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Currents in Stem Cell Medicine
September 27, 2011. Volume 1, Number 4.
News from the ICMS
4th Annual International Congress on Regenerative and Cell Based Medicine
The ICMS is now accepting abstracts for its 4th annual congress to be held in Hollywood, Florida on May 3 – 6, 2012. Physicians and researchers interested in presenting should Contact the ICMS.
Topics to be covered at this year's conference are:
Global trends in stem cell medicine: from PRP to culture expanded stem cells
The regulatory environment in the US and its role in international medicine
Clinical translation and the future of stem cell medicine
Abstracts are due to the ICMS by November 1st, 2011.
Join the ICMS and Help Define the Future of Stem Cell Medicine
South Korea to renew stem cell research after scandal
South Korea's president has promised $89m (£56m) in state funds to revive the country's reputation as a world leader in stem cell research. The announcement comes five years after a damaging scandal, when it was found a cloning pioneer had faked research.
Peyton Manning Experimented With Stem Cell Therapy Not Approved In The U.S. Before The Season
Manning flew to Europe before the start of the season for stem cell therapy not approved in the United States to treat his neck injury.
Medistem Receives FDA Approval to Begin Clinical Trial in USA With ERC Stem Cells
MediStem announced today approval from the FDA to initiate a dose-escalating clinical trial in patients with critical limb ischemia using its Endometrial Regenerative Cell (ERC) stem cell product. This approval puts Medistem in a small list of companies that have Federal permission to utilize adult stem cell products under experimental basis in American patients. The company has secured funds from private investors to begin the clinical trial.
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Latest Stem Cell Research
Cell Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis
The spontaneous recovery observed in the early stages of multiple sclerosis (MS) is substituted with a later progressive course and failure of endogenous processes of repair and remyelination. Although this is the basic rationale for cell therapy, it is not clear yet to what degree the MS brain is amenable for repair and whether cell therapy has an advantage in comparison to other strategies to enhance endogenous remyelination.
Human peripheral blood derived mesenchymal stem cellsdemonstrate similar characteristics and chondrogenic differentiation potential to bone marrow derived mesenchymalstem cells
The use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for cartilage repair has generated much interest owing to their multipotentiality. However, their significant presence in peripheral blood (PB) has been a matter of much debate. The objectives of this study are to isolate and characterize MSCs derived from PB and, compare their chondrogenic potential to MSCderived from bone marrow (BM). PB and BM derived MSCs from 20 patients were isolated and characterized. From 2 ml of PB and BM, 5.4 ± 0.6 million and 10.5 ± 0.8 million adherentcells, respectively, were obtained by cell cultures at passage 2. Both PB and BM derivedMSCs were able to undergo tri-lineage differentiation and showed negative expression of CD34 and CD45, but positively expressed CD105, CD166, and CD29. Qualitative and quantitative examinations on the chondrogenic potential of PB and BM derived MSCs expressed similar cartilage specific gene (COMP) and proteoglycan levels, respectively.
Toward a Clinical-Grade Expansion of Mesenchymal Stem Cellsfrom Human Sources: A Microcarrier-Based Culture System Under Xeno-Free Conditions
The immunomodulatory properties of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) make them attractive therapeutic agents for a wide range of diseases. However, the highly demanding cell doses used in MSC clinical trials (up to millions of cells/kg patient) currently require labor intensive methods and incur high reagent costs. Moreover, the use of xenogenic (xeno) serum-containing media represents a risk of contamination and raises safety concerns. Bioreactor systems in combination with novel xeno-free medium formulations represent a viable alternative to reproducibly achieve a safe and reliable MSC doses relevant for cell therapy. The main goal of the present study was to develop a complete xeno-free microcarrier-based culture system for the efficient expansion of human MSC from two different sources, human bone marrow (BM), and adipose tissue.
