Stem Cell Clinic

At ClinicalTrials.Gov, Untested Stem Cell Clinics …

By adminOctober 13, 2017Stem Cell Clinics

Stem cell cultures growing in multi well sample tray.

Andrew Brookes/Getty Images

Macular degeneration is the most common cause of vision loss among the elderly. But for some people with the disease, a shot of stem cells to the peeper was all they needed to see again . For others, treatment left them permanently blind . What gives? Stem cell treatments like the one described abovehappening every day in 600 clinics across the USare not approved by the FDA, and in fact have never been tested in a clinical trial.

Eyes arent the only organ getting stabbed full of stem cells. Around the country, more doctors are marketing the therapy to treat everything from diabetes to asthma to erectile dysfunction. The procedure usually involves sucking out some of a patient's fat tissue with a liposuction needle, isolating their stem cells, and reinjecting them back into the place in their body that needs most healing. But because these are living tissues unique to every individual, results may vary. Advocates of the therapy say thats just the cost of doing cutting-edge medicine. Except, any proof they have that it is effective comes from data collected on patients who pay thousands of dollars for the treatment. Usually people pay money for medicine after theres proof it works. In the last few years, some of these stem cell clinicians have begun posting large-scale studies on a government-run website called ClinicalTrials.gov, even though they're often not up to medical research standards or even in compliance with federal regulations. This allows them to masquerade their pay-to-participate studies as legit science.

According to a paper published today by the University of Minnesota, US companies have successfully registered 18 patient-sponsored stem cell studies on that publicly funded website. Only 7 of them disclose that patients pay their own way. None of them list the costs, which can range from $5,000 to $15,000 a treatment, outright. And none of them are actual clinical trials in the randomized, blinded, gold-standard sense of the phrase. Instead, theyre observational studies, based mostly on quality of life questionnaires that ask if youve had any adverse reactions to the procedure.

Leigh Turner, the bioethicist who penned todays perspective and who has become somewhat of a watchdog in the ballooning stem cell clinic industry, says this amounts to hijacking a public good and repurposing it into a free marketing tool. They dont have to pay for ads on television, people just come to them because its this trusted national resource, he says. Its all meant to suggest a seal of approval from the federal government. And thats whats so dangerously misleading, because it doesnt mean that all. It just means someone filled out a form and pressed a button.

Following the passing of the Food and Drug Administration Modernization Act of 1997, the National Library of Medicine established ClinicalTrials.gov to serve as a source of information about publicly and privately supported clinical trials for patients, their families and caregivers, doctors and nurses, and the public. But the NIH doesnt independently verify the scientific validity of any trials posted to the site beyond a limited quality control review. That doesnt really include things like sound study design, compliance with current regulations, or ethical guidelines. In fact, the process is largely automated, and relies almost entirely on the honor system.

Megan Molteni

With 21st Century Cures Act, the Future of Regenerative Medicine Is "Inject and See"

Megan Molteni

The Feds Are Spending Millions to Help You Survive Nuclear War

Anna Vlasits

Scientists Brew Up the Creepiest Batches of Brain Balls Yet

NIH said in a statement that it is continuing to evaluate ways to improve its outreach to make sure that trial participants understand potential risks and benefits. That included adding a prominent disclaimer on the ClinicalTrials.gov homepage in March 2017, stating: Listing of a study on this site does not reflect endorsement by the National Institutes of Health. Talk with a trusted healthcare professional before volunteering for a study.

But that hasnt stopped stem cell therapy slingers from touting their clinical bonafides. Cell Surgical Network, an umbrella organization for more than 50 clinics that market the treatment directly to consumers, first registered on ClinicalTrials.gov in October of 2013. At the time, the organization put out a press release noting that the NIH had registered its approved safety study, and that it was now cleared to enroll 3,000 people to study the adverse effects of stem cell treatments on arthritis, cardiomyopathy, Parkinsons, ALS, and a host of other inflammatory and neurological diseases. The ClinicalTrials.gov listing of this study does not mention that research subjects are charged an average of $6000 to participate.

Elliot Lander, a urologist and co-founder of Cell Surgical Network says those costs are necessary because stem cell therapies dont make money like pharmaceuticals dothey can't be packaged up and mass-produced. Which means pharma companies and research institutions arent interested in footing the bill for clinical trials. And he says that while it might be worth noting the costs upfront, the NIH doesnt have a mandatory policy about including fees. Stem cell treatments have no business model, he says. So its left to physicians like myself to do the right thing by my patients, and get them regenerative medicine now, not 10-15 years from now. People dont need to be protected by Leigh Turner, they can do their own due diligence.

So far, at least 6,000 people have followed their due diligence to a treatment at one of Cell Surgical Networks clinics. The network keeps a database of all its patients and their outcomes, hoping for the day when the FDA decides to go from merely ignoring the proliferation of un-approved treatments to giving them a green light based on post-market data (a regulatory middle path floated by advocates like Lander.) In the meantime though, Cell Surgical Network is working with the FDA on an application for a real clinical trial, limited to just knee pain treatmentsthat will even include a randomized placebo. Its going to take us years and a few million dollars, says Lander. The walls are really high for this kind of thing. As they should be.

The rest is here:
At ClinicalTrials.Gov, Untested Stem Cell Clinics ...

Your Stem Cell Questions Answered – webmd.com

By adminOctober 13, 2017Adult Stem Cells

There's a lot of fiction surrounding stem-cell facts. To separate one from the other, WebMD has consulted experts including Mahendra Rao, MD, PhD, director of the Center for Regenerative Medicine at the National Institutes of Health; Todd McDevitt, PhD, director of the Stem Cell Engineering Center at Georgia Tech; Mary Laughlin, MD, past president of the International Society for Cellular Therapy; and Joshua Hare, MD, director of the Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute at the University of Miami.

Here are the questions they answered:

A: The term "stem cells" includes many different kinds of cells.

What they have in common is that they have the ability to make other types of cells. No other cell in the body can do that.

Some stem cells can renew themselves and become virtually any cell in the body. Those are called pluripotent stem cells. They include embryonic stem cells.

Other stem cells don't have as much potential for self-renewal and can't make as many types of cells.

The most basic kind of stem cells are the cells that make up an embryo soon after an egg is fertilized. These stem cells divide over and over, eventually making almost all the different cells in the body.

Adult stem cells, in contrast, are "fully differentiated." That means they are what they are and do what they do. They can't choose another career.

