by admin | Feb 24, 2020 | Aesthetics, Exosomes
Atopic dermatitis, better known as eczema, is a chronic, itchy skin disease. People with eczema have chronically dry skin, often in patches, that can be intensely itchy. The patches of atopic dermatitis vary from red bumps (papules or vesicles) when they are inflamed, to dry, scaly, pink areas when they are not inflamed. Patients with eczema itch so frequently that the skin in the lesion can thicken and harden, a process called lichenification. Even patients who manage to clear the lesions usually have a recurrence (i.e. the itchy patches come back).
Patients with eczema can try lotion and moisturizers to
soften the skin and reduce itchiness, but these are only helpful temporality
and only seem to work for people with mild disease. Often, topical
corticosteroids are required. Steroids are applied to areas of atopic
dermatitis to reduce inflammation and itchiness. In severe cases where steroids
are not fully helpful, light therapy (phototherapy) may be needed. Patients may
require more intense therapy for atopic dermatitis such as cyclosporine, methotrexate,
azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, or dupilumab. These medications have their
own set of side effects, so they are reserved for people with severe, chronic
eczema. Certainly better, safer treatments for atopic dermatitis are needed.
To this end, researchers conducted the first of its kind study to answer whether exosomes retrieved from mesenchymal stem cells taken from human adipose tissue (i.e. fat tissue) could relieve symptoms of atopic dermatitis in laboratory mice. Mice with experimental atopic dermatitis have similar symptoms to humans with the disease; they have itchy, red lesions that cause the skin to thicken. In the research study, treatment with stem cell-derived exosomes significantly improved the clinical score in these mice. In other words, stem cell exosome treatment reduced redness, swelling, scaling, dryness, and itching. Exosome treatment also reduced objective signs of inflammation including inflammatory cytokines (TNF, IL4, etc.), inflammatory antibodies (IgE), and inflammatory cells (eosinophils).
These results indicate that treatment with stem cell-derived
exosomes substantially reduced symptoms in mice with atopic dermatitis. Of
course, this work needs to be replicated in humans, but this important work
lays the foundation for future clinical trials.
Reference: Cho, BS. et al. (2018). Exosomes derived from
human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells alleviate atopic
dermatitis. Stem Cell Research & Therapy. 2018, Jul 11;9(1):187.
by admin | Feb 17, 2020 | Peptides
While maintaining proper nutrition is important to powering our bodies and promoting healing, the capabilities of the nutrients we take in through diet can only go so far. To that end, many individuals take supplements on a regular basis. Whether it’s to address a deficiency, help prevent illness, or aid in managing a chronic condition, many physicians understand and support regular supplement use under certain circumstances. Recently, a new supplement has been capturing the attention of experts for its remarkable benefits. Called thymosin beta 4 (TB4), the supplement could play a pivotal role in healing. Find out more about this powerful nutrient below.
What Is TB4?
Thymosin Beta 4 is a regenerative peptide found naturally in the human body. It’s water soluble, which means it won’t get stored in the body when consumed in excess (as is the case with fat-soluble vitamins). The peptide contains amino acids and is a major component found within various types of tissues.
What Are Its Benefits?
Research shows Thymosin Beta 4 has powerful regenerative properties. It’s been linked to blood vessel formation, cellular migration, and stem cell maturation. For this reason, it has been used in clinical trials to promote healing in wounds of the heart, skin, and cornea, among other areas. For instance, when heart muscles have sustained damage as a result of cardiovascular events, TB4 has demonstrated the ability to aid in the formation of new heart muscle cells.
Additionally, the regenerative applications of TB4 have
specifically been studied in neurological applications. The peptide supports
the plasticity and neurovascular remodeling needed for recovery in both the
central and peripheral nervous systems, making it a promising therapy for neurological
injury and neurodegenerative diseases. Researchers have determined that TB4
“significantly improves functional and behavioral outcomes” when administered
24 hours or more following injury or disease onset.
TB4 also has anti-inflammatory properties. It suppresses the
production of pro-inflammatory cytokines while simultaneously exerting
anti-inflammatory effects. For instance, it has been shown to aid
in the dispersion of bacteria-fighting agents following induced bacterial
infections in studies.
Are You a Good Candidate for TB4?
For the most powerful results, TB4 is a prescribed injection
you can administer yourself at home. This allows for the increased production
of T cells, which supports optimal immune system functionality, as well as
Actin regulation, an essential factor for tissue repair.
Thymosin Beta 4 is used for a broad range of applications, including optimizing the healing process following orthopedic-related injuries, as well as managing neurodegenerative conditions such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, and traumatic brain injury. The peptide may also be used for autoimmune diseases, inflammatory conditions such as certain forms of arthritis, Lyme disease, and some infections.
If you’re seeking a therapy option to accelerate healing or help you better manage the symptoms associated with a chronic condition, you could be a good candidate for TB4. In addition to the broad regenerative and anti-inflammatory benefits described above, here are some of the more specific advantages patients notice after incorporating TB4 into their treatment regimen:
- Reduced joint inflammation
- Improved flexibility
- Enhanced tissue repair and muscle development
- Controlled muscle spasms
- Accelerated healing and reduced recovery times
Of course, as with any supplement, it’s essential to seek
professional care when introducing TB4. If you think you could be a good
candidate for TB4 injections, contact Stemedix to learn more.
by admin | Feb 17, 2020 | Kidney Disease
Stem cells have been used to repair and regenerate tissue and have been shown in recent years to have the plasticity necessary to improve conditions of solid organs. Given the success of bone marrow stem hematopoietic stem cells in this type of regenerative medicine, scientists have speculated that bone marrow stem cell mobilizers may be beneficial for treating organs that have undergone injury. Let’s discover stem cells for acute kidney injury and what potential they have for this condition.
