The Benefits of Stem Cells for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

by Stemedix | Jun 14, 2021 | Traumatic Brain Injury, Stem Cell Therapy

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an extremely challenging condition for many patients to face. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), from 2006 to 2014, the number of TBI-related emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths increased by 53%. Those who survive after a TBI may experience irreversible neurological symptoms that can sustain for the rest of their lives. However, there is some evidence that suggests that stem cell therapy may help in the treatment of TBI. There are many benefits of Stem Cells.

How Stem Cells May Benefit A Patient With A Traumatic Brain Injury

Mesenchymal stem cells have the ability to differentiate into any type of cell and tissue. They can become any type of cell in the body, including ones that do not normally replicate. For instance, you often hear that you have the same number of nerve cells since birth. Recent evidence suggests that neurons can regenerate in certain cases, but, the rate of regeneration is not sufficient to restore some lost functions after irreversible damage (e.g., TBI, stroke).

For this reason, scientists are studying stem cells since they have the potential to differentiate, regenerate, and repair, to help patients with neurological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, strokes, and traumatic brain injuries.

What Does Science Say About Stem Cells And TBI?

In recent decades, mesenchymal stem cells obtained from the bone marrow, umbilical cord, and adipose tissues demonstrated impressive potential in the management of TBI. There have been clinical studies that describe the administration of stem cells via a lumbar puncture and/or intravenous (IV) methods to patients with TBI. After the evaluation of these patients using imaging techniques (i.e., MRI, fMRI), lesions in the brain showed improvements after each treatment session.

Today, dozens of clinical trials are still being conducted to get a deeper understanding of the effects of stem cell therapy on patients with TBI. With that said, and based on the available results, patients with TBI conditions may find this treatment method as an encouraging option. Research will continue as scientists keep studying this new advancement in regenerative medicine.

Stem cells have an incredible ability to divide into any type of tissue, opening the door for endless therapeutic options in not only neurodegenerative conditions, such as TBI but for autoimmune and orthopedic conditions as well. If you would like to learn more then contact a care coordinator today!

Can Stem Cells Help Osteoarthritis?

by Stemedix | Jun 7, 2021 | Osteoarthritis, Stem Cell Therapy

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a condition in which the natural cushioning between joints breaks down eventually leading to bone-on-bone contact, pain, and loss of flexibility. OA affects roughly 30 million people in the U.S., many of whom are over the age of 60. As the U.S. population ages, the number of people with OA will likely increase. While the condition can affect any joint, it’s particularly common in the knees. In this article, we will talk about a very common question, can stem cells help Osteoarthritis?

Stem Cell Therapy for Osteoarthritis

While lifestyle modifications and certain medical interventions can help reduce symptoms of Osteoarthritis, once the condition progresses significantly, joint replacement surgery may be the only option for treatment.

Recently, researchers from Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network in Toronto published results for using stem cells to treat Osteoarthritis in the journal STEM CELLS Translational. Their goal was to determine whether mesenchymal stem cells, which can develop into specialized cells such as muscle, bone, and cartilage, could replace knee cartilage.

The researchers extracted stem cells from the bone marrow of 12 participants. They received one of three dosages in the knee and were then studied over the following year. Participants received routine MRI scans and had inflammatory biomarkers measured. They were also questioned about their symptoms. By the end of the 12 months, participants exhibited a considerable reduction in pain and an increase in quality of life.

All participants tolerated the doses well, with no serious adverse effects. Those who had the highest doses of stem cells experienced the best outcomes, including a significant reduction in inflammation. The anti-inflammatory effects of the stem cells are believed to be an important factor in the decreased pain levels.While the study was limited in scope, it does appear to be a stepping stone for further advancements into stem cell therapy. Moreover, this is not the first clinical research to look into the potential of stem cells for treating OA. A larger 2015 study showed that the treatment could be a feasible alternative to surgery for OA, while an even larger 2016 study showed similar outcomes. Should further studies show similar results, it’s a likely possibility that stem cell therapy could become an effective treatment for OA. If you are interested in learning more, contact a care coordinator today!

Exploring The Role of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine In Treating Lung Disease

by admin | Jun 4, 2021 | Stem Cell Therapy, COPD, Stem Cell Research

For patients facing a lung disease, including COPD, current and traditional therapeutic options may not be as effective in managing symptoms or slowing the progression of the condition so researchers have turned their attention to the potential benefits of stem cell therapy and ex vivo lung bioengineering in hopes of developing new and effective therapeutic approaches to treat lung disease.