In many organs, however, adult stem cells linger throughout life. They are part of the body's internal repair system. Researchers are still working to discover what adult stem cells from various parts of the body can and can't do. Normally, these relatively rare cells act only on the organ or tissue type in which they are found.

Recently, researchers have learned to reprogram adult cells to become pluripotent cells. These cells, called induced pluripotent cells or iPSCs, have many of the same properties as embryonic stem cells. It's not yet clear whether these cells might carry subtle DNA damage that limits their usefulness.

A: Early in development, a fertilized egg becomes an embryo. The embryo is made up of stem cells that divide over and over again, until these stem cells develop into the cells and tissues that become a fetus.

During in-vitro fertilization, eggs taken from a woman's body are fertilized with sperm cells. If not implanted in a woman's womb, these embryos are discarded.

Researchers have learned to take embryonic stem cells from unused in-vitro fertilizations and, in laboratory culture, to get them to make more embryonic stem cells. Embryonic stem cells are not taken from fertilized eggs or embryos that have been in a woman's womb.

While embryonic stem cells can become any kind of cell in the body, it's unlikely they would be used directly as treatments. Because they have the ability to divide over and over again, they can become rapidly growing tumors. And because they are in such an early stage of development, they take a long time to become functional adult cells.

However, researchers are learning to coax embryonic stem cells to become more mature stem cells. One clinical trial, for example, matures embryonic stem cells into nerve stem cells. These nerve stem cells are being explored as a treatment for Lou Gehrig's disease.

A: Adult stem cells have some advantages. When they come from your own body, your immune system will probably not try to reject them. And adult stem cells aren't controversial.

But there are several main disadvantages to using adult stem cells:

A: A relatively small number of stem cells taken from the body can be grown in the laboratory until they have created millions and millions of new stem cells. This makes it possible for researchers to explore cell-based therapies.

Cell-based therapies, collectively known as regenerative medicine, hold the promise of repairing or even replacing damaged or diseased organs.

Depending on which tissues they come from, stem cells have very different properties. Those from umbilical cord blood are quite different from those from fat, for example.

A: Yes. Stem cells from bone marrow have long been used to treat certain types of leukemia.

The bone marrow is a rich source of blood stem cells. These cells replace the white blood cells crucial to the immune system.

When used for leukemia, the goal is to to wipe out all of a person's white blood cells with radiation and/or chemotherapy -- and then to replace them with a bone marrow transplant from a matched donor. Stem cells from the donor marrow replace the diseased blood cells with healthy blood cells.

A stem cell product designed to avoid the need for a matched donor recently received limited approval in Canada. The product, Prochymal, appears to rescue bone marrow transplant patients who are rejecting their transplant.

In the U.S., the FDA has approved a product called Hemacord, which contains blood stem cells derived from cord blood. The product is approved for patients with diseases that affect their ability to make new blood cells, such as certain blood cancers and immune disorders.

A: That remains to be seen. Potential dangers include:

There is also risk in some of the procedures used to get stem cells out of the body (such as from liposuction or spinal tap) or to deliver stem cells to the body (such as implanting them in the heart, brain, spinal cord, or other organs). That's not so much about the stem cells, but because of the procedures themselves.

Researchers are studying all of that. Without carefully controlled clinical trials, there's no way to know what might happen in the long term, or even in the short term. That's why the FDA discourages the use of stem cells except in clinical trials or approved therapies.

If you are thinking about pursuing stem cell therapy, talk to your doctor first. In the U.S. and abroad, many clinics offer unproven stem cell treatments that have never been tested for safety or effectiveness.

SOURCES:

Mahendra Rao, MD, PhD, director, Center for Regenerative Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md.

Todd McDevitt, PhD, director, Stem Cell Engineering Center, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta.

Mary Laughlin, MD, past president of the International Society for Cellular Therapy.

Joshua Hare, MD, director, Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami.

National Institutes of Health web site.

FDA web site.

More here:
Your Stem Cell Questions Answered - webmd.com

Adult Stem Cell Therapy in Cancer, MSCTC – KUMC

By adminOctober 13, 2017Adult Stem Cells

HUMAN STUDIES

Prognosis of patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma after high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation. Schorb E, Kasenda B, Atta J, Kaun S, Morgner A, Hess G, Elter T, von Bubnoff N, Dreyling M, Ringhoffer M, Krause SW, Derigs G, Klimm B, Niemann D, Fritsch K, Finke J, Illerhaus G. Haematologica. 2013 May;98(5):765-70. doi: 10.3324/haematol.2012.076075. Epub 2013 Jan 8. FREE ARTICLE

Purged versus non-purged peripheral blood stem-cell transplantation for high-risk neuroblastoma (COG A3973): a randomised phase 3 trial. Kreissman SG, Seeger RC, Matthay KK, London WB, Sposto R, Grupp SA, Haas-Kogan DA, Laquaglia MP, Yu AL, Diller L, Buxton A, Park JR, Cohn SL, Maris JM, Reynolds CP, Villablanca JG. Lancet Oncol. 2013 Sep;14(10):999-1008. doi: 10.1016/S1470-2045(13)70309-7. Epub 2013 Jul 25. FREE ARTICLE

A pilot study of tandem high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell rescue as consolidation for high-risk neuroblastoma: Children's Oncology Group study ANBL00P1. Seif AE, Naranjo A, Baker DL, Bunin NJ, Kletzel M, Kretschmar CS, Maris JM, McGrady PW, von Allmen D, Cohn SL, London WB, Park JR, Diller LR, Grupp SA. Bone Marrow Transplant. 2013 Jul;48(7):947-52. doi: 10.1038/bmt.2012.276. Epub 2013 Jan 21. FREE ARTICLE

Phase II study of central nervous system (CNS)-directed chemotherapy including high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation for CNS relapse of aggressive lymphomas. Korfel A, Elter T, Thiel E, Hnel M, Mhle R, Schroers R, Reiser M, Dreyling M, Eucker J, Scholz C, Metzner B, Rth A, Birkmann J, Schlegel U, Martus P, Illerhaus G, Fischer L. Haematologica. 2013 Mar;98(3):364-70. doi: 10.3324/haematol.2012.077917. Epub 2012 Dec 14. FREE ARTICLE

Phase I trial of a multi-epitope-pulsed dendritic cell vaccine for patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma. Phuphanich S, Wheeler CJ, Rudnick JD, Mazer M, Wang H, Nuo MA, Richardson JE, Fan X, Ji J, Chu RM, Bender JG, Hawkins ES, Patil CG, Black KL, Yu JS. Cancer ImmunolImmunother. 2013 Jan;62(1):125-35. doi: 10.1007/s00262-012-1319-0. Epub 2012 Jul 31. FREE ARTICLE

