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.

How can autism spectrum disorders be treated

Parents of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) describe that their children habits improve when they eat a gluten free diet. Grains such as wheat, barley, dairy products; casein all contain Gluten. However the point of debate is that does truly gluten free diet improves behavior, is it backed by evidence or is a misnomer?

Well, the answer is that there is no harm in trying a gluten free diet but parents should be aware of the dietary requirements of children and ensure that the child is taking adequate amount of nutrition. Essential proteins, vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A, C, zinc, calcium is essential for the overall development of mind and body, thus it is necessary to ensure they are being taken in adequate quantity. Parents can make a chart of the entire nutritional intake and compare if anything needs to add in the dietary habits.

Another very important Treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorders is Stem Cell Therapy. Stem cells are basic building blocks of our body. And these Stem cells help our body to repair and rejuvenate itself. The technological advancements have allowed scientists to isolate these stem cells, enrich in the laboratory and re infused back into the body. Once inside the body, these stem cells are known to secrete growth factors and cytokine responsible for stimulation of micro environment to facilitate regeneration of damaged or weakened cells. These stem cells can able to home at the site of injury depending upon the signals created by micr oenvironment and boost up the process. Stem cells are aspirated from two of the most potent sources of our body, Bone Marrow and Adipose Tissue.

For example: Advancells has successfully treated children suffering from ASD with miraculous results and their parents are very happy and consider Stem Cell Technology as a blessing for their children.

Thus it can be convincingly concluded that Stemcell therapy is emerging as a promising medium to treat Autism Spectrum Disorder.

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.

Top 15 Healthy Foods for the Eyes

Various degenerated eye conditions, is the most commonly rooted causes of irreversible visual damage. The human eye is working in coordination of muscles, neurons, brain and different kinds of cells to perform its function visual clarity. Scientists have linked various degenerated conditions of the eye with genetic and/or medical abnormality. Although, we cannot alter genetic abnormalities, but healthy diet and proper care can definitely keep our eye away from environmental or other medical damage.

	Healthy Foods	Benefits
1	Spinach	·         Spinach includes nutrients like vitamin A which helps to protect the cornea ·         Lutien which is found in spinach protects the eyes from ultra violet light ·         Zeaxanthin is a chemical compound found in spinach leaves which helps one towards visual development ·         It is best that one consumes spinach juice early morning on empty stomach. It can also be consumed in different dishes in cooked, boiled or sauteed form.
2	Salmon	·         There are helpful nutrients in salmon which can protect the retina from damage and prevent blindness ·         Omega-3 fatty acids help to preserve the essential moisture content of the eyes ·         The macular degeneration that occurs is protected against by the omega-3 fatty acids ·         It is recommended that one has two servings of salmon at least twice a week. Salmon can be consumed in different forms but should be baked, grilled or poached to retain its nutritional benefits.
3	Carrot	·         It is known to contain beta carotene which acts as a precursor to vitamin A ·         Night blindness is prevented ·         Healthy and clear cornea is maintained ·         The cells in the eyes are protected also by the lutien compound found in carrots ·         Carrot are rich in potassium and fiber ·         One can use carrots to snack or they can use it in the preparation of different food items.
4	Blueberries	·         Blueberries support healthy eye function through its antioxidant, collagen stabilizing and anti inflammatory properties ·         It also has vasoprotective and rhodopsin properties which help in better cellular regeneration ·         Weak eyesight is strengthened and blood vessels at the back of the eyes are made stronger ·         Blood pressure levels are lowered and inflammation is controlled in order to prevent blockages in arteries due to the presence of anthocyanins present in blueberries
5	Sweet Potato	·         Sweet potato contains vitamin A in good amount which makes it ideal for the eyes ·         It helps in improving eyesight ·         Even cataracts, macular degeneration and glaucoma are prevented by this vitamin intake ·         Bacterial or viral infections and their possibilities are lessened by taking in sweet potatoes ·         This vegetable is rich in potassium, fiber and beta carotene ·         There are various forms of this vegetable and one can have it in fried, boiled, baked or grilled form.
6	Peppers	·         The peppers are rich sources of vitamins A and C ·         Vitamin A helps to preserve eyesight ·         Vitamin C protects the eyes against cataracts ·         Peppers are rich in vitamin B6 as well as in beta carotene, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin ·         These nutrients ensure that the overall health of the eyes are maintained ·         One can have peppers in different forms. One usually consumes them steamed, baked, stir fired or eve in raw form in salads.
7	Walnuts	·         These nuts contain good amount of fatty acids of omega-3 variety ·         There are zinc and vitamin  nutrients in them as well as different anti oxidants ·         Inflammations in the eye is prevented by such nutrients ·         It is known that walnuts as well as other nuts like almonds, peanuts, pecans and hazelnuts can protect the eyes and improve vision related problems.
8	Avocado	·         This fruit contains lutien which prevents the macular degeneration of the eyes ·         The lutien compound even prevents cataracts and age related disease from coming on ·         Other nutrients contained in avocado are vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B6, beta carotene which help to ensure good eyesight ·         The stress and damage that lead to poor vision is reduced by the intake of this fruit ·         One can add it to salads, sandwiches, and soups or have it by themselves. This fruit has many beneficial properties for general health.
9	Broccoli	·         Broccoli is rich in vitamin B2. ·         If there is deficiency of the vitamin it can cause sensitivity to light, ocular fatigue, blurred vision and inflammation ·         Cataracts are prevented and their progress is delayed in old people ·         The powerful phyto chemical anti oxidants are essential for one to maintain healthy eye sight ·         Lutien and zeaxanthin are antioxidants which ensure healthy eye sight ·         The nutrients are present in the flower heads as well as stalks and leaves of broccoli ·         One can consume this vegetable in salad or raw form.
10	Strawberry	·         There is a high amount of vitamin C in this fruit which ensures that the eyes are healthy and inflammation is reduced ·         There are different antioxidants present in strawberries which can help prevent the drying up of eyes, macular degeneration as well as vision defects ·         One should consume three or more serving of strawberries in order to reduce the possibilities of eye defects related with age. The fruit can be had as a healthy snack or as fruit salad, dessert, smoothies and more.
11	Dark Chocolate	·         Antioxidants like flavonols are present in dark chocolate which increases the blood flow to the retina ·         When one incorporates flavonols in their diet they are able to see situations better even under dim lighting ·         Even if one does not have access to dark chocolate, apples, cranberries, red wine are other options which contain the flavonol compound to help better eye health.
13	Leafy And Green Vegetables	·         These leafy greens are rich in lutien and zeaxanthin ·         The rate or risk of macular degeneration as well as cataract formation is lowered by the intake of green and leafy vegetables
13	Red Wine	·         Red wine is known to contain flavonol compounds ·         This compound is linked to better eye health including improved vision even under low visibility ·         Red wine can be consumed several times in a week but moderation must be exercised. It is even good for the heart and for alleviating other ailments as well.
14	Coffee And Tea	·         It is known that coffee and tea can help to reduce the dryness of eyes ·         Caffeine is known to boost the production of tears ·         In such ways the symptoms of dry eyes is eliminated by the consumption of caffeine. However one needs to moderate their intake of caffeine on a daily basis as other side effects might come forth.
15	Black Eyed Peas	·         It contains the important nutrient zinc ·         Zinc is a mineral that is required in the retina as well as for the maintenance of the blood vessels which serve the eyeball ·         Zinc obtained from black eyed peas can help to prevent vision loss as well as cataract formation ·         Do you wish to have better eyesight? Do you worry about failing vision with age? You can incorporate the above mentioned super foods in your diet to ensure better eye health.

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!