Significant clinical, neuropathological and behavioural recovery from acute spinal cord trauma by transplantation of a well-defined somatic stem cell from human umbilical cord blood
Stem cell therapy is a potential treatment for spinal cord injury and different stem cell types have been grafted into animal models and humans suffering from spinal trauma. Due to inconsistent results, it is still an important and clinically relevant question which stem cell type will prove to be therapeutically effective. Thus far, stem cells of human sources grafted into spinal cord mostly included barely defined heterogeneous mesenchymal stem cell populations derived from bone marrow or umbilical cord blood. Here, we have transplanted a well-defined unrestricted somatic stem cell isolated from human umbilical cord blood into an acute traumatic spinal cord injury of adult immune suppressed rat.
In Vitro Cartilage Tissue Engineering Using Adipose-DerivedExtracellular Matrix Scaffolds Seeded with Adipose-Derived Stem Cells
Extracellular matrix (ECM) secreted from the resident cell of tissue is an ideal biomaterial evolved by nature. Cartilage is also built from well-organized ECM components in a gel-like structure with a high collagen and proteoglycan content. Here, we explored cartilage tissue engineering using ECM scaffolds seeded with stem cells. Both scaffolds and stem cellswere isolated from human adipose tissue, which is abundant and easily harvested in thehuman body. The human ECM scaffolds contained various endogenous bioactive factors, including transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1, 8782±4989 pg/g, dry ECM), insulin growth factor-1 (13319±1388 pg/g, dry ECM), basic fibroblast growth factor (82373±9572 pg/g, dry ECM), and vascular endothelial growth factor (25647±2749 pg/g, dry ECM). A composite of ECM and stem cells was prepared and cultured in chondrogenic medium (with 10 ng/mL TGF-β1 or not) for 45 days.
Hypoxia Inhibits Osteogenesis in Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells through Direct Regulation of RUNX2 by TWIST
Bone loss induced by hypoxia is associated with various pathophysiological conditions, however, little is known about the effects of hypoxia and related signaling pathways on osteoblast differentiation and bone formation. Because bone marrow-derivedmesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) survive under hypoxic conditions and readily differentiate into osteoblasts by standard induction protocols, they are a good in vitro model to study the effects of hypoxia on osteoblast differentiation.
Detection of embryonic stem cell markers in adult human adiposetissue-derived stem cells
Bone marrow transplantation is already an established therapy, which is now widely used in medicine to treat leukemia, lymphoma, and several inherited blood disorders. The culture of multilineage cells from easily available adipose tissue is another source of multipotent mesenchymal stem cells, and is referred to as adiposetissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs). While ADSCs are being used to treat various conditions, some lacuna exists regarding the specific proteins in these. It was therefore decided to analyze the specific proteins of embryonic cells in ADSCs. Aims: To analyze the specific protein of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) in ADSCs.
Changes in human bone marrow fat content associated with changes in hematopoietic stem cell numbers and cytokine levels with aging
Hematological deficiencies increase with aging, including anemias, reduced responses to hematopoietic stress and myelodysplasias. This investigation tested the hypothesis that increased bone marrow (BM) fat content in humans with age was associated with decreased numbers of side population (SP) hematopoietic stem cells, and this decrease correlated with changes in cytokine levels. BM was obtained from the femoral head and trochanteric region of the femur removed at surgery for total hip replacement (N = 100 subjects). In addition, BM from cadavers (N = 36), with no evidence of hip disease, was evaluated for fat content. Whole trabecular marrow samples were ground in a sterile mortar and pestle, and cellularity and lipid content determined. Marrow cells were stained with Hoechst dye and SP profiles were acquired. Plasma levels of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1, stromal-derived factor (SDF)-1 and interleukin (IL)-6 were measured using ELISA. Fat content in the BM of human subjects and cadavers increased with age.
Greater pain improvement for PRP than autologous blood in randomized lateral epicondylitis trial
A platelet rich plasma injection treatment for patients suffering from lateral epicondylitis for a minimum of 3 months was an effective pain reduction measure, according to Greek investigators who compared results of this therapy to autologous blood injection.