Long-term survival after high-dose chemotherapy followed by peripheral stem cell rescue for high-risk, locally advanced/inflammatory, and metastatic breast cancer. VanderWalde A, Ye W, Frankel P, Asuncion D, Leong L, Luu T, Morgan R, Twardowski P, Koczywas M, Pezner R, Paz IB, Margolin K, Wong J, Doroshow JH, Forman S, Shibata S, Somlo G. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant. 2012 Aug;18(8):1273-80. doi: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2012.01.021. Epub 2012 Feb 2. FREE ARTICLE

Adoptive transfer of autologous T cells improves T-cell repertoire diversity and long-term B-cell function in pediatric patients with neuroblastoma. Grupp SA, Prak EL, Boyer J, McDonald KR, Shusterman S, Thompson E, Callahan C, Jawad AF, Levine BL, June CH, Sullivan KE. Clin Cancer Res. 2012 Dec 15;18(24):6732-41. doi: 10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-12-1432. Epub 2012 Oct 23. FREE ARTICLE

IFN--secreting-mesenchymal stem cells exert an antitumor effect in vivo via the TRAIL pathway. Yang X, Du J, Xu X, Xu C, Song W. J Immunol Res. 2014;2014:318098. doi: 10.1155/2014/318098. Epub 2014 May 26. FREE ARTICLE

Combinatorial control of transgene expression by hypoxia-responsive promoter and microrna regulation for neural stem cell-based cancer therapy. Luo Y, Zhu D. Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:751397. doi: 10.1155/2014/751397. Epub 2014 Apr 17. FREE ARTICLE

Effect of NK4 transduction in bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells on biological characteristics of pancreatic cancercells. Sun YP, Zhang BL, Duan JW, Wu HH, Wang BQ, Yu ZP, Yang WJ, Shan YF, Zhou MT, Zhang QY. Int J Mol Sci. 2014 Mar 3;15(3):3729-45. doi: 10.3390/ijms15033729. FREE ARTICLE

Gene therapy of ovarian cancer using IL-21-secreting human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells in nude mice. Zhang Y, Wang J, Ren M, Li M, Chen D, Chen J, Shi F, Wang X, Dou J. J Ovarian Res. 2014 Jan 20;7(1):8. doi: 10.1186/1757-2215-7-8. FREE ARTICLE

Neural stem cell-mediated delivery of irinotecan-activating carboxylesterases to glioma: implications for clinical use. Metz MZ, Gutova M, Lacey SF, Abramyants Y, Vo T, Gilchrist M, Tirughana R, Ghoda LY, Barish ME, Brown CE, Najbauer J, Potter PM, Portnow J, Synold TW, Aboody KS. Stem CellsTransl Med. 2013 Dec;2(12):983-92. doi: 10.5966/sctm.2012-0177. Epub 2013 Oct 28. FREE ARTICLE

Optimizing patient derived mesenchymal stem cells as virus carriers for a phase I clinical trial in ovarian cancer. Mader EK, Butler G, Dowdy SC, Mariani A, Knutson KL, Federspiel MJ, Russell SJ, Galanis E, Dietz AB, Peng KW. J Transl Med. 2013 Jan 24;11:20. doi: 10.1186/1479-5876-11-20. FREE ARTICLE

Mesenchymal stem cells derived from adipose tissue vs bone marrow: in vitro comparison of their tropism towards gliomas. Pendleton C, Li Q, Chesler DA, Yuan K, Guerrero-Cazares H, Quinones-Hinojosa A. PLoS One. 2013;8(3):e58198. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0058198. Epub 2013 Mar 12. FREE ARTICLE

Suppression of peritoneal tumorigenesis by placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells expressing endostatin on colorectal cancer. Zhang D, Zheng L, Shi H, Chen X, Wan Y, Zhang H, Li M, Lu L, Luo S, Yin T, Lin H, He S, Luo Y, Yang L. Int J Med Sci. 2014 Jun 13;11(9):870-9. doi: 10.7150/ijms.8758. eCollection 2014. FREE ARTICLE

Conditioned media from human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells and umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells efficiently induced the apoptosis and differentiation in human glioma cell lines in vitro. Yang C, Lei D, Ouyang W, Ren J, Li H, Hu J, Huang S. Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:109389. doi: 10.1155/2014/109389. Epub 2014 May 27. FREE ARTICLE

Cancer cell-oriented migration of mesenchymal stem cells engineered with an anticancer gene (PTEN): an imaging demonstration. Yang ZS, Tang XJ, Guo XR, Zou DD, Sun XY, Feng JB, Luo J, Dai LJ, Warnock GL. Onco Targets Ther. 2014 Mar 17;7:441-6. doi: 10.2147/OTT.S59227. eCollection 2014. FREE ARTICLE

Umbilical cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells induce apoptosis in PC-3 prostate cancer cells through activation of JNK and downregulation of PI3K/AKT signaling. Han I, Yun M, Kim EO, Kim B, Jung MH, Kim SH. Stem Cell Res Ther. 2014 Apr 16;5(2):54. [Epub ahead of print] FREE ARTICLE

Stem cells' guided gene therapy of cancer: New frontier in personalized and targeted therapy. Mavroudi M, Zarogoulidis P, Porpodis K, Kioumis I, Lampaki S, Yarmus L, Malecki R, Zarogoulidis K, Malecki M. J Cancer Res Ther (Manch). 2014;2(1):22-33. FREE ARTICLE

Clinical significance of epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Steinestel K, Eder S, Schrader AJ, Steinestel J. ClinTransl Med. 2014 Jul 2;3:17. doi: 10.1186/2001-1326-3-17. eCollection 2014. Review FREE ARTICLE

Role of BMSCs in liver regeneration and metastasis after hepatectomy. Hang HL, Xia Q. World J Gastroenterol. 2014 Jan 7;20(1):126-32. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i1.126. Review. FREE ARTICLE

NKT cells as an ideal anti-tumor immunotherapeutic. Fujii S, Shimizu K, Okamoto Y, Kunii N, Nakayama T, Motohashi S, Taniguchi M. Front Immunol. 2013 Dec 2;4:409. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2013.00409. Review. FREE ARTICLE

Mesenchymal stem cells as a vector for the inflammatory prostate microenvironment. Brennen WN, Denmeade SR, Isaacs JT. EndocrRelatCancer. 2013 Aug 23;20(5):R269-90. doi: 10.1530/ERC-13-0151. Print 2013 Oct. Review FREE ARTICLE

Mesenchymal stem cells as vectors for lung cancer therapy. Kolluri KK, Laurent GJ, Janes SM. Respiration. 2013;85(6):443-51. doi: 10.1159/000351284. Epub 2013 May 23. Review. FREE ARTICLE

Therapeutic potential of stem cells expressing suicide genes that selectively target human breast cancer cells: evidence that they exert tumoricidal effects via tumor tropism (review). Yi BR, Choi KJ, Kim SU, Choi KC. Int J Oncol. 2012 Sep;41(3):798-804. doi: 10.3892/ijo.2012.1523. Epub 2012 Jun 20. Review. FREE ARTICLE

Mesenchymal stem cell-based tumor-targeted gene therapy in gastrointestinal cancer. Bao Q, Zhao Y, Niess H, Conrad C, Schwarz B, Jauch KW, Huss R, Nelson PJ, Bruns CJ. Stem Cells Dev. 2012 Sep 1;21(13):2355-63. doi: 10.1089/scd.2012.0060. Epub 2012 Jun 26. Review FREE ARTICLE

The use of neural stem cells in cancer gene therapy: predicting the path to the clinic. Ahmed AU, Alexiades NG, Lesniak MS. CurrOpinMolTher. 2010 Oct;12(5):546-52. Review. FREE ARTICLE

Toward brain tumor gene therapy using multipotent mesenchymal stromal cell vectors. Bexell D, Scheding S, Bengzon J. MolTher. 2010 Jun;18(6):1067-75. doi: 10.1038/mt.2010.58. Epub 2010 Apr 20. Review. FREE ARTICLE

Stem cells as vectors for antitumour therapy. Loebinger MR, Janes SM. Thorax. 2010 Apr;65(4):362-9. doi: 10.1136/thx.2009.128025. Review. FREE ARTICLE

Crossing the boundaries: stem cells and gene therapy. Ferguson SD, Ahmed AU, Thaci B, Mercer RW, Lesniak MS. Discov Med. 2010 Mar;9(46):192-6. Review. FREE ARTICLE

Directing systemic oncolytic viral delivery to tumors via carrier cells. Nakashima H, Kaur B, Chiocca EA. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev. 2010 Apr-Jun;21(2-3):119-26. doi: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2010.02.004. Epub 2010 Mar 11. Review. FREE ARTICLE

Overview of gene therapy clinical progress including cancer treatment with gene-modified T cells. Brenner MK, Okur FV. Hematology Am SocHematolEduc Program. 2009:675-81. doi: 10.1182/asheducation-2009.1.675. Review. FREE ARTICLE

Stem cells as delivery vehicles for oncolytic adenoviral virotherapy. Kranzler J, Tyler MA, Sonabend AM, Ulasov IV, Lesniak MS. Curr Gene Ther. 2009 Oct;9(5):389-95. Review. FREE ARTICLE

Murine bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells as vehicles for interleukin-12 gene delivery into Ewing sarcoma tumors. Duan X, Guan H, Cao Y, Kleinerman ES. Cancer. 2009 Jan 1;115(1):13-22. doi: 10.1002/cncr.24013. Review. FREE ARTICLE

Vector-mediated cancer gene therapy: an overview. Seth P. CancerBiolTher. 2005 May;4(5):512-7. Epub 2005 May 5. Review. FREE ARTICLE

Adenovirus as a gene therapy vector for hematopoietic cells. Marini FC 3rd, Yu Q, Wickham T, Kovesdi I, Andreeff M. Cancer Gene Ther. 2000 Jun;7(6):816-25. Review. FREE ARTICLE

Potential use of T cell receptor genes to modify hematopoietic stem cells for the gene therapy of cancer. Clay TM, Custer MC, Spiess PJ, Nishimura MI. PatholOncol Res. 1999;5(1):3-15. Review. FREE ARTICLE

Current status of gene transfer into haemopoietic progenitor cells: application to Langerhans cell histiocytosis. Brenner M. Br J Cancer Suppl. 1994 Sep;23:S56-7. Review. FREE ARTICLE

Last modified: May 22, 2015

Go here to see the original:
Adult Stem Cell Therapy in Cancer, MSCTC - KUMC

Stem Cell Therapy San Antonio TX | Alternative …

By adminOctober 12, 2017Stem Cell Medicine

Injury Assessment

Do you suffer from pain in your back or your joints, such as hip or knee, which prevents you from living life to the fullest? Is walking, cycling, gardening, fishing, or exercising, no longer possible with out pain? If you are missing out on your Golden Years, you need to see a regenerative medicine physician for a consultation. They can determine if the newest innovations in stem cell therapies are right for you.

The treatment is a simple non-surgical injection into the affected joint with no down time or lengthy recovery. You may maintain your normal lifestyle and allow the cells to create a balanced optimal environment in your joints so your body can repair itself. You should feel maximal results within 10 to 12 weeks at which time you can increase your activity levels to match your comfort, but understand that the regenerative process can continue for long periods of time.

Umbilical cord cells contain growth factors, proteins, and stem cells that continue to produce additional growth factors and proteins for a period of time. These components have the potential to positively affect the environment inside the joint and to stimulate your own tissue to aid in the regenerative process while ALSO stimulating your NATIVE STEM CELLS to aid in regeneration.

Continue reading here:
Stem Cell Therapy San Antonio TX | Alternative ...

Cell Therapy :: Sangamo Therapeutics, Inc. (SGMO)

By adminOctober 8, 2017Uncategorized

Sangamo has significant experience in process development and manufacturing of modified cell therapy products gained through its T-cell and hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) programs in HIV, which were the first genome editing products to enter human clinical trials. In collaboration with Bioverativ we are also developing modified HSC treatments for beta-thalassemia and sickle cell disease. Cells are removed from the body and undergo ZFN-mediated genome editing. In these autologous therapies, the modified cells are grown and tested before being infused back into the patient.

Modified T-cells have demonstrated spectacular success in treating some cancers. With the exception of two cases these have been autologous therapies. A more useful product would be an off-the-shelf or allogeneic product that could be administered to any patient on diagnosis rather than after precious weeks of manufacturing their own cells. Using our ZFN-mediated genome editing technology to knock out genes that identify these cells as foreign to a patient, we are working to make this possibility a reality.

