August 21, 2006 by

Knee Repair with Stem Cells Could Help Millions

Injections of bone-marrow stem cells and implanted “cartilage plugs” top the list of wanted treatments, as doctors test innovative processes to stimulate cartilage regrowth in damaged knees.

The cartilage that cushions the knees has only a limited natural ability to repair itself, thus, the knees are are the joints most likely to become problematic. The need for new and innovative treatments is great.

Unlocking the ability for accelerated self repair of the joint is the primary goal.

Those individuals who only require small amounts of cartilage to grow are the preliminary group to try the new alternatives.

The techniques, if they do indeed work, could help people with arthritis as well since their cartilage breaks down over time.

The pad of cartilage referred to as the meniscus, basically the knee’s shock absorber, is the first to be in clinical trials for this treatment. Using cells from donated bone marrow with an aim to regenerate tissue, the outcome is eagerly anticipated.

The meniscus is surgically removed in about 800,000 American’s each year. A painful tear can result in an older person with only a simple wrong step, due to the fact that the pad deteriorates with age. Thus, young athletes are not the only ones who can suffer. Meniscus injuries are commonplace in this world.

Studies have demonstrated that combining knee lubricating fluid with stem cells helps to regrow the meniscus in goats. The adult stem cells are called Mesenchymal cells, and live within bone marrow. These cells can convert into cartilage forming cells called chondrocytes. Is it possible that the cells which serve as building blocks for tissue could also work similarly in humans?

Individuals with half of their meniscus removed enrolled in the study, 55 patients total. The study consisted of a placebo injection or one containing millions of mesenchymal stem cells; these were administered one week after the meniscus surgery.

Researchers are now evaluating each patients remaining meniscus for signs of regrowth using high powered MRI machines.

“No one’s ever looked at the meniscus in terms of volume,” says Dr. Thomas of the University of Southern California, lead researcher for the study.

Preliminary results are due in October and so far there have been no safety problems. The study is still blind so researchers are oblivious to which patients were among the placebo group and which were not.

“It’s very, very exciting research,” says Dr. David, an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist at Washington Hospital Center in the nation’s capital.

Filed Under: News, Stem Cell Research, Stem Cells, Stem Cells, Uncategorized Tagged With:
August 18, 2006 by

Cord Blood Stem Cells Help Fight Juvenile Diabetes

To find a superior treatment for juvenile diabetes, scientists have turned to a young boy.

Seven years ago, when Liam was born, his parents Steven and Beth opted to store his umbilical cord blood as an insurance to treat potential future illness. Now that Liam has diabetes, doctors have been injecting stem cells taken from the umbilical cord blood to try and slow, or possibly even stop, the progress of his diabetes.

For the national pilot study at the University of Florida, there are seven other children undergoing similar transplants using stem cells from their own umbilical cords.

Patients with juvenile diabetes, if left untreated, can fall into a coma or suffer kidney failure. Insulin-producing cells in the pancreas are destroyed by this autoimmune disease. More than 1.5 million Americans, including 125,000 children are afflicted with juvenile diabetes. Also known as type 1 diabetes, there is no cure for this disease.

Cancer and dozens of other blood disorders are regularly treated using stem cells taken from cord blood. Easily stored in blood banks, the stem cell rich cord blood can be extracted from the umbilical cord minutes after a baby’s birth.

The lead doctor in the study spends much of his time of the phone cautioning parents about keeping their expectations realistic due to the anticipation the stem cells can be successful in fighting juvenile diabetes.

“It’s important not to destroy their hope,” said Dr. Michael, a pediatric endocrinologist. “Everybody wants to cure diabetes. But this is a pilot study. It’s unlikely to be the Holy Grail.”

But it has helped Liam. His body is now fighting off the progression of the disease. His blood glucose levels decreased after the infusion. Prior to being injected, doctors were saying he would need regular injections of insulin because his blood glucose levels were rising.

A urine test detected excessive glucose in his system back in December, soon after the test, he was diagnosed with diabetes. Insulin, a hormone that regulates the body’s metabolism of carbohydrates, including glucose, was still being produced by his body in small quantities. This early diagnosis and circumstance is often called the “honeymoon” phase of the disease.