Therapeutic effects of human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells after intrathecal administration by lumbar puncture in a rat model of cerebral ischemia
Stem cell transplantation is a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of stroke. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a potential cell source for clinical application because they can be easily obtained and cultivated with a high proliferative capacity. The safety and efficacy of cell therapy depends on the mode of cell administration. To determine the therapeutic potential of intrathecal administration of MSCs by lumbar puncture (LP), the authors administrated human umbilical cord blood-derived MSCs (hUCB-MSCs) intrathecally into the lumbar spinal cord or intravenously into the tail vein in a rat model of stroke, and then investigated whether hUCB-MSCs could enter the brain, survive, and improve poststroke neurological functional recovery.
Differential gene expression profiling of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells during adipogenic development
Adipogenesis is the developmental process by which mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) differentiate into pre-adipocytes and adipocytes. The aim of the study was to analyze the developmental strategies of human bone marrow MSC developing into adipocytes over a defined time scale.
Use of Platelet Rich Plasma Gel on Wound Healing: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Autologous platelet rich plasma is an advanced wound therapy used in hard-to-heal acute and chronic wounds. To better understand the use and clinical outcomes of the therapy, a systematic review of the published literature in cutaneous wounds was performed. Electronic and hand searches for randomized controlled trials and comparative group studies using platelet rich plasma therapy in cutaneous wounds and published over the last 10 years was conducted. Eligible studies compared the treatment to standard care or other interventions. All citations were screened and eligible studies were assessed for validity, quality, and bias using accepted scoring methods. The primary outcomes were effect of platelet rich plasma and control wound care on wound healing and related healing measurements.
Limbal stem cell transplantation shows high rate of success over long term
Long-term results of limbal stem cell transplantation show a high rate of success, opening the future of stem cell-based therapy in a number of different disease areas.
HEALING OF BONE DEFECTS BY AUTOGENOUS PLATELET RICH PLASMA IN
PEDIATRIC PATIENTS
Objective of this study is to evaluate the new bone formation in bony defects after placement of
PRP and its efficacy of regenerative potential.
Intramyocardial bone marrow stem cell transplantation during coronary artery bypass surgery: A meta-analysis
A systematic review and meta-analysis of availablepublications regarding the efficacy and safety of intramyocardialbone marrow stem cell transplantation during coronary arterybypass grafting.
New Class of Stem Cell-Like Cells Discovered in Spinal Cord Offers Possibilities for Spinal Cord Repair
The Allen Institute for Brain Science announced today the discovery of a new class of cells in the spinal cord that act like neural stem cells, offering a fresh avenue in the search for therapies to treat spinal cord injury and disease. The published collaborative study, authored by scientists from the University of British Columbia, the Allen Institute for Brain Science and The Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital at McGill University and titled "Adult Spinal Cord Radial Glia Display a Unique Progenitor Phenotype," appears in the open access journalPLoS One.
University of Massachusetts Medical School Study Say Midbodies Build Up in Stem Cells and Cancer Cells
Cellular structures known as midbodies, formed during cell division, appear to accumulate in stem cells and cancer cells, hinting at a potential function for these once-disregarded organelles. Midbodies, once considered the rubbish of cell division, might have a function beyond their role in getting daughter cells to separate. Researchers show in today’s Nature Cell Biology that stem cells and cancer cells collect used midbodies, whereas differentiated cells digest the organelle through autophagy.
Join the ICMS and Help Define the Future of Stem Cell Medicine
The ICMS is a physician guided international 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to patient safety and the protection of the practice of medicine and physician education through the production of global guidelines for the practice of cell based medicine. Membership in the ICMS is available to physicians, scientists and other healthcare professionals who are dedicated to the advancement of the field of adult stem cell medicine. Lend your voice and support. Join Now.