View original post here:
Cell Therapy :: Sangamo Therapeutics, Inc. (SGMO)

Stem Cell Center Of NJ – New Jersey Stem Cell Therapy

By adminOctober 6, 2017Stem Cell Medical Center

Connect With Us On Social Media for Website Specials Today!

Shoulder pain from injuries can either be acute or chronic. Regenerative medicine is an emerging field, which offers a non-surgical option that commonly uses the patients own stem cells, exosomes, and other sources of growth factors to regenerate healthy tissue.

Your back pain has finally caught up with you and youre struggling to reverse the damage. However, regenerative medicine is an emerging field, which offers a non-surgical option that commonly uses the patients own stem cells, exosomes, and other sources of growth factors to regenerate healthy tissue.

If knee pain is derailing your active lifestyle or even your daily activities, then youre not alone. Regenerative medicine is an emerging field, which offers a non-surgical option that commonly uses the patients own stem cells, exosomes, and other sources of growth factors to regenerate healthy tissue.

Pain can strike in a few locations around the hip. Regenerative medicine is an emerging field, which offers a non-surgical option that commonly uses the patients own stem cells, exosomes, and other sources of growth factors to regenerate healthy tissue.

NERVE INJURIES pain doesnt fade, your health care provider may recommend surgery to reverse the damage. However, regenerative medicine is an emerging field, which offers a non-surgical option that commonly uses the patients own stem cells, exosomes, and other sources of growth factors to regenerate healthy tissue.

To understand neuropathy, it helps to understand how the nervous system works. Regenerative medicine is an emerging field, which offers a non-surgical option that commonly uses the patients own stem cells, exosomes, and other sources of growth factors to regenerate healthy tissue.

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual intercourse. Regenerative medicine is an emerging field, which offers a non-surgical option that commonly uses the patients own stem cells, exosomes, and other sources of growth factors to regenerate healthy tissue.

Stem Cell Center of NJ specializes in the non-surgical care of acute and chronic pain conditions in the orthopedic field whether its shoulder pain, elbow pain or ankle pain as well as the treatment of erectile dysfunction. In our facility, we utilize the latest research and technology to deliver the best treatment available. Our goal is to help patients restore function and mobility, reduce pain, and ultimately return them back to a life uninhibited by debilitating conditions.

We are very excited to offer our patients Stem Cell Therapy treatments. With Stem Cell Therapy, we harness the bodys innate healing potential to aid in the regeneration and restoration of injured or damaged body tissue. This is a minimally-invasive procedure that utilizes biologics harvested straight from the patient. This means that risk of rejection and infection is extremely rare!

With Stem Cell Therapy, patients no longer have to take heavy medication, endure risky surgical procedures or deal with long recovery periods and months of physical therapy. We have helped numerous patients throughout New Jersey get their lives back with Stem Cell Therapy will you be next?

Platelet-Rich Plasma For Arthritis | Halifax Naturopathic …

By adminOctober 4, 2017Platelet Rich Plasma Injections

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a therapy which uses a component of a persons own blood to treat their osteoarthritis. PRP is a safe treatment which often gives significant benefit to people suffering from osteoarthritis including improvements in stiffness, pain and mobility.

PRP injections contain a high concentration of your own platelets. These platelets contain a large amount of growth factors, including platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-), insulin-like growth factor (IGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)1.

Table 1. Growth factors involved in tissue repair2.

These growth factors trigger tissue repair in our natural healing and recovery process. When a high concentration of these growth factors is introduced into the area of an injured or arthritic joint the healing process is jump-started.

Some research has suggested that PRP improves the integrity of the joint cartilage by increasing the amount of cartilage producing cells (chondrocytes) and by decreasing their rate of cell death (apoptosis)3. This would conceivably lead to a larger number of chondrocytes actively producing healthy cartilage within the joint and a healthier joint as a result.

PRP is prepared by drawing and centrifuging a small sample of your own blood on the day of treatment. A centrifuge is a device which rapidly rotates, spinning a blood sample at a high speed causing it to separate into layers based on weight. After centrifugation the blood sample separates into a top layer of plasma which is transparent yellow in color (mostly water with some dissolved proteins) and a bottom thick, red layer (red blood cells). At the junction of the plasma and red blood cell layers sits a dense concentration of platelets. This platelet-rich layer of the plasma is the portion of the blood which is collected and used for injection.

PRP is given by injection into the affected site or the site of injury. For example, in cases of tennis elbow the PRP injection is made at the site of the affected common extensor tendon on the elbow and in plantar fasciitis the injection is given at the site of the damaged plantar fascia insertion on the heel of the foot. In the case of osteoarthritis the injury includes two entire joint surfaces. An osteoarthritic joint is treated by injecting PRP into an affected joint space. Since a joint is a closed compartment the PRP fluid stays within the joint, coating the affected joint surfaces and exerting its effect on them through its rich concentration of growth factors.

Many studies have been performed on PRP injections for osteoarthritis and the results have been near-unanimously positive, showing a reduction in pain and improvement in mobility among the people receiving the treatment. In total, 47 studies have investigated PRP as a treatment for osteoarthritis and all 47 of these studies have found that this treatment was beneficial4-50.

Some research has found that 3 PRP injections, with 1 month between each injection, is more effective and gives longer lasting results than only one or two injections31.

Platelet-rich plasma vs hyaluronic acid

Most PRP for osteoarthritis research has been on the knee. To date 37 studies have examined PRPs effect on knee osteoarthritis while the temporomandibular joint has 4 studies, the hip has 3 studies, the ankle has 2 studies and the thumb has 1 study.

Figure 1. Number of studies (by joint) examining platelet-rich plasma for osteoarthritis. Most research performed on knee joint. Although the studies have yet to be done I have also seen good results with osteoarthritis of other joints including the shoulder, wrist and other hand joints.

PRP injection treatments are quite safe, having very little in the way of reported adverse effects50. While most treatments for pain involve a synthetic medication-based therapy, PRP simply uses a component of a persons blood. PRP therefore carries very little risk of causing an allergic reaction. The most common adverse effect of PRP is discomfort at the site of treatment for 1-3 days. This is a common reaction as the mechanism of action of PRP involves a short-term inflammatory phase after treatment which can contribute to discomfort temporarily. As with any injection there is a small chance of infection. There is also a small chance of allergic reaction to the local anesthetic (numbing agent) which is used at the site of the injection.

PRP treatment can provide lasting results for people with osteoarthritis including reduced pain and improved mobility. Typically 3 treatments will be required to attain maximum benefit from PRP. PRP injections can be done 2-4 weeks apart without issue.

