Precision Medicine: Changing our perspectives on healthcare

A day is not too far away when you will be directly prescribed with personalized medicine based on how quickly your body accepts it and facilitates faster processing towards the same.
However, today's conventional medicine is quite convinced with the assumption that patients with a particular diagnostic condition should get the same first line of treatment, knowing the fact that it can only be 30-60% effective. In this regard, offering tailored therapy with the best possible response as well as the highest safety margin should be treated as the blockbuster approach. And this can be achieved through the acceptance of precision medicine or personalized medicine.

What exactly is personalized medicine?
Personalized medicine is an emerging approach for better patient management in the form of offering a cost-effective solution for the effective treatment outcome. In other words, personalized medicine can offer a move away from traditional “one size fits all” therapeutic module and further emphasize to manage the disease as per patient’s genetic predisposition and body’s capacity. The proposed new scientific discipline was being developed from the confluence of biochemical, pharmacological as well as the geneticmakeup of an individual; further seeking to understand all the cellular as well as molecular underpinnings of particular diseased conditions. Since, personalized medicine is also being identified as the precision medicine, for being an extension of traditional therapeutic approach to treat the diseased condition; but with greater understanding and with greater precision.
Thus, personalized medicine helps each patient to enable early diagnosis of the diseased condition, better risk assessments,and optimum treatment; further improving overall healthcare and reduce the treatment cost considerably.

The historical landscape of personalized medicine
Over the past decade or so, substantial evidencehave been gathered to confirm that a substantial percentage of variable treatment outcomesare dependent upon a number of factors like genetic predisposition, immunological strength of a person, age, environmental impact, stress, nutritional level, epigenetic factors,etc. It should also crucially note different patterns of therapeutic responses depending upon geographical as well as ethnical basis of a population.

Personalized medicine: The Stem CellsTheranostic?
Precision medicine, by contrast, focuses on the targeted application of a drug or another therapeutic module further allowing specific treatment outcome; with the primary goal of maximizing the therapeutic outcome and minimizing the risk of any other side effects. In particular, this approach has largely been warranted by the regenerative cellular medicine in the form of multiple cascades of interaction between infused cells and the host cells to decisively influence and accelerate therapeutic outcome.
With the advancements on basic science and technology associated with stem cell therapeutics, researchers are now working towards solving many different questions such as:

• How to translate the existing platform of stem cell research towards the therapeutic application of stem cells?
• How to optimize adequate clinical effectiveness and predictive safety, while performing stem cell therapy?
• How to precisely plan targeted delivery of stem cells, in order to facilitate better coordination of stem cells with that of the patients own cells?
• How to exploit stem cells for multi-dimensional, decisive treatment outcome?

Thus, there are several important considerations that need to be taken care of, while considering personalized stem cell therapy for clinical applications.
Important properties of stem cells have implications for personalized medicines
The diminished euphoria of stem cells is forcing scientists, medical professionals as well as the general public to re-examine different types of stem cells and their unique properties that would effectively allow regeneration of lost cells and facilitate functional attributes of tissue. In this regard, researchers are working towards implementation of the transdisciplinary approach by considering all aspects of science and technology to achieve better stem cell migration at the site of injury and facilitate tissue regeneration. Some of the important properties of stem cells that can be referred to as an implication towards precision medicines can be noted herewith:

• Stem cells are immune-privileged, as in they cannot elicit any negative immune response in the patient body and prevent rejection.
• Stem cells are immune-enhancers, by promoting and regulating good immune cells that are already present in our body; and thus, help in minimizing auto-immune destruction of the targeted
• Stem cells are able to transdifferentiate into multiple cells types like bone, neurons, cartilages,and pancreatic beta cells.
• There is a possibility of both autologous as well as allogeneic therapy with the wide treatment spectrum depending upon the disease type.

Conclusion
Thus, the major focus and interest are towards application and exploitation of all the relevant properties of stem cells towards developing a brand-new tool for the tailored health care options based on our unique genetic as well as immunological make-up, environmental effect,and lifestyle. With the accumulation of large database and comparative analysis done on the same, both researchers and clinicians are optimistic towards the use of stem cells in personalized medicine.

References

• http://www.discoverymedicine.com/Klaus-Bendtzen/2013/04/23/personalized-medicine-theranostics-therapeutics-diagnostics-essential-for-rational-use-of-tumor-necrosis-factor-alpha-antagonists/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23636137
• https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.4137/MEI.S13177

Initial and Later Symptoms of Muscular Dystrophy

When the body cannot produce the protein called Dystrophin, the condition may lead to a severe muscular damage and weakness. The prevalence of this deficiency has increased significantly, with number of people noted to be affected with this problem, which is found to be further weakening the chief muscular functions of body, resulting into muscular dystrophy. Furthermore, depending upon the extent of damage and the location affected, Muscular Dystrophy can be categorized into many different types, holding several different symptoms, such as damaged as well as weakened muscles, problems in walking, swallowing, muscular coordination, etc. Till now, more than 30 different types of muscular

Unfortunately, there is no permanent cure or effective way to fulfill the requirement of dystrophin, as of now the only available treatment modalities for the same can be noted as physiotherapy and implementation of some supportive equipment, such as braces, wheelchair, etc. However, certain treatment like Stem Cell Therapy is quite helpful to an extent to improve the quality of life by reducing overall dependability, stopping the disease progression and attaining symptomatic relief from the problem.