“There’s no magic pill to stop the process,” said Liam’s father, Steven. “As parents, you feel you’re helpless. You see what’s happening to your child.”

Surfing the web late on a December night, Liam’s mother discovered the Florida stem cell study while researching juvenile diabetes. She thought back to when Liam was born and remembered the cord blood bank that she paid to store his umbilical cord blood.

She enrolled her son in the four-year clinical trial.

“We feel God was with us,” she said.

Before taking Liam for his transplant at the university in Gainesville, the family visited the Kennedy Space Center and Sea World as a treat.

“You’ve got to have some sugar with your medicine,” Steven said.

Liam received the stem cells in an intravenous infusion after having some blood drawn. The procedure took only half an hour to complete.

To avoid rejection, Liam’s own cord blood needed to be used. There is a chance of rejection even with stem cells from a parent or sibling.

The clinical trial intends to enroll a total of 10 or more children. Currently there are five girls and three boys, all between the ages of 3 and 7.

The study requires using all of a child’s cord blood. This fact may deter some families because if the child gets another disease there won’t be any cord blood left to use. This will most likely change however, as storage facilities improve freezing and thawing processes that tend to destroy cells, and also begin keeping cord blood in more than one vial. Other methods of producing and preserving cells may also emerge.

At a cost of roughly $1,500, taking blood from a cut umbilical cord takes only a few minutes. A blood storage fee of $100 a year generally applies as well. Storage has become increasingly popular since blood banks began storing cord blood in the past decade. Most decide on the option in case a child or relative becomes ill.

Opposed to cells extracted from bone marrow, cord blood stem cells have more potential to develop into specialized cells needed to help a body fight disease. They are also easier to obtain than bone marrow cells and less controversial compared to those cells taken from human embryos.

The study at the university seeks to stop the autoimmune process but, “to cure diabetes, cord blood stem cells may be combined in the future with other medications, such as immune suppressant drugs, in a mix similar to “cocktails” given to cancer and HIV patients,” Dr. Michael stated.

Meanwhile, Liam’s parents are thankful to be able to hold off on having to give their son’s insulin shots.

“Liam should be getting worse, not better,” Steven said.

“You’re happy about that, right?” said Liam.

“We’re absolutely happy,” said his father, a medical equipment sales and service engineer.

Causes of the disease include genetic predisposition and other factors such as viruses or being overweight. Of the three siblings, two have diabetes, but their father does not.

“We’re not saying this is the end-all,” Beth said. “But it gives people hope. That’s why stem cell research is so important.”

Filed Under: Autoimmune Disease, News, Stem Cell Research, Stem Cells, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , ,
August 14, 2006 by

Blind Man Pins Hopes on Revolutionary Stem Cell Treatment

Lebers robbed 24-year-old Phil of his vision but he plans to have ground-breaking stem cell treatment to repair his eyesight. This will be the first treatment of its kind and if successful, Phil hopes it will let him see his fiancée Yvette for the first time in three years.

Phil has trouble making out colors and the world appears blurry most of the time due to the nerve damage the genetic condition has caused.

“It is a bit scary being the guinea pig for this,” said Phil.

“But ever since I found out this might be a way of getting my sight back, even if it just makes it a little better, I’ve been up for it.

“Doctors say that in theory it should work,” he added.

Just weeks after he started dating Yvette, the then 20-year-old Phil lost his eyesight overnight.

“We only started going out when he started having problems. But he hasn’t changed a bit,” said Yvette, the 23-year-old customer service worker.

“He has the same sense of humor and outlook on life. He’s incredible.”

Yvette added, “I’m worried about this treatment. But Phil faces the possibility of waking up with no sight as it is, so he really has nothing to lose. But whatever happens, I’ll love him for who he is. He’s my angel.”

During a night out with friends in May of 2003, Phil started to notice his eyesight was getting worse.

“Things were really blurry and I couldn’t make out people’s faces until they were really close to me. It was pretty terrifying. I went to the optician the next day. They said there was something wrong but did not know what and said I should go to hospital. I went to the Southern General in Glasgow and was admitted for two days for tests. I was petrified. I thought I might be dying. My mum, Trisha, died of a blood clot on her brain 12 years ago and I was terrified I had that,” said Phil.

Doctor’s determined that Phil was suffering from Lebers, a condition that affects only about 100 Scots, after conducting six months of tests.

“I’d never heard of it but I have found out it is a genetic illness passed on by a mother to her child,” stated Phil.

“In nine out of 10 cases it is sons who get it, and usually in their early 20s. So I was a classic case.”

In December, Phil will be traveling out of the country for the £10,000 pound stem cell treatment since it is not licensed in the UK. Phil heard of this particular clinic when a story broke that they had successfully treated individuals suffering from multiple sclerosis.

Thousands of stem cells taken from an umbilical cord will be injected into Phil’s body, half in his arm, a quarter in his left temple, and the final quarter in his right temple.

Having the potential to act as a “repair kit”, stem cells are the “building blocks” of the body and can turn into any tissue as well as copy themselves.

The clinic is one of only a handful in the world that presently carries out stem cell therapy.

Doctor’s at the clinic stated, “We’ve never treated this condition before. We could not give Phil any outcome data but could give him an assurance of safety. Stem cells have been shown to repair and regenerate nerve cells so we hope for success.”

“There is so much I want to do with my life and to do it the way I want to, I need to be able to see better. Doctors here say a cure for this in the UK is at least 15 years away.” added Phil. “I have to admit I’ll be totally gutted if it doesn’t work. I hope to have my sight back in time to see my nephew, Connor, open his Christmas presents. He’ll be 22 months and it’ll be the best present ever to see his wee face when he opens his parcels.”

As a result of the condition, Phil has had to adjust almost every single aspect of his life. Simple routines such as brushing his teeth, making a cup of coffee, or even getting dressed are becoming more and more complicated.

Watching football matches, reading, driving, are all now things of the past. Watching TV farther than a foot away from the screen is not possible, and even at a close distance, the picture is completely blurred. He even needs assistance from friends to help him buy the right products in the correct sizes when he goes shopping.

Phil refuses to let the illness get him down, even though the reality is that without treatment he could end up completely blind.

“I have good days and bad days, like anyone. But there is no point feeling sorry for myself. I am determined to get on with my life. I like to feel like everyone else and don’t like people feeling sorry for me,” said Phil.

Taking part in charity events, Phil has to raise all the cash to pay for the procedure.

“It has been a case of thinking of any way I can of getting people to donate. My friends and family have been a great support and I am getting there,” says Phil.

Without his fiancée Yvette, he says none of the fundraising would have been possible.

“She is my inspiration. She helped organize all the charity events and her positive attitude keeps me going. I’d be lost without her. I can’t wait for the day I can see her properly again and to watch her walk down the aisle. I’ll be the happiest man alive.”

Filed Under: Multiple Sclerosis, News, Stem Cell Research, Stem Cells, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , ,
August 12, 2006 by

One Giant Step, a Man with MS Hopes to Walk Again

Life was crushed for Chris, being diagnosed with MS five years ago; he has lost the use of his legs and is now in a wheelchair. But he has decided to fight his multiple sclerosis by arranging stem cell treatment, eager to reclaim the ability to walk. The 40 year old Chris now imagines playing football with his two young sons and later walking into a pub with them when they are older.

Leaving Chris incapable of walking, with deteriorating eyesight and the inability to control his bowel movements and bladder, the muscle-wasting disease took hold quickly.

After treatments were unsuccessful at the Hunters Moor Rehabilitation Centre in Newcastle, doctors told him there was no hope left.

Caretakers visit Chris’ adapted home, in Centenary Avenue, Harton, South Shields, several times per day; he needs to be hoisted out of bed every morning.

Taking 33 tablets a day to control the symptoms of MS, the daily mix is not his only worry as he was just diagnosed with diabetes this year.

After being accepted into a stem cell treatment program at a clinic in Holland, the thought that he may be able to walk again is the one thing keeping him going. After reading an article about a woman with MS who had regained the ability to walk after being treated at the same clinic in Holland, one of the caretakers told Butler about the clinic.

Chris, the former line manager, needs to raise 13,000 pounds to pay for the cost of the treatment which is still being researched in the UK.

The cost of accommodations and travel for him and two caretakers would take the figure closer to £20,000.

He said: “I can’t move anything from the waist down, and I’ve got pins and needles in my hands all the time. I used to cry and wonder ‘why me?’ I only kept going for my two little lads. I’ve got to keep my head up.”

“I want to walk. I want to be able to play football with my sons. I want to be able to take them for a pint when they are older,” said Chris.

“I know there’s a risk the treatment might not work – I’ve just got to hop,” he added.

He remains close to Kris, 12, and Stephen, nine, who live with their mum, although the illness has cost him his marriage.

Helping to regain movement, the cells restore damaged nerve transmitters and boost brain signals to the rest of the body say doctors. The treatment would consist of stem cells taken from umbilical cords being injected into Chris’ damaged cells.

Affecting more than 85,000 Britons, the cause of MS – the gradual degeneration of the nervous system – is still not fully understood.

Filed Under: Multiple Sclerosis, News, Stem Cell Research, Stem Cells, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , ,
August 11, 2006 by

Skin Cells Show Potential to Grow Into Organs

Resembling an embryonic stem cell, a new pluripotent cell has been generated using a mouse skin cell by researchers at Kyoto University in Tokyo, Japan.

A U.S. scientific journal named Cell recently noted in their online issue that Prof. Shinya and Assistant Prof. Kazutoshi created a new pluripotent cell that has comparable characteristics as embryonic stem cells. This will give the new cell the capability to grow into organs and tissues just like embryonic cells. The professors named the new cell induced Pluripotent Stem, or iPS for short.

Extracted from an embryo, the use of the embryonic stem cell in medicine is ethically controversial. Since an embryo is not involved, the iPS cells would purge any ethical concerns. Although the new cells are derived from mouse skin cells, the future may bring the emergence of human iPS cells.

Adult-stem cell therapy has shown its effectiveness, but the thought of converting adult stem cells and making them function similar to embryonic stem cells would open even larger doors for treating patients. Individuals undergoing transplants could have new organs with identical genes as their own. There would be no immune response clearing the issue of post operative rejection, and also, no ethical dilemma.

The group speculated that amid the important gene factors in an embryonic stem cell, there should be a number that can reprogram somatic cells and induce pluripotency that are characteristic to the factors in an embryonic stem cell in early development.

Taking a skin cell extracted from a mouse tail, the researchers picked up 24 candidate gene factors and implanted four of those gene factors, including Sox2, into the selected skin cell and cultivated it.

Taking on a comparable pattern to embryonic stem cells after only two weeks, the skin cell with the four gene factors changed.

In three weeks, the new iPS cells formed tumors called teratomas containing nerves, digestive tissues and cartilage after it was reintroduced to the mouse body. The cell also developed heart muscle cells and nerves, and displayed signs of a pulse on a culture dish. This would validate the cells pluripotency.

iPS cells can be created without involving a generative cell using this method.

Yamanaka said, “We’ll continue the research and try to make iPS cells from human skin cells, and then be able to offer regenerative medical treatment using the cell.”

“It’s been considered impossible to create an ES cell from a somatic cell without using cloning technology, but (Shinya’s group) succeeded in generating a cell similar to an ES cell from a mouse somatic cell. This brought hopes that the same technique could be applied to human cells,” stated Teruhiko a team leader of Riken Center for Developmental Biology.

He added, “Regenerative medicine will definitely make progress in this direction in the future.”

Filed Under: News, Stem Cells, Stem Cells, Uncategorized Tagged With:
August 11, 2006 by

Hope for Paraplegics, Stem Cell Therapy in India Delivers Results

Seven months of stem cell therapy has brought sensation back to a man who was left a paraplegic on December 26th, 2004, after his spinal cord was damaged during a road accident.

