May 21, 2012 by

Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Success Using Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Secreted Factors in Animal Model

Stem cell researchers at Case Western Reserve have reported in Nature Magazine that the functional deficits caused by multiple sclerosis can be reduced by administering mesenchymal stem cell secreted factors.

While previous studies have shown promising results using mesenchymal stem cells, this is the first time that such results have been reported without using the stem cells themselves.

The Stem Cell Institute’s Founder, Neil Riordan PhD, originally cited the potential therapeutic role of mesenchymal stem cell trophic factors in the 2010 Cellular Immunology publication: Mesenchymal Stem Cells as Anti-inflammatories: Implications for Treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

In addition to reducing functional deficits, the development of new myelinating oligodendrocytes and neurons, release of inflammatory cytokines, and suppression of immune cells influx were also observed in the Case Western study.

Details can be found here: http://www.nature.com/neuro/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/nn.3109.html

Hepatocyte growth factor mediates mesenchymal stem cell–induced recovery in multiple sclerosis models

Lianhua Bai, Donald P Lennon, Arnold I Caplan, Anne DeChant, Jordan Hecker, Janet Kranso, Anita Zaremba Robert H Miller

Nature Neuroscience (2012) doi:10.1038/nn.3109
Received 18 January 2012 Accepted 17 April 2012 Published online 20 May 2012

Abstract

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as a potential therapy for a range of neural insults. In animal models of multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disease that targets oligodendrocytes and myelin, treatment with human MSCs results in functional improvement that reflects both modulation of the immune response and myelin repair. Here we demonstrate that conditioned medium from human MSCs (MSC-CM) reduces functional deficits in mouse MOG35–55-induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and promotes the development of oligodendrocytes and neurons. Functional assays identified hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and its primary receptor cMet as critical in MSC-stimulated recovery in EAE, neural cell development and remyelination. Active MSC-CM contained HGF, and exogenously supplied HGF promoted recovery in EAE, whereas cMet and antibodies to HGF blocked the functional recovery mediated by HGF and MSC-CM. Systemic treatment with HGF markedly accelerated remyelination in lysolecithin-induced rat dorsal spinal cord lesions and in slice cultures. Together these data strongly implicate HGF in mediating MSC-stimulated functional recovery in animal models of multiple sclerosis.

Filed Under: Adult Stem Cells, Multiple Sclerosis, News, Stem Cell Research Tagged With: , , , , ,
May 9, 2012 by

Adult Stem Cell Therapy Successfully Treats Spinal Cord Injury

An interesting spinal cord injury study was published last week. The Turkish researchers tested two types of stem cells on spinal cord injured mice. The two cell types were native bone marrow cells and cultured repair stem cells called Mesenchymal stem cells. Native bone marrow cells contain bone marrow forming stem cells as well as a small number of Mesenchymal stem cells.

After injuring the spinal cords, the stem cells were implanted at the site of the injury. The control mice that received no cells had no improvement in neural activity. The mice that received both cell types had improved neural activity. The cultured Mesenchymal stem cell group improved significantly more than the native bone marrow stem cell group.

Stem Cell Rev. 2012 May 3. [Epub ahead of print]
Stem Cell Therapy in Spinal Cord Injury: In Vivo and Postmortem Tracking of Bone Marrow Mononuclear or Mesenchymal Stem Cells.
Ozdemir M, Attar A, Kuzu I, Ayten M, Ozgencil E, Bozkurt M, Dalva K, Uckan D, Kılıc E, Sancak T, Kanpolat Y, Beksac M.

Source
School of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, Pamukkale University, 20070, Kinikli, Denizli, Turkey, drmevci@hotmail.com.

Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
The aim of this study was to address the question of whether bone marrow-originated mononuclear cells (MNC) or mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) induce neural regeneration when implanted intraspinally.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
The study design included 4 groups of mice: Group 1, non-traumatized control group; Groups 2, 3 and 4 spinal cord traumatized mice with 1 g force Tator clips, which received intralesionally either no cellular implants (Group 2), luciferase (Luc) (+) MNC (Group 3) or MSC (Group 4) obtained from CMV-Luc or beta-actin Luc donor transgenic mice. Following the surgery until decapitation, periodical radioluminescence imaging (RLI) and Basso Mouse Scale (BMS) evaluations was performed to monitor neural activity. Postmortem immunohistochemical techniques were used to analyze the fate of donor type implanted cells.

RESULTS:
All mice of Groups 3 and 4 showed various degrees of improvement in the BMS scores, whereas there was no change in Groups 1 and 2. The functional improvement was significantly better in Group 4 compared to Group 3 (18 vs 8, p = 0.002). The immunohistochemical staining demonstrated GFP(+)Luc(+) neuronal/glial cells that were also positive with one or more of these markers: nestin, myelin associated glycoprotein, microtubule associated protein or myelin oligodendrocyte specific protein, which is considered as indicator of donor type neuronal regeneration. Frequency of donor type neuronal cells; Luc + signals and median BMS scores were observed 48-64 % and 68-72 %; 44-80 %; 8 and 18 within Groups III and IV respectively.

DISCUSSION:
MSCs were more effective than MNC in obtaining neuronal recovery. Substantial but incomplete functional improvement was associated with donor type in vivo imaging signals more frequently than the number of neuronal cells expressing donor markers in spinal cord sections in vitro. Our results are in favor of functional recovery arising from both donor MSC and MNCs, contributing to direct neuronal regeneration and additional indirect mechanisms.

Filed Under: Adult Stem Cells, News, Spinal Cord Injury, Stem Cell Research Tagged With: , , , , ,
April 1, 2012 by

Great Day in Ft. Worth for Stem Cell Team

Stem cell patients and MS walk in Fort Worth

Stem Cell Institute patients participate in MS Walk 2012

Saturday, March 31 was the annual MS Walk in Ft Worth. This year, thanks to the Stem Cell Institute and some of the area stem cell patients, several of us MS sufferers and stem cell patients met for the Walk. Here’s a picture of several of us who have been to Panama, or Costa Rica, for treatments – (from L – R) Richard, Carolyn, Shelley, Carla, Judi, Holly, and me.

We wanted to give the Stem Cell Institute a presence in that sea of MS victims and caregivers. I wish all of them knew that many of us in those blue t-shirts were there walking, actually completing the whole mile, even though we were once unable to do such. I wanted to grab that microphone that the organizers were using and tell all of them “There is HOPE – it doesn’t have to be what you hear from your doctors so often. It can be more than ‘Let’s keep taking this medication so you might get worse at a slower rate’ ”

I personally never heard about the possibility of actually improving when I went to good doctors here in the US – but I chose to try the Stem Cell treatment in Panama, and I walked that mile on Saturday! A year ago, six months ago, I couldn’t have done that – but after my third trip to Panama in September, my walking, my balance, and my stamina all improved dramatically. And many of those in our group on Saturday have a similar story; some results more dramatic than others, but most all of us have seen and felt the changes that give us that Hope that all of those sufferers at the Walk are looking for.

THANKS STEM CELL INSTITUTE!

Sam Harrell
Sam in Panama

Filed Under: Adult Stem Cells, Multiple Sclerosis, News, Stem Cell Research Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
March 17, 2012 by

