by admin | Jun 11, 2018 | Stem Cell Research
Researchers have recently published their results from an experiment conducted to determine if a certain type of stem cell, called the umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell, has the potential for treating primary biliary cirrhosis. Primary biliary cirrhosis is a disease of the liver in which the bile ducts of the liver are increasingly destroyed over time.
In this disease, as the bile ducts are destroyed, bile and other toxins in the liver accumulate and lead to cholestasis. At this point, bile cannot flow out of the liver. Damage then occurs to the tissue of the liver, leading to scarring. As the scarring collects, excessive amounts of fibrous connective tissue form on the liver in what is called fibrosis. The late stage of fibrosis is known as cirrhosis, where the liver ceases to function properly.
The disease is autoimmune in nature, and because stem cells have shown promise for treating other types of autoimmune disease, presumably by impacting the activity of the immune system, researchers have reasoned that stem cells may also be beneficial for those suffering from primary biliary cirrhosis. In primary biliary cirrhosis, the body mistakes the liver, or aspects of it, as foreign and harmful and begins to attack it.
In their experiment, the scientists found that using umbilical cord-derived stem cells inhibited the problematic immune system activity associated with primary biliary cirrhosis. As a result, using umbilical cord-derived stem cells led to lower levels of problematic immune system components, as well as lower inflammation.
These results are a promising first step toward understanding how stem cells could potentially be used to treat primary biliary cirrhosis. As the research advances, it will become clearer how these cells can best be used to treat patients and how the cells have the impact they do on the liver and on disease progression.
by admin | Jun 8, 2018 | Stem Cell Research
Neurodegenerative conditions are neurological disorders that are caused by dysfunctions in part of the brain or nervous system which result in physical or psychological symptoms. They include conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), and Multiple Sclerosis (MS), to name a few. In each of these conditions, certain areas of the brain or spinal cord become dysfunctional as nerve cells die. Stem cells have been considered as a potential source to help reverse or hold progression of symptoms. Research scientists have thoroughly reviewed the available scientific research on adipose (fat)-derived stem cells and have concluded that they show great promise in treating neurodegenerative conditions.
In an article from the Journal of Pharmacological Sciences, scientists explain that adipose-derived stem cells can play a unique and potentially beneficial role in many neurological conditions. For example, stem cells may be able to restore the learning and memory deficits that occur in Alzheimer’s disease by blocking or reducing the damage that occurs to the brain. Adipose-derived stem cells may be able to delay the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig’s disease. In Huntington’s disease, a neurodegenerative condition that causes uncontrollable, dancelike movements, stem cells may be able to slow the rate at which nerve cells die in key areas of the brain. And for those with Parkinson’s disease, a neurological disease in which people have tremors, rigidity, and shuffling gait, stem cells show promise for relieving symptoms and slowing or halting the rate of progression.
The researchers also explored the possibility of adipose-derived stem cells treating other neurological conditions such as spinal cord injury and stroke. When people sustain damage to the spinal cord, one of the reasons that they cannot regain function is due to scar tissue forming at the site of injury. Adipose-derived stem cells may be able to block these scars, and potentially help nerve cell fibers regrow. During a stroke, there is a lack of blood flow to the brain causing blood cells to die. Adipose-derived stem cells may be able to reduce the amount of damage to brain tissue and allow patients to preserve more of their natural abilities.
In all of these cases, continued clinical trials are needed to demonstrate the positive effect of adipose-derived stem cells. Nonetheless, the scientific evidence is strong in supporting these treatments. As the authors of the review state, adipose-derived stem cells are “very likely to be a promising clinical option for the treatment of diverse neurological disorder patients.”
by admin | Jun 7, 2018 | Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s and dementia are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but there are actually key differences among them. While the former refers to a condition, the latter is an all-encompassing term used to describe a series of symptoms. Here, we take a closer look at the differences between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia to cultivate a better understanding of the terms.
Dementia: A Series of Symptoms
Dementia is often referred to as an “umbrella term” which refers to a number of different symptoms. In broad terms, these symptoms affect an individual’s ability to perform daily tasks independently. More specifically, the symptoms can include behavioral changes, declining memory, altered thinking or reasoning skills, and reduced focus.
Alzheimer’s is one condition which contributes to dementia, but it is not the only condition linked to this set of symptoms. In fact, it’s possible for people to suffer from more than one type of dementia, and more than 47 million people are affected by it worldwide. There are other types and causes of dementia, such as Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.
Alzheimer’s: A Specific Condition
One of the simplest ways to remember the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia is to think of Alzheimer’s as a condition, while dementia is a syndrome. Alzheimer’s is responsible for between 60-80% of all dementia cases, making it the most common form of dementia.
Alzheimer’s is progressive, meaning it worsens over time. It destroys the memory as well as other critical mental functions, which is why patients often experience significant personality changes over time. A decline in social and intellectual skills also impacts the condition’s sufferers. While the majority of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease are 65 and older, an estimated 200,000 Americans are younger than 65 and suffer from early-onset Alzheimer’s.
Although there is currently no known cure for this condition, it is still possible for individuals who have been diagnosed to enjoy a high quality of life. Implementing lifestyle changes and enlisting the help of specialists are among the best ways to proactively manage Alzheimer’s or any other form of dementia.
by admin | Jun 5, 2018 | Health Awareness
Most of us have heard about the importance of staying hydrated more times than we can count. With water playing a major role in the functionality of every major system in our bodies, replenishing our stores of H2O is indeed critical to maintaining overall wellness. Yet, for individuals with neurological disorders, water intake becomes even more essential to promoting health. Here, we explore the importance of hydration for managing these conditions.
The Link Between Brain Health & Hydration
The World Health Organization (WHO) describes neurological disorders as “diseases of the central and peripheral nervous system,” which includes nerves, muscles, and the spinal cord. Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, ALS, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease are some examples of neurological conditions, but there are many others. As of 2016, WHO reported that hundreds of millions of people are affected by the conditions globally.
While maintaining optimal brain health is important for all individuals, it becomes even more of a priority for people living with neurological conditions. And, it turns out there’s a direct link between water consumption and brain functionality. A report in Neurology Solutions explains that water is the vessel through which nutrients are transported to cells, including brain cells. It also supports the efficiency of nervous system functionality and cerebral blood flow.
The problem lies in the fact that becoming dehydrated is all too easy in neurological disorder patients. The symptoms of dehydration can mimic those of conditions such as Parkinson’s. To complicate matters further, dehydration can “significantly worsen already compromised neurological function,” states Neurology Solutions. Moreover, one study published in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Degeneration analyzed hydration in ALS patients and found that water intake is an even more important predictor of survival than malnutrition. In other words, while a maintaining a healthy diet is also important for managing neurological conditions, hydration is paramount.
How to Stay Hydrated
By the time indications of dehydration present themselves, the body’s water stores are already depleted. Although it’s critical to watch for and act on signs of dehydration such as dizziness, headaches, muscle cramps, fatigue, weakness, and dark urine. Best practice is to remain hydrated to avoid any of these signs of dehydration.
Harvard Health recommends adults consume 30 to 50 ounces of water per day, but recommended intake may vary by age, condition, and other specific factors. Thus, it’s a good idea to consult your physician for a more precise recommendation.
One key to staying hydrated is spreading your water intake throughout the day. Some individuals set timers to remind themselves to drink small amounts of water, while others line up cups each morning. If you prefer flavored beverages, consider adding slices of citrus fruits to your glass of water. For individuals who have trouble swallowing, drinking through a straw can aid in taking smaller sips. Finally, don’t overlook the ways in which your diet can contribute to water intake. A portion of your daily water consumption can also come from watermelon, spinach, cabbage, cucumber, celery, tomato, and other foods with high water content.
by admin | Jun 4, 2018 | Stem Cell Research
In order to tell other parts of the body how to react, cells must be able to communicate. For many years, scientists have known that cells do this through chemical secretion, which releases a message to other cells. It wasn’t until recently, however, that researchers discovered the ability to deliver these messages through extracellular vesicles.
In some cases, these extracellular vesicles bud directly from a cell membrane. In other instances, tinier vesicles are assembled inside the cell before being released through the membrane. These are called exosomes, and they carry sophisticated RNA.
What Do Exosomes Do?
Recent studies tell us that exosomes play a critical role in cell-to-cell communication. Exosomes formed by specific cells can perform multiple functions, including exerting positive effects on tissue regeneration. Yet, not all exosomes are good: viruses, too, rely on these cellular pathways to communicate and replicate. In other words, infected cells also use exosomes to progress diseases.
Exosomes & Their Potential Power
Most recently, research has confirmed that cellular communication via exosomes is the process through which infectious diseases like malaria progress. Traditionally, high levels of viruses or bacteria in the blood were needed for accurate disease detection. Now, however, researchers believe that monitoring changes in exosomes – which are always present in human plasma – could aid in the ability to diagnose submicroscopic infections.
Yet, the potential impact of exosomes on modern medicine extends far beyond diagnostics. Secreted exosomes derived from stem cells could hold serious therapeutic potential for many conditions. Using stem cells as a therapy for conditions such as liver disease, for instance, shows significant potential. Stem cell-secreted exosomes present a cell-free form of therapy.
Unlike their parent cells, the exosomes are smaller, less complex, and easier to produce and store. Researchers are also exploring the potential of stem cell-secreted exosomes for treating conditions like autoimmune uveitis, an inflammatory eye condition. Additionally, the process is being looked into as a cell-free therapy for organ repair. In conditions such as cardiovascular disease, damaged tissue is unable to repair itself. Exosomes derived from stem cells could aid in myocardial repair, according to recent research. They have also been recently implemented as a way to track the progression of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), including the way its patients respond to treatments.
Because exosome studies are still being performed, the full impact these powerful vesicles will have on medicine is still unknown. However, based on the sheer volume of exosome research currently being conducted, it’s clear that scientists believe they could hold the answers to some of our most pressing medical questions.
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