PRP injections are a long-term solution for osteoarthritis. While this treatment gives long term benefit some people may experience discomfort following treatment for 1-3 days. In order to deal with this possible discomfort it is best to reduce physical activity after a PRP injection to avoid additional discomfort of the region which was treated. Applying ice to the affected area will not inhibit the effectiveness of the PRP treatment and may help if the treated area is achy or sore.

The treated body part should be rested on the day of treatment and if discomfort remains then 2-3 days of avoiding heavy activity may be required to assist in recovering. Anti-inflammatories such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen in general should not be taken for 2-7 days after a PRP treatment as they could theoretically dampen its effectiveness. Generally acetaminophen (Tylenol) is preferable to anti-inflammatories in this short term to manage any discomfort or pain which may be present.

People with active cancer or active infection are not candidates for PRP treatment. People with thrombocytopenia (low platelets) and people on blood thinners can have PRP treatment but some changes to the treatment may be required.

If you are interested in having PRP treatment contact MacLeod Naturopathic at 902-820-2727 to book an initial consultation with Dr. MacLeod. PRP treatment is also available at Dr. MacLeods location in Port Hood which can be reached at the phone number above.

Naturopathic Doctor at MacLeod Naturopathic

Dr. Colin is a naturopathic doctor practicing in Upper Tantallon in the Halifax Area. He was born and raised in rural Cape Breton and returned to Nova Scotia to practice after finishing his naturopathic education in Toronto. His practice focuses on pain management and maintaining health through physical activity and diet. He utilizes platelet-rich plasma, neural prolotherapy and acupuncture to keep his patients pain-free so that they can stay physically active, social and healthy.

Last updated August 31, 2017

Macquarie Stem Cells – Stem Cell Therapy Treatment Sydney …

By adminOctober 4, 2017Stem Cell Treatment

Based in New South Wales, Macquarie Stem Cells has the knowledge, training and experience to provide stem cell treatment in a safe and positive environment. We boast a team of medical professionals who are passionate about stem cell therapy and its ability to improve your quality of life. Having successfully treated over 700 patients using stem cell medical procedures, you can rely on us to keep your safety and well-being in mind.

When subjected to the right stimulation, stem cells have the remarkable ability to develop into many different specialised cell types, including skin cells, muscle cells, and bone cells. Stem cell treatment involves extracting a tissue sample from your body using a mini-liposuction procedure, removing impurities from the sample such as fat, and then re-injecting it into a specific area. This 3 to 5 hour procedure instigates tissue regeneration in areas affected by issues such as inflammation.

At Macquarie Stem Cells, our aim is to provide stem cell therapy in Sydney that alleviates any pain, discomfort and anxiety you may experience on a day-to-day basis. As one of the leading stem cell treatment clinics around, we can help patients who are suffering a variety of severe and chronic conditions gain a new hold on life. Below is a brief overview of the conditions we can assist with.

Osteoarthritis can be a very complex condition, it is not as black and white as repairing cartilage and expecting improvements in your pain levels. When patients suffer from osteoarthritis, the cartilage begins to thin out and this leads to aggravation in your joints. As the aggravation continues, your synovial fluid can become affected, as well as the surrounding structure of the joints such as the muscles, tendons, ligaments & blood vessels.

We have been working with many professionals and we understand the whole approach to treating and managing osteoarthritis better than anyone else. This treatment will involve follow up from your end, you will need to rebuild lost strength, flexibility of your joints. We will guide you through this.

When the stromal cells are introduced, they will be able to resolve the inflammation within the joint and this will reduce your arthritic pain quite quickly. The cells are also able provide repairs to the synovial membrane; which will help properly lubricate your joints.

We have also observed MRI reports which indicate cartilage regrowth in some patients as well. At this point we need to direct our focus to the surrounding muscles and tendons of the joint, if they are weak and inflexible you may suffer from tendonitis. This does not mean the treatment has gone backwards, it simply means you need to spend some time to rebuild the strength & flexibility you have lost over the years.

The cells have shown a powerful effect on the immune system to the point where they are able to place the immune system in a state of tolerogenesis. Once the immune system attack has settled, the cells are able to target inflamed joints and start their repairs in these areas, thus providing improvements to your pain levels as well as function of the joint. We have regularly observed large changes in patients CRP and RF levels. This has been able to confirm positive changes to inflammation and immune balance within your body.

Some patients suffer from pains such as burning, tingling, electric shocks and similar pains.. even though they are not actually occuring. This indicates the nerve cells are firing but they are not firing due to nociceptive pain (pain which occurs for an external reason). These stromal cells are able to repair the inflammation surrounding the nerve cells and in cases where damage has taken, the cells can differentiate into nerve cells to repair the damage. This will allow the nerves to return to normal function and alleviate the neuropathic pain.

Your body naturally looks to repair any form of damage, however in certain cases it may only be able to do so with scar tissue. Once the stromal cells have homed to the damaged areas of your body, they are able to repair the damaged tissue and differentiate into the surrounding cell types. EG: your body is now able to use the stem cells to repair the torn tendon with actual tendon tissue as opposed to scar tissue. This allows the previously torn tissue to return back to full function.

For pre-exisiting repaired tears, these cells are able to soften the scar tissue formation and allow for a better range of motion whilst reducing the risk of a re-occuring tear adjacent to the existing tear.

Migraines are types of headaches but can be significantly more painful and debilitating. They can also cause a range of other symptoms, including nausea and sensitivity to light or sound. Fortunately, stem cell treatment has the potential to repair inflamed blood vessels which can reduce or eliminate migraines. At this stage we are running a clinical trial, you may place your application to participate in this trial.

We are currently located in Liverpool, NSW. By the end of 2017 we aim to add Darwin, NT into our list of practices. In the meantime we are treating all patients from other states such as VIC, QLD, WA, SA & TAS with a simple application and process over 3 days.

Link:
Macquarie Stem Cells - Stem Cell Therapy Treatment Sydney ...

Stem Cell Research: Is It in Danger?

By adminSeptember 29, 2017Embryonic Stem Cells

Studies on diseases like ALS, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's jeopardized if GOP-controlled Congress cuts funding for embryonic stem cell research.

In 2010, when renowned stem cell scientist Lawrence Goldstein, PhD, published his groundbreaking book Stem Cells for Dummies, with co-author Meg Schneider, the forecast for human embryonic stem cell research had just begun to brighten.

In 2001, former President George W. Bush cast a cloud over this field of science by barring the National Institutes of Health (NIH) from funding research that used embryonic stem cells beyond the 60 cell lines that already existed.

