with this conference to engage in meaningful discussion around what parameters must exist to treat heart failure patients safely and tracking the effectiveness of these new options, which previously were unavailable to patients who have had heart attacks and/or stents, and who continue to worsen after exhausting all other interventions available to them.
The complete agenda for the conference can be found on STEMSOs website at http://www.stemso.org. Other speakers include stem cell researchers, scientists and practitioners from around the world with leading discoveries in the field, and investors in the healthcare space.
Registration is open for attending and exhibiting on STEMSOs website.
About Okyanos Heart Institute: (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.S.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, stimulate 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.
Okyanos LinkedIn Page: http://www.linkedin.com/company/okyanos-heart-institute Okyanos Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/OKYANOS Okyanos Twitter Page: https://twitter.com/#!/OkyanosHeart Okyanos Google+ Page: https://plus.google.com/+Okyanos/posts Okyanos You Tube Physician Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/okyanosforphysicians
See original here:
Miami, FL (PRWEB) February 11, 2014
Global Stem Cells Group, Bioheart, Inc., and Paul Perito Urology announce plans to launch stem cell clinical trials for treatment of Erectile Dysfunction (ED).
Paul Perito, M.D. of Perito Urology in Coral Gables, Florida and the principal investigator of the trial study, titled, "An Open-label, Non-randomized, Single-center Study to Assess the Safety and Effects of Autologous Adipose-derived Stromal Cells Delivered into the Corpus Cavernosum in Patients with Erectile Dysfunction," aims to assess the safety and efficacy of stem cell implantation therapy in patients with ED.
The cell therapy in this study will be composed of stem cells derived from a patients own adipose (fat) tissue, harvested by syringe liposuction. The adipose stem cells will then be delivered into the corpus cavernosum of the penis.
Clinical trials will be held at Perito Urology, in cooperation with Global Stem Cells Group and Bioheart. Up to 20 patients will be enrolled.
Fort Myers Florida-based Emcyte Corporation, a leading provider of biotechnology products for platelet rich plasma and bone marrow concentrate grafting procedures, will be providing systems and kits to be used in the trial.
To learn more about Global Stem Cells Group's clinical trials, and for investor information, visit the Global Stem Cell Group website, email bnovas(at)regenestem(dot)com, or call 305-224-1858.
About the Global Stem Cell Group:
Global Stem Cells Group, Inc. is the parent company of six wholly owned operating companies dedicated entirely to stem cell research, training, products and solutions. Founded in 2012, the company combines dedicated researchers, physician and patient educators and solution providers with the shared goal of meeting the growing worldwide need for leading edge stem cell treatments and solutions. With a singular focus on this exciting new area of medical research, Global Stem Cells Group and its subsidiaries are uniquely positioned to become global leaders in cellular medicine.
Global Stem Cells Groups corporate mission is to make the promise of stem cell medicine a reality for patients around the world. With each of GSCGs six operating companies focused on a separate research-based mission, the result is a global network of state-of-the-art stem cell treatments.
See the original post:
Released: 2/10/2014 12:00 PM EST Source Newsroom: Mayo Clinic Contact Information
Available for logged-in reporters only
Newswise JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Patients with a common form of lung cancer lung squamous cell carcinoma have very few treatment options. That situation may soon change.
A team of cancer biologists at Mayo Clinic in Florida is reporting in the Feb. 10 issue of Cancer Cell the discovery of two oncogenes that work together to sustain a population of cells in lung squamous cell carcinoma, which may be responsible for the lethality of the disease. When these cells, termed cancer stem cells, are inhibited, tumors cannot develop.
MULTIMEDIA ALERT: Video and audio are available for download on the Mayo Clinic News Network.
Cancer stem cells are a small population of cells in a tumor that can self-renew and grow indefinitely. They resist most treatments and are thought to be responsible for relapse, says the studys senior author, Alan P. Fields, Ph.D., the Monica Flynn Jacoby Professor of Cancer Studies at Mayo Clinic in Florida.