Currents in Stem Cell Medicine is a bi-monthly publication of the ICMS.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 14, 2011
Contact: David Audley
503-884-6590
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www.cellmedicinesociety.org
ICMS Issues Letter for Clinic Accreditation
Portland, OR, September 14, 2011 – The International Cellular Medicine Society (“ICMS”), a professional medical association dedicated to the advancement of adult stem cell therapies, issued a letter to the clinics seeking accreditation warning them of issues with potentially misleading claims about their accreditation status.
“It has come to our attention that certain clinics may have been misrepresenting their accreditation status.” says David Audley, the Executive Director of the ICMS. “This is a clear violation of the accreditation agreement, and we have taken corrective action to assure that patients are not misinformed.” The ICMS will continue to monitor how clinics present their progress and will hold them accountable to new Guidelines for Patient Recruitment.
The Accreditation Program, launched in Spring of 2011, is the only process available to date to evaluate clinics and facilities offering cell based treatments. The ICMS developed this process, in collaboration with physicians and researchers from around the world, to bring transparency and oversight to stem cell medicine. It is an 18 to 24 month long process that includes review of treatments by an Institutional Review Board, and site audits and collection of patient outcome data. While nearly a dozen clinics are currently participating in the program, not a single clinic or facility has yet been accredited by the ICMS.
“Clinics that falsely claim accreditation will not be tolerated,” continued Audley. “Any clinic that continues to make purposefully false or misleading statements about their accreditation status will be expelled from the program.” The ICMS sites its expulsion of RNLBio in the Spring of 2011 for failure to comply with recommendations from an investigation into patient deaths as precedent and evidence of the seriousness of the issue.
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About the INTERNATIONAL CELLULAR MEDICINE SOCIETY
The ICMS, a professional medical association, is dedicated to the advancement of adult stem cell based medicine. The Society is 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides best practices guidelines for the practice of cell based medicine, manages a first of its kind Treatment Registry to outcomes from cell based therapies and oversees a global accreditation program for stem cell clinics. The Society maintains two websites, www.CellMedicineSociety.org that is focused on research and education for physicians and www.StemCellWatch.com, a portal for patient awareness and education.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 13, 2011
503.877.1045
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International Stem Cell Society Publishes New Guidelines
Portland, OR, September 13, 2011 – The International Cellular Medicine Society (“ICMS”), a professional medical association dedicated to the advancement of adult stem cell therapies, announced the publication of new draft guidelines for the practice of cell based medicine. The new draft guidelines, developed in consultation with physicians and researchers from around the world, are intended to provide a broader and more comprehensive element to the existing standards for the collection, processing and implantation of autologous, adult stem cells.
“The ICMS, with members from over 35 countries and a Treatment Registry with over 1000 patients,” says David Audley, the Executive Director of the ICMS, “Is in a unique position to promulgate these guidelines. There is no other professional medical association with more experience and more expertise in the practice of stem cell medicine.”
The draft guidelines deal with issues from patient recruitment and a code of ethics to standards for patient record keeping and minimum qualification for physicians. The new guidelines will be used as standards in the process of clinic accreditation and membership eligibility. Members of the ICMS are encouraged to review and comment on the draft guidelines.
“Our goals,” continued Audley, “Are always physician education and patient safety. These new guidelines are a significant step in delivering on these goals and advancing the field of cell based medicine.”
The complete draft guidelines can be found at the ICMS website.
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About the INTERNATIONAL CELLULAR MEDICINE SOCIETY
The ICMS, a professional medical association, is dedicated to the advancement of adult stem cell based medicine. The Society is 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides best practices guidelines for the practice of cell based medicine, manages a first of its kind Treatment Registry to outcomes from cell based therapies and oversees a global accreditation program for stem cell clinics. The Society maintains two websites, www.CellMedicineSociety.org that is focused on research and education for physicians and www.StemCellWatch.com, a portal for patient awareness and education.
Currents in Stem Cell Medicine
September 13, 2011. Volume 1, Number 3.