“Before operation, there was no sensation. Now I am feeling the sensation and am able to get up a bit on my own,” says 28-year-old man.

He is one of a dozen other people at the Global Hospitals in Hyderabad, India, who are undertaking stem cell therapy for spinal cord injury. The program is run under ICMR-approved protocol.

G.P.V. Subbaiah, who is an orthopedic and spinal surgeon, said that the result so far has been beyond his expectations. He was astonished by the display of such “encouraging results” in the 28-year-old patient. In January, the man was the first patient to be injected with adult-stem cells at the site of injury in the spinal cord.

Subbaiah said the patient had absolute loss of feeling from the chest downwards.

“Now he has regained all sensations, including light touch up to the groin. He also has increased sweating which is controlled by the autonomic nervous system. This shows that the system is also responding.”

Another accident victim from Saudi Arabia who flew to the hospital for stem cell treatment had regained some movement in his legs.

“Before the advent of the stem cell therapy, there was only supportive treatment to prevent bed sores and other problems like urinary infection,” said Dr. Subbaiah, “but now there is hope that some of the lost functions can be restored.”

Data from animal studies provide enough evidence that the therapy does work said the doctor.

Indian Spinal Injuries Center approximates that at least one lakh, or one-hundred thousand, spinal cord injuries happen each year. Due to the lack of proper data, this number may be grossly underestimated. Individuals from the age of 25 to 40 make up 85 to 90 percent of the spinal cord victims.

In their most productive years these injuries crippled them.

“It has a lot of impact on society,” he stated.

Filed Under: News, Spinal Cord Injury, Stem Cell Research, Stem Cells, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , ,
August 11, 2006 by

$1 Million Gift for Stem Cell Research

The University of Rochester Medical Center just received the largest private donation ever from a Brighton couple to put toward stem cell research.

The couple, Jack (founder of Erdle Corp. in Henrietta) and Norma, did not indicate what variety of stem cell research the donated funds, an sum of $1 million dollars, should be used for.

Prior to Jack’s gift, UR had received some contributions towards stem cell research, but the quantity of donations were not many and each individually were not of a significant amount stated Peter.

Stem cells are the building block cells of all our organs and tissues.

The university inquired about the prospect of Jack contributing; so he went to his wife to see how she would like the money used. She quickly gave her answer.

The couple also donated $1 million to the Rochester Institute of Technology in 1998.

Jack’s company, which he started in the mid-1950’s, makes parts for electrical systems in computer, trains, and airplanes.

“I think there are so many diseases and sicknesses that could be helped with stem cell research — diabetes, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, people who are paralyzed,” said Norma. “Just think how wonderful it would be, the lives we could save.”

The National Institutes of Health have given more than $40 million to The University of Rochester Medical Center to pursue stem cell research that may lead to cures for leukemia, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injury.

For the institute, the principal focus has been on animal and adult stem cell based research, as well as stem cells taken from umbilical cord blood due to the federal ban on funding new embryonic stem cell lines.

The NIH mandates that any federally funded programs share no resources with independently funded embryonic research, thus there is a possibility that the university may use a portion of the $1 million to produce the proper environment for research. Peter hopes the couple’s gift will encourage other philanthropists to also donate to stem cell research.

“Downstate medical centers have received millions,” Peter said about their stem cell donations, adding:

“It’s good Rochester is now in that company as result of Jack and Norma’s gift.”

Filed Under: Multiple Sclerosis, News, Stem Cell Research, Stem Cells, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , ,
August 9, 2006 by

Adult Stem Cell Therapy Holds Great Promise for Man with Ailing Heart

Richard has congestive heart failure. This disease affects his heart’s ability to pump sufficient blood to suit the body’s daily needs. Ultimately, the disease will progress to the point where the heart becomes weaker and weaker to a point of failure. That is why on August 16th, Richard a Braselton resident, and his wife Terre will fly to Thailand to receive stem cell therapy in Bangkok.

“I’m just weak, tired, and short of breath all the time,” Richard said. “I constantly have to monitor my blood pressure and my heart rate. All the medications, there’s no end to it.”