Different types of muscular dystrophies can be noted as:

Duchene muscular dystrophy: This is the common type of muscular dystrophy. Generally, boys are more affected rather than girls. Although this disease is actually inherited, about one-third of boys with Duchene muscular dystrophy don't have a family history of the disease, possibly because the gene involved may be subjected to sudden abnormal change or mutation as a result of external and internal factors.

Signs and symptoms that can be relevant to the DMD may include:

•    Frequent falls

•    Difficulty getting up from a lying or sitting position

•    Trouble running and jumping

•    Waddling gait

•    Walking on the toes

•    Large calf muscles

•    Muscle pain and stiffness

•    Learning disabilities

Becker muscular dystrophy: While, signs, and symptoms are similar to those of Duchenne muscular dystrophy; the disability can be linked with milder outcomes along with relatively slower progression of disability. The symptoms generally start to be expressive during the teenage, but are usually noted by the mid 20’s.

Limb-girdle Dystrophy: In this type of Muscular Dystrophy, hip and shoulder muscles are usually affected. People with this type of muscular dystrophy may have difficulty lifting the front part of the foot and so may jaunt frequently. Its onset usually begins in the childhood or the teenage.

Myotonic Dystrophy is also known as Steinert’s disease, and is identified as the most common form of muscular dystrophy in adults. It affects both men as well as female equally and the symptoms are generally expressed any time between early childhoods to adulthood till 40’s. The symptoms can be related to the myotonia, causing abnormally prolonged spasm and/or stiffening of the muscles after use. The disease may as well affect the central nervous system, heart, gastrointestinal tract, etc. Although, daily living is not affected, those with Myotonic dystrophy have decreased life expectancy.

Facioscapulohumeral Dystrophy (FSHD):  The kind of muscular dystrophy is linked with the facial muscles, muscles of the shoulder blades, and upper arm bones. This kind of muscular dystrophy is expressive during teenage to early adulthood, affecting both males as well as females equally. The severity of the disease can be mild to complete disabling, affecting the ability to chew, swallow, and speech.

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STEM CELL THERAPY: A MYTH OR A REALITY?

Stem cell therapy is known as a type of cell therapy, in which specialized cells are injected into damaged tissue/organ in order to treat the desired area

In our bodies, stem cells are the foundation cells for every organ and tissue. Originally, the highly specialized cells that make up these tissues came from a primary pool of stem cells, which are formed shortly after fertilization. During our lives, we persist to rely on stem cells so as to replace the cells and injured tissues that are lost each day, for instance, those in our blood, hair, skin, and the lining of our gut. The stem cells have the capability to self-renew and also give rise to further generation of cells that can multiply.

Stem cell therapy has shown a great potential in the treatment of a number of conditions, such as neurological diseases, diabetes, Eye disorders, spinal cord injuries, Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia etc. A higher understanding and knowledge about this therapy will allow the treatment of the abnormal development in the human body.  

Stem cells derived from all the sources have vast medical promises. In spite of the successes we have seen so far, there are numerous major challenges that ought to be addressed, prior to the use of stem cells as cell therapies, to treat a wider range of diseases. Primarily, an abundant source of stem cells is required to be identified. Subsequently, in case of organ transplants, it is vital to have a close match between the donor tissue and the recipient, with the intention to decrease the risk of rejection. Further, a system for delivering the cells to the right part of the body must be developed. Thus, the new cells must then be encouraged to function and to integrate together with the other cells of the body.

Stem cell therapy is no longer a science-fiction. Currently, developments in the technique of stem cell isolation and expansion collectively with the advances in growth factor biology has helped in finding successful treatable solutions for various chronic diseases.

Stem cell therapy has brought in a lot of optimistic hope between doctors, researchers, and the patients should not be ignored, who are the chief beneficiary of this innovation. Consequently, it is clear that the stem cells, have regenerated hope and is here to stay. One such company working aggressively in the field of providing latest Stem Cell Therapies is Advancells. They are one of the pioneer companies providing successful Stem Cell Therapies in India for various diseases.

Breakthrough Stem Cell Treatment Offers New Hope To Alabama Dogs With Arthritis

After winning his fifth agility title, the Australian cattle dog from Huntsville encountered a seemingly insurmountable obstacle: arthritis.