News from the ICMS
ICMS Draft Guidelines for the Practice of Cell Based Medicine
The ICMS announces the publication of a newly expanded set of guidelines for review and comment. Members are encouraged to provide professional feedback to help the ICMS provide the most advanced standards in the world. These guidelines will be presented for approval at the 4th Annual International Congress in May, 2012.
4th Annual International Congress on Regenerative and Cell Based Medicine
The ICMS is now accepting abstracts for its 4th annual congress to be held in Hollywood, Florida on May 3 – 6, 2012. Members interested in presenting should Contact the ICMS. Applications are due November 1st, 2011.
Survey on Medical Malpractice Insurance Needs
The ICMS has published its first survey on the needs of its member physicians for medical malpractice insurance. The ICMS will announce in the coming weeks a plan to provide professional liability insurance for qualified members of the ICMS who practice PRP and cell based medicine.
ICMS Announces International Chapters
The ICMS announces the formation of new chapters in Argentina, Peru, China, Venezuela and Mexico. Members interested in chartering national chapters should Contact the ICMS.
Join the ICMS and Help Define the Future of Stem Cell Medicine
Latest Stem Cell News
Stem cells are therapy, not mere experiments
Stem cell therapy provides a promise of life to people with incurable diseases and is no longer only a research tool, opined Mammen Chandy, director, Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai.
Adult stem cell therapy now used for spinal fusions
Neurosurgery researchers, Kee Kim and Rudolph Schrot, of the University of California - Davis Health System, have developed a leading-edge stem cell therapy to relieve the debilitating pain that can occur following the removal of cervical discs. The researchers used adult stem cells from bone marrow in order to promote growth of bone tissue for spinal fusion after surgery, used for numerous conditions like degenerative disc disease.
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Latest Stem Cell Research
Sources of adult mesenchymal stem cells applicable for musculoskeletal applications - a systematic review of the literature
MSCs are defined as undeveloped biological cells capable of proliferation, self renewal and regenerating tissues. All these properties of MSCs have been discovered in the past 35 years. MSCs can play a crucial role in tissue engineering, organogenesis, gene therapy, transplants as well as tissue injuries. These cells were mainly extracted from bone marrow but there have been additional sources for MSCs discovered in the laboratories including: muscle, dermis, trabecular bone, adipose tissue, periosteum, pericyte, blood, synovial membrane and so forth. The discovery of the alternative sources of MSCs helps widen the application of these cells in different areas of medicine.
Regulation of Stem Cell Differentiation in Adipose Tissue by Chronic Inflammation
Recent studies suggest that a local hypoxic response leads to chronic inflammation in adipose tissue of obese individuals. The adipose tissue hypoxia may reflect a compensatory failure in the local vasculature system in response to obesity. Studies suggest that inflammation stimulates angiogenesis and inhibits adipocyte activities in a feedback manner within the obese adipose tissue. Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) are able to differentiate into multiple linages of progenitor cells for adipocytes, endothelial cells, fibroblasts and pericytes. Differentiation of ASCs into those progenitors is regulated by the adipose tissue microenvironment.
The great migration of bone marrow-derived stem cells toward the ischemic brain: Therapeutic implications for stroke and other neurological disorders.
Accumulating laboratory studies have implicated the mobilization of bone marrow (BM)-derived stem cells in brain plasticity and stroke therapy. This mobilization of bone cells to the brain is an essential concept in regenerative medicine. Over the past ten years, mounting data have shown the ability of bone marrow-derived stem cells to mobilize from BM to the peripheral blood (PB) and eventually enter the injured brain. This homing action is exemplified in BM stem cell mobilization following ischemic brain injury. Various BM-derived cells, such as hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and very small embryonic-like cells (VSELs) have been demonstrated to exert therapeutic benefits in stroke.
Pluristem study finds stem cells can treat radiation sickness
Pluristem Therapeutics Ltd. says that initial animal studies found that its placental stem cells can treat Acute radiation syndrome (ARS). In the study, animals exposed to lethal doses of radiation, were injected the following day with either PLacental eXpanded (PLX) cells or a placebo containing no cells. Nine days following treatment with the PLX cells, the animals' bone marrow and spleen were examined for signs of hematopoietic (blood forming) tissue. On day 23, bone marrow and blood samples were examined in the surviving animals. Overall survival and body weight changes were also monitored.
