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 31, 2012 by

Making Blood Cells into Heart Cells

Vojdani et al. Hum Cell. 2011 Mar;24(1):35-42
One of the major debates in the area of stem cell therapy is whether adult stem cells are capable of directly transforming (differentiating) into new tissue, or whether the therapeutic effects of administered stem cells occur because of growth factors produced by the injected stem cells. There are supporting data for both possibilities. The direct differentiation of adult stem cells into damaged tissue is supported by studies showing donor-derived adult tissue formed in patients treated. However in many situations that amount of new tissue found is relatively small. Supporting the “growth factor” hypothesis are numerous studies showing that administration of the tissue culture media that the stem cells have been grown in is capable of eliciting therapeutic effects.
Besides adult stem cells differentiating into other cells, there is some belief that other cells of the body are capable of this “transdifferenetiation” ability. For example, there was some work suggesting that B cells are capable of transforming into monocytes. There is some similarity between memory T and B cells with stem cells in that both of them express telomerase in a similar manner as stem cells. Therefore it would be interesting to see if B or T cells may express potential for differentiation into other cells. This is what was investigated in a recent paper (Vojdani et al. Cardiomyocyte marker expression in a human lymphocyte cell line using mouse cardiomyocyte extract. Hum Cell. 2011 Mar;24(1):35-42)
The investigators used a human B cell line called Raji. These cells are immortalized, therefore they may express some of the properties associated with pluripotency. What I mean is that generally cancer cells seem to start reexpressing proteins associated with “earlier” cells and possibly stem cells. For example, cancer cells are known to start re-expressing embryonic stem cell markers such as Oct-4 (Huang et al. Med Oncol. 2011 May 1).
Usually stem cells are made to differentiate into various tissues by exposing them to extracts of the cells that you want them to become. By extracts is usually meant the protein content of the cells after breaking up the cells either through freeze-thaw, sonication, or hypotonic lysis. In the current experiment the Raji cells were “retrodifferentiated” by treatment with 5-azacytidine, which is a DNA methylase inhibitor, as well as the HDAC inhibitor trichostatin A. These chemicals act to remove methylation of the cells, as well as to “open up” the histones by allowing for histone acetylation, respectively. To these undifferentiated cells the extracts from mouse heart cells were added. An interesting method of adding the extracts was used. The cell membrane was temporarily permeabilized and the extracts were added.
After 10 days, 3, and 4 weeks the cells started adhering and expressed a morphology similar to heart cells. Interestingly the cells stated expressing myosin heavy chain, α-actinin and cardiac troponin T after 3 and 4 weeks. Flow cytometry confirmed these data. In cells exposed to trichostatin A and 5-aza-2-deoxycytidine and permeabilized in the presence of the cardiomyocyte extract, troponin T expression was seen in 3.53% of the cells and 3.11% of them expressed α-actinin. These data suggest that pluripotency may be expressed by cells other than conventional stem cells. These experiments are similar to those performed by Collas’ group who demonstrated that administration of cytoplasm from Jurkat T cells to fibroblasts is capable of inducing the transdifferentiation of fibroblasts into cells that express T cell receptor and are capable of secreting IL-2 in response to ligation of the T cell receptor. This reminds us of the opposite of reprogramming by nuclear transfer (eg cloning).

Filed Under: Heart Disease, News, Stem Cell Research Tagged With: , , , ,
March 17, 2012 by

New stem cell study promises to heal the heart

Miami Herald, Fred Tasker ftasker@MiamiHerald.com
University of Miami cardiologist led by Dr. Joshua Hare reported success in a small, preliminary human clinical trial of a new stem cell therapy they hope some day will routinely mend human hearts and reduce the need for lifelong medication, possibly even for transplants. The study was published in the peer reviewed journal Circulation Research (Williams et al. Circ Res. 2011 Apr 1;108(7):792-6.).
In the study eight patients of approximately 57.2±13.3 years of age received transendocardial, intramyocardial injection of their own (autologous) bone marrow stem cells (mononuclear or mesenchymal stem cells) in left ventrical scar and border zone. All patients who underwent the procedure had no serious adverse events. Cardiac MRI at 1 year demonstrated a decrease in end diastolic volume (208.7±20.4 versus 167.4±7.32 mL; P=0.03), a trend toward decreased end systolic volume (142.4±16.5 versus 107.6±7.4 mL; P=0.06), decreased infarct size (P<0.05), and improved regional LV function. This study is different than previous studies performed by Dr. Hare’s group that used stem cell administration intravenously. The belief is that directly placing the stem cells into the heart muscle may cause better therapeutic effects as compared to injection intravenously and letting them home to where they need to be. “That’s the Holy Grail, the quest the whole field has been pursuing for close to a decade, and this is evidence we’re on the right track,” said Dr. Joshua Hare. He did, however, emphasize that the current trial is only a small, run-up phase of extensive testing that will take up to five years and involve dozens of hospitals and hundreds of patients before obtaining U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for routine use. The trial was primarily about the safety of the procedure, and all eight patients came through without significant side effects, he said. The procedure also reduced the size of hearts swollen by previous heart attacks, a condition called cardiomyopathy or simply heart failure. Max Eaton, the 68-year-old direct-buy franchise owner who was patient No.1 said that he is thankful he was part of the trial, adding that he had just completed a 2.8-mile, 41-minute walk around his neighborhood in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. “I feel very grateful,” he said. “Almost certainly, I would be deceased or in much worse shape had I not had the opportunity to be in this program.” Eaton’s part of the testing is finished. He says he’s glad he took part, even though it hasn’t quite turned him into an Olympic runner. “I still get chest pains at times. It depends on the time of year. I had my heart attack 11 years ago in the fall. That’s when I get them,” he said. But he adds: “I’m not ready to go. I’ll keep going as long as I can enjoy what’s to be enjoyed.” An explanation of stem cell clinical trials for heart failure may be seen at in one of our videos, presented on this link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfSdCYFNdPw

Filed Under: Clinical Trials, Heart Disease, 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 17, 2012 by

Autologous stromal vascular fraction therapy for rheumatoid arthritis: rationale and clinical safety.

