by Stemedix | Apr 10, 2023 | Uncategorized
ALS stands for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, which is a progressive and fatal neurological disease that affects the nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscles. The disease causes these motor neurons to degenerate and eventually die, leading to a loss of muscle control and eventual paralysis. In this article, we will discuss the potential benefits of Regenerative Medicine for ALS.
The initial symptoms of ALS may vary, but often include muscle weakness, cramping, twitching, and difficulty speaking, swallowing, or breathing. As the disease progresses, these symptoms worsen and spread to other parts of the body, eventually resulting in complete paralysis.
There is currently no cure for ALS, but various treatments are available to manage the symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease.
How Do You Diagnose ALS?
Diagnosing ALS can be challenging as there is no specific test or procedure to definitively confirm the disease. Instead, a diagnosis of ALS is typically based on a combination of medical history, clinical examination, and various tests to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. The diagnostic process for ALS may involve:
- Medical history: The doctor may ask questions about your symptoms, medical history, family history, and any other relevant information.
- Clinical examination: The doctor may conduct a physical examination to check for signs of muscle weakness, spasticity, or atrophy, as well as abnormal reflexes or muscle twitching.
- Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies: These tests measure the electrical activity of muscles and nerves and can help detect abnormalities associated with ALS.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This imaging technique uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the brain and spinal cord, which can help rule out other conditions.
- Blood and urine tests: These tests can help rule out other diseases that may have similar symptoms to ALS.
- Lumbar puncture (spinal tap): In some cases, a sample of cerebrospinal fluid may be taken from the spinal cord to help rule out other conditions.
It’s important to note that ALS is a difficult disease to diagnose, and the diagnostic process can be lengthy and may require multiple tests and visits to various specialists.
What Treatments are Available for ALS?
There is currently no cure for ALS, but there are various treatments available that can help manage the symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life. The treatment plan for ALS usually involves a multidisciplinary approach that includes medications, assistive devices, and supportive care.
Medications: Riluzole is the only FDA-approved drug for ALS treatment. It is thought to work by reducing the damage to the nerve cells and delaying the progression of the disease. Other medications may be prescribed to manage symptoms such as muscle spasms, pain, and depression.
Assistive devices: Various assistive devices such as wheelchairs, speech synthesizers, and breathing machines can help patients maintain independence and improve their quality of life.
Physical therapy: Regular exercise and physical therapy can help improve mobility, reduce stiffness and pain, and slow down the progression of the disease.
Speech therapy: As ALS progresses, patients may experience difficulty with speaking and swallowing. Speech therapy can help patients improve their ability to communicate and swallow food.
Nutritional support: As the disease progresses, patients may have difficulty eating and may require a feeding tube to ensure proper nutrition.
Supportive care: Palliative and hospice care can provide emotional and practical support for patients and their families, focusing on improving the patient’s quality of life and managing symptoms.
It’s important to note that the treatment plan for ALS varies from person to person and is based on individual symptoms and needs.
Regenerative Medicine for ALS
Regenerative medicine is an emerging field that holds great promise for the treatment of ALS. The goal of regenerative medicine is to repair or replace damaged or degenerating cells and tissues in the body, including the nerve cells affected by ALS.
There are several approaches to regenerative medicine that are being explored for the treatment of ALS, including:
Stem cell therapy: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a type of adult stem cell that can differentiate into various cell types, including neural cells, and have been shown to have immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. MSCs have been investigated as a potential therapy for ALS due to their ability to differentiate into motor neurons and their potential to modulate the immune response and promote tissue repair.
Studies have shown that MSCs can secrete a range of factors that can promote the survival and growth of motor neurons, protect against oxidative stress and inflammation, and promote neuroplasticity. MSCs can be administered via various routes, including intravenous injection, intrathecal injection, or direct injection into the spinal cord or muscle tissue.
Gene therapy: Gene therapy involves introducing a healthy copy of the defective gene responsible for ALS into the patient’s cells, which can help prevent further damage to the nerve cells. Gene therapy is still in the experimental stage for ALS and requires further research.
Neuroprotection: Neuroprotective therapies aim to protect the motor neurons from further damage and degeneration. Various drugs and compounds are being studied for their potential neuroprotective effects in ALS.
Biomaterials: Biomaterials are materials that can be used to support and enhance the function of tissues and organs. In ALS, biomaterials may be used to deliver drugs or stem cells directly to the affected area.
While there is no cure for ALS yet, research into regenerative medicine and other potential treatments is ongoing, and progress is being made in the field.
Where Can You Access Regenerative Medicine For ALS?
Stem cell therapy for ALS is still considered an experimental treatment, and it is not widely available or approved by regulatory agencies such as the FDA for this indication. Therefore, it is important to approach any stem cell therapy for ALS with caution and to thoroughly research any treatment centers or clinics that offer such therapy.
Currently, there are only a few clinical trials investigating the safety and effectiveness of stem cell therapy for ALS. These trials are being conducted at research institutions and hospitals, and participation is typically limited to patients who meet specific eligibility criteria. The treatment will be overseen by a team of healthcare professionals, including neurologists, stem cell researchers, and other specialists in ALS management.
If stem cell therapy is being administered outside of a clinical trial, patients should seek out healthcare professionals who have extensive experience in the field of stem cell research and who are knowledgeable about the use of stem cells for the treatment of ALS.
It’s important to note that patients should only seek treatment from licensed and reputable healthcare professionals who follow appropriate regulatory guidelines and ethical standards. Before undergoing stem cell therapy for ALS, patients should discuss their options with a qualified healthcare professional.
by admin | Apr 5, 2023 | Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Stem Cell Research
Cigarette smoking continues to be the leading contributor to preventable disease and death in the United States, including cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung diseases, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Smoking cigarettes also increases the risk of tuberculosis, certain eye diseases, chronic pain, and problems of the immune system, including rheumatoid arthritis.
An abundance of clinical research has clearly shown the detrimental effects cigarette smoke has on nearly every area of the body. However, while assumed to be equally dangerous in its effect on stem cells, there is surprisingly little research exploring the negative implications of cigarette smoking on stem cells.
In this review, Nguyen et al. share findings of recent studies on the effects of cigarette smoking and nicotine on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), with a specific focus on dental stem cells.
With their ability to self-renew, develop into specialized cell types, and migrate to potential sites of injury, stem cells have demonstrated the potential to build every tissue in the body and have also demonstrated great potential for tissue regeneration and associated therapeutic uses.
As the potential benefits and weaknesses of stem cells continue to be discovered, researchers have found that cigarette smoking negatively impacts the abilities of stem cells while also limiting stem cell viability for transplantation and regeneration.
While there has been a recent decline in the percentage of U.S. adults who smoke, over 34 million U.S. adults continue to be regular cigarette smokers. Interestingly, research has demonstrated the concentration of nicotine to be significantly higher in saliva than in blood plasma following nicotine administration via cigarette, e-cigarette, and nicotine patch – in some cases measuring up to eight times higher concentrations. Considering this research, and considering the established detrimental effects of e-cigarette vapor – and presumably nicotine – on teeth and dental implants, the authors of this review hypothesized that there would be a similar effect when dental stem cells are exposed to cigarette smoke.
Reviewing the effect that cigarette smoke has on MSCs, the authors found that exposing MSCs to cigarette smoke extract (CSE) and nicotine impaired cell migration, increased early and late osteogenic differentiation markers, decreased cell proliferation, and significantly inhibited the ability of MSCs to differentiate to other types of cells.
Nguyen et al. reviewed research that determined cigarette smoke produced a negative impact on the proliferation and differentiation of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs). Specifically, this research demonstrated a significantly higher depression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and osteocalcin (OC) genes in smokers when compared to nonsmokers. Additional studies found that smokers demonstrated reduced calcium deposition levels and production of ALP when compared to nonsmokers.
Cigarette smoke and nicotine were also found to negatively affect the migration capability of dental stem cells, slowing the migration rate by up to 12% in smokers while also producing a smaller reduction of scratch wound areas when compared to nonsmokers.
While there are not many studies directly comparing the effects of cigarette smoke and nicotine on MSCs and dental stem cells, the authors conclude that dental stem cells exhibit similar characteristics to bone marrow MSCs and that both of these types of stem cells demonstrate similar negative responses upon their exposure to nicotine.
While the authors call for further research to better understand the specific effects of cigarette smoke on dental stem cells, the authors conclude that the findings demonstrating similar responses to cigarette smoke and nicotine between dental stem cells and MSCs can be used to inform future dental stem cell studies. These findings will help dentists better identify which patients might be at an increased risk of poor healing in the oral cavity and if smoking cessation should be considered before undergoing any invasive or traumatic dental procedure, such as tooth extraction.
Source: Comparison of the effect of cigarette smoke on mesenchymal stem ….” https://journals.physiology.org/doi/10.1152/ajpcell.00217.2020.
by Stemedix | Apr 3, 2023 | Multiple Sclerosis, Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cell Therapy
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic and progressive neurological disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain and spinal cord. MS occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin, a fatty material that surrounds and protects nerve fibers, causing inflammation and damage to the myelin and the nerve fibers themselves. Many people often wonder ” Is Multiple Sclerosis hereditary? Keep Reading to find out!
The symptoms of MS can vary widely depending on the location and extent of the damage to the CNS. Common symptoms include fatigue, weakness, balance problems, difficulty walking, numbness or tingling sensations, blurred or double vision, muscle stiffness and spasms, bladder and bowel problems, and cognitive impairment.
How is Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosed?
In general, the diagnosis of MS is made based on a combination of clinical symptoms, physical examination, and diagnostic tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cerebrospinal fluid analysis. While these tests cannot definitively determine the cause of MS, they can help to identify characteristic patterns of damage in the CNS that are consistent with the disease.
The identifying characteristic patterns of damage in the central nervous system (CNS) for multiple sclerosis (MS) can be seen on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and include the following:
Multiple lesions: MS typically causes multiple areas of damage, or lesions, in the CNS. These lesions can appear in various regions of the brain and spinal cord and are often visible on MRI scans as bright or dark spots.
White matter damage: MS primarily affects the myelin sheath, which is a fatty substance that surrounds nerve fibers in the white matter of the brain and spinal cord. The damage to the myelin results in the formation of lesions that can be seen on MRI scans.
Inflammation: MS is caused by an abnormal immune response that results in inflammation in the CNS. This inflammation can be seen on MRI scans as areas of increased brightness, indicating increased blood flow and immune cell activity.
Symmetry: MS lesions tend to occur in a symmetric pattern, meaning they appear in similar locations on both sides of the brain or spinal cord.
Time course: MS lesions can appear and disappear over time, and new lesions may develop while old lesions may heal. This pattern of damage over time is a key diagnostic feature of MS.
Overall, the combination of multiple lesions, white matter damage, inflammation, symmetric involvement, and a relapsing and remitting time course seen on MRI scans can help to distinguish MS from other neurological conditions that can cause similar symptoms.
Is Multiple Sclerosis Caused by Heredity or Environmental?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) has a complex etiology and while the cause of MS is not fully understood, research suggests that a combination of genetic and environmental factors may contribute to its development. Currently, there are no definitive tests to determine whether the condition is caused by genetic or environmental factors alone.
People with a family history of MS, certain infections, and vitamin D deficiency are thought to be at increased risk for the disease. Having a close relative with MS, such as a parent or sibling, does increase a person’s risk of developing the disease. However, the risk is still relatively low, with most people with a family history of MS not developing the disease themselves.
While there has been no single gene identified as the cause of the disease responsible for MS and appears to be complex and multifactorial. Genetic testing can be used to identify certain genes that may increase the risk of developing MS but it is not directly inherited in a simple Mendelian fashion, where a single gene is responsible for the disease and follows a predictable pattern of inheritance. Instead, it is believed that multiple genes, each contributing a small effect, interact with environmental factors to increase the risk of developing MS.
Environmental factors, such as exposure to certain infections, smoking, and low vitamin D levels, have also been linked to an increased risk of developing MS. However, it can be challenging to determine the precise environmental factors that contribute to the disease, as many factors may be involved, and their effects may be difficult to measure.
Overall, while genetics can play a role in the development of MS, it is a complex disease with multiple factors contributing to its onset, and more research is needed to fully understand its genetic basis.
Treatments for Multiple Sclerosis
MS is a lifelong disease with no known cure, but there are treatments available to help manage the symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Traditional medicine may include medications to reduce inflammation and modulate the immune system, physical therapy to improve mobility and balance, occupational therapy to help with activities of daily living. But some are also exploring regenerative medicine.
What is Regenerative Medicine for MS?
Regenerative medicine, also known as stem cell therapy, is an interdisciplinary field that seeks to replace or regenerate damaged or diseased tissues. This new alternative medicine has the potential to help slow down progression and manage symptoms.
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that can develop into different types of cells in the body. The most common stem cell used in therapy today is the mesenchymal stem cell which can be derived from adipose (fat), umbilical cord, or bone marrow tissues.
In MS, stem cell therapy involves using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to regenerate damaged myelin and nerve fibers in the CNS. These MSCs can modulate the immune response and reduce inflammation, which can help to prevent further damage to the myelin sheath that surrounds and protects neurons. Studies have shown that stem cell therapy can improve neurological function and reduce disease activity in some patients with MS.
While regenerative medicine approaches for MS are still in the early stages of development, they hold great promise for the future treatment of this complex disease. To learn more about Regenerative Medicine and the different options for Multiple Sclerosis ( MS ) contact a care coordinator today at Stemedix!
by admin | Mar 29, 2023 | Spinal Cord Injury, Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cell Research, Stem Cell Therapy
The National Institute of Health estimates that nearly 250,000 people in the United States are currently living with a spinal cord injury (SCI). Most often a result of an accident, SCIs typically result in the loss of neurons and axonal damage resulting in the loss of function.
SCIs can be divided into two distinct phases, the initial physical injury and the secondary injury which typically occurs hours to days later. In most cases of SCI, damage to the axonal and tissue damage is caused by compression and/or contusion to the spinal cord. The secondary SCI injury occurs in the hours and days after the initial injury and is characterized by persistent inflammation, glial scar formation, demyelination of surrounding neurons, and death of cells. Over time, research has demonstrated that, in all aspects of secondary injury, the inflammatory response is the major cause and leads to widespread cell damage and lesion expansion.
Recent research has demonstrated that stem cells, including mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), neural stem/progenitor, and embryonic stem cells, possess anti-inflammatory properties and promote functional recovery after SCI by inducing macrophages M1/M2 phenotype transformation.
In this review, Cheng and He discuss the general feature of macrophages in response to SCI, the phenotype, and function of macrophages in SCI, and the effects of stem cells on macrophage polarization and its role in stem cell-based therapies for SCI.
Macrophages accumulate in and around an SCI and play a very important role in neuroinflammation. Considering that recent research demonstrates the different, but important, contributions M1 and M2 macrophages make toward repairing tissue damage, this process is thought to be a promising therapeutic treatment for controlling the inflammation occurring after initial SCI.
According to this review, there are both positive and negative effects of macrophages on tissue repair and regeneration after an SCI. Interestingly, some studies show that infiltrating macrophages has harmful effects, especially in the early stages of an SCI. On the other hand, studies also indicated that macrophages have beneficial effects on tissue repair. These results included findings indicating that activated macrophages could provide a beneficial microenvironment that is good for the regeneration of sensory axons.
While the exact reason for the opposite effects of macrophages on the pathological process of SCI is not yet known, it’s thought to be because of the different phenotypes of macrophages – M1 (classical activation) and M2 (alternative activation).
Additionally, studies have demonstrated that M2 macrophages are important for efficient remyelination after CNS injury, while M1 macrophages hinder neurogenesis and inhibit neurite outgrowth and induce growth cone collapse of cortical neurons.
Considering these findings, the authors point out that polarization of macrophages to M2 is beneficial – and often preferred to M1- to facilitate the recovery after SCI. These findings have also demonstrated stem cell transplantation to hold tremendous potential for therapeutic uses in the treatment/recovery after SCI.
There is accumulating evidence indicating that the current preference of M2 macrophages compared to M1 macrophages correlates with remission of SCI in cases receiving SCI interventions including anti-inflammatory therapies and stem cells. The authors of this review conclude that while the exact process by which stem cells regulate macrophage polarization has yet to be determined, stem cells can alter macrophage polarization and promote functional recovery postinjury.
Source: “Anti-inflammatory effect of stem cells against spinal cord injury via | JN.” 13 Feb. 2017, https://www.dovepress.com/anti-inflammatory-effect-of-stem-cells-against-spinal-cord-injury-via–peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-JN.
by Stemedix | Mar 27, 2023 | Regenerative Medicine
Arthritis is a common condition, and according to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is estimated that over 300 million people worldwide have some form of arthritis. In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that over 54 million adults have doctor-diagnosed arthritis, which represents over 23% of the adult population. Arthritis can affect people of all ages and genders, but it is more common in older adults and women. The prevalence of arthritis is expected to increase in the coming years as the population ages. So does Regenerative Medicine work for Arthritis? Keep reading to learn more.
Arthritis is a general term used to describe inflammation and stiffness of the joints. It can refer to a range of conditions that affect the joints, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and gout, among others. Arthritis can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the affected joint(s), and it can affect people of all ages and genders. Some types of arthritis are caused by wear and tear on the joints over time, while others are caused by autoimmune or inflammatory conditions.
Types of Arthritis
There are many different types of arthritis, and the causes can vary depending on the specific type. However, in general, arthritis is caused by inflammation and damage to the joints.
Osteoarthritis, which is the most common type of arthritis, is caused by the wear and tear on the joints that occurs with aging, as well as other factors such as obesity, injury, and genetics.
Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, causing inflammation and damage.
Other types of arthritis may be caused by infections, metabolic disorders, or other medical conditions.
In some cases, the exact cause of arthritis may be unknown. However, certain risk factors, such as age, family history, and obesity, may increase a person’s likelihood of developing arthritis.
Treatments for Arthritis
There are a variety of treatments available to help manage the symptoms of arthritis, and the specific treatment options will depend on the type and severity of the condition. Treatment options for arthritis may include medication, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, surgery. Some common treatments for arthritis include:
Medications: Over-the-counter or prescription medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), may be used to reduce pain, inflammation, and joint damage.
Physical therapy: A physical therapist can work with patients to develop an exercise program designed to improve mobility and strength, and reduce pain.
Occupational therapy: An occupational therapist can teach patients how to modify daily activities to reduce stress on the joints and conserve energy.
Lifestyle changes: Losing weight, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding activities that exacerbate joint pain can help manage the symptoms of arthritis.
Assistive devices: Splints, braces, and other devices can help support and protect the joints, making it easier to perform daily activities.
Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or replace damaged joints.
It’s important for individuals with arthritis to work closely with their healthcare provider to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that meets their unique needs and goals.
How Can Regenerative Medicine Help Arthritis?
So how does Regenerative Medicine work for Arthritis? A therapy option not in the mainstream of traditional medicine is regenerative medicine, also known as stem cell therapy. There is some evidence to suggest that stem cell therapy may be effective in treating arthritis, but more research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits and risks.
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a type of adult stem cell that can differentiate into various types of cells, including bone cells, cartilage cells, and fat cells. MSCs are found in many different tissues throughout the body, including bone marrow, adipose tissue, and the umbilical cord.
MSCs have the ability to self-renew and differentiate into specialized cells, which makes them useful in a variety of medical applications, including tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. MSCs also have anti-inflammatory properties and can modulate the immune response, which makes them an attractive option for treating a variety of immune-mediated disorders.
Research into the therapeutic potential of MSCs is ongoing, and clinical trials are being conducted to investigate their potential in treating a variety of conditions, including arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and neurological disorders.
Stem cells have the ability to differentiate into different types of cells in the body, including cartilage cells. This has led researchers to investigate whether stem cell therapy could help repair damaged cartilage in patients with arthritis.
What Studies Have Been Done on Regenerative Medicine?
Some clinical trials have reported positive results, with patients experiencing reduced pain and improved function following stem cell therapy.
There have been several preclinical and clinical studies that have investigated the potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for treating arthritis, and some have shown promising results. Here are a few examples:
A 2019 randomized controlled trial published in the journal Stem Cells Translational Medicine found that intra-articular injection of allogeneic MSCs was safe and effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
A 2020 systematic review and meta-analysis published in the journal Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology concluded that MSC therapy has the potential to provide a safe and effective treatment for osteoarthritis, although more well-designed clinical trials are needed to confirm its efficacy.
A 2021 study published in the journal Stem Cell Research & Therapy reported the results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that investigated the safety and efficacy of intra-articular injections of autologous MSCs in patients with knee osteoarthritis. The study found that the treatment was safe and well-tolerated, and resulted in significant improvements in pain, function, and quality of life compared to the placebo group.
Another 2021 study published in the journal Clinical Rheumatology investigated the safety and efficacy of a combination therapy of intra-articular injections of allogeneic MSCs and hyaluronic acid in patients with knee osteoarthritis. The study found that the combination therapy was safe and resulted in significant improvements in pain, function, and quality of life compared to a control group.
A 2022 study published in the journal Stem Cell Research & Therapy investigated the safety and efficacy of intra-articular injections of umbilical cord derived MSCs in patients with knee osteoarthritis. The study found that the treatment was safe and well-tolerated, and resulted in significant improvements in pain, function, and quality of life compared to a control group.
So to answer the question of ” Does Regenerative Medicine Work for Arthritis ” the answer is…Overall, these studies suggest that MSC therapy may be a promising treatment option for arthritis. Many patients are exploring stem cell therapy as an option in their healing journey along with other natural and traditional medicines. If you would like to learn more about the regenerative medicine options for Arthritis, contact us today at Stemedix!
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