by admin | Feb 15, 2018 | Stem Cell Research
Mesenchymal stem cells have proved to be one of the most promising stem cell types for regenerative medicine. A recent review has compiled information from studies looking specifically at how these stem cells can be used for regenerative cell therapies.
According to the authors of this review, as part of the effort to characterize mesenchymal stem cell safety and efficacy, 657 clinical trials have been initiated using this type of stem cell. The promise of these cells has led them to be used in clinical trials that aim to regenerate bone and cartilage and to treat diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, and graft-versus-host-disease.
Their utility in this spectrum of diseases demonstrates the broad potential for mesenchymal stem cells to differentiate into different types of tissue. They have become known for their ability to differentiate into bone cells. However, these cells can also wrap around blood vessels thereby stabilizing the vessels and supporting their structure. They have been shown to integrate into the outer walls of arteries and microvessels in several organs.
In addition to their differentiation potential, mesenchymal stem cells from adults also have a good proliferation rate, which is beneficial for tissue regeneration. However, the specific regenerative potential appears to depend on the specific type of tissue from which the stem cells are derived, making some stem cells more useful than others for regeneration.
Other major features of mesenchymal stem cells that make them a promising option for regenerative medicine are their ability to modulate the immune system and their anti-inflammatory characteristics. These properties allow mesenchymal stem cells to improve the treatment of autoimmune diseases that are often characterized by adverse immune reactions, including inflammation.
A newer line of research involving mesenchymal stem cells involves their potential therapeutic application for diabetes. The hope is that the beta cells that are damaged within the pancreas in diabetes could be repaired with mesenchymal stem cells. Future research will help determine the extent to which mesenchymal stem cells can be used for regenerative medicine and will help to optimize the specific treatments that employ these cells.
by admin | Feb 14, 2018 | Stem Cell Research
Only a fraction of patients who suffer from ischemic stroke benefit from the currently available therapies. Given the promise of stem cells in therapies developed for brain injury, much research has recently focused on how these cells may be used to treat stroke victims. A recent review published in the Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism provides a comprehensive explanation for why mesenchymal stem cells are likely advantageous for stroke recovery. The authors’ rationale includes data demonstrating the utility of mesenchymal stem cells as a therapy for other diseases, as well as preclinical data on the impact of these cells following stroke.
Mesenchymal stem cells have been transplanted into patients since 1995 and gained popularity in research and clinical communities because of their safety profile. In a number of clinical trials, addressing different diseases, the use of these stem cells led to few adverse side effects. Over the past 20 years, evidence on the safety of these cells has continued to accumulate, while new evidence has emerged to show how effective these cells can be in treating different types of injury and disease. One particularly exciting feature of these cells is their modulatory effect on the immune system, which can prevent life-threatening immune reactions to things like bone marrow transplants.
When it comes to treating stroke specifically, this modulation of the immune system may be one way that stem cells help with recovery. Other mechanisms that could help with tissue repair following stroke include these stem cells’ ability to differentiate into a number of different cell types, to generate new brain cells and blood vessels, and to promote the secretion of chemicals that are important for the growth and protection of cells. Additionally, mesenchymal stem cells may be able to be selectively targeted to whatever area of the brain is injured.
For stroke, most of the mesenchymal stem cells that have been used for transplantation have been bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells, but stem cells from adipose tissue and the umbilical cord have also been used. According to the authors of this review, there is significant evidence to suggest that mesenchymal stem cells could help stroke patients with their recovery.
by admin | Feb 13, 2018 | Health Awareness
Various studies have shown heart-related benefits of nuts. Including at least 20-30 grams of nuts daily decreases the risk of heart disease by almost 30%. Everyday Health provides a few nuts that are beneficial in reducing the risk of heart disease and helping to maintain a heart-healthy diet:
Almonds can help lower cholesterol and body fat.
Including almonds in your diet can lower the LDL cholesterol levels in your blood that can lead to a heart attack. Studies also show that almonds can also reduce the risk of diabetes and improve the sensitivity of insulin. Almonds can also assist with weight loss and lowering body inflammation.
The truth on peanuts.
Peanuts have generally been thought to be the least healthy of the nuts. However, including peanuts, as well as peanut butter, in your daily diet can lower cholesterol and overall risk of diabetes. It is also a good alternative source of protein.
Pistachios help lower blood pressure caused by stress.
Pistachios can be beneficial for healthy heart management. They can help lower LDL cholesterol levels and risk of diabetes while also improving the heart rate response under stress. It is suggested that eating 1.5 oz. per day of pistachios may reduce the risk of heart disease and prevention of hypertension.
Walnuts keep the arteries clear.
