Ozone Therapy: A Promising Alternative Treatment with Potential Benefits
Ozone therapy is a promising alternative medical treatment that has gained popularity in recent years. It involves the administration of ozone, a form of oxygen, to treat various medical conditions, ranging from chronic pain to infections. Although the scientific evidence on the effectiveness of ozone therapy remains limited, many people claim to have experienced significant health benefits from this alternative treat
ment. In this article, we’ll explore the potential benefits and risks of ozone therapy, as well as the latest research on this alternative medical treatment.
What is ozone therapy?
Ozone therapy is a safe, non-invasive, and effective alternative medical treatment that has been used for over a century. It involves the administration of ozone, a gas made up of three oxygen atoms, to the body in various forms, such as injections, insufflations, or topical applications. Ozone is a powerful oxidant that can damage cells and tissues, which can have positive or negative effects, depending on the form and amount of ozone used.
One of the key benefits of ozone therapy is its ability to improve blood circulation and oxygen delivery to the tissues, which can help reduce inflammation, support wound healing, and boost immune function. Additionally, ozone therapy is believed to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties, which may help fight infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
What are the potential benefits of ozone therapy?
Ozone therapy has been used to treat a wide range of medical conditions, including:
- Chronic pain: Ozone therapy may help reduce pain and inflammation in conditions such as osteoarthritis, herniated discs, and fibromyalgia.
- Infections: Ozone therapy may help fight infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi, including Lyme disease, hepatitis, and HIV.
- Autoimmune diseases: Ozone therapy may help reduce inflammation and improve immune function in conditions such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus.
- Skin conditions: Ozone therapy may help treat various skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, and acne, by improving blood circulation and oxygenation.
Moreover, ozone therapy is a safe and non-invasive treatment that doesn’t have the side effects commonly associated with traditional medical treatments. It’s also relatively inexpensive and can be administered in a variety of settings, including clinics, hospitals, and private practices.
What does the latest research say about ozone therapy?
Although the scientific evidence on the effectiveness and safety of ozone therapy remains limited, some recent studies have suggested that ozone therapy may have potential health benefits in certain conditions.
A study published in the Cuban journal of immunology describes the immunomodulatory properties of ozone therapy by characterizing the biological effects of ozone on immune system cells, soluble mediators and other cell types.
In another example, in a 2022 review on ozone therapy in pain medicine, authors agree on the high safety of pain treatments with ozone therapy, especially modern medical ozone generators with great precision. Similarly, a 2020 study on Systemic ozone therapy in insulin-dependent diabetic patients found that the analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of ozone currently make it one of the most efficient therapeutic tools for the control of chronic pain in insulin-dependent diabetic patients.
Ultimately, ozone therapy is a promising alternative medical treatment that has been used to treat various medical conditions. Many people claim to have experienced significant health benefits from this alternative treatment. Furthermore, ozone therapy is a safe and non-invasive treatment that doesn’t have the side effects commonly associated with traditional medical treatments.
If you’re interested in ozone therapy, make sure to do your research, ask questions, and consider this alternative medical treatment as a potential option for your health concerns. It’s important to stay informed about the latest developments in stem cell therapy. You can learn more about regenerative medicine and stem cells by enrolling in our international certification program at www.issca.us
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Personalized Regenerative Medicine: The Future of Regenerative Medicine
Regenerative medicine is a rapidly growing field that focuses on repairing or replacing damaged or diseased tissues and organs using stem cells, growth factors, and other advanced therapies. The effectiveness of this approach has been demonstrated in treating a wide range of conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, joint pain, and neurological disorders. One of the major challenges of regenerative medicine, however, is that not every patient responds to the same treatment. This is where personalized regenerative medicine comes into play.
What is Personalized Regenerative Medicine?
Personalized regenerative medicine involves tailoring treatments to meet the unique needs of each patient based on their genetic profile, lifestyle, and medical history. This approach recognizes that no two patients are the same, and that a one-size-fits-all approach to regenerative medicine is not always effective.
As part of personalized regenerative medicine, advanced technologies such as genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics are used to analyze a patient’s unique biological profile. In order to provide customized and targeted treatment to patients, regenerative medicine centers utilize this information to develop personalized treatment plans tailored to their individual needs and conditions, ranging from stem cell therapy to gene therapy.
Why is Personalized Regenerative Medicine the Future of Regenerative Medicine?
There are several reasons why personalized regenerative medicine is the future of regenerative medicine:
- More effective treatments: By tailoring treatments to individual patients, personalized regenerative medicine has the potential to be much more effective than traditional one-size-fits-all approaches.
- Improved patient outcomes: Because personalized regenerative medicine takes into account the unique needs and conditions of each patient, it has the potential to improve patient outcomes and reduce the risk of complications.
- Lower healthcare costs: By providing more effective treatments and reducing the risk of complications, personalized regenerative medicine has the potential to lower healthcare costs in the long run.
- Better understanding of disease: Personalized regenerative medicine involves analyzing a patient’s unique biological profile, which can help researchers and healthcare providers better understand the underlying mechanisms of disease.
- Advancements in technology: As technology continues to advance, personalized regenerative medicine will become even more precise and effective, leading to even better patient outcomes.
The concept of personalized regenerative medicine is an exciting new approach to regenerative medicine that has the potential to revolutionize the healthcare industry. Individualized regenerative medicine has the potential to be more effective, improve patient outcomes, lower healthcare costs, and provide better understanding of disease by tailoring treatments to the individual patient. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more exciting developments in this field in the years to come.
You can learn more about regenerative medicine and stem cells by enrolling in our international certification program at www.issca.us
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Revolutionizing Neurodegenerative Care: The Advancements in Stem Cell Therapy
Neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, are a group of incurable neurological disorders, characterized by the chronic progressive loss of different neuronal subtypes. The conditions are debilitating and affect millions of people worldwide. Despite its increasing prevalence among the ever-increasing aging population, little progress has been made in the coincident immense efforts towards development of therapeutic agents. However, recent advancements in stem cell therapy including stem cells-derived exosomes, neurotrophic factors (NTFs), and their combination as potential therapeutic agents in neurodegenerative diseases.
In recent years, stem cells have emerged as one of the most active research therapeutic tools for many diseases. Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that have the ability to develop into pluripotent stem cells and adult stem cells. All stem cells have the potentiality of continuous self-renewal, high proliferation, and multidirectional differentiation into various cell types to replace degenerated or dead cells. In the context of neurodegenerative diseases, stem cells can be used to replace lost or damaged neurons, provide neuroprotection, and promote neural repair. These properties make stem cells an attractive option for treating neurodegenerative diseases, as they have the potential to slow or even reverse the progression of these conditions.
One of the key benefits of stem cell therapy for neurodegenerative diseases is that it offers a non-invasive, minimally-invasive, and non-toxic alternative to traditional treatments. Unlike drugs and surgery, stem cell therapy does not produce adverse side effects, and can be administered in a safe and controlled manner. In clinical trials, stem cell therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms and improving quality of life for patients with neurodegenerative diseases.
- Alzheimer’s disease (AD)
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease and the most common form of dementia, affecting approximately 55 million people worldwide. Cognitive impairment is a hallmark of AD. Currently, drug therapies can only delay symptoms, but not relieve disease pathology or progression. Researchers have demonstrated that neurons derived from stem cells can integrate with existing neural networks and repair damaged neurons within the host brain, improving learning and memory deficits, and NTFs can improve AD symptoms and provide neuroprotective effects.
- Parkinson’s disease (PD)
The second most common neurodegenerative disorder is Parkinson’s disease (PD). The motor symptoms of PD mainly include rest tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia and postural instability, while common nonmotor symptoms include neuropsychiatric and sleep disorders as well as sensory and autonomic dysfunction. At present, there is no cure for PD or disease-modifying therapy. It is common for symptom-relief medications to only provide partial relief and elicit side effects such as motor complications, gastrointestinal problems, and neurological issues. In spite of the fact that these treatments do not address the underlying pathology, alternative therapies, especially those based on stem cells and NTFs, are still being pursued intensively.
- Huntington’s disease (HD)
Huntington’s disease (HD) is characterized by motor, cognitive, and psychiatric dysfunctions. The study of multiple possible neurodegenerative mechanisms of HD is currently underway, and this knowledge is expected to contribute to the development of new HD treatments. The abilities of stem cells to rescue or replace the damaged and dying neurons, and to prevent further cell damage and death, make stem cell-based therapies promising for treatment of this neurode-generative disease.