But in 2009, then-President Barack Obama signed an executive order repealing Bushs policy.

Obamas decision enabled researchers like Goldstein, director of the UC San Diego Stem Cell Program, and Sanford Stem Cell Clinical Center, to make real progress, inching closer to human clinical trials.

Goldsteins work focuses on discovering clinical applications for human embryonic stem cells, also known as ESC.

His work looks specifically at clinical applications for neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Alzheimers, Parkinsons, and Huntingtons diseases.

After 10 years, weve seen a variety of projects that use embryonic stem cells moving closer to clinical applications and in clinical trials, Goldstein told Healthline.

Although its taken some time, were getting closer to seeing the most promising approach for treatment of different neurologic disorders that have no suitable treatment alternative.

Read more: Stem cells therapy offers hope for MS remission

But now use of human embryonic stem cells are once again under fire from conservative and pro-life groups.

Contrary to popular belief, human embryonic stem cells do not come from aborted fetuses.

All the human embryonic stem cell lines currently in use are derived from unused embryos developed for in vitro fertilization and donated for research.

They are cells that would have only been discarded.

Nevertheless, their use in research is opposed by many in the pro-life movement, including a vocal coalition in Congress.

Last month, 41 conservatives in the House urged President Trump to fire Dr. Francis Collins, director of the NIH, the worlds largest agency funding biomedical research, because Collins supports embryonic stem cell research.

However, Trump announced last week he was reappointing Collins, a widely respected physician-geneticist.

Several Republican leaders in Congress had reportedly urged Trump to retain him, calling Collins the right person, at the right time, to continue to lead the worlds premiere biomedical research agency.

But Trumps decision didnt sit well with many in his voting base and his own cabinet.

Vice President Mike Pence, and Health and Human Services Secretary, Tom Price, have both spoken out against the use of embryonic stem cells on moral grounds.

Just a few weeks ago, Pence got a standing ovation at the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast when he reminded the audience that he was the one who cast the tie-breaking vote in the United States Senate that allowed states to defund Planned Parenthood.

The Congressional conservatives who called on Trump to fire Collins are voicing their anger over Trumps decision to retain Collins.

Rep. Jim Banks, R-Ind., told LifeNews, a pro-life publication, that he was disappointed in the Trump Administrations decision.

Dr. Collins support of embryonic stem cell research, along with his comments that cloned embryos do not deserve the same moral protections as naturally generated embryos, make him a less than an ideal fit for a pro-life administration, Banks said. I am hopeful that Dr. Collins will turn away from embryo-killing research as he continues his tenure as NIH director.

Trumps election has resulted in a new and unprecedentedly tenuous era for the NIH. Its funding has typically had bipartisan support.

Despite Trumps seemingly pro-science pivot, the NIH still faces a potential $5.8 billion cut about 18 prevent in the presidents fiscal 2018 budget.

And this plank from the 2016 GOP platform remains in place:

We oppose embryonic stem cell research. We oppose federal funding of embryonic stem cell research. We support adult stem cell research and urge the restoration of the national placental stem cell bank created by President George H.W. Bush but abolished by his Democratic successor, President Bill Clinton.

Goldstein and several other scientists interviewed for this story said that while Trumps decision to retain Collins is a positive, theres still no guarantee that embryonic stem cell research will continue getting support from the federal government in this increasingly hostile and volatile political climate.

While human embryonic stem cells are just one of several types of stem cells being studied for their innate, but complex, abilities to treat diseases, Goldstein explained, they are an important weapon in a growing arsenal.

It takes a great deal of time, money, and patience to develop these therapies, he noted.

It would be a shame to go back to the dark age solution that we had under the Bush administration, said Goldstein, who is currently focused largely on ALS, also known as Lou Gehrigs disease, named for the legendary New York Yankee.

Gehrig died from the disease at age 37.

Goldstein said a lot of individuals and institutions are working to find treatments for ALS, which has enjoyed a boost in awareness and funding thanks to the recent Ice Bucket Challenge that caught on nationwide.

Its important that we develop an aggressive set of cell therapy programs so that we have multiple shots on goal, Goldstein said. We need to attack the disease from as many angles as possible.

Read more: Stem cell therapy a possible treatment for RA

For the last 25 years, Frances Saldaa has been on a mission to increase awareness of Huntingtons disease (HD), a debilitating, incurable, and often inherited disease.

Its become my mission in life to advocate for support of HD research and for excellence in patient care, said Saldaa, whose husband, Hector Portillo, didnt tell her he had the disease.

Three of their children inherited HD from their father. Both of Saldaas daughters have died, and her son is not doing well.

My son Michael is fighting for his life every single day, but time is running out for him too, she said. The suffering endured at the end of life for HD patients is unimaginable. My daughter, Margie, and her husband did not have the money to go through IVF when they started their family. They had two beautiful children. I live in fear that my two grandchildren, now 19 and 21, are also at risk of inheriting HD.

When Saldaa learned that members of Congress were urging President Trump to fire Collins, her heart sank.

To have the door close on this research because they have this belief would be tragic, she said. In my opinion, an embryonic egg is not life until its attached to the placenta.

Saldaa said that if she had the opportunity, she would ask people who oppose this research, Have they ever seen their own children dying devastating deaths? Have they ever seen their own children lose the ability to talk, to swallow? Have they ever had their own child die in their arms, and yet know that there is hope, that there is a chance with this research to find a cure?

Ive dedicated my life to supporting this research, from Team Hope walks to bake sales, everything and anything to find a cure, she said.

Leslie Thompson, PhD, a professor of psychiatry and human behavior, and professor of neurobiology and behavior, at the University of California Irvine, has devoted her entire career to unlocking the mysteries of Huntingtons disease and finding treatments.

Thompson, who said many of her patients with HD are like family, said human embryonic stem cells present great hope for finding a treatment for HD.

And after decades of painstaking study, she told Healthline that her work could lead to human clinical trials for people with HD as soon as two or three years from now.

Thompson keeps a picture of Saldaas children in her office to remind her of what her research is really all about.

Im deeply concerned how this could move the field backwards, she said, but added that she is hopeful her work and that of others will be allowed to continue.

Were in an exciting, unprecedented time of opportunity to use stem cells for treatments, she said.

When former President George W. Bush decided to halt new human embryonic stem cell research, Saldaa recalled, We all jumped and went toward getting Prop 71 passed.