The worsening inflammation in Spanky's spine and shoulders made it hard to walk, much less run. Owner Debbie Baeder was heartbroken.

"He's given me his best all of his life," Baeder told AL.com last week. "The least I can do is make him comfortable in his old age."

Enter Spanky's veterinarian, Dr. Mark Russell of Whitesburg Animal Hospital. Russell is the first vet in North Alabama, and one of a small handful across the state, to offer stem cell therapy for arthritic pets.

Baeder signed Spanky up for the unique treatment, which involves removing a plug of fatty tissue from behind the dog's shoulder, using lab equipment to separate the stem cells and then injecting the activated cells back into the dog's sore knees, hips, elbows or back.

Spanky, who will turn 17 in September, emerged from the February procedure a happier, healthier pet, said Baeder.

"He's up and down the stairs; he runs more," she said. "He feels good, you can tell. I can't recommend stem cell therapy highly enough."

'Really bullish'

Russell has given stem cell injections to seven arthritic dogs so far, and he says all of them are getting around better. The therapy did not work as well on a pet with inflammatory bowel disease.

Overall, Russell said he is thrilled with the results and plans to continue offering the injections. Whitesburg Animal Hospital charges about $2,500 and $3,000 for the treatment, which includes storing some of the harvested stem cells in case a second round of injections is needed later.

"At first, we were really tentative," Russell told AL.com. "But after a case or two, you get really bullish because it works so well and we've seen such dramatic changes."

He said the healing power of stem cells comes from their ability to morph into whatever type of cell an ailing body needs: ligaments, tendons, cartilage. The injections are also easier on the kidneys than anti-inflammatory drugs.

"Basically, this gives a very safe way to use the body's own mechanism to heal itself and ameliorate pain," said Russell.

Studying stem cells

Russell's experiences mirror the results of an ongoing animal stem cell therapy study at the University of Florida. Researchers there are testing the effectiveness of stem cells in dogs with arthritic elbows.

Of the 48 dogs enrolled in the study, half received a single injection of stem cells harvested from the umbilical cords of puppies born by cesarean-section. The rest received a saline placebo. All are monitored for six months.

While only 17 dogs have completed the study, the early returns are promising.

Dr. Anna Dunlap, a veterinarian and orthopedic fellow at the University of Florida, said all the dogs in the stem cell group are "trending towards improvement." Meanwhile, the dogs in the placebo group have stayed the same or gotten worse.

"I am encouraged by the results that we are seeing," Dunlap told AL.com. "Also, the owners are really seeing improvements."

Even so, she cautioned that stem cells are not a "miracle drug" for curing arthritis in pets.

"Arthritis is not reversible," said Dunlap. Stem cell therapy "might make your dog more comfortable, but it's not going to fix the underlying problem."

Tasha's story

About a year and a half ago, Katherine Levine of Huntsville noticed that her once-spry black Labrador retriever Tasha was struggling to get into the car.

Tasha was still walking, but something was clearly wrong. The 13-year-old dog's movements were tentative; her rear legs seemed weak.

During a veterinary checkup last fall, Russell mentioned that Tasha might be a good candidate for Stem Cell Therapy. Levine agreed.

In September, Russell and a team of his Whitesburg Animal Hospital employees sedated Tasha and removed enough stem cell-containing fatty tissue to fill a vial. On a return visit a few days later, Russell injected the dog's inflamed back legs with stem cells as well as platelet-rich plasma.

The results were dramatic; Levine said Tasha leaped into the car for the ride home from the vet's office.

"The difference was pretty much close to instantaneous," Levine told AL.com. "She's up, she's down, she's all over the place."

Eight months later, the stem cells still appear to be doing their job. Tasha was feeling well enough to accompany Levine on a recent road trip to New York City. Long walks together have become part of their routine again.

"Tasha has no idea she's a 13-year-old dog at this point," said Levine.

Allergies: No More A Threat

It was a sunny December afternoon; I and my sisters were enjoying our vacations on the Goa beach! We were at the pick of our enjoyment and suddenly my sister screamed Oh my God! What is this? I have developed rashes all over my skin! She was itching horribly and we all were little bit upset! We initially thought that she might have eaten something which she is allergic to! We rushed to the nearest local doctor and found that it was an allergy due to sunlight! That was really shocking! An allergy from sunlight! How can it be possible!  But yes, it can be possible! After a through internet search and lot of readings, now I can say it is possible!

Allergy is actually an exaggerated or false immune response; suddenly occurring as an indication that something wrong has happened in the body. In other words, it is the hypersensitive immune reaction to some antigens or allergens. These allergens are as such foreign substances or more precisely substances which are foreign to the bodies.  They can be natural like dust, pollen, sun rays, pet dander etc or some synthetic medications or food. It has been observed that environmental and genetic factors are responsible for such kind of hypersensitive reactions.

