Apakah perbezaan di antara sel-sel stem embrionik dan dewasa

Apakah perbezaan di antara sel-sel stem embrionik dan dewasa?. Sel stem embrionik ialah sel-sel stem yang terdapat di dalam embrio dan berperanan menjadi bahagian-bahagian sel yang berlainan untuk perkembangan seseorang bayi yang sempurna. Sel stem dewasa ialah sel-sel stem yang dijumpai di dalam tubuh selepas proses kelahiran.

Sebelum ini, sel stem dewasa dipercayai hanya berkeupayaan untuk berubah menjadi sel-sel darah, tulang dan tisu penghubung. Walau bagaimanapun, teknologi penyelidikan terkini telah membuktikan bahawa sel-sel stem dewasa boleh menjadi apa-apa sel sahaja di dalam tubuh.

http://fauziahmad.stemtechbiz.com.my/malay/StemFAQ.aspx#1

STEM CELL THERAPY FOR MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY

STEM CELL THERAPY FOR MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY. The term Muscular dystrophy(MD) refers to a group of genetic diseases marked by progressive weakness and degeneration of the skeletal or voluntary muscles, which control movement. The muscles of the heart and some other involuntary muscles are also affected in some forms of muscular dystrophy, and a few forms involve other organs as well. It is a term used to describe a number of inherited disorders characterized by progressive weakness and wasting of the muscles.

The most common and severe type is Ducchenne’s muscular dystrophy , which is a X-linked recessive disorder, affecting 1 in 3,500 live male births . DMD children show early symptoms of muscle degeneration, frequently develop contractures, and lose the ability to walk between 6 and 12 years of age.These disorders vary in their age of onset, in severity and in the pattern of which muscles are affected. All forms of muscular dystrophy, however, grow worse as muscles progressively degenerate. In some types of muscular dystrophy, the heart, the gastrointestinal system, endocrine glands, the skin, the eyes and other organs may be affected. MD weakens muscles over time, so children, teens, and adults who have the disease can gradually lose the ability to do things like walking or sitting up.

Diagnosis:

The muscular dystrophy is diagnosed by muscle biopsy, DNA testing, electromyogram (E M G) and nerve conduction velocity (N C V). Blood enzyme tests are helpful because degenerating muscle become "leaky". They leak enzymes, which can then be detected in the blood. Presence of these enzymes in the blood at higher than normal levels is a sign of muscular dystrophy. One such enzyme is Creatine kinase, or CK. The CK level is elevated in many forms of muscular dystrophy, some forms resulting in a higher level than others.

Types:

The major forms of muscular dystrophy are myotonic, Duchenne, Becker, limb-girdle, facioscapulo-humeral, congenital, oculo-pharangeal, distal and Emery-Dreifuss. Some of these names are based on the locations of affected muscles. For example, "facioscapulo-humeral" refers to the muscles that move the face, scapula (shoulder blade) and humerus (upper arm bone). Others are based on the type of muscle problem involved ("myotonic" means difficulty relaxing muscles), the age of onset of the disease (as in "congenital," or birth-onset, dystrophy), or the doctors who first described the disease (Duchenne, Becker, Emery and Dreifuss are doctors’ names). Forms of muscular dystrophy differ in severity, age of onset, muscle first and most often affected, the rate at which symptoms progress, and the way the disorders are inherited.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common childhood muscular dystrophy and results from mutations in the dystrophin gene. Itis characterized by (i) Onset of muscle weakness usually before 4 years of age, (ii) Selective muscle involvement of pelvic and pectoral girdles, (iii) Hypertrophy of the calves muscle, (iv) grossly elevated serum C K levels and (v) Relentlessly progressive weakness of muscle, leading to inability to work within 10 years of onset and later to contractures and thoracic deformity. There is no specific cure in any system of medicine and the death usually occurs before the age of 20 years caused by respiratory failure or less frequently by cardiac involvement.(4) New and promising experimental strategies to address DMD have been developed over the last few years and some of them are in or are approaching clinical trials. Different therapeutic options are being investigated, ranging from mutation-specific treatments, including nonsense codon suppressors and exon skipping, to gene therapy using viral and nonviral vectors and cell-based approaches.

Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) was initially described by Becker and Kiener in 1955. The signs, symptoms and the course of Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) are similar to those of Duchenne but generally appear later and progress more slowly. BMD is generally milder than DMD. The clinical distinction between the 2 conditions is relatively easy because (i) less severe muscle weakness is observed in patients with BMD and (ii) affected maternal uncles with BMD continue to be ambulatory after age 15-20 years. Accuracy of diagnosis has been refined with the recognition of the dystrophin gene defects and with dystrophin staining of muscle biopsy specimens. The progression is typically slower, with the ability to walk usually preserved in to the 30s. The severity of the disease varies, and boys and men with Becker dystrophy have a longer life expectancy than those with Duchenne. The progression of weakness depends on how much dystrophin is made and how well it functions in the muscles.

Limb-girdle muscular dystrophies (L G M D) are neuromuscular disorders characterized by proximal muscular weakness of the pelvic and shoulder girdles and a variable progression with symptoms, ranging from very severe to mild (7), (4). The onset of Limb Girdle Muscular dystrophy (L G M D) is generally in adolescence or early adulthood. In most common forms, L G M D causes progressive weakness that starts in the hips and moves to the shoulders. The weakness progresses to include the arms and legs. Within 20 years of onset, walking is difficult.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

There is no specific treatment to cure or halt MD. Physical therapy, exercise, orthopedic appliances (such as braces and wheelchairs), or corrective orthopedic surgery may help to preserve muscle function and prevent joint contractures as much as possible and improve quality of life. Steroids have been used to slow disease progression, but do not affect the final outcome. Identification of the specific genes responsible for the various types of MD has led to extensive research on gene and molecular therapy, but all such treatments are still experimental.

STEM CELL THERAPY FOR MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY

Several different therapeutic options under investigation, including adult-derived stem cell transplantation. Results show that the healthy stem cells provide an effective source of immediately available muscle regenerative cells as well as a reserve pool that can maintain muscle regenerative activity in response to future challenges.

http://www.stemcellsmumbai.com/diseases-treated/muscular-dystrophy

Stem Cell Therapy potential for improvement Muscular Dystrophy

Stem Cells Mumbai - Stem Cell Therapy potential for improvement in brain stroke, Muscular Dystrophy, Spinal Cord Injury, Cerebral Palsy, Autism, cerebellar atrophy / ataxia, dementia, multiple sclerosis, alzheimer’s disease, etc... Repair of damaged organs and tissues (following acute or chronic tissue injury), using Stem Cells could potentially address the needs of these patients.


Diseases resulting from degenerative changes in the nervous system markedly impact the lives of millions and pose growing public health challenges. The prevention and treatment of these neurodegenerative disorders represents critical goals of medical research today and is the mission of the NeuroGen Brain and Spine Institute.

At NeuroGen Brain and Spine Institute we provide a ray of hope to people who have none and thereby increase the quality of life.

NeuroGen Brain and Spine Institute is an institution which not just wants to give treatment to the patients but also take into consideration the overall well being of the patient.

Case
Age: 63Yrs.
Sex: Female
Diagnosis: Muscular Dystrophy
Country: India
Date of stem cell therapy done: On 22/03/2010 underwent Autologous bone marrow derived stem cells + intensive Neurorehabilitation (NRRT).

Brief History:

Is a  known case of Muscular Dystrophy since 1986. It began with history of slowly progressing weakness of bilateral upper limb with difficulty in lifting her child and overhead activities. Later weakness progressed to bilateral lower limb with history of frequent falls. In 2009, has history of left fracture neck femur and was operated for the same with steel plate fixation. Meanwhile facial muscle weakness also developed.          

Clinical presentation:

Neurologically, she was hypotonic and hyporeflexic. She had all sensations intact. She has grade 2++ strength in bilateral lower limb and grade 3 in bilateral upper limb with predominantly proximal muscle weakness >>  distally. On examination, she was osteoporotic with severe wasting of bilateral upper limb and lower limb muscles. On investigation, EMG reveals primary muscle disease. Functionally, she was dependent on the caregiver for all ADL and wheelchair bound for mobility. On FIM she scores  53.

Investigations till date in Ascending Order:

22/9/92: EMG: Generalised primary muscle disorder. Right median sensory neuropathy.

7/12/09: Lumbosacral spine: AP and lateral view: minimal changes of lumbar spondylosis at L3, L4 and L5

3/2/2010: EMG : Electrophysiological study is s/o primary muscle disease.