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
As a neurodegenerative disorder, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) involves progressive degeneration of both upper and lower motor neurons, resulting in palsy and death within 3-5 years of onset. Currently, only two disease-modifying medicines are available, each showing benefit to a limited number of patients. Stem cell-based therapy holds great promise for treating ALS by providing both cell replacement and NTF delivery to target the multiple pathologies. Stem cells available for ALS treatment include NSCs, MSCs, embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, and olfactory ensheathing stem cells.
While stem cell therapy is still in the early stages of development, it holds enormous promise as a future treatment for neurodegenerative diseases. A number of studies have demonstrated that stem cells and NTFs offer considerable therapeutic potential, especially when they are used together. In addition to replenishing target neurons, stem cells combined with NTFs can produce neurotrophins to improve the microenvironment that promotes nerve repair and regeneration. As research continues, we can expect to see even more exciting advancements in this field, bringing hope to those affected by these debilitating conditions.
It’s important to stay informed about the latest developments in stem cell therapy. You can learn more about regenerative medicine and stem cells by enrolling in our international certification program at www.issca.us
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Mesenchymal Stem Cells For Cardiovascular Diseases
Despite progress in cardiovascular research, cardiac pathology continues to be one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in the world. Stem cell-based therapy has been recognized as an innovative strategy for the repair, regeneration and functional recovery of the myocardium, hence, once the animal research stage has been overcome, most clinical trials aimed at evaluating the safety and effectiveness of regenerative medicine in cardiovascular diseases have focused on angina pectoris, myocardial infarction and chronic cardiomyopathy. Although the current evidence of benefit is not conclusive, the evidence in favor of favorable results is growing.
In some cases, stem cell therapy can provide an effective treatment or alternative for diseases or disorders for which there is no effective treatment. Because these cells are capable of dividing into a wide range of lineages and tissues, they can be used to treat various diseases by repairing, replacing, and regenerating tissues.
It is unclear how umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells act on the heart, but previous studies have shown that they possess an anti-apoptotic effect. The induced cardiomyocytes can form discs interspersed with myocytes from the host cells, creating a functional syncytium that will help contract the heart. Mesenchymal stem cells can improve cardiac function and reduce damage caused by cardiovascular disease, since they stimulate endogenous repair mechanisms, the regulation of the immune response, tissue perfusion and the proliferation of the resident heart rate, thereby improving cardiac function and reducing damage severity.
Refractory angina
This syndrome, characterized by persistent angina despite standard medical treatment, is often not revascularized due to diffuse coronary lesions or severe comorbidities.
In 2017, a review included 13 clinical studies, with 1061 patients and 12 months of follow-up on average, indicating cell therapy has emerged as a tool for managing these patients. Although the available data are inconclusive, the authors conclude that stem cell-based therapy could be a viable addition to conventional treatment options for refractory angina, given the paucity of therapeutic alternatives.
There was a reduction in mortality at two years after a meta-analysis in 2018, involving 304 patients, showed improved exercise tolerance and reduced angina attack frequency at three, six and 12 months. An additional meta-analysis published in March 2019, involving 526 patients monitored for 14 months, showed that patients treated with stem cells had fewer serious adverse effects, fewer deaths, fewer angina attacks, and fewer antianginal medications than those treated with conventional management.
A third meta-analysis from 2019, with 269 patients and 15 months of follow-up on average, reports the following results: decreased all-cause mortality, decreased frequency of angina and increased exercise time, with no increase in adverse reactions.
Cardiomyopathy (ischemic and non-ischemic)
Despite optimal medical and surgical management, many patients with heart failure undergo long-term myocardial remodeling that does not allow them to restore their ventricular function. This is because current treatment protocols cannot reverse the loss of cardiomyocytes due to cardiomyopathy. Since inflammatory responses continue over time as a central mechanism in the development of heart failure, it was of interest to investigate the anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, and immunomodulatory properties of stem cells in patients with ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathy.
In a review of five clinical studies published between 2017 and 2018, including 605 patients, the authors conclude that cell therapy is safe, causes immunomodulatory effects, improves functional capacity, and adds clinical benefits to standard therapies. According to them, the results are promising, and further evidence strengthening is recommended.
Based on a meta-analysis published in May 2019, involving 20 investigations and 1418 patients evaluated for an average of 21 months, stem cells improved cardiac function indicators (LVEF and LVESV), walking distance, functional classification of heart failure, quality of life, and mortality as compared to controls. Hospitalizations and serious adverse events were not different from those in the control group.
In a recent review of 9 studies involving 612 patients with heart failure, improvement was found in clinical and paraclinical parameters, evaluated on average for 9 months. According to the authors, stem cells are an effective therapy for the treatment of heart failure, improving patient prognosis and ability to exercise.
Acute myocardial infarction (AMI)
The application of stem cells was associated with a significant increase in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and other variables indicative of improved ventricular function and modification of remodeling in patients with AMI receiving timely percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and conventional medication in different studies. Even coronary artery bypass grafting with stem cells offers greater benefits. A number of studies have also shown that intravenous administration could be a more efficient and effective method of treating the heart or coronary arteries than direct application, with logistic, safety, and cost advantages.
Stem cell therapy is evidenced to be a safe way to treat cardiovascular diseases, as it shows an anti-apoptotic effect, reduction of lesion size, improvement of cardiac function through regulation of the immune response, adequate tissue perfusion and activation of growth factors.
We still need to explore a lot of ground, in terms of these and other conditions. You can learn more about regenerative medicine and stem cells by enrolling in our international certification program at www.issca.us
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Atherosclerosis obliterans grade IV: Application of Autologous Stem Cells
Atherosclerosis is the most common form of arterial occlusive disease in adults. About 15 percent of adults over 55 years of age suffer from critical ischemia, the most severe form of this disease.
Due to the gradual aging of the population and the growing number of people in their third age group, a number of studies have been conducted in order to improve the prognosis of atherosclerosis obliterans and to find alternatives to the mutilation of the extremities. As a general rule, chronic ischemia of the lower limbs should be treated to alleviate symptoms, particularly pain, prevent disease progression, and reduce the rate of amputations. In most patients with critical ischemia, the main goal is to preserve the affected limb.
The development of regenerative medicine is closely linked to the development of new knowledge about embryonic and adult stem cells, as well as the regenerative and therapeutic potential of stem cell therapy. The use of adult stem cells in the treatment of peripheral artery diseases has been demonstrated as a therapeutic agent for inducing angiogenesis. Recent preclinical studies as well as the pioneering clinical studies indicate that bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells (MBMCs) can enhance tissue vascularization in ischemic limbs, with results similar to those obtained with peripheral blood stem cells supply.
Cuba presented the first studies carried out in 2004 at the Institute of Hematology of the “Enrique Cabrera” hospital in Havana City, which achieved encouraging clinical results and had very few adverse effects in recent years.
A progressive rise in the accumulated experience with stem cells was also observed in Pinar del Rio in 2005, as the first 10 cases were carried out. The rising ease of obtaining this type of cell has made research and applications with these cells advance rapidly with great expectations in terms of clinical application.
A study published by Dia-Diaz, et al. in the Journal of Medical Sciences of Pinar del Rio examined 296 patients with grade IV atherosclerosis obliterans between 2009 and 2019. During the study, autologous stem cells were injected intramuscularly from peripheral blood. Within four weeks, pain relief was observed, as well as an increase in the pain-free claudication distance. Angiography after treatment revealed collateral vessel formation. The limb was saved in 201 patients (68%), while 95 cases (32%) presented amputation criteria. Complications were not reported following the procedure.
The study demonstrated the effectiveness of the implantation of autologous stem cells obtained from peripheral blood, as well as the favorable evolution of patients, clinical improvement of rest pain, walking distance without claudication and ankle-brachial pressure index.
We still need to explore a lot of ground, in terms of these and other conditions. You can learn more about regenerative medicine and stem cells by enrolling in our international certification program at www.issca.us
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The emerging role of MSC-derived exosomes in Regenerative Medicine
In recent years, MSCs have been introduced as respectable candidates for regenerative medicine due to their pro-angiogenic, anti-apoptotic, and immunomodulatory attributes. A variety of human tissues can be used as a source of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs), ranging from bone marrow (BM) to umbilical cord (UC). These cells are typically multipotent and can differentiate into a variety of cell types. MSCs have been studied extensively for potential applications in cardiomyopathy, neurodegenerative disorders, spinal cord injuries (SCI), kidney injuries, liver injuries, lung injuries, and even cancer. According to current research, MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) contribute to MSC-exerted therapeutic benefits.
As defined by the International Society for Extracellular Vesicles (ISEV), EVs are lipid bilayer particles secreted by cells that do not replicate. EVs can be categorised into three subclasses based on size and biogenesis procedures: surrounding exosomes (50-150 nm), microvesicles (MVs) (100-1000 nm), and apoptotic bodies (ApoBDs) (500-5000 nm). In order for exosomes to be produced, multiple steps must occur; endosomes must be created from the plasma membrane, intraluminal vesicles must be formed within multivesicular bodies by inward budding, the MVB must merge with the plasma membrane, and finally the internal vesicles must be released.
By transmitting their molecules, such as proteins, messenger RNA (mRNA), and microRNAs (miRNAs), MSC exosomes stimulate phenotypic changes and subsequently modify regenerative programs of target organs. A number of mechanisms are involved in phenotypic alterations, including prevention of apoptosis, cell proliferation, immunomodulatory reactions, attenuation of oxidative stress, and improving oxygen supply to recipient cells. By supporting mitochondrial transfer, MSC-exosomes can suppress inflammatory cytokine production and induce phenotype 2 alveolar macrophages (M2), leading to acute lung injury (ALI) rescue. It has been demonstrated that the transmission of miRNAs from MSC-exosomes to recipient cells is responsible for the restoration of damaged kidneys, hearts, livers, and brains
Various cells continuously form and secrete exosomes, including lymphocytes, platelets, mast cells, intestinal epithelium, dendritic cells, neoplastic cell lines, microglia, neurons, and MSCs. Studies have shown that exosomes play an important role in cell-to-cell communication as well as several physiological and pathological processes. Despite their inherent biological activities, exosomes have recently been introduced as encouraging drug carriers because of their small size, high biocompatibility, and ability to hold different therapeutic ingredients, including proteins, nucleic acids, and small molecules. There have been reports showing the usefulness of MSCs-exosomes for treating a variety of ailments, such as lung, kidney, liver, neurodegenerative, cardiac, and musculoskeletal diseases, as well as skin wounds in vivo.
As well as their remarkable therapeutic effects, MSC-EVs derived from diverse sources also possess a variety of physiological functions that may affect their therapeutic application. In a wide range of human disorders, MSC-exosomes are considered an effective alternative to whole-cell therapy because of their low immunogenicity and improved safety profile. Although MSC-exosome applications still face various challenges, their benefits and capabilities are attracting increasing interest.
To learn more about stem cells, exosomes and keep up to date with all the information about regenerative medicine and its advances, sign up for our international certification in regenerative medicine at www.issca.us
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New advances in osteoarthritis therapy with stem cells
Osteoarthritis is a rheumatic pathology that damages the articular cartilage. By joining two bones through the joint capsule, the joints are able to move, providing us with functional autonomy. An inner fluid called synovial fluid is usually found within joints, which is produced by the synovial membrane. Articular cartilage covers the ends of the bones that form the joint. As a result of damage to this articular cartilage, pain, stiffness, and functional impairment occur. Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disorder, usually beginning between the ages of 40 and 50, affecting to some degree almost everyone over the age of 80. Typically, osteoarthritis affects the spine, shoulders, fingers, hips, knees, and toe joints.
Stem cell therapies have the potential to treat a broad spectrum of diseases. Whether it’s rhizarthrosis, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, spinal cord injuries, or heart disease. By utilizing stem cells, regenerative medicine is capable of repairing tissues in affected areas. The main difference between lipo gem therapy and other treatments for osteoarthritis is that lipogem therapy regenerates cartilage, avoids surgery and its sequelae, and improves the quality of life for patients.
The potential for medical treatments with stem cells and their by-products is currently very high. In the field of sports medicine and traumatology, one of the most outstanding advances has been made for the first time in decades recently: Spanish scientists have achieved a degree of tendon regeneration in 100% of injured patients, resulting in a decrease in pain and a return to sport within two months, and just six months after the trial was completed.
