by admin | Mar 1, 2023 | Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Stem Cell Research, Stem Cell Therapy
Osteoporosis is a common bone disease that occurs as a result of the body’s inability to create new bone as fast as the body is losing bone. Characterized by progressively weakened bones and decreased bone density over time, osteoporosis often results in fractures of the wrist, hip, or spine.
Currently, it is estimated that 10 million Americans have osteoporosis and an additional 44 million have low bone density considered significant enough to increase the risk of developing osteoporosis. Recent studies indicate that roughly 50% of women and 25% of men over the age of 50 will break a bone as a result of osteoporosis[1].
While traditional methods of managing osteoporosis include medication, regular participation in weight-bearing exercises, and eating a healthy diet, the condition cannot be cured through these current approaches. Recently, regenerative medicine, also known as stem cell therapy, has drawn attention as a potential new approach to regenerate bone tissue and as a way to treat osteoporosis.
Specific stem cells, known as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), are widely considered to be the most promising of all stem cells for regenerative applications – primarily because of their anti-inflammatory, immune-privileged potential and less ethical concerns than other forms of stem cells.
In this review, Arjmand et al. consider all the currently known effects of stem cell-based therapies, including MSC-based therapy, in the treatment of osteoporosis. Several studies have confirmed the relationship between osteoporosis and a clear reduction in endogenous MSCs’ ability to proliferate, differentiate, and ultimately form new bone. Considering this, MSCs have been the most common type of stem cell investigated for the treatment of osteoporosis in both animal models and humans.
The authors point out several advantages of using MSCs in clinical models, including their accessibility and ease of harvesting, immunosuppressive outcomes, and ability to differentiate. Arjmand et al also highlight evidence that indicates MSCs to be effective in this application most likely as a result of their paracrine effects and their supporting regenerative microenvironment ability and not solely a result of their ability to differentiate. Considering these observed paracrine effects, the authors believe MSC transplantation could open a host of new opportunities for the treatment of osteoporosis.
This review concludes by calling for further studies into stem cell therapy as a potential treatment for osteoporosis specifically to understand the outcome and biodistribution of MSCs after transplantation and to further identify important bone loss signaling pathways and genes specific to each individual.
Source: “Prospect of Stem Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine in … – NCBI.” 3 Jul. 2020, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7347755/.
[1] “Learn What Osteoporosis Is and What It’s Caused by.” https://www.bonehealthandosteoporosis.org/patients/what-is-osteoporosis/. Accessed 1 Feb. 2023.
by Stemedix | Feb 20, 2023 | Autoimmune
Autoimmune diseases are inflammatory diseases that can also be connected to chronic conditions like dementia, depression, diabetes, and heart disease. Usually, autoimmune diseases come with symptoms of inflammation, which conventional clinical methods treat through anti-inflammatory medications. The problem is that anti-inflammatory medications do not address the underlying causes of inflammation. There could be hidden infections, allergens, or environmental toxins playing a role in an individual’s autoimmune disease. Here are some ways to treat autoimmune disease naturally, without anti-inflammatory medications.
Check for Hidden Infections
Hidden infections, such as yeast, bacteria, and Lyme, contribute to inflammation in the body. By consulting with your doctor, you can not only check for hidden infections but also treat them. If no infections are discovered, it may be time to look into other potential causes.
Try a comprehensive test from Genova Diagnostics. These you can do at home and have a professional review and make helpful recommendations.
Check for Hidden Food Allergens
The way food is farmed and manufactured today is completely different from how it used to be. Foods today have been modified, treated with pesticides, and imported from all over the world.
Because of the global supply chain, we have access to many foods our ancestors never heard of. Because of this, food allergens are more popular than ever as people are consuming foods that weren’t introduced to their bloodline until recently.
You can visit your doctor to receive a food allergen test and get a full list of foods that prompt an inflammatory reaction in your body. The results don’t mean you have to cut out these foods permanently; instead, you may just need to limit your intake so you can feel better.
Try Regenerative Medicine
Regenerative medicine is an excellent way to help manage autoimmune disease since it focuses on treating the underlying causes of symptoms rather than just the symptoms themselves.
Regenerative medicine has shown to be beneficial in managing symptoms of autoimmune diseases such as:
Regenerative medicine works by using stem cells to help repair damaged tissues and reduce inflammation in order to produce improve outcomes.