Outside of prescribing blood pressure medications, Richard’s doctors told him that there was nothing they could do when he was diagnosed in January. Angered by the lack of options they were presented with, Richard and Terre began to explore alternative treatment options. Their search finally concluded in Thailand, where a Bangkok-based biotechnology company will provide treatment for Richard using a relatively new medical procedure, utilizing adult stem cell therapy.

Richard’s own stem cells will be multiplied after doctors extract cells form a half pint of Richard’s blood. Later, doctors will take the newly multiplied stem cells and re-inject them into Richard’s ailing heart. He should experience less chest pain and greater strength in his daily living once the cells start to take effect, about a month or two following the procedure.

After performing the procedure on over 120 patients over a period of two years, the company claims a success rate of 80 percent. 11Alive, Paul Harvey, and the 700-Club have all joined in support of the treatment, touting “miracle” recoveries on their respective programs. The company’s website has these video news segments available for individuals to watch online as well as news of patients testifying before the congress about the benefits of adult stem cell therapy.

All this and there is still a poor understanding about the technicalities behind stem-cell led repair. Researchers see a result but question the process after stem cell are injected into an injured area of the body.

Adult stem cells hold the most potential at the present time. The course that future research will take has much to do with the ethical clash that is occurring over the use of embryos. The issue has now left the floor of the congress and has entered the lives of average people.

For Richard and Terre, the very fact that stem cells work trumped the need to know what manner the cells actually work in.

The advice that Richard should focus primarily on keeping his blood pressure down did not make neither him nor his wife very happy.

“We just didn’t expect that answer, that there’s nothing we can do,” Terre said. “This is just not an option for us.”

Terre began looking into the program in Bangkok after a family member heard of the treatment and told her. She spoke with several patients of the company along with a few company representatives after looking over the website. Later she learned that one of her co-workers knew someone who had successfully received treatment as well.

Three months ago, Richard was accepted into the program. Once they reach Bangkok, they will stay there for 20 days to tour the area before and after the procedure. The couple will pay $32,500 in cash for the “medical tourism” trip; this will cover the expenses completely minus the price of airfare.

They feel comfortable that they know enough about the non-US based company and stem cell therapy stated Terre.

“There’s no downside to this,” Terre said. “We don’t have any questions, we don’t have any concerns. We realize there are risks, but with an 80-percent rate of success, it’s a risk worth taking” (20-percent of those receiving the therapy experience no change — positive or negative — in their condition).

“I’ve got nothing to lose,” Richard says. “Rather than live a bad life like I’m living and doing nothing, I’d rather take chance and get something done.”

“It’s not a lot of money,” Terre says, noting that the price is “a really minimal cost when you’re talking about saving a life.” “A lot of people who are sick and trying to exercise other options are going to be able to find that money.”

“It’s costly, but it’s worth your life, I guess,” Richard said.

Impressed by the new technology, particularly the advancement in adult stem cell treatment, Richard and Terre are optimistic about the future of adult stem cell therapy.

“It’s going to be the coming way of medicine,” said Richard. “It’s gotta be, because it’s pretty strong.”

“This could eradicate cancer,” Terre said. “It is my personal opinion; the future of medicine is going to be stem cells. There’s no doubt in my mind.”

The company performing the procedure on Richard claims that once the stem cells are placed in the area of the heart that they, “have the potential to build new blood vessels and heart muscle.”

The theory is that the stem cells improve blood flow to the heart by regenerating or “revascularizing” functional blood vessels. The cells may also act as “scaffolds” which offer mechanical strength to the heart at a occasion when it is weak, or even promote the heart to release chemicals for repairing itself.

The jury is till out on how the stem cells help, but only vast potential seems to exist says Dr. Samuel, a cardiologist with Emory University. A major advantage of the therapy is that the patient receives his own cells, thus negating any type of immune response that could neutralize the therapeutic benefits of treatment making it less effective. Future research will lead to the transfer of adult stem cells from one body to another. This would allow for immediate injection at hospitals that would keep stem cells ready.

Presently in the United States, only clinical trials are permitted, but in five years the treatments “could definitely be translated into a pure clinical product,” states Samuel.