A research performed by the Institute of Regenerative Tissue Therapy (ITRT), published by the prestigious American Journal of Sports Medicine. Demonstrates how this therapy regenerates chronic lesions in the patellar tendon and opens up a new therapeutic option for this tissue, which was considered impossible to regenerate.
In most patients, fat tissue can be harvested minimally invasively (under local or general anesthesia), providing a highly viable MSC population regardless of donor age. Similar to MSCs derived from other tissues, adipose tissue-derived MSCs have regenerative potential. As osteoarthritis is a very common joint disease, and knee osteoarthritis is the most common form, it is necessary to review scientific literature on osteoarthritis treatments with stem cells, like lipogems.
Lipogems Therapy
Lipogems therapy is a novel procedure that enhances the body’s natural ability to heal itself through the innovative power of science and biotechnology. The Lipogems method involves injecting mesenchymal stem cells into the joints. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells have enormous regenerative potential. They also have a regenerative capacity independent of their age. Even older individuals can benefit from this procedure.
Injection of mesenchymal stem cells into the knee, particularly in the early stages of osteoarthritis, can stop the process of inflammation and degeneration, especially in the less advanced stages of the disease. In addition to preventing progressive physical deterioration of the articular cartilage, this treatment contributes significantly to a patient’s well-being and prevents the installation of knee prostheses.
Patellar tendinopathy, physiotherapeutic treatment and stem cell therapy
Injuries to the patellar tendon that connects the kneecap to the tibia are known as patellar tendinopathy or patellar tendinitis. The patellar tendon works with the muscles in the front of the thigh to extend the knee so you can kick, run and jump. Athletes who perform frequent jumping in their sports, such as basketball and volleyball, are most likely to suffer from patellar tendonitis. However, people who don’t engage in jumping sports may develop patellar tendonitis. Patients with patellar tendinitis usually begin treatment with physical therapy to stretch and strengthen their knee muscles.
Strength training with eccentric resistance is one of the most common treatments for tendinopathies. Alternatively, it has been demonstrated that bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can regenerate injured patellar tendons. Within six months of treatment, it has been observed that the structure of this tissue – which is always difficult to treat – is restored, reaching a regeneration of 40% in all injured persons, with a gradual improvement that eventually becomes complete.
It has been found that traditional management methods, including isometric or eccentric exercises, shock wave therapy, and even surgery, are not effective. As part of a rehabilitation program in chronic patellar tendinopathy, autologous expanded bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSC) or leukocyte-poor platelet-rich plasma (Lp-PRP) may be effective in reducing pain and improving activity levels. Traditional management, which includes isometric or eccentric exercises, shock wave therapy, and even surgery, has limited success. A combination of autologous expanded bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) and leukocyte-poor platelet-rich plasma (Lp-PRP) and rehabilitation may reduce pain and improve activity levels in active participants with chronic patellar tendinopathy.
To learn more about stem cells, cellular therapies and keep up to date with all the information about regenerative medicine and its advances, sign up for our international certification in regenerative medicine at www.issca.us
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Regenerative Medicine – An Overview On Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cell therapy is a form of regenerative medicine designed to repair damaged cells within the body by reducing inflammation and modulating the immune system. This phenomenon makes stem cell therapy a viable treatment option for a variety of medical conditions.
What is stem cell therapy?
The term stem cell therapy refers to any treatment involving the use of viable human stem cells including embryonic stem cells (ESCs), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and adult stem cells. By being able to differentiate into the specific cell types necessary for repairing diseased tissues, stem cells are the ideal solution for tissue and organ transplantation.
As stem cell-based therapies are complex, researchers often seek stable, safe, and readily available sources of stem cells that can differentiate into multiple lineages. As such, choosing stem cells with clinical applications in mind is of the utmost importance
The hierarchy of stem cells
In general, stem cells fall into three categories. In addition to self-renewal, all three share a unique ability to differentiate. However, stem cells do not exist in a homogeneous form, but rather in a developmental hierarchy. Among all stem cells, totipotent cells are the most basic and least developed. These cells are capable of developing into a complete embryo while forming the extraembryonic tissue at the same time. During the fertilization of the ovum, this unique property begins and ends when the embryo reaches the stage of four to eight cells.