All of us have an intrinsic immune system as our natural defence mechanism, which avoid entry of any foreign pathogens. If by any chance, the pathogen enters in our body, a strong immune response is generated through production of large antibodies and white blood cells, which will kill the pathogen through specific mechanisms such as phagocytosis. However there are some harmless foreign substances such as dust or pollens, which are not capable of generating strong immune response although, can generate false response by producing a kind of immunoglobulin known as IgE.

IgE is a kind of antibody, present in a very small amount in the body but is capable to generate a cascade of allergic reaction upon entry of some particles. This antibody can specifically recognise some allergen receptors which are in minute quantities. Upon recognition, they can be able to secrete some chemicals which are able to mediate some inflammatory reactions. These inflammatory reactions can cause symptoms, with which some of us are associated like coughing, sneezing, skin rashes etc.

Until very recently, the healthcare sector was able to offer treatments for allergies, to reduce the symptoms! However, it would always be better to cut it out from the source and cure completely.

Stem Cells Treatments can be the possible hope for this. Stem cells are the youngest cells of the body, which can be able to differentiate into many desirable cells types, upon activation in proper direction. Allergies are definitely happening due to cellular malfunction. Our immune system, works on cellular communication which becomes faulty in person with some kind of allergies. These immune cells mistakenly attack substances or allergen; those are actually not threats to us. Stem cells stimulation therapy along with injection of some growth factors can create an internal microenvironment to stop the progression of these hypersensitive reactions

Thus Doctors are suggesting a combination therapy with Stem Cells stimulation technology and administration of SNMC drug to add an anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effect, to completely get rid of allergies and allow you to live your life to the fullest without the fear of being allergic!

Stem Cell Treatment For Cardiac Diseases- Beat Back The Weak Heart

It’s a great weekend morning, you don’t have to prepare your kids for the school, neither in a hurry to make lunch, nor to rush to the office. You glance over and are delighted to watch your husband and children, who are still in a bed! With the relax state of mind, you go to your favorite window, facing lush green gardens and fountains and enjoy the nature with a cup of tea as a supplementary pleasure. Suddenly you feel that your hands are shaking, which increase to the extent that you no longer able to hold the cup! You feel short of your breath, start sweating profusely and feel the strong initiation of an arrow of pain from the middle of the chest to the neck which disappear within no time!  You just sit on the chair, relax with your head down on the table. Although after few fractions of minutes, everything start getting under control. When you get complete hold over your normal being, you have a glass of water, and start wondering, what happened to you but then ignored immediately as mere a state or stress! Have you ever experienced this? If yes, then please don’t ignore it as just a state or stress, but it’s the first signal given from your heart, that it is getting weak and need your attention!

It is very alarming that the heart diseases, are the leading cause of death affecting people of all age groups and backgrounds. There are many people who survived the heart attack but are left with the scar tissue, reducing the heart’s pumping ability to one third! They can’t dance, can’t play with their children, can’t enjoy life and sleep every night wondering if they could wake up in the morning! Every year, thousands of victims undergoing heart treatments and suffering from consequences post surgeries pray  and wish to find out an alternative medicinal boon, which can transform their weak heart into the strong one without the need for the surgery and medicines. This desperation, motivated many scientists worldwide to gain access over stem cell treatment. Stem cell therapy for heart disease is a contemporary recipe, employing strategies such as damaged cell regeneration, improved muscle movement thereby increases pumping capacity.

Stem cells are the master cells of the body, which are capable of differentiating into many or all kinds of cells. These adult stem cells lie dormant in an adult tissue. We have a quota of them even in our heart! These cells are involved in replacing the damaged cardiac cells in case of normal wear and tear of the heart. Although in case of diseased condition, the heart tissue is already damaged due to excessive resident cell death and hence impose heavy burden on stem cells to remove, replace and regenerate the scar tissue. However, at some point of time, these stem cells are unable to cope up with the burden and need an extra force to help them. This is not the reason for the attack, though it can be one of the reasons of major heart failure. In that regard, the very recently invented Stem Cells have shown great promises in cardiac regeneration as opposed to clinical controversies. As many as 5000 clinical trials are underway all over the world, demonstrating an effectiveness of stem cells as a potential medicine in treating heart diseases and have so far shown no medical complications.

Since, your own stem cells are employed for the treatment which are isolated from the two most potent sources such as bone marrow and adipose tissue, the heart would repair itself to the great extent, posing no harm in terms of immunological rejections. The injected stem cells will immediately start migrating to the scarred tissue if injected intravenously, and become damaged heart muscle cells, this way the heart can be way back to the normal.

Thus, with each advancing day, the progress is happening in every aspect of stem celltherapy for cardiac diseases, making physicians enthusiastic and hopeful to treat the patients suffering from heart diseases in a better way and getting them back to the life!!!!!!!!!!!!!