If you can shut down cancer stem cells, you may be able to stop relapse after therapy, he says.
The study, which is featured on the cover of Cancer Cell, builds upon years of research by Dr. Fields and his colleagues on a cancer-causing gene protein kinase C iota (PKCiota). They were the first to discover the connection between PKCiota and initiation, promotion and spread of lung cancers, including lung squamous cell carcinoma, which accounts for 3040 percent of all lung cancer. The researchers found that the PKCiota gene is errantly repeated numerous times in lung squamous cell carcinoma cells through a genetic alteration termed gene amplification. PKCiota gene amplificationis associated with poor patient survival. Subsequently, they discovered that PKCiota is necessary to maintain cancer stem cells in these tumors, but how it did that was not clear.
The newly released study defines the process. The researchers discovered that PKCiota and a second oncogene, SOX2, found in the same region of chromosome 3 known as 3q26, are coordinately amplified and overexpressed in a majority of lung squamous cell carcinomas. The study further shows that these two oncogenes are also functionally linked in these tumors.
We now know that PKCiota activates SOX2, meaning that these two genes are not just genetically linked by amplification, but also biochemically and functionally linked in promoting lung squamous cell carcinoma, says the studys lead author, Verline Justilien, Ph.D., an instructor of cancer biology at Mayo Clinic in Florida.
Link:
Stem cell therapy - Age reversal1 - Cristal Jan 2014
http://a1stemcells.com/ Cristal, 70 years old. 1 Year after our 1st Age reversal study with stem cells (12 ESC injections in 12 months) For more info: http:/...
By: A1 Stem Cells
See more here:
Stem cell therapy - Age reversal1 - Cristal Jan 2014 - Video
MediVet Stem Cell Therapy For Pets
MediVet is the company that created the technology to use stem cell therapy to treat pets with arthritis and hip dysplasia.
By: Newman Veterinary Centers
See original here:
MediVet Stem Cell Therapy For Pets - Video
Treatment
The Stem Cell treatment performed at our clinics is a painless medical procedure where Stem Cells (cellular building blocks) are usually administered intravenously and subcutaneously (under the skin). The whole procedure takes approximately one hour and has no known negative side effects.*
Following the treatment, the Fetal Stem Cells will travel throughout the body, detecting damaged cells and tissue and attempts to restore them. The Fetal Stem Cells can also stimulate existing normal cells and tissues to operate at a higher level of function, boosting the bodys own repair mechanisms to aid in the healing process. These highly adaptive cells then remain in the body, continually locating and repairing any damage they encounter.
As with any medical treatment, safety should be of the highest priority. The Stem Cells used in our treatment undergo extensive screening for possible infection and impurities. Utilizing tests more sophisticated than those regularly used in the United States for Stem Cell research and transplant. Our testing process ensures we use only the healthiest cells to enable the safest and most effective Fetal Stem Cell treatment possible. And, unlike other types of Stem Cells, there is no danger of the bodys rejection of Fetal Stem Cells due to the fact they have no antigenicity (cellular fingerprint). This unique quality eliminates the need for drugs used to suppress the immune system, which can leave a patient exposed to serious infections.
With over 2000 patients treated, Stem Cell Of America has achieved positive results with a wide variety of illnesses, conditions and injuries. Often, in cases where the diseases continued to worsen, our patients have reported substantial improvements following the Stem Cell treatment.
Patients have experienced favorable developments such as reduction or elimination of pain, increased strength and mobility, improved cognitive function, higher tolerance for chemotherapy, and quicker healing and recovery.
To view follow up letters from patients, please visit the patient experiences page on our website.
Like all medical treatments and procedures, results may significantly vary and positive results may not always be achieved.
Go here to read the rest:
Regenerative Procedures Los Angeles | Dr Martin 323-285-5300
MetroMD Institute of Regenerative Medicine 7080 Hollywood Blvd Suite 804 Los Angeles, CA 90028 p: (323) 285-5300 http://metromd.net/ Dr. Martin specializes i...
By: LocalExpert Grady
Follow this link:
Regenerative Procedures Los Angeles | Dr Martin 323-285-5300 - Video
Browse Articles & Videos By Category
Bronwyn Timmons
Based in Colorado, Bronwyn Timmons has been writing professionally since 2009. Her work has appeared on a variety of websites, covering topics such as career and education planning, wedding planning, home improvement, crafts and gardening. Timmons is pursuing her bachelor's degree in mortuary science.
Stem cell research is on the rise, giving hope to patients and providing treatment for many diseases and disorders. While stem cell treatments are a fairly new science, they can have life-saving effects.
Stem cell treatments consist of removing healthy regenerative cells from the patient and transplanting them into the affected area. This treatment helps repair and reverse a variety of conditions and diseases.
Regenerative cells can be harvested from the patient's bone marrow, fat or peripheral blood. This is done to eliminate the risk of cell rejection in the patient.
Typically, four to six treatments are administered depending on how the condition reacts to the stem cell treatment. Treatments are given over a period of seven to 12 days.
Stem cell treatments are effective at treating autoimmune diseases, cerebral palsy, degenerative joint disease, multiple sclerosis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, spinal injuries and type 2 diabetes. It is thought that in the future, stem cell treatment can be used to treat Alzheimer's disease.
Stem cell therapy can reduce pain and discomfort; it can help patients suffering from arthritis regain mobility. In serious cases, such as cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis, stem cell treatments can be life-saving.
Because stem cell treatment is a new science, little is known about its long term effects. According to Cell Medicine, no side effects have been reported by patients other than pain at the injection site.
Read the rest here:
What Is Stem Cell Treatment? | eHow - eHow | How to Videos ...
Poway, CA (PRWEB) February 06, 2014
Stem Cell Therapy for Feline Kidney Disease is a special interest piece produced by Nicky Sims, the owner of Kitters, who recently had Vet-Stem Regenerative Cell Therapy for his Feline Kidney Disease. Nicky highlights Kitters journey through diagnosis of the disease and his recent stem cell therapy, as well as educating about stem cells and their benefits.
Nickys film explains that Kitters began showing signs of kidney failure at the age of 15, exhibiting classic symptoms; lack of appetite, excessive thirst, nausea and lethargy. In 2012, Kitters was officially diagnosed with Chronic Renal Failure, or kidney disease. He was prescribed a low protein diet and subcutaneous fluids for rehydration. This has been the standard treatment for decades although it has only been shown to slow the progression of the disease; not reverse it.
Dr. Richter at Montclair Veterinary Hospital thinks that there is something else that can help. In recent years, his hospital has begun using stem cells to treat animals for various orthopedic conditions such as pain from arthritis and dysplasia. In October 2013, Kitters would be the first cat he had treated with stem cell therapy for Feline Kidney Disease.
Dr. Richter explains why this could work for Kitters, Stem cells are cells within your body that are able to turn into any other cell in the body. Kitters has kidney issues, so what weve done is harvested some fat from his abdomen and sent that fat to Vet-Stem in San Diego, and what they do is isolate the stem cells from the fatty tissue. They concentrate them and send them back to us. In the case of an animal with kidney disease, we just give the stem cells intravenously. What that is going to do is begin the healing and rebuilding process.
Nickys film explores the importance of kidneys stating they play a vital role, ridding the body of toxins. As kidney disease progresses scar tissue develops making it harder to filter toxins. Damage to the kidneys makes the animal vulnerable to a number of other health conditions. Unfortunately the disease usually goes undiagnosed given that the symptoms of the disease often do not show until 2/3 of the kidneys are damaged.