The couple commented on their opinions about embryoinc versus adult stem cells. With no ethical dilemma, adult stem cells hold great potential alone and thus they both choose to promote adult stem cell therapy as opposed to embryonic.

“My opinion is the American public is not educated,” Terre said. “These are your own stem cells; this is your own blood.”

“If we could just get over the hump of educating all Americans. It could be their son or daughter’s lives that we could save.”

Filed Under: Heart Failure, News, Stem Cell Research, Stem Cells, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , ,
August 4, 2006 by

Thailand Breaks New Ground – Plans Stem-Cell Therapy

For the first time in the country, Thailand is planning to conduct clinical trials to treat three major neural diseases confirmed the Prasat Neurological Institute.

“Well, actually, we have started,” Dr. Maiyadhaj, the director of the institute told the annual academic conference of the Department of Medical Services, held in Bangkok from Tuesday to Thursday.

Maiyadhaj explained that the procedures entail transplanting developed stem cells into the patients’ central nervous system. The trials will aid victims of stroke, spinal cord injuries, and Parkinson’s disease, with the project anticipated to commence this year.

Related studies from all over the world are currently being evaluated and assessed by Maiyadhaj and his team of 12 neurological and stem cell experts.

The institute’s ethics committee must endorse the project proposal that is at present being drafted prior to the start of patient trials planned for later this year.

The proposal includes a 10 million baht budget requirement for the first year, or roughly 270,000 in United States currency.

Ahnond, the secretary-general of the National Research Council of Thailand, confirmed that the Mahidol University’s cell engineering and tissue growth laboratory will develop the appropriate type of stem cells for the project.

“Don’t hold your breath, we’re just at the beginning,” said neurosurgeon Smarn of the Prasat Neurological Institute. “Though the efficacy of stem-cell transplant remains uncertain, it’s proved to be safe so far.”

Neurologist Akravudh, also from Prasat Neurological Institute added that neural organs like nerve cells are the most difficult to handle, contrasting other parts of the body.

“And the idea of replacing damaged human organs with new man-made ones cannot apply to the nervous system. The only way so far is stem-cell therapy,” he said.

Akravudh said that tumors were the most feared side effect of a stem cell transplant, since there is a possibility the transplanted cells could grow uncontrollably.

“With Parkinson’s we’re determining whether to grow dopaminergic neurons outside and then inject them into the patient’s bodies, or inject premature cells and then program them to become the proper nerve cells later,” Akravudh said.

Filed Under: News, Stem Cells, Stem Cells, Uncategorized Tagged With:
August 4, 2006 by

Stem Cell Trial Proves Successful

In a ground-breaking trial at a Shropshire hospital, patients with complicated bone fractures are being helped to evade permanent disability.

Oswestry’s Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopedic Hospital is conducting the stem cell therapy research.

The trial is set to involve 40 patients total and twelve have taken part thus far.

The trial involves using a patient’s bone marrow to literally reproduce their own bones in an attempt to assist the fracture and the healing process.

Faced with having her leg amputated after suffering a complex fracture in a fall down a set of stairs, Warwickshire mother Jane is one patient who will be gaining from the trial.

After suffering five years of pain and undergoing 15 separate operations, Jane, from Bidford-on-Avon was told the only alternative was to have the limb amputated.

“I realized that I would go through a lot of emotional and mental anguish,” she said.

She can lead a full life again now that the revolutionary treatment has saved her leg.

The treatment is unlike embryonic stem cell treatment, involving the use of stem cells from the patient’s bone marrow. The cells are then stimulated in a laboratory, implanted back into her leg, and therapeutic benefits are achieved.

The stem cells help knit the fracture site together by growing new bone.

“These patients have already had several operations on fractures that haven’t healed over several years and are facing amputation or a lifetime of pain and disability,” Paul a clinical scientist at the hospital said.

“Having just completed the tenth stem cell implant, the initial results are extremely encouraging. In fact, three of our patients have already handed back their crutches.”

Filed Under: News, Stem Cells, Stem Cells, Uncategorized Tagged With:
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