Want to Heal Autoimmune Disease? Focus on a Healthier You
The main way to treat autoimmune disease naturally is to focus on a healthier version of yourself. Eat foods that are actually good for your body based on tests to see what you can and cannot tolerate. Check for any hidden infections and move your body regularly. Finally, consider regenerative medicine treatment to increase the amount of healthy tissue in your body. To learn more about treatment options for autoimmune disease, contact a care coordinator today at Stemedix!
by Stemedix | Feb 13, 2023 | Neurodegenerative Diseases, Regenerative Medicine
While all injuries should be treated and properly resolved, there are certain injuries that can have more serious prognoses than others. Neurologic injuries are one of the more significant types of injuries someone can sustain. Injuries to the brain or spinal cord can result in various debilitating symptoms. Here we will learn more about Regenerative Medicine for Neurologic Injury.
In the past, a neurologic injury came with a dire prognosis. There were few treatment options, and many patients were left with symptoms like an inability to speak or paralysis.
Fortunately, advancements in medicine have led to an array of new treatment approaches to neurologic injuries. One way to address these types of injuries is through regenerative medicine. Learn more about how regenerative medicine can treat neurologic injuries below.
What is Regenerative Medicine?
Regenerative medicine, also known as stem cell therapy, involves stem cells that are the undifferentiated cells of a multicellular organism. These cells have the capability to produce and regenerate new cells of the same type. For this reason, stem cells can be potentially beneficial when managing numerous conditions.
Stem cells have the properties to help repair damaged cells or replace them with new, healthy ones. This has made stem cell therapy a potential approach when managing neurologic injuries.
Treating Neurologic Injury with Stem Cells
Recent studies have shown that mesenchymal stem cells can be used to manage injuries to the brain and spine. One of these studies was discussed at length at the 2022 American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting.
A study by STEMTRA examined the efficacy of stem cells when treating patients with a TBI, or traumatic brain injury. Traumatic brain injuries occur when there is severe damage to brain tissue, resulting in the death of the tissue.
This scenario can lead to a number of symptoms, including the following:
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Loss of fine motor skills
- Difficulty speaking
- Impaired gait
- Paralysis
The study found that ongoing stem cell therapy helped a portion of these patients improve motor function and return to normal functional capabilities. Dexterity, gait speed, and even sensory reactions were improved with this stem cell treatment.
While studies are ongoing, stem cells are more often regarded as a potential treatment option for neurologic injuries. There is still research to be done to confirm how effective this type of regenerative medicine is for patients with grave injuries like TBI.
If you are interested in learning more about Regenerative Medicine for Neurologic Injury, you can inquire with a neurologist or regenerative medicine specialist at Stemedix for more information.
by Stemedix | Feb 6, 2023 | Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the United States. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 500,000 Americans have a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis. Receiving this diagnosis can leave you unsure of what to expect or what steps to take. Learn more about what to expect when you’re newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s.
Communication Is Vital
It is crucial to communicate with loved ones about your diagnosis. Express your worries and fears and allow them to offer their help.
You also need to communicate openly with your doctor. Ask them all of the questions you may have about the condition and about the expected progression of the symptoms.
Ask for Help
Dealing with Parkinson’s disease will require that you have some help. Help can mean different things to different people. How far along the disease is and what kind of symptoms you struggle with will all impact the degree of help you will need after a Parkinson’s diagnosis.
Take Time to Adjust
After this kind of diagnosis, it can take some time to come to terms with the reality of the disease. Take that time. Slowly begin to research the symptoms without overwhelming yourself with statistics or worst-case scenarios.
Boost Your Activity Levels
From the moment you receive your diagnosis, begin boosting your activity levels. Physical exercise and therapy can all help counteract the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, but you do not want to wait for the symptoms to get worse to begin.
Getting active can help you remain active for longer as the condition progresses. Some excellent options include:
If you want something a bit different, you can also opt for yoga or dance classes.
Start Tracking Your Symptoms
Your doctor may recommend that you begin tracking your symptoms, especially as you begin new medications or treatment options. Pay attention to how you feel at different times of the day, after certain activities, diet, and after taking your medications. All of this can help you better understand the condition and offer valuable information for your doctor.
You can track your symptoms in a chart, a notebook, a computer program, or any other way you prefer.
A Diagnosis Is Just the Start
Receiving a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis can finally give you an explanation for the symptoms you have experienced. It is a daunting diagnosis to face, but the right support system and medical guidance can help you navigate all of the changes in your life. To learn more about your options after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s, contact us today at Stemedix!
by Stemedix | Jan 29, 2023
Central Florida Regenerative Medicine Regenerative medicine harnesses the power of your body’s most powerful cells for pain relief and healing. Stemedix is a St Pete, Florida-based company that offers stem cell and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapies to relieve...
St. Petersburg, Florida