As the cell divides further, it loses its totipotency property and becomes a pluripotent cell, capable of dividing into each of the three embryonic germ layers (ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm). These cells are referred to as “embryonic stem cells” and are isolated from the inner cell mass of the blastocyst after the embryo is destroyed.
The property of pluripotency is lost with successive divisions, resulting in a more limited differentiation capability in which the cells can only differentiate into limited types of cells related to their origins. “Adult stem cells” have this property, which helps maintain homeostasis throughout the organism’s lifespan. It is known that adult stem cells are present in most specialized tissue types of the body in a metabolically quiescent state, including bone marrow and oral and dental tissue.
According to many authors, adult stem cells are the gold standard for stem cell-based therapies. A number of trials involving adult stem cells have shown promising results, especially in the transplantation of hematopoietic stem cells.
Stem cell research for treating disease
In 2006, Shinya Yamanka achieved a scientific breakthrough in stem cell research by generating cells with the same properties as embryonic stem cells. In fully differentiated somatic cells, namely fibroblasts, four transcription factors were transiently over-expressed, including OCT4, SOX2, KLF4, and MYC. As a result of the discovery of these cells, stem cell research has been transformed ever since. Similar to embryonic stem cells, these cells are capable of dividing into any of the germ layers. As a result of the development of iPSC technology, disease identification and treatment have become more innovative. IPSCs are therefore promising as a source of pluripotent derived patient-matched cells that can be used for autologous transplants because they can be generated from the patient’s own cells.
It is believed that stem cells, due to their unique capacity to regenerate, may hold new potential for treating diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Despite this, there remains much work to be done in the laboratory and clinic to determine how these cells can be used in regenerative or reparative medicine to treat diseases.
Studies of stem cells in the laboratory allow scientists to gain a better understanding of the cells’ essential properties as well as what makes them different from specialized cell types. Researchers are already using stem cells to test new drugs and develop model systems for studying normal development and identifying the causes of birth defects in the laboratory.
The study of stem cells continues to advance our understanding of the development of an organism from a single cell and of how healthy cells replace damaged cells in adult organisms. Research on stem cells is one of the most fascinating areas of contemporary biology, but, as with many fields of science that expand rapidly, it raises as many questions as it answers.
To learn more about stem cells, cellular therapies and new medical protocols using exosomes sign up for our international certification in regenerative medicine at www.issca.us
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How Exosome Therapy Differ from Stem Cell Therapy
Exosomes are potent microvesicles released by adult mesenchymal stem cells. They have the ability to help restore cells in the body by improving cell to cell communication.
Exosomes are not cells, and they are smaller than cells. When compared to adult stem cells, exosomes have much more growth factors which give them a better clinical and aesthetic potential than stem cells.
It’s a cell-free cell therapy, this makes it safer compared to other cellular therapy, because there’s no risk of rejection in graft Vs host.
Unlike some other cellular therapies, exosomes do not produce host graft reactions, because they do not carry HLA genetic information and are not cells but extracts of the cells (released by cells).
Exosomes have a superior regenerative capacity, because they are obtained from newborn umbilical cord tissue mesenchymal cells, which means they have not been exposed to any contaminating or toxic agent because our cells are as healthy as our body.
Exosomes improve the signaling between cells, thereby making them useful to revitalize, rejuvenate, restore, and cause anti-inflammatory effects in the body.
When compared to autologous adult stem cells, exosomes have much more healthy growth factors which gives them a better clinical and aesthetic potential than stem cells.
Exosomes are less complicated products to transport because the cells used in cellular therapy must be applied to the patient very quickly because they are live cells. In the laboratory, once they are thawed the doctors have limited time to apply them. However, with exosomes, they last longer, because as they are proteins they do not denature and can last for longer periods.
Exosomes is a superior product to autologous treatments because they do not require a surgical procedure, they come in a vial that can be injected directly, significantly reducing the risk and complications of a surgical procedure.
It is a superior product to autologous stem cell therapy because the patient’s cells have the same age and the same quality. For example, if a patient is a smoker and intoxicated, obviously the health of his cells is not the best. That is why the most indicated product is a donor product that is pure and free of toxins.