Stemedica Treats First Patient with Ischemic Allogeneic Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Stemedica Cell Technologies Press Release
The San Diego stem cell company Stemedica Cell Technologies, Inc reported treatment of its first patient as part of a 35 patient clinical trial in stroke patients. The study uses bone marrow stem cells that have been preconditioned with hypoxia and used in a non-matched manner. The trial is being conducted at the University of California San Diego and is titled “A Phase I/II, Multi-Center, Open-Label Study to Assess the Safety, Tolerability and Preliminary Efficacy of a Single Intravenous Dose of Allogeneic Mesenchymal Bone Marrow Cells to Subjects with Ischemic Stroke.”
Every year more than 800,000 Americans suffer a stroke. According to the American Heart Association, stroke is the fourth leading cause of death – costing an estimated $73.7 billion in 2010 for stroke-related medical costs and disability.
The study’s Principle investigator is Michael Levy, MD, PhD, FACS, chief of pediatric neurosurgery at Children’s Hospital San Diego (CHSD) and professor of neurological surgery at UCSD. The aim of the trial is to determine tolerance and therapeutic outcomes for intravenously-delivered adult allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells and to hopefully pave the way for a new therapeutic category of treatment for ischemic stroke. When asked about the first patient in the study, Dr. Levy said, “The treatment went smoothly; no side effects were observed, and the patient was released from the hospital the next day.”
Lev Verkh, PhD, Stemedica’s chief regulatory and clinical development officer, commented: “Many years of research and hard work by the Stemedica team culminated today in the treatment of the first patient using our uniquely designed stem cells to be effective under ischemic condition. We are proud to be the first company to initiate a study such as this under a clinical protocol approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).”
Several companies are using stem cells for stroke. For example the company Aldagen is using bone marrow derived cells from the same patient. Their approach involves bone marrow extraction, purification of a selected stem cell from the bone marrow, and subsequent administration of the cell into the patients. The reason why stroke is of great interest to many companies is because recent studies have demonstrated that the brain has its own stem cells that start multiplying after a stroke. Unfortunately these stem cells that are already existing are not found in a high enough number to cause a substantial repair. The idea is that when new stem cells are added, they assist the existing stem cells in supporting the repair process.
“This clinical trial marks a significant achievement in the treatment of debilitating ischemia-related pathologies including ischemic stroke,” said Nikolai Tankovich, MD, PhD, president and chief medical officer of Stemedica. “We believe these specially designed mesenchymal stem cells are able to tolerate, survive and repair ischemic tissues caused by an infarction of the brain, heart, kidney, retina and other organs. In addition, these mesenchymal stem cells are capable of up regulating an array of important genes that are essential for the synthesis of critical proteins involved in recovery.”
Dr. Verkh continued, “Patients in this study have significant functional or neurologic impairment that confines them to a wheelchair or requires home nursing care or assistance with the general activities of daily living and have received the ischemic stroke diagnosis at least six months prior to enrollment in this study”.
The inclusion/exclusion criteria are:
Inclusion Criteria:
•Clinical diagnosis of ischemic stroke for longer than 6 months
•Brain CT/MRI scan at initial diagnosis and at enrollment consistent with ischemic stroke
•No substantial improvement in neurologic or functional deficits for the 2 months prior to enrollment
•NIHSS score between 6-20
•Life expectancy greater than 12 months
•Prior to treatment patient received standard medical care for the secondary prevention of ischemic stroke
•Adequate organ function as defined by the following criteria:
Exclusion Criteria:
•History of uncontrolled seizure disorder
•History of cancer within the past 5 years.
•History of cerebral neoplasm
•Positive for hepatitis B, C or HIV
•Myocardial infarction withing six months of study entry
•Findings on baseline CT suggestive of subarachnoid or intracerebral hemorrhage within past 12 months.
•Allergies to Bovine or Porcine products

Filed Under: Adult Stem Cells, Clinical Trials, News, Stem Cell Research, Stem Cell Therapy, Stroke Tagged With: , , , , ,
March 12, 2012 by

Medistem Signs Exclusive Worldwide License With Yale University for Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes Using Stem Cells

Acquisition of Intellectual Property and Data Leads to Expansion of Medistem Therapeutic Pipeline

SAN DIEGO, CA, Mar 07, 2012 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) — Medistem Inc. (pinksheets:MEDS) and Yale University have signed an exclusive worldwide licensing agreement covering the generation of pancreatic islets from stem cells such as the Endometrial Regenerative Cell (ERC). These pancreatic islets have effectively treated diabetes in animal models.