Int Arch Med. 2012 Feb 8;5(1):5. [Epub ahead of print]

Paz Rodriguez J, Murphy MP, Hong S, Madrigal M, March KL, Minev B, Harman RJ, Chen CS, Timmons RB, Marleau AM, Riordan NH.

ABSTRACT: Advancements in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment protocols and introduction of targeted biological therapies have markedly improved patient outcomes, despite this, up to 50% of patients still fail to achieve a significant clinical response. In veterinary medicine, stem cell therapy in the form of autologous stromal vascular fraction (SVF) is an accepted therapeutic modality for degenerative conditions with 80% improvement and no serious treatment associated adverse events reported. Clinical translation of SVF therapy relies on confirmation of veterinary findings in targeted patient populations. Here we describe the rationale and preclinical data supporting the use of autologous SVF in treatment of RA, as well as provide 1, 3, 6, and 13 month safety outcomes in 13 RA patients treated with this approach.

PMID: 22313603 [PubMed – as supplied by publisher]

FULL TEXT: http://www.intarchmed.com/content/pdf/1755-7682-5-5.pdf

Filed Under: News, Stem Cell Research Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
February 15, 2012 by

Stem Cells in Theory and Practice

Dr. Douglas J. Herthel of Alamo Pintado Equine Medical Center in Los Olivos, California was one of the first practitioners to use stem cells, beginning in 1995. Herthel used stem cells from bone marrow to treat ligament and tendon injuries in horses. The results from these treatments were so promising that he began using stem cells to treat other various conditions as well.

The treatment has since been used to treat common equine issues such as laminitis, as well as spinal cord injuries. A dramatic example is that of a donkey who suffered a spinal cord injury as was quadriplegic. The donkey regained full function following a stem cell treatment. “It’s certainly an exciting time to be in the veterinary field,” Dr. Herthel said. “You’re talking about potential cures for things, rather than just palliation. And you’re also talking about maybe less pharmacological use.” Adair, an Irish Draught Cross horse had a very severe case of chronic forelimb laminitis, so severe in fact, that without a dramatic improvement he would have to be euthanized. Adair was treated with stem cells in early 2010, 48 hours following treatment he appeared to be in less pain and six weeks later, his hooves had grown almost halfway back.

Dr. Johnson, Adair’s owner, started using stem cells in 2001 to treat tendinitis in racehorses. “The funny thing about science or lack thereof in clinical practice is you try something for what has historically not been an easy problem to fix, and you have some limited success, and you carry on,” Dr. Johnson said. Some doctors performing stem cell treatment extract and process the cells in house, while others order stem cells from another horse. Many doctors send tissue samples to Vet-Stem Inc. or other laboratories to process the cells. Dr. Robert J. Harman, Vet-Stem’s chief executive officer, said his company has processed stem cells from fat samples for about 8,000 patients since starting in 2004. About 4,000 veterinarians have completed the Vet-Stem credentialing course on stem cells as a therapy. “Once they’ve been through the course, most people are pretty strong believers that this has a place in veterinary medicine,” Dr. Harman said.

Vet-stem treats mostly horses, as well as some dogs and cats. The treatments for horses are generally for tendon and ligament injuries, while most dogs receive treatment for arthritis. Many of the dogs treated are athletes, but some are also family pets. While this is good news for people who want to see the best treatment given to man’s best friend, others caution against getting too excited over the current stem cell therapies.

Dr. Brennen A. McKenzie of Adobe Animal Hospital in Los Altos, California believes that the evidence of efficacy is preliminary. He believes that the clinics should offer the treatment as an experimental treatment in the form of a clinical trial.

A new organization, the North American Veterinary Regenerative Medicine Association, is seeking to act as a clearinghouse of information on stem cells in veterinary medicine, said Dr. Owens, director of the UC-Davis Regenerative Medicine Laboratory and NAVRMA secretary-treasurer. Hundreds of practitioners and researchers have expressed interest in being a member of the NAVRMA, and the first meeting will be in June.

The FDA has the authority to regulate the use of stem cells in animals, as they have done in humans. However, as of yet there are no specific regulations regarding the treatment of animals with stem cells.

Filed Under: News, Stem Cell Research Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
February 13, 2012 by

Rare Heart Defect Reproduced in Petri Dish, Hope for Cure

Dr. Ananya Mandal, MD

A team of researchers has created beating heart cells in the lab using skin cells of children with a rare heart defect. The team, led by Ricardo Dolmetsch of Stanford University took skin cells from children with Timothy syndrome, a rare heart condition commonly associated with autism, as well as syndactyly (webbing of fingers and toes).

The process the team underwent included reprogramming the stem cells and then developing them into cardiac cells in order to have a human model to test on, instead of mice models. “Because every cell in our body has the same genetic programming, that means we can take skin cells and reprogram them to generate stem cells, and we can take those cells to make heart cells,” said Dolmetsch.

Once the heart cells were developed, the team then used them to test several heart rhythm drugs. Unfortunately, none of the drugs initially tested corrected the heart problems associated with Timothy syndrome. However, further research and testing resulted in the discovery of the success of a cancer compound roscovitine, which is now in phase 2 clinical trials. Dolmetsch added that “The potential is really large”, Stanford has applied for patents on this technology and several drug companies have expressed interest in this research.

Filed Under: Heart Disease, News, Stem Cell Research Tagged With: , , , , , ,
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