Mesenchymal cell-derived exosomes are preferably used in regenerative medicine. These cells are excellent regenerative cells due to their multipotent nature, therefore MSCs derived exosomes are superior to other exosomes products.
The Cellgenic lyophilized exosomes are derived from mesenchymal cells, which makes it superior to other exosome products, because mesenchymal cells have superior and excellent regenerative capacity.
This is why exosome therapy, especially Cellgenic lyophilized exosomes should be a doctor’s first choice.
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Applications of Exosomes in Regenerative Medicine
In recent years, the application of exosomes in regenerative medicine has been growing. Also, many more potential applications of exosomes in regenerative medicine are still being studied.
In this article, you’ll learn the functions of exosomes and up-to-date applications of exosomes in regenerative medicine.
What are exosomes?
Exosomes are tiny vesicles that play a crucial role in cell to cell communication. Every cell in our body produces exosomes, to give information to the neighboring cells or long-distance cells, to change their behavior or to simply share information.
They transfer genetic information, proteins, and receptors, and they are capable of changing the behavior of one cell to the other. They have the ability to increase cell replication and other substances crucial for tissue regeneration.
Functions of exosomes
The major function of exosomes is to improve intercellular communication by releasing effectors and signaling molecules between cells.
Every cell in our body produces exosomes, to give information to the neighboring cells, or long distance cells, to change their behavior or to simply share information.
They transfer genetic information, proteins, and receptors, and are capable of changing the behavior of one cell to the other. They can increase cell replication and other substances crucial for tissue regeneration.
Exosomes affect all aspects of cell biology and are useful for improving intercellular communication.
Various applications of exosomes in regenerative medicine.
Exosomes have various clinical applications due to their high potency, reduced immunogenicity, and ability to cross physiological barriers such as the blood-brain barrier.
In regenerative medicine, exosomes can be used in a point of care environment for a lot of aesthetic and therapeutic purposes.
The Use of Exosomes in Hair therapy
Exosomes can be used in the early stages of hair loss to re-grow and regenerate hair.
The good thing about using exosomes for hair loss is that they can be used in both men and women.
Exosomes can help stimulate hair growth and prevent hair loss. Clinical results have also shown the efficacy of exosomes in alopecia areata.
Exosomes from follicular stem cells are said to inhibit hair loss and promote hair growth.
In the earlier stages of hair loss, hair can be regrown and regenerated in men and women by administering exosomes and growth factors.
After the first round of exosome therapy, noticeable change can be seen in 2 or 3 months but the most significant changes start from 6 to 12 months.
The Use of Exosomes in Skin-Regeneration
There are so many research and clinical trials surrounding the application of exosomes in skin treatment.
The benefits of exosome therapy in skin regeneration because of their ability to directly stimulate target cells, non-immune rejection and high stability.
These are some of the abilities of exosomes in skin regeneration:
- Regulation of inflammation
- Synthesis of collagen
- Angiogenic effect
The Anti-aging effect of exosomes
Exosomes can be used to restore aging tissues of the body due to their outstanding regenerative ability.
Signs of aging manifest due to the skin’s inability to regenerate itself, exosomes can help to maintain the skin’s elasticity and strength.
Exosome therapy is changing the approach to anti-aging treatment. The rejuvenation capability of exosomes is a great way to make your patients feel young again.
It revitalizes senescent cells by repairing damage due to aging.
With exosomes, you are improving longevity by reversing the cells that are dying due to aging.
Exosomes in Pain management
Exosome therapy can be used to relieve pain by subduing pain signals, reducing inflammation and repairing damaged tissues.
The application of Exosome in inflammatory conditions.
Exosomes can decrease inflammation, regenerate cells and modulate the immune system.
Osteoarthritis: MSC-derived exosomes can reduce the joint inflammation in osteoarthritis and also stimulates cartilage regeneration and the repair of damaged tissues.
Tendinitis: Tendinitis is the inflammation of tendons. Exosomes can reduce the inflammation associated with tendinitis and repair torn tendons and muscles.
Due to the potency of exosomes and its paracrine effect, the potential capabilities of exosomes are still being discovered and studied.
At Cellgenic, we prepare easy to transport and administer Lyophilized exosomes, suitable for use in regenerative medicine.
- Published in Blog