Professor Hugh Taylor of Yale University, inventor of the technology, made international headlines in September 2011 when he published his findings in the peer-reviewed journal Molecular Therapy.

“Medistem is the first company to develop clinical-grade endometrial-derived stem cells and initiate trials in humans,” said Professor Taylor. “Since Medistem’s Endometrial Regenerative Cells are manufactured inexpensively, can be used as an ‘off the shelf’ product, and to date appear safe in human subjects, I am very excited to see diabetes added to the list of diseases that can potentially be treated with Medistem’s ERCs.”

Medistem is currently in two clinical trials with ERCs: One for critical limb ischemia and a second for congestive heart failure, both of which are complications of uncontrolled diabetes.

“Type 1 diabetes is a rapidly growing poorly-served market. There is great optimism that cell-based therapies can address not only pancreatic degeneration but also the underlying immunological causes,” said Dr. Alan Lewis, former CEO of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the largest non-profit organization focused on development of new therapeutic approaches for this disease. “The ERC is the newest adult stem cell to enter clinical trials. Based on this unique source of cells, as well as their immune modulatory properties, we believe this work may be expanded into other autoimmune diseases.”

About Medistem Inc. Medistem Inc. is a biotechnology company developing technologies related to adult stem cell extraction, manipulation, and use for treating inflammatory and degenerative diseases. The company’s lead product, the endometrial regenerative cell (ERC), is a “universal donor” stem cell being developed for critical limb ischemia and congestive heart failure. A publication describing the support for use of ERC for this condition may be found at http://www.translational-medicine.com/content/pdf/1479-5876-6-45.pdf . ERC can be purchased for scientific use through Medistem’s collaborator, General Biotechnology http://www.gnrlbiotech.com/?page=catalog_endometrial_regenerative_cells .

Cautionary Statement This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of our securities. This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified. Future events and actual results could differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by, or underlying the forward-looking information. Factors which may cause actual results to differ from our forward-looking statements are discussed in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Filed Under: Adult Stem Cells, News, Stem Cell Research Tagged With: , , , , , ,
March 7, 2012 by

Medistem Inc. to Add Kidney and Lung Failure to Clinical Trials of Endometrial Regenerative Cells (ERC) Stem Cells in Russia

SAN DIEGO, CA and PORTLAND, OR, Mar 05, 2012 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) — Medistem Inc. (pinksheets:MEDS), in partnership with its Russian licensee, ERCell, announced the signing of a letter of intent* to begin clinical trials using Medistem’s Endometrial Regenerative Cells (ERC) stem cells for renal, lung and peripheral artery disease. Trials will be conducted in the S.M. Kirov Military Medical Academy in St. Petersburg, Russia. Under the agreement, Medistem, ERCell and the Academy will work together to a) Design and obtain approval for clinical trials; b) Provide training and execute the trials; and c) Identify opportunities for commercialization of the ERC product through existing military and governmental programs.

Under the license agreement, Medistem receives cash and royalty revenues from Russian developmental activities as well as all the data gathered from the trials. According to the agreement, work performed by ERCell will be conducted according to international “Good Clinical Practices” (GCP) so the data gathered can be used for Russian registration as well as to support US FDA submissions.

“At Medistem, our philosophy has always been to follow the data. We aim to be as aggressive as possible, to obtain as much data as possible, as quickly as possible,” stated Thomas Ichim, CEO of Medistem. “We are especially optimistic about the possibility of obtaining human data in renal failure patients, something that we otherwise would not have pursued at this stage if it weren’t for the support of the S.M. Kirov Military Medical Academy.”

“As the Medistem licensee for Russia and CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States), ERCell is committed to advancing our programs using as many non-dilutive means as possible,” said Tereza Ustimova, CEO of ERCell. “By partnering with the best institutes in the country, we are committed to making ERCell Russia’s premiere universal donor adult stem cell company.”

S.M. Kirov Military Medical Academy conducts research in the following areas: metabolic derangements of cardiovascular pathology, nanotechnologies in biology and medicine, stem cells as a basis for the treatment of internal organs and blood diseases, blood circulation, vegetative nervous system and high-tech methods of diagnosis and treatment.

“We are highly impressed by the fact that the Endometrial Regenerative Cell (ERC) is the newest stem cell product to enter clinical trials. By the higher growth factor production ability compared to other types of stem cells, we are very eager to begin clinical trials,” said Oleg Nagobovich, M.D., Chief of the Research Center, S.M. Kirov Medical Military Academy. “We feel our work will complement the ongoing work at the Backulev Center addressing heart failure by Medistem/ERCell.”

*Letter of intent issued by Ministry of Defense, dated 2/24/12, No. 411A/119

About Medistem Inc. Medistem Inc. is a biotechnology company developing technologies related to adult stem cell extraction, manipulation, and use for treating inflammatory and degenerative diseases. The company’s lead product, the endometrial regenerative cell (ERC), is a “universal donor” stem cell being developed for critical limb ischemia. A publication describing the support for use of ERC for this condition may be found at http://www.translational-medicine.com/content/pdf/1479-5876-6-45.pdf . ERC can be purchased for scientific use through Medistem’s collaborator, General Biotechnology http://www.gnrlbiotech.com/?page=catalog_endometrial_regenerative_cells .

Cautionary Statement This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of our securities. This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified. Future events and actual results could differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by, or underlying the forward-looking information. Factors which may cause actual results to differ from our forward-looking statements are discussed in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Contact:
Thomas Ichim
Chief Executive Officer
Medistem Inc.
9255 Towne Centre Drive, Suite 450
San Diego, CA 92122
858 349 3617
858 642 0027

www.medisteminc.com twitter: @thomasichim

SOURCE: Medistem Inc.

Filed Under: Adult Stem Cells, Kidney and Lung, News, Stem Cell Research Tagged With: , , , , , ,
March 1, 2012 by

Panamanian-US Scientific Research Supports Using Fat Stem Cells to Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis

Dallas, TX (PRWEB) February 21, 2012

A Panamanian-led, multidisciplinary research team has published the first description of non-expanded fat stem cells in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis patients. “Autologous Stromal Vascular Fraction Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rationale and Clinical Safety,” which appears in the January publication of the International Archives of Medicine, followed 13 rheumatoid arthritis patients who were treated with their own fat-derived stem cells.

Treating arthritis with fat-derived stem cells has become commonplace in veterinary medicine over the past five years with over 7,000 horses and dogs treated by publication contributor Vet-Stem, a San Diego-based company. The objective of the joint Panamanian-US study was to determine feasibility of translating Vet-Stem’s successful animal results into human patients.

Observing no treatment associated adverse reactions after one year, the team concluded that its protocol should be studied further to determine efficacy in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Their publication details the rationale for the use of fat derived stem cells in treatment of autoimmune conditions and is freely available at: http://www.intarchmed.com/content/pdf/1755-7682-5-5.pdf

“Key to advancement of any medical protocol is transparent disclosure of rationale, treatment procedures and outcomes to the research community in a peer-reviewed and IRB-compliant manner,” said Dr. Jorge Paz Rodriguez, Medical Director of the Stem Cell Institute and research team leader. “While we have previously published case studies on the use of fat stem cells in multiple sclerosis patients, and one rheumatoid arthritis patient, this is the first time that comprehensive follow-up has been completed for a larger cohort of patients,” he added.

An important distinction that separates this particular approach from those which are being explored by several international investigators is that the fat stem cells were not grown in a laboratory, affording a substantially higher level of safety and protocol practicality.