There is much interest in adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and their ability to differentiate into other cell types and partake in the anatomy and physiology of remote organs. It is now clear these cells may be purified from several organs in the body and not only the bone marrow.
Stem cells 'promote bone tissue growth'
New research indicates that adult stem cells could be used to promote the growth of bone tissue after cervical disk removal.
Immunosuppressive Properties of Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) can be isolated from different adult tissues including bone marrow, adipose tissue, cord blood and placenta. MSCs modulate the immune function of the major immune cell populations involved in alloantigen recognition and elimination, including antigen presenting cells, T cells, B cells and natural killer cells.
Old stem cells exposed to a young environment can be rejuvenated
Exposure to a youthful environment may help old cellsfeel alive again - as the work of Professor Xiaodong Chen and co-workers from the University of Texas Health Science Center, USA, suggests.
Treatment of Chronic Tendinopathy with Ultrasound-Guided Needle Tenotomy and Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection
In this case series, we found US-guided percutaneous needle tenotomy followed by PRP injection to be a safe and effective treatment for chronic, recalcitrant tendinopathy, and this treatment was associated with sonographically apparent improvements in tendon morphology. However, because of the intrinsic limitations of the study design and the heterogeneity of treated tendons, further research is required to corroborate our findings.
New Form of Colitis Seen With Cord Blood Transplant
A new syndrome characterized by watery diarrhea has been identified in a group of patients who underwent cord blood stem cell transplantation.
Local Injections of Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Modulate Inflammation and Increase Angiogenesis Ameliorating the Dystrophic Phenotype in Dystrophin-Deficient Skeletal Muscle
The effects of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSC) transplantation on degeneration, regeneration and skeletal muscle function were investigated in dystrophin-deficient mice (24-week-old). ADMSC transplantation improved muscle strength and, resistance to fatigue. An increase in fiber cross-sectional area and in the number of fibers with centralized nuclei and augment of myogenin content were observed. In ADMSC-treated muscles a decrease in muscle content of TNF-α, IL-6 and oxidative stress measured by Amplex® reagent were observed. The level of TGF-β1 was lowered whereas that of VEGF, IL-10 and IL-4 were increased by ADMSC treatment. An increase in markers of macrophage M1 (CD11 and F4-80) and a decrease in T lymphocyte marker (CD3) and arginase-1 were also observed in ADMSCs-treated dystrophic muscle. No change was observed in iNOS expression. Increased phosphorylation of Akt, p70S6k and 4E-BP1 was found in dystrophic muscles treated with ADMSC. These results suggest that ADMSC transplantation modulates inflammation and improves muscle tissue regeneration, ameliorating the dystrophic phenotype in dystrophin-deficient mice
Join the ICMS and Help Define the Future of Stem Cell Medicine
The ICMS is a physician guided international 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to patient safety and the protection of the practice of medicine and physician education through the production of global guidelines for the practice of cell based medicine. Membership in the ICMS is available to physicians, scientists and other healthcare professionals who are dedicated to the advancement of the field of adult stem cell medicine. Lend your voice and support. Join Now.
Currents in Stem Cell Medicine is a bi-monthly publication of the ICMS.
The ICMS has launched a survey about the needs of physicians with regards to malpractice insurance for platelet rich plasma (PRP) and cell-based medical treatments.
To take part in this survey, please click here.Your answers are anonymous, and your insights will help us to be of greater service and value to you.
The ICMS hopes to provide malpractice and professional liability insurance to physicians members who are Accredited by the ICMS and participate in the ICMS Treatment Registries by the end of Q3 2011.
If you are interested in looking at med-mal insurance for your practice, please take the survey and then contact the ICMS and see how to get involved.
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