Demonstrating a rapid progression over the last decade, the development of stem cell therapies and bioengineering approaches for lung disease has primarily shifted focus to the application of immunomodulatory and paracrine actions of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and the field of ex vivo lung bioengineering.

In this manuscript, Weiss reviews clinical trials in lung disease and provides the current progress for a variety of therapeutic options. Specific treatments reviewed include:

Structural Engraftment of Circulating or Exogenously Administered Stem Cells
Ex Vivo Derivation of Lung Epithelial Cells from Embryonic Stem Cells or Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPS)
Endogenous Lung Stem and Progenitor Cells
Circulating Fibrocytes
Endothelial Progenitor Cells
MSCs and Immunomodulation of Lung Disease

The author points out that although preclinical literature supports the use of EPCs and MSCs in acute lung injury and/or chronic inflammatory and immune-mediated conditions (including asthma, bronchiolitis, obliterans, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia), these preclinical models are not always predictive of clinical behaviors. As such, clinical investigations of these cell-based therapies for lung disease have been slow to develop.

Currently, the only effective treatment for severe lung diseases, including BPD, CF, COPD, and IPF, is lung transplantation. With a 50% five-year post-transplant mortality rate, essential lifelong immunosuppression (to prevent chronic lung rejection), and a critical shortage of donor’s lungs, research has turned its attention toward manufacturing surgically implantable ex vivo (or “outside the living body”) lung tissue. While several challenges still exist, recent significant progress has been made using both synthetic and donor tissue in generating ex vivo tissue for use in various lung treatment applications.

The author concludes that while exciting progress has been made in the field of stem cell therapy and ex vivo generation of tissue to treat lung diseases, much research is still on the horizon. Within future research, they hope to better understand the identity of endogenous lung airway, the development of functional airway and alveolar epithelial cells from ESCs and iPS cells, and a better understanding of the physiologic and pathophysiologic roles of EPC and Fibrocytes in lung diseases.

The use of stem cell therapy and ex vivo lung bioengineering offers tremendous potential for the treatment of lung diseases, however, the clinical use of artificial engineered or decellularized scaffolds for use in treating lung disease is likely to be several years off.

Source: (n.d.). Current Status of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine in Lung …. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4208500/

Stem Cell Therapy For COPD

by Stemedix | May 31, 2021 | COPD, Stem Cell Therapy

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects 250 million people each year and is the cause of nearly 5% of deaths globally. This family of airway obstruction conditions is characterized by the loss of lung tissue and airway obstruction caused by chronic inflammation of the airways. As a result, components of the lungs, including the alveoli, are destroyed over time. Using regenerative medicine, including stem cell therapy, can address the damage caused by these conditions.

What Is COPD?

COPD is a progressive disorder that makes breathing very difficult. As the airways become obstructed, patients may experience symptoms such as mucus production, wheezing, cough, and difficulty breathing. Smoking is believed to be the cause of 85 to 90% of COPD cases, though factors such as long-term exposure to pollution or irritants could also contribute to the conditions.

The two main types of COPD are emphysema and chronic bronchitis. In emphysema, the alveoli at the end of the air passageways are destroyed by exposure to cigarette smoke or other irritants. In chronic bronchitis, the bronchial tubes become inflamed, which carry air to and from the air sacs.

Currently, there are several types of medications available to help control flare-ups of COPD, but each patient responds differently to treatments. There are also oxygen therapies available to aid patients with low blood oxygen levels and to provide easier breathing.

Stem Cell Therapy for COPD

Stem cell therapy is a natural alternative to other medications that have caused serious side effects or failed to produce measurable improvements. Through this regenerative medicine approach, patients’ air sacs and damaged lung tubes have the potential to be repaired, lung capacity increased and improved breathing.

Stem cells are the building blocks of the body due to their ability to regenerate and transform into virtually any specialized cell type. Through this treatment, stem cells are sourced by either the patient or an umbilical cord donor and re-delivered through direct injection, intravenously, and/or through a special nebulizer via inhalation. Depending on the patient’s condition, additional treatments may be needed. After stem cell therapy, COPD patients may be advised to undergo post-treatment lung rehabilitation to promoted optimal treatment outcomes.

Stem cell therapy continues to be an active topic in regenerative medicine research. It is not a cure and it may not be right for all patients with COPD, but it could be a promising alternative to anyone who is looking for other options outside of treatments with severe side effects or those that haven’t shown beneficial outcomes. If you are interested in learning more about Stem cell therapy for COPD contact a care coordinator today!