“This work signifies Panama’s emergence into the burgeoning field of translational medicine,” commented Dr. Ruben Berrocal Timmons, the Panamanian Secretary of Science and publication co-author. “We are proud to have attracted and collaborated with internationally-renowned stem cell clinical researchers such as Dr. Michael Murphy and Dr. Keith March from the Indiana University School of Medicine Center for Vascular Biology and Medicine, Dr. Boris Minev from the University of California, San Diego Moores Cancer Center, Dr. Chien Shing Chen from Loma Linda University Behavioral Medicine Center and Dr. Bob Harman from Vet-Stem. By leveraging their vast, collective clinical experience with Panamanian scientific infrastructure and know-how, we are striving to develop effective, internationally recognized stem cell procedures that will be accepted the world over.”

The treatment procedure involves a mini-liposuction, collection of the fat’s cellular component, processing to obtain a population of cells that includes stem cells, freezing the cells in preparation for quality control, and subsequent re-administration of the cells into patients.

The Panamanian-US group has previously shown that there is a specific type of T cell, called the T regulatory cell, associated with fat stem cells, which is capable of suppressing pathological immunity. Their current theory, which is described in detail in the publication: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20537320, is that the T regulatory component of the fat is capable of slowing down or suppressing the “autoimmune” reaction, while the stem cell component causes formation of new tissue to replace the damaged joints.

About the Stem Cell Institute
Founded in 2006 on the principles of providing unbiased, scientifically-sound treatment options, the Stem Cell Institute has matured into the world’s leading adult stem cell therapy and research center. In close collaboration with universities and physicians world-wide, the institute’s doctors treat carefully selected patients with spinal cord injury, osteoarthritis, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. Doctors at The Stem Cell Institute have treated over 1000 patients to-date.

For more information on stem cell therapy:

Stem Cell Institute Web Site: https://www.celllmedicine.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/stemcellinstitute
Blogger: http://www.adult-stem-cell-therapy.blogspot.com

Stem Cell Institute
Via Israel & Calle 66
Pacifica Plaza Office #2A
San Francisco, Panama
Republic of Panama

Phone: +1 800 980-STEM (7836) (USA Toll-free) +1 954 636-3390 (from outside USA)
Fax: +1 866 775-3951 (USA Toll-free) +1 775 887-1194 (from outside USA)

Filed Under: Adult Stem Cells, News, Stem Cell Research Tagged With: , , , ,
February 6, 2012 by

Therapeutic Effects of Intra-Arterial Delivery of Bone Marrow Stromal Cells in Traumatic Brain Injury of Rats—In Vivo Cell Tracking Study by Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging

Neurosurgery:
February 2012 – Volume 70 – Issue 2 – p 435–444
doi: 10.1227/NEU.0b013e318230a795
Research-Animal

Osanai, Toshiya MD, PhD*; Kuroda, Satoshi MD, PhD*; Sugiyama, Taku MD, PhD*; Kawabori, Masahito MD*; Ito, Masaki MD*; Shichinohe, Hideo MD, PhD*; Kuge, Yuji PhD‡; Houkin, Kiyohiro MD, PhD*; Tamaki, Nagara MD, PhD‡; Iwasaki, Yoshinobu MD, PhD*

Abstract

BACKGROUND: A noninvasive and effective route of cell delivery should be established to yield maximal therapeutic effects for central nervous system (CNS) disorders.

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate whether intra-arterial delivery of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) significantly promotes functional recovery in traumatic brain injury (TBI) in rats.