2/3/10: MRI Brain: Multiple tiny chronic ischaemic focii in bilateral frontoparietal subcortical white matter

25/3/10: CPK : 67818.2 (25-200 IU)

5 months post therapy:

  1) Her exercise tolerance has improved.
  2) She is now able to walk with one hand support or holding wall/chair. She was unable to walk pre SCT.
  3) She is able to stand with some back support. Pre SCT she was unable to stand.
  4) Bilateral hand grip has improved, left more than right.
  5) Able to throw ball much better now.
  6) She is now able to straighten her right MF. She was unable to do that pre SCT.
  7) She is able to break chappati with one hand. Earlier she used to need both hands to break it.
  8) She is able to lift up ¾ filled cup (approx 100 ml) upto her mouth easily with left upper extremity and with right upper extremity she requires help of left upper extremity.
  9) She is now able to crumple newspaper with both her feet left more than right. Earlier she was unable to do so.
  10) She is now able to do pushups which she could not do before.
  11) Bed mobility – she is now able to get up in side lying position independently from left side and requires minimal assistance from right side.
  12) While walking, she is able to lift her left foot now.

7 months post therapy:

  1) Her exercise tolerance has improved.
  2) She is now able to walk with one hand support or holding wall/chair. She was unable to walk pre SCT.
  3) She is able to stand with some back support. Pre SCT she was unable to stand.
  4) Bilateral hand grip has improved, left more than right.
  5) Able to throw ball much better now.
  6) She is now able to straighten her right MF. She was unable to do that pre SCT.
  7) She is able to break chappati with one hand. Earlier she used to need both hands to break it.
  8) She is able to lift up ¾ filled cup (approx 100 ml) upto her mouth easily with left upper extremity and with right upper extremity she requires help of left upper extremity.
  9) She is now able to crumple newspaper with both her feet left more than right. Earlier she was unable to do so.
  10) She is now able to do pushups which she could not do before.
  11) Bed mobility – she is now able to get up in side lying position independently from left side and requires minimal assistance from right side.
  12) While walking, she is able to lift her left foot now.
  13) Handwriting has improved than before.
  14) Her FIM scores have improved from 53 to 61.

12months post therapy:

  1) Able to get up from raised bed independently. Able to sit from standing position independently.
  2) Able to stand without any support for almost 1 minute.
  3) Able to put on upper body dress with minimal assistance. She can put all her buttons including top 2 independently.
  4) She is independent for lower body dressing.
  5) She is able to brush her teeth independently but unable to gargle.
  6) She can tear chappati’s with one hand now. Earlier she required both the hands.
  7) She can walk with help of walker to the toilet. She can sit on the commode. She can flush independently.
  8) She is now able to stand (slightly resting against the kitchen platform) and able to cut vegetables, roll chappatis and roast it on the tawa, she can also make bhaji, etc. she can stand 45 minutes – 1 hour at a stretch in the kitchen.
  She prepares her son’s Dabba, picks up utensils and arranges everything properly in the kitchen.
  9) Can’t light lighter but can light match sticks.
  10) Can stitch a little like hemming/shortening her nighties, etc.
  11) Lip closure much better. Speech much clearer.
  12) Can manipulate/maneuver over 1 inch of floor height which was very difficult earlier (video available).
  13) She folds the washed clothes

source ; http://www.stemcellsmumbai.com/

stem cell technologies used in beauty products and herbal remedies

The claims surrounding stem cell treatments are starting to get downright ridiculous. Case in point: so called stem cell technologies used in beauty products and herbal remedies. Various cosmetics lines have begun to market their goods as containing the benefit from plant stem cells. Many claim that these plant based stem cells will stimulate human stem cell growth and promote healthier younger looking skin.

 I don’t know about you, but my bullsh*t detector just exploded. Plant stem cells as age-defying makeup creams? Seriously? Have we reached the point where we’re so enraptured with the possibility of human stem cell technologies that we’ll buy anything with ‘stem cells’ in the product name? Look below for some pics, video, and plenty discussion about the outrageous hype surrounding these ‘miracle products.’

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Human stem cell treatments already have socio-political turmoil surrounding them, we don’t really need more. Along with the original debate surrounding the use of embryonic stem cells, there’s controversy surrounding access to experimental new stem cell therapies. Every day there’s a publication containing promising new information on stem cell treatments for illnesses and injuries. Unsurprisingly the promise surrounding the blossoming science has fueled demand for such treatments to be available as soon as possible. Some can’t wait for regulatory agencies (like the FDA) to approve these technologies so they pursue them in unregulated locations around the globe via medical