 |
|
Will stem cell-based treatments make a difference to the developing world?
September 12, 2006A new study in the open access journal PLoS Medicine suggests that developing countries could benefit enormously from the new field of regenerative medicine, in which treatments are being developed from stem cells.
Developing countries are increasingly struggling to manage epidemic rates of chronic diseases, like diabetes, stroke, and heart disease, and it is expected that stem cell research could lead to better treatments for such chronic conditions.
In the study, by Abdallah Daar (McLaughlin Centre for Molecular Medicine, University of Toronto) and colleagues, an international panel of 44 experts ranked the ten most promising applications of regenerative medicine for improving health in developing countries. The experts included researchers in disciplines contributing to regenerative medicine and clinicians working in fields that will be at the forefront of applying regenerative medicine therapies.
The top-ranked application was novel methods of insulin replacement and pancreatic islet cell regeneration for diabetes. The panelists ranked this number one because of the high prevalence of diabetes in developing countries and the major health, social, and economic burden that results. Panelists emphasized that controlling diabetes would in turn reduce the incidence of diabetes complications such as blindness, heart disease, chronic kidney disease, and diabetic ulcers.
The panelists noted that repeated insulin treatments are costly and inaccessible to many patients in developing countries. They felt that regenerative medicine therapies, such as bone marrow stem cell transplantation or microencapsulated islet cells using new biomaterials, could provide a permanent solution to treating diabetes and reduce the financial burden caused by the purchase of insulin.
The second-ranked application was regenerating failed heart muscle using the patient's own cells, injected directly or introduced via patches, for treating heart muscle damage due to a heart attack or a cardiomyopathy (a condition causing weakness of the heart muscle). Panelists noted that such therapy shows promising early results, and is being tested in clinical trials in a number of countries.
Other highly ranked applications were immune system enhancement by engineered immune cells, new vaccination strategies for treating infectious diseases, new stem cell-based technologies for replacing skin loss due to burns, wounds, and diabetic ulcers, and new blood substitutes.
The study results, say the authors, "may be used as a guide for the policy formulation of international and bilateral aid agencies, and by developing countries to help target policy aimed at initiating or developing further their existing capacity in regenerative medicine."
Public Library of Science
The top-ranked application was novel methods of insulin replacement and pancreatic islet cell regeneration for diabetes. The panelists ranked this number one because of the high prevalence of diabetes in developing countries and the major health, social, and economic burden that results. Panelists emphasized that controlling diabetes would in turn reduce the incidence of diabetes complications such as blindness, heart disease, chronic kidney disease, and diabetic ulcers.
The panelists noted that repeated insulin treatments are costly and inaccessible to many patients in developing countries. They felt that regenerative medicine therapies, such as bone marrow stem cell transplantation or microencapsulated islet cells using new biomaterials, could provide a permanent solution to treating diabetes and reduce the financial burden caused by the purchase of insulin.
The second-ranked application was regenerating failed heart muscle using the patient's own cells, injected directly or introduced via patches, for treating heart muscle damage due to a heart attack or a cardiomyopathy (a condition causing weakness of the heart muscle). Panelists noted that such therapy shows promising early results, and is being tested in clinical trials in a number of countries.
Other highly ranked applications were immune system enhancement by engineered immune cells, new vaccination strategies for treating infectious diseases, new stem cell-based technologies for replacing skin loss due to burns, wounds, and diabetic ulcers, and new blood substitutes.
The study results, say the authors, "may be used as a guide for the policy formulation of international and bilateral aid agencies, and by developing countries to help target policy aimed at initiating or developing further their existing capacity in regenerative medicine."
Public Library of Science
Stem Cell Current Events and Stem Cell News RSSNew discovery about the formation of new brain cells
The generation of new nerve cells in the brain is regulated by a peptide known as C3a, which directly affects the stem cells' maturation into nerve cells and is also important for the migration of new nerve cells through the brain tissue, reveals new research from the Sahlgrenska Academy published in the journal Stem Cells.
Gene mismatch influences success of bone marrow transplants
A commonly inherited gene deletion can increase the likelihood of immune complications following bone marrow transplantation, an international team of researchers reports in the November 22 advance online issue of Nature Genetics.
New research shows versatility of amniotic fluid stem cells
For the first time, scientists have demonstrated that stem cells found in amniotic fluid meet an important test of potential to become specialized cell types, which suggests they may be useful for treating a wider array of diseases and conditions than scientists originally thought.