How Can Stem Cells Help Multiple Sclerosis?

by Stemedix | May 24, 2021 | Multiple Sclerosis, Stem Cell Therapy

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the protective sheath covering nerve fibers, known as the myelin. As a result, communication issues between the brain and other parts of the body occur. While there are currently several medications that can treat MS, some have serious side effects and may eventually stop working. So we ask ourselves ” How can stem cells help Multiple Sclerosis? ”

Recently, stem cell therapy has emerged as a new potential treatment option for people with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). In this version of the disease, symptoms may subside and then reappear in what’s known as a relapse. Eventually, RRMS can develop into a different form of MS in which symptoms stop subsiding.

Stem Cell Therapy for MS

Stem cells have the unique ability to transform into virtually any other differentiated cell type in the body. There are different stem cell therapy options in the field of Regenerative Medicine today. For instance, one is using hematopoietic stem cells that can differentiate into blood cells. In certain circumstances, doctors may use hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) to treat RRMS.

First, doctors prescribe medication to increase the production of bone marrow stem cells. They then take some blood and reserve the stem cells for later use. Next, they prescribe strong medications, including chemotherapy, to suppress the immune system. Patients will require monitoring during this period of weakened immunity, and may therefore require a prolonged hospital stay.

Thereafter, the stem cells will be injected into the bloodstream to form new white blood cells and create an entirely new immune system. Until your immune system is functioning fully and independently, you’ll receive medications such as antibiotics to fight off illnesses or infections.

The treatment can take weeks, and recovery may take several months. Each individual is different, but many see a return to normal immune system functioning within six months.

Is Stem Cell Therapy a Potential Option for MS?

MS is a chronic disease for which there is currently no full cure, but results of stem cell therapy clinical trials are promising. In one, 69% of people had no relapse of MS symptoms or new brain lesions five years after receiving the treatment.

As with any treatment, it’s important to consider the risks involved with HSCT as well. For this therapy in particular, the risks of immune system suppression can be considerable. Nonetheless, for people with highly inflammatory RRMS with serious relapses and progressing symptoms, the risk/benefit ratio may be worth reviewing. Other studies are also showing potential for those with Multiple Sclerosis that how shown to be safe and effective.

Is It Possible to Regrow Cartilage in the Joints?

by Stemedix | May 17, 2021 | Stem Cell Therapy

In adulthood, cartilage has almost no regenerative potential. Cartilage damaged by disease, injury, or simply as part of the aging process can therefore not be replaced by the body on its own. As a result, bones may eventually rub against one another, resulting in pain and arthritis, a condition at least a fifth of all U.S. adults experience. So is it possible to regrow cartilage?

Recently, however, researchers from the Stanford University School of Medicine have discovered a means to regrow cartilage by manipulating stem cells, the body’s natural repair kit, and the foundation upon which all specialized cell types are developed. Specifically, the researchers found that using microfracture, or minimal injuries in the joint, can prompt the development of articular cartilage, the special type of tissue that provides a cushion between the joints. During microfracture, tiny holes are drilled into the joint to stimulate the healing process.

Traditionally, microfracture would create a substance called fibrocartilage, which more closely resembled scar tissue than cartilage. It wouldn’t behave the same as articular cartilage and would degrade quickly. By manipulating the microfracture process, however, they could direct new tissue to reach the cartilage stage.

First, they used a specific molecule known as bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) to trigger bone formation after microfracture. To prevent the regenerated tissue from becoming bone, they’d then stop the process using a different signaling molecule, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Both BMP2 and VEGF have been used for other clinical applications and are already considered safe and effective by the FDA.

As of yet, the studies have only been performed on animals. Eventually, researchers plan to move onto larger animals and larger joints. Once the treatment is ready for human clinical trials, researchers believe smaller joints will be the first focus; for instance, people with arthritis in the fingers and toes may be among the first to receive the treatment.

While this regenerative process holds promise, it likely won’t be available for several years. Moreover, researchers speculate that it may be most effective as a preventive treatment, or for patients in the earliest stages of cartilage loss. Fortunately, patients who already have considerable joint damage can consider other regenerative treatments, including stem cell therapy, to help alleviate pain and inflammation. For more information contact a care coordinator today!

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The Benefits of Stem Cells for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

How Stem Cells May Benefit A Patient With A Traumatic Brain Injury

What Does Science Say About Stem Cells And TBI?