Bone marrow stem cell mobilizers are substances that act to encourage stem cells from the bone marrow to move into the blood, where they can be collected, stored, and later used to replace bone marrow via a stem cell transplant. A recent paper published in Current Protein and Peptide Science covers about a decade of research on two bone marrow stem cell mobilizers, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and Plerixafor (AMD3100).
G-CSF is a
glycoprotein that stimulates both stem cells and granulocytes to be released by
bone marrow and enter the bloodstream. It is produced by a variety of tissues
and immune cells and functionally acts as both a cytokine and a hormone.
Plerixafor also stimulates the immune system and is used in patients with
multiple myeloma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
According to the authors, the preclinical studies on the impact of these stem cell mobilizers confirm that these mobilizers may be an effective way to therapeutically approach with stem cells for acute kidney injury. While more research is needed to determine exactly how these bone marrow stem cell mobilizers act in acute kidney injury and what role they may play in therapy, these initial data appear to justify more investigations into the value of these substances for kidney care.
Reference: Xu, Y. et al. (2017). Stem cell mobilizers: Novel
therapeutics for acute kidney injury. Current
Protein Peptide Science, 18(12), 1195-1199.
by Stemedix | Feb 11, 2020 | Stem Cell Therapy, Erectile Dysfunction, Health Awareness
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is characterized by difficulty getting or maintaining an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. It affects up to 30 million men and can stem from a broad range of causes, including stress, limited blood flow to the penis, and underlying conditions such as high blood pressure. While addressing any existing health issues that could be contributing to ED is important, addressing ED itself is also critical to supporting sexual health and quality of life. You may be asking yourself can stem cell therapy treat erectile dysfunction?
Traditionally, treatments for ED have included PDE5 inhibitors such as Viagra. Yet, these drugs are among the most controversial on the market. They relax the blood vessel walls in certain areas of the body and, while typically effective in addressing ED, are linked to both minor and serious side effects. Common side effects include nasal congestion, vision impairment and light sensitivity, indigestion, and headaches. More serious side effects include painful and long-lasting erections, damage to the optic nerve, hearing loss, and heart attack, among others.
When oral medications fail, treatments such as injection therapy and penile implants may be explored as a last resort. Yet, these treatments also have their own set of potentially serious side effects. For this reason, experts have been exploring alternative options for treating ED.
Stem Cell Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction
One promising treatment for ED which has emerged recently is stem cell therapy. In one clinical trial, men who have experienced ED after prostatectomy for prostate cancer experienced improved erectile function, even after all previously attempted treatments showed no results. The treatment has also shown promise for improving erections in men whose ED is caused by underlying conditions such as diabetes.
Stem cells work to promote tissue regeneration and healing, due to their ability to either become new cells through self-renewal or give rise to virtually any other cell type in the body. No other cells have these remarkable capabilities. When administered strategically, they can, therefore, promote the repair of almost any type of damaged or injured tissue.
Researchers are encouraged by their findings and believe that the treatment offers a powerful alternative to traditional therapies for ED, as well as a viable solution for patients who have not responded to other treatments. Men experiencing the frustrations of ED may therefore once again be able to achieve and maintain spontaneous erections without invasive surgeries, injections, or medications, thereby improving their sexual satisfaction and relationships.
by admin | Feb 5, 2020 | Erectile Dysfunction, Health Awareness
Erectile dysfunction (ED) may seem like an issue that exclusively affects sexual health, but it could actually be a telling indicator of larger issues with overall wellness. The issue could simply be a result of a lifestyle change, such as a new medication. For the majority of men, however, the underlying cause of ED is related to a physical issue, such as high cholesterol, clogged arteries, or high blood pressure.
The remedy for ED could, therefore, lie in making changes to promote better overall health. Here are some natural tactics you could try to improve both your wellness and your sex life:
Be Mindful of Heart Health
Your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels all
influence the arteries in the heart, brain, and penis. It’s therefore essential
to both your sexual and overall health that you monitor and control these
levels. Meet with your doctor regularly to discuss your vascular health, and if
needed, pursue lifestyle changes and medications to get on track.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Obesity
is a known cause of ED, so losing weight if needed and maintaining a
healthy body mass index (BMI) are some ways to combat the issue. Being
overweight also contributes to diabetes and vascular disease risk, which are
also causes of ED. Moreover, excess fat can alter hormone levels, which can
play a role in the condition. Set a goal to reach and maintain a healthy weight
to prevent or alleviate ED.
Exercise Regularly
Men who exercise regularly are 20-30%
less likely to develop ED than their sedentary peers, according to a
Harvard Health study. While participants in the study either ran or completed
vigorous outdoor work, moderate and low-impact workouts can be beneficial, too.
In fact, walking just 30 minutes a day is linked to a 41%
drop in ED risk – proof that you don’t need to become a marathoner to enjoy
the health benefits of physical activity.
Eat a Balanced Diet
Diet influences many aspects of health, and sexual wellness
is no exception. According to the Massachusetts
Male Aging Study, men who follow a diet rich in natural foods including
vegetables, whole grains, and fish were less likely to experience ED than their
peers. Limiting or avoiding refined grains and red or processed meats is also
beneficial, according to the study.
Strengthen the Pelvic Floor
If you think Kegels are just for women, think again. Pelvic
floor strength is important for both men and women. Men, in particular, need
strength in this area to maintain rigid erections and prevent blood from
leaving the penis. One study in the UK
even showed that doing Kegels twice a day for three months, combined with
healthy habits like weight loss and smoking cessation, showed better results
than lifestyle changes alone.
Addressing ED isn’t always simple since it often involves a complex interplay of physical, hormonal, and psychological factors. Yet, trying these tactics can’t hurt, as their benefits will extend to your overall health while increasing your odds of combatting ED.
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