METHODS: Rat BMSCs were transplanted through the ipsilateral internal carotid artery 7 days after the onset of cortical freezing injury. The BMSCs were labeled with fluorescent dye, and in vivo optical imaging was employed to monitor the behaviors of cells for 4 weeks after transplantation. Motor function was assessed for 4 weeks, and the transplanted BMSCs were examined using immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS: In vivo optical imaging and histologic analysis clearly demonstrated that the intra-arterially injected BMSCs were engrafted during the first pass without systemic circulation, and the transplanted BMSCs started to migrate from the cerebral capillary bed to the injured CNS tissue within 3 hours. Intra-arterial BMSC transplantation significantly promoted functional recovery after cortical freezing injury. A subgroup of BMSCs expressed the phenotypes of neurons, astrocytes, and endothelial cells around the injured neocortex 4 weeks after transplantation.

CONCLUSION: Intra-arterial transplantation may be a valuable option for prompt, noninvasive delivery of BMSCs to the injured CNS tissue, enhancing functional recovery after TBI. In vivo optical imaging may provide important information on the intracerebral behaviors of donor cells by noninvasive, serial visualization.

Filed Under: Adult Stem Cells, News, Stem Cell Research Tagged With: , , ,
February 3, 2012 by

Ischemic Stroke Recovery May Be Improved Using Stem Cell Therapy

At the American Heart Association’s International Stroke Conference in New Orleans, two studies suggested that stem cell therapy improves functional recovery following subacute ischemic stroke and may aid in regenerative therapy.

One hundred and twenty subacute ischemic stroke patients were treated with mononuclear bone marrow-derived stem cells. Patients ranged in age from eighteen to seventy five years old. All were treated within seven to thirty days of suffering their strokes. Each patient was assessed using the Barthel index. The results showed that seventy three percent of patients who were treated with stem cells attained a Barthel score of greater than or equal to 60, which is the measure for assisted independence. Only sixty one percent of the patients who were not treated with stem cells achieved similar scores. All patients were tumor free at one year. This study was performed by Kameshwar Prasad, M.B.B.S., M.D., from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi.

In a separate study from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi, Rohit Bhatia, M.D. examined autologous mononuclear mesenchymal stem cell therapy in forty stroke patients who were recruited for the study from three months to one year after their strokes. Patients who were treated with stem cells showed significant improvement based on the Barthel index. No adverse reactions were observed. Dr. Bhatia concluded that intravenous administration of mononuclear and mesenchymal stem cells is safe, feasible and likely facilitates behavioral recovery following stroke.

Filed Under: Adult Stem Cells, News, Stem Cell Research, Stroke Tagged With: , , , , ,
January 31, 2012 by

Fat Stem Cells Turn to Muscle: A Treatment for Muscular Dystrophy?

New research published in the journal Biomaterials by University of California, San Diego researcher Adam Engler suggests fat-derived stem cells that are developed on a stiff surface transform into mature muscle cells. This remarkable discovery could lead to new treatments for muscular dystrophy in the future.

Fat stem cells and bone marrow stem cells were grown on surfaces with different degrees of hardness ranging from very hard bone-like surfaces to very soft brain tissue-like surfaces.

The researchers found that the fat derived stem cells were much more likely (up to fifty times) to exhibit proteins that are essential to the cells becoming muscle tissue.
Yuk Suk Choi, a post-doc team member, says that the fat-derived stem cells seem to proliferate better than bone marrow cells when introduced to the hard surfaces. “They are actively feeling their environment soon, which allows them to interpret the signals from the interaction of cell and environment that guide development,” explained Choi.

Unlike bone marrow stem cells, stem cells from fat fused together to form myotubes. Although this phenomenon has been observed in the past, it has never been observed at such a high degree by Engler in the lab. Myotubes comprise an essential step in muscle formation.

Next, Engler and his team plan to observe how fused cells from fat perform in lab mice which are afflicted with a particular form of muscular dystrophy.

However, Dr. Engler cautioned, “From the perspective of translating this into a clinically viable therapy, we want to know what components of the environment provide the most important cues for these cells.”

Filed Under: Adult Stem Cells, Muscular Dystrophy, News, Stem Cell Research Tagged With: , , , , ,
« Previous Page
Next Page »