The California Stem Cell Research and Cures Initiative, which was passed by a 60-40 margin, was drafted by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine. It has provided millions of dollars in stem cell research in the state, including embryonic stem cell research.

The public vote on this initiative has helped California become the national leader in stem cell research.

There is also solidarity in the stem cell community. Even scientists who dont use human embryonic stem cells still support their colleagues who do.

Jeanne Loring, PhD, a professor of developmental neurobiology, and director of the Center for Regenerative Medicine at the Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, Calif., made the shift about a decade ago from human embryonic stem cells to induced pluripotent stem cells (IPS), which she makes from cells cultured from skin biopsies.

There are certain advantages to IPS, she said, but added that she still fully supports embryonic stem cell research.

Its hard to predict what President Trump will do, said Loring, whose lab is working on finding treatments for Parkinsons disease, discovering the cause of autism, ways to treat it, and more.

Loring notes that there are great misunderstandings about embryonic stem cell research and where the cells come from.

There is always an undercurrent of misunderstanding about sources of human stem cells. People think they are associated with abortion but they are not. she said.

Read more: Using stem cells to heal broken bones

What lies ahead for human embryonic stem cell research is anyones guess.

When Obama signed the order to lift Bushs ban on new embryonic stem cell research, he said, In recent years, when it comes to stem cell research, rather than furthering discovery, our government has forced what I believe is a false choice between sound science and moral values.

In this case, I believe the two are not inconsistent. As a person of faith, I believe we are called to care for each other and work to ease human suffering. I believe we have been given the capacity and will to pursue this research and the humanity and conscience to do so responsibly.

Goldstein said he hopes Trump, too, will embrace the importance of this research that seeks to find treatments for deadly diseases.

Its early in this administration, there is still time for them to staff up with people who will give the President the appropriate scientific advice, Goldstein said. There are many challenges facing us that are technological in nature. You cant have a humming economy without robust investment in science. It drives the development of new technologies and devices. An investment in science pays far more than what you put in.

Goldstein said investing heavily in science has helped give the United States the quality of life that Americans now enjoy.

Our investments in science and technology are likely the reason for winning World War II, he said. And our investment in biotech has revolutionized medicine and has been invaluable to providing jobs in many states.

Visit link:
Stem Cell Research: Is It in Danger?

Truth About Embryonic Stem Cells | Stem Cell Orthopedic …

By adminSeptember 29, 2017Embryonic Stem Cells

Menu Appointment Contact Us Visit Us Patient Portal

the pain ends here

Call (210) 293-3136 and Like Our Page

Start Your Treatment

September 18, 2017| Stem Cell Orthopedic Institute of Texas Team | STEM CELL THERAPY

If you have any interest in stem cells, you may be familiar with the debate on embryonic stem cells. Stem cells have been researched since the mid-1900s. While adult stem cells have proven to be safe and effective, embryonic stem cells are banned for human use in the United States.

As such, at the Stem Cell Orthopedic Institute, we exclusively use adult stem cells. For a complete description of our process, please visit our procedure overview.

While we do not use embryonic stem cells in America, it is important to remember how we got to this point to inform what choices we make going forward. Heres the truth about embryonic stem cells:

Just like the name sounds, embryonic stem cells are derived from embryos. Most embryonic stem cells come from embryos that develop from eggs that were fertilized in vitro (in an in vitro fertilization clinic) and then donated for research purposes with the donors consent. These stem cells are not derived from the eggs that have been fertilized in a womans body.

Fertilization usually occurs in the oviduct. The few days after the embryo travels down the oviduct and into the uterus, a series of cleavage divisions will occur. The embryo is a ball of around 100 cells at this point (called a blastocyst). The outer layer of cells forms the placenta and is called the trophectoderm. The cells during this stage are undifferentiated, which means that they do not look or act like the specialized adult cells, and they are not yet committed to becoming any specific type of differentiated cell.

The first differentiation event occurs at around five days of development which is when an outer layer of cells separates from the inner cell mass (ICM). The ICM cells have the potential to generate any cell type, but once they have been implanted, they are quickly depleted as they differentiate into other cell types with limited developmental potential. However, the ICM cells can continue to multiply and endlessly replicate themselves, while maintaining the developmental potential to form any cell only if the ICM is removed from its normal embryonic environment and cultured under proper conditions.

Embryonic stem cells have a never-ending lifespan with an almost unlimited developmental potential. Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent, which means that can grow into any one of the three primary germ layers: ectoderm, endoderm, and mesoderm. These cells have the potential to form any type of cell in the body, from muscle to nerve to blood. Embryonic stem cells provide endless possibilities for researchers.

In 2001, President George W. Bush allowed federal funding for limited embryonic stem cell research. However, President Barack Obama revoked that statement in 2009 and released Executive Order 13505 to remove the restrictions on federal funding for stem cell research. This allowed the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to fully fund research with embryonic stem cells. The NIH issued guidelines to establish the policy. These guidelines were created to help ensure that all NIH-funded research on human stem cells is morally responsible and scientifically relevant.

Embryonic stem cells are used for many purposes, from basic research to transplantation therapies for various diseases like heart disease, Parkinsons disease, leukemia, and more. Since it is illegal to use human embryonic stem cells, researchers rely on mice and other animals for these cells. Stem cells have to potential to grow new cells to replace damaged organs or tissues, correct portions of organs that work improperly, research causes of genetic defects in cells, research how diseases occur or why certain cells develop into cancer cells and test new drugs for safety and effectiveness.

Research with embryonic stem cells (ESCs) is highly debated and many people have strong opinions about their stance on the issue. Many of the discussions lie around moral and ethical issues. The dilemma forces us to choose between two moral principles: the duty to prevent and alleviate suffering or the duty to respect the value of human life.

Lets take a look at both stances. In order to obtain embryonic stem cells, you must destroy the embryo also meaning that you are destroying a potential human life. On the other hand, embryonic stem cell research could help us find new medical treatments that could help alleviate or end those suffering from many disorders and diseases. The biggest question: which moral principle should have the upper hand? The answer ultimately depends on how you view the human embryo.

Embryonic stem cells also have a high oncogenic potential meaning it is potentially cancerous. Since these cells have the possibility to transform into practically any cell, there is a possibility they can form tumors in patients.

At the Stem Cell Orthopedic Institute of Texas, we never use embryonic stem cells only adult stem cells. Our patients health and safety is our priority. Rest assured, our doctors will give you the personalized attention you deserve. To learn more about our stem cell treatments or to schedule an appointment, call us at 210-293-3136.

Tags: embryonic stem cell therapy san antonio