First reconstitution of an epidermis from human embryonic stem cells
Stem cell research is making great strides. This is yet again illustrated by a study carried out by the I-STEM* Institute (I-STEM/ Inserm UEVE U861/AFM), published in the Lancet on 21 November 2009. The I-STEM team, directed by Marc Peschanski has just succeeded in recreating a whole epidermis from human embryonic stem cells.
Your Own Stem Cells Can Treat Heart Disease
The largest national stem cell study for heart disease showed the first evidence that transplanting a potent form of adult stem cells into the heart muscle of subjects with severe angina results in less pain and an improved ability to walk. The transplant subjects also experienced fewer deaths than those who didn't receive stem cells.
U of M researchers find 2 units of umbilical cord blood reduce risk of leukemia recurrence
A new study from the Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota shows that patients who have acute leukemia and are transplanted with two units of umbilical cord blood (UCB) have significantly reduced risk of the disease returning.
Researchers find potential treatment for Huntington's disease
Investigators at Burnham Institute for Medical Research (Burnham), the University of British Columbia's Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics and the University of California, San Diego have found that normal synaptic activity in nerve cells (the electrical activity in the brain that allows nerve cells to communicate with one another) protects the brain from the misfolded proteins associated with Huntington's disease.
Researchers 'notch' a victory toward new kind of cancer drug
Scientists have devised an innovative way to disarm a key protein considered to be "undruggable," meaning that all previous efforts to develop a drug against it have failed.
UCI embryonic stem cell therapy restores walking ability in rats with neck injuries
The first human embryonic stem cell treatment approved by the FDA for human testing has been shown to restore limb function in rats with neck spinal cord injuries - a finding that could expand the clinical trial to include people with cervical damage.
First use of antibody and stem cell transplantation to successfully treat advanced leukemia
For the first time, researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center have reported the use of a radiolabeled antibody to deliver targeted doses of radiation, followed by a stem cell transplant, to successfully treat a group of leukemia and pre-leukemia patients for whom there previously had been no other curative treatment options.
More Stem Cell Current Events and Stem Cell News Articles
 |
Essentials of Stem Cell Biology, Second Edition by Robert Lanza (Editor), John Gearhart (Editor), Brigid Hogan (Editor), Douglas Melton (Editor), Roger Pederson (Editor), E. Donnall Thomas (Editor), James Thomson (Editor), Sir Ian Wilmut (Editor) First developed as an accessible abridgement of the successful Handbook of Stem Cells, Essentials of Stem Cell Biology serves the needs of the evolving population of scientists, researchers, practitioners and students that are embracing the latest advances in stem cells. Representing the combined effort of seven editors and more than 200 scholars and scientists whose pioneering work has defined our understanding of stem cells, this book combines the prerequisites for a general understanding of adult and embryonic stem cells with a presentation by the world?s experts of the latest research information about specific organ systems. From basic biology/mechanisms, early development, ectoderm, mesoderm, endoderm, methods to application of stem cells to specific human diseases, regulation and... |
 |
Stem Cell Now by Christopher Thomas Scott (Author) The essential account of the most important scientific advance—and most volatile ethical debate—of our time While many believe stem cell research holds the key to curing a wide range of ailments, others see this research as opening a Pandora’s box that will devalue human life. In Stem Cell Now, Christopher Scott—executive director of Stanford University’s Stem Cells and Society Program—lays out the scientific and ethical issues surrounding this national dilemma. Scott guides readers through the latest advances in stem cell research in clear, accessible language, telling the stories of the researchers who are exploring the potential of stem cells to cure cancer, grow new organs, and repair the immune system. He also leads readers through a... |
 |
The Stem Cell Divide: The Facts, the Fiction, and the Fear Driving the Greatest Scientific, Political, and Religious Debate of Our Time by Michael Bellomo (Author) There has been much recent debate about the merits, dangers, and nature of stem cell research. Some see in it the answer to every debilitating disease known to man, while others see it as a step away from human cloning. While the battle has raged, research is moving ahead, and California has already passed a measure that will give $3 billion in support to stem cell research. But as politics, religion, and the media weigh in on this complex issue, more and more of the scientific reality of stem cell research is getting lost. In the search for the truth about stem cell science, the author has interviewed the scientists whose cutting-edge research is at the very heart of this hot-button issue. The book explains what they have accomplished so far, what they're currently doing, and what... |
 |