Walnuts contain almost 47% of polyunsaturated fats which are known as “good fats”. Unlike most nuts, walnuts also have a specific kind of polyunsaturated fatty acid called the alpha-linolenic acid which is an anti-inflammatory agent that helps to reduce the buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries. Consuming walnuts can also help improve cholesterol levels as well as small vessel and artery function.
Can you eat too many nuts?
Yes, and you want to avoid overconsumption of nuts by eating them in moderation. They are a good source of energy and protein, but too many and in high amounts can lead to gaining weight. Be aware of any nut allergies in your family history as to avoid any allergic reactions.
by admin | Feb 12, 2018 | Health Awareness
February is officially known as Heart Health Month. Heart disease is the cause of one out of three deaths and the number one killer globally, but it can be preventable by making a few changes in both exercise, diet, and regular checkups. Everyday Health has a few tips to keep your heart healthy:
Monitor and maintain your blood pressure: Hypertension is a condition often ignored and left untreated by many but it is a big risk factor when it comes to heart disease. Monitor your blood pressure regularly and keep taking the medication. Follow up with your doctor regularly too.
Avoid smoking: Smoking increases the chances of heart disease by a factor of two to four. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for those that smoke compared to lung disease.
Avoid sugar: Studies show that Americans consume sugar more than an average person and it is a big contributor to the development of heart diseases. To reduce your sugar intake try replacing sodas with water or herb tea, choose fruits instead of baked goods or candies, and avoid processed foods as much as possible.
Eat healthily: Eat nuts, fruits, and vegetables as much as possible along with a good amount of whole grains. Try to have a weekly serving of fish, it reduces the risk of coronary artery disease and is highly rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Fish oil supplementation can also help protect against cardiac risks. Garlic is also known to be highly beneficial for heart disease. It lowers the cholesterol, maintains the blood pressure and decreases the number of platelets in blood preventing it from clotting.
Stay active: An inactive lifestyle increases the risk of heart disease. Regular exercise can help reduce this risk. Some studies have found that incorporating brisk walking in your daily routine reduces the three main causes of cardiovascular diseases, namely blood cholesterol, diabetes, and hypertension.
Some sun exposure is beneficial: Ultraviolet rays from the sunlight triggers the production of vitamin D in the body which lowers blood pressure. A daily exposure of ten to fifteen minutes of sunlight can help maintain proper levels of vitamin D.
Controlling stress levels: Stress can trigger the body to release hormones like cortisol and adrenaline that increase heart rate and blood pressure. These hormones can also make blood platelets to become stickier which can then cause blood clots and high blood glucose. This can lead to further risks of hypertension, diabetes, and atherosclerosis.
Getting enough sleep: A study review reveals that sleep deprivation can lead to heart risks including hypertension, coronary heart disease, and diabetes.
Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight can lead to health issues including heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke. Even losing a few pounds will help provide cardiovascular benefits as you work toward a healthy weight goal. Talk to your physician about safe and monitored weight loss management.
Have some hibiscus or hawthorn tea: These teas offer a healthier option in place of sodas or sugary juices. Hawthorn tea has been proven to be effective for multiple heart issues and hibiscus helps lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
by admin | Jan 31, 2018 | Stem Cell Research
There is currently no highly effective treatment option for bone regeneration, so finding a way to regenerate bone has become a major focus in the field of tissue engineering. A recent study aimed to determine which of three different types of mesenchymal stem cells has the most promise for helping to regenerate bone in those who suffer from bone diseases like osteoporosis, caner, and Paget’s disease. The three types of mesenchymal stem cells that were investigated were bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, Wharton’s jelly mesenchymal stem cells, and adipose mesenchymal stem cells.
The researchers found that all mesenchymal cell types regenerated bone. The lamellar bone defect sites they observed were filled in with fully mature bone several weeks after stem cell transplantation. Bone regeneration was time-dependent, with more bone growth observed the more time that went by after transplantation over the 12-week observation period. Transplantation of each cell type was also associated with an increase in inflammatory cells right after transplantation but no more inflammation after 4 weeks.
Overall, the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells appeared to be best for regenerating bone, and the adipose mesenchymal stem cells appeared least promising. This stem cell type led to bone mineralization and to thicker connective tissue than the other two mesenchymal stem cell types. Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells and adipose mesenchymal stem cells led to similar connective tissue thickness.
Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells were better than the other two types of mesenchymal stem cells in one respect – they were better for the formation of new blood vessels. Blood vessel formation is critical during the regeneration of tissue because these vessels enable the transportation of both nutrients and waste.
These results help to clarify the relative advantages of different types of mesenchymal stem cells in bone regeneration. Given that both bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells provided specific and unique benefits, future research may explore how to combine the use of these stem cell types in developing treatments for bone diseases.
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