Kitters own stem cells were used with the hope of repairing his damaged tissue Dr. Richter goes on, The nice thing about stem cells is that there is no issue of tissue rejection, since it is Kitters own stem cells. Additionally, if there is anything else going on in his body beyond the kidneys its going to address that as well. So, it is a really wonderful systemic treatment.
To find out more or view the special interest piece by Nicky Sims, Stem Cell Therapy for Feline Kidney Disease, visit this link.
About Vet-Stem, Inc. Vet-Stem, Inc. was formed in 2002 to bring regenerative medicine to the veterinary profession. The privately held company is working to develop therapies in veterinary medicine that apply regenerative technologies while utilizing the natural healing properties inherent in all animals. As the first company in the United States to provide an adipose-derived stem cell service to veterinarians for their patients, Vet-Stem, Inc. pioneered the use of regenerative stem cells in veterinary medicine. The company holds exclusive licenses to over 50 patents including world-wide veterinary rights for use of adipose derived stem cells. In the last decade over 10,000 animals have been treated using Vet-Stem, Inc.s services, and Vet-Stem is actively investigating stem cell therapy for immune-mediated and inflammatory disease, as well as organ disease and failure. For more on Vet-Stem, Inc. and Veterinary Regenerative Medicine visit http://www.vet-stem.com or call 858-748-2004.
Excerpt from:
(Image: Charles Vacanti and Koji Kojima, Harvard Medical School)
Talk about speedy work. Hot on the heels of the news that simply dipping adult mouse cells in acid could turn them into cells with the potential to turn into any cell in the body, it appears that the same thing may have been done using human cells.
The picture above, given to New Scientist by Charles Vacanti at Harvard Medical School, is said to be images of the first human "STAP cell" experiments.
Last week, the scientific world was bowled over by a study in Nature showing that an acidic environment turned adult mouse cells into "totipotent" stem cells which can turn into any cell in the body or placenta. The researchers called these new totipotent cells stimulus-triggered acquisition of pluripotency (STAP) cells.
"If they can do this in human cells, it changes everything," Rob Lanza of Advanced Cell Technologies in Marlborough, Massachusetts, said at the time. The technique promises cheaper, quicker and potentially more flexible cells for regenerative medicine, cancer therapy and cloning.
Now, Vacanti and his colleagues say they have taken human fibroblast cells and tested several environmental stressors on them in an attempt to recreate human STAP cells. He won't reveal what type of stressors were applied but he says the resulting cells appears similar in form to the mouse STAP cells. His team is in the process of testing to see just how stem-cell-like these cells are.
Vacanti says that the human cells took about a week to resemble STAP cells, and formed spherical clusters just like their mouse counterparts. Using a similar experimental set-up with green monkey (Chlorocebus sabaeus) cells, Vacanti says the resulting cells are behaving slightly differently. He says that may be due to the fact that the researchers used slightly different techniques. Both Vacanti and his Harvard colleague Koji Kojima emphasise that these results are only preliminary and much further analysis and validation is required.
"Even if these are STAP cells they may not necessarily have the same potential as mouse ones they may not have the totipotency which is one of the most interesting features of the mouse cells," says Sally Cowley, head of the James Martin Stem Cell Facility at the University of Oxford.
Pluripotent cells, such as embryonic stem cells, can form any cell in an embryo but not a placenta. Totipotent cells, however, can form any cell in an embryo and a placenta meaning they have the potential to create life. The only cells known to be naturally totipotent are in embryos that have only undergone the first couple of cell divisions immediately after fertilisation.
Research using totipotent cells would have to be under very strict regulatory surveillance, says Cowley. "It would actually be ideal if the human cells could be pluripotent and not totipotent it would make everyone's life a lot easier."
Excerpt from:
5 hours ago This image shows iPS cells (green) generated using histone variants TH2A and TH2B and two Yamanaka factors (Oct3/4 and Klf4). Credit: RIKEN
One major challenge in stem cell research has been to reprogram differentiated cells to a totipotent state. Researchers from RIKEN in Japan have identified a duo of histone proteins that dramatically enhance the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) and may be the key to generating induced totipotent stem cells.
Differentiated cells can be coaxed into returning to a stem-like pluripotent state either by artificially inducing the expression of four factors called the Yamanaka factors, or as recently shown by shocking them with sublethal stress, such as low pH or pressure. However, attempts to create totipotent stem cells capable of giving rise to a fully formed organism, from differentiated cells, have failed.
The study, published today in the journal Cell Stem Cell and led by Dr. Shunsuke Ishii from RIKEN, sought to identify the molecule in the mammalian oocyte that induces the complete reprograming of the genome leading to the generation of totipotent embryonic stem cells. This is the mechanism underlying normal fertilization, as well as the cloning technique called Somatic-Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT).
SCNT has been used successfully to clone various species of mammals, but the technique has serious limitations and its use on human cells has been controversial for ethical reasons.
Ishii and his team chose to focus on two histone variants named TH2A and TH2B, known to be specific to the testes where they bind tightly to DNA and affect gene expression.
The study demonstrates that, when added to the Yamanaka cocktail to reprogram mouse fibroblasts, the duo TH2A/TH2B increases the efficiency of iPSC cell generation about twentyfold and the speed of the process two- to threefold. And TH2A and TH2B function as substitutes for two of the Yamanaka factors (Sox2 and c-Myc).
By creating knockout mice lacking both proteins, the researchers show that TH2A and TH2B function as a pair, are highly expressed in oocytes and fertilized eggs and are needed for the development of the embryo after fertilization, although their levels decrease as the embryo grows.
In the early embryo, TH2A and TH2B bind to DNA and induce an open chromatin structure in the paternal genome, thereby contributing to its activation after fertilization.
These results indicate that TH2A/TH2B might induce reprogramming by regulating a different set of genes than the Yamanaka factors, and that these genes are involved in the generation of totipotent cells in oocyte-based reprogramming as seen in SCNT.
View original post here:
Histones may hold the key to the generation of totipotent stem cells
14 Month Results After Stem Cell Therapy by Dr Harry Adelson for Arthritic Hip
http://www.docereclinics 14 months after stem cell therapy for his arthritic hip, Marty discusses his results by Dr. Harry Adelson. Call the clinic today at ...
By: Harry Adelson, N.D.
Read more:
14 Month Results After Stem Cell Therapy by Dr Harry Adelson for Arthritic Hip - Video
Webinar: Reimbursement Strategies for Stem Cell Therapy Products
Planning Your Payment Strategy in Early Product Development EXPERT SPEAKERS: Michael Werner, J.D., Executive Director, Alliance for Regenerative Medicine;...
By: Fernanda Torres
The rest is here:
Webinar: Reimbursement Strategies for Stem Cell Therapy Products - Video
Las Vegas, NV (PRWEB) February 05, 2014
Global Stem Cells Group, Inc. and affiliate Stem Cell Training, Inc. were represented by Josepth Purita, M.D. at the 21st Annual World Congress on Anti-Aging, Regenerative and Aesthetic Medicine in Las Vegas, Dec. 15, 2013. Purita, a lead trainer for Stem Cell Training, Inc. and a pioneer in the use of stem cell therapies in orthopedics, addressed more than 5,000 conference attendees with his presentation titled, Cutting Edge Concepts for the Regenerative Medicine Physician in the Use of Stem Cell & PRP Injections.
The record number of attendees gathered from around the world at the Venetian/Palazzo Resort in Las Vegas for three days to attend the prestigious conference hosted by the American Academy of Anti-aging Medicine. The conference featured physicians and medical personnel who practice and manage stem cell technology, certification, and pellet therapy to discuss brain health and offer case studies. Workshops on personalized lifestyle medicine and aesthetic medicine were also held.
Purita was joined by an illustrious group of speakers including: Author Judith Reichman, M.D., womens health care expert and specialist in gynecology, infertility and menopause; Travis Stork, M.D., ER physician and host of the Emmy Award-winning talk show, The Doctors; and Actress and Author Suzanne Somers, a dedicated health advocate and proponent of alternative and integrative medicine.
Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger accepted the 2013 A4M Infinity Award at Saturday afternoons general session for his progressive leadership role in early funding and support of stem cell research and healthcare reform. Somers presentation Our Time Has Come, discussing the medical needs of the rapidly aging baby-boom population. Stork, host of the Emmy-Award-winning medical talk show The Doctors, discussed long-term health in a speech called Your Best Life. Reichmans presentation titled Slow Your Clock Down: On- Label, Off- Label, Gray- Label, discussed the importance on maintain balance and living a healthy lifestyle.
For more information on the World Congress on Anti-Aging, Regenerative and Aesthetic Medicine, plus upcoming conferences and training programs around the world, visit the A4M website, email, bnovas(at)regenestem(dot)com or call 849.943.2988.
About the Global Stem Cell Group:
Global Stem Cells Group, Inc. is the parent company of six wholly owned operating companies dedicated entirely to stem cell research, training, products and solutions. Founded in 2012, the company combines dedicated researchers, physician and patient educators and solution providers with the shared goal of meeting the growing worldwide need for leading edge stem cell treatments and solutions. With a singular focus on this exciting new area of medical research, Global Stem Cells Group and its subsidiaries are uniquely positioned to become global leaders in cellular medicine.
Global Stem Cells Groups corporate mission is to make the promise of stem cell medicine a reality for patients around the world. With each of GSCGs six operating companies focused on a separate research-based mission, the result is a global network of state-of-the-art stem cell treatments.
The Global Stem Cell Foundation was formed as a nonprofit charitable organization that aims to fund research on the expanding need for stem cell solutions for patients, and identify best practices between physicians engaged in stem cell treatments in the U.S. and around the world.
stem cell therapy treatment for traumatic brain injury by dr alok sharma, mumbai, india
improvement seen in just 5 days after stem cell therapy treatment for traumatic brain injury by dr alok sharma, mumbai, india. Stem Cell Therapy done date 7 ...
By: Neurogen Brain and Spine Institute
See more here:
stem cell therapy treatment for traumatic brain injury by dr alok sharma, mumbai, india - Video
PHOENIX, Ariz. -
Stem cell research and therapy on humans has traveled a long and often politically troubled path.
Not so for pets, where stem cell treatment has been used for nearly 10 years and now it is so routine, and so successful, it can be done in a day.
Ava is a 90 pound, 2-year-old Akita, who is about to undergo stem cell surgery. A little IV, a little anesthesia and Ava is out.
"It is used for arthritis mostly," said Dr. Velvet Edwards.
Ava is just beginning her day at Pecan Grove Veterinary Hospital in Tempe. Dr. Edwards oversees the stem cell procedure.
"Stem cells are healing cells, so they seek out area of injury damage or destruction," explained Edwards. "They accelerate healing and help the animal, the patient, the pet just use their own natural abilities to get better."
Veterinary stem cells are harvested from the animal's own fat cells. They are separated and processed by machinery right inside the vet's office and then injected back into the dog's trouble spots.
Thanks to new technology developed by Meti Vet, the process is completed in just a day.
"The pet comes in the morning, it's anesthetized and I collect about two to four grams of fat usually behind the shoulder blade," said Edwards. "Then I hand that fat over to my technicians to run it through a series of steps.. basically to dissolve the fat and get down to a little stem cell pellet... Then we take that pellet and we reconstitute it and make it injectable. I will put it back into the animal's body wherever I need it later that day."
See the original post here:
Stem cell treatment: Controversial for humans, but not for pets