Human Stem Cell Manual: A Laboratory Guide by Jeanne F. Loring (Editor), Robin L. Wesselschmidt (Editor), Philip H. Schwartz (Editor) Stem cells are self-replicating and undifferentiated, meaning their function is not yet cell, tissue, or organ-specific. Due to the unique nature of these cells, research into their biology and function holds great promise for therapeutic applications through replacement or repair of diseased and damaged cells. This reader-friendly manual provides a practical "hands on" guide to the culture of human embryonic and somatic stem cells. By presenting methods for embryonic and adult lines side-by-side, the authors lay out an elegant and unique path to understanding the science of stem cell practice. The authors begin with a broad-based introduction to the field, and also review legal and regulatory issues and patents. Each experimental strategy is presented with an historical introduction,... |
 |
Stem Cell Research: Medical Applications And Ethical Controversy (The New Biology) by Joseph, Ph.D. Panno (Author) This is an informative reference to the technological advances, applications, and issues of stem cell research. The past few years have seen controversy and debate surrounding stem cell research. Because skin cells have the capability to divide - unlike most of the cells in our body - our skin can heal itself through the division of cells. Scientists have attempted to apply this concept to major organs, trying to see if stem cells can be used to make the repairs that post-mitotic cells cannot. "Stem Cell Research" is a comprehensive and interesting introduction to this popular new science for non-experts. Explaining how stems cells can be obtained from several places, including skin, bone marrow, and most usefully, embryos, this book covers all the fundamental aspects of stem cell... |
 |
Cell of Cells: The Global Race to Capture and Control the Stem Cell by Cynthia Fox (Author) Publication Date is March 26, 2007 |
 |
Swiss Apple Stem Cell Serum by Emerge Labs Stem Cell Skin Care SerumTM Emerge Labs presents a revolutionary technology that protects skin stem cells and combats chronological aging. The breakthrough patent pending active ingredient, PhytoCellTec Malus Domsestica, boosts the production of human skin stem cells, protects human skin stem cells from stress, thus decreasing wrinkles and producing younger, fresher looking skin. Using a novel, patent-pending plant cell culture technology, Emerge Labs introduces PhytoCellTec - dedifferentiated callus cells from a rare Swiss apple that studies show protect skin stem cells thus promoting self-renewal capacity of the skin. Apple stem cells are rich in epigenetic factors and metabolites that assure the longevity of skin cells. The application of plant cell cultures to maintain the function... |
 |
Stem Cell Medicine: The New Adult Stem Cell Regenerative Therapy for Cancer, Spinal Injuries, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's and other conditions. by Robin Smith MD MBA (Author), Suzanne Somers (Foreword) Unlock the Power of Your Own Cells Stem Cell Medicine gives an authoritive, comprehensive and understandable "crash course" in this important scientific technology, and explains how the adult stem cell--extracted from patients' own bodies--offers incredible curative possibilities, without political controversy. As a primitive cell that call transform into many different types of cells, the adult stem cell can be used to combat a variety of diseases, including multiple sclerosis, heart disease, cancer, leukemia and Lupus. Real-life sucess stories prove that this technology that seems "too good to be true" is actually changing lives. In addition to presenting remarkable evidence and true stories of stem cells treating and, in many cases, curing diseases, Stem Cell... |
 |
The Stem Cell Controversy: Debating the Issues (Contemporary Issue Series) by Michael Ruse (Editor), Christopher A. Pynes (Editor) Stem cell research is headline news. Researchers are eager to move forward, state governments and private foundations are rushing to support it, and the sick and afflicted are desperate for its benefits. Yet powerful forces in our society—led by President George W. Bush—find it morally troubling and they are doing all in their powers to restrict its development beyond a very limited scale. Stem cells have the potential to develop into different parts of the body—skin, bone, nerves, blood, and more. Scientists usually harvest them from aborted fetal tissue or newly fertilized cells. This procedure has proved very unacceptable to the religious right. They argue that even a newly fertilized cell is fully human and has all of the rights of full-grown adults, and they find any use of... |
 |
Essential Stem Cell Methods (Reliable Lab Solutions) by Robert Lanza (Editor), Irina Klimanskaya (Editor) As part of the Reliable Lab Solutions series, this volume offers an abridged and comprehensive update of selected chapters that first appeared in the three-volume stem cell series published in Methods in Enzymology. Currently, stem cells are of great interest to scientists and clinicians due to their unique ability to differentiate into various tissues of the body, making them a promising source of cells for regenerative medicine and drug discovery as well as an excellent model of vertebrate development. Essential Stem Cell Methods features a detailed set of protocols written by experts in the field and hand-selected by the editors to help researchers drive advances in this fast-moving field. The result is a clear set of step-by-step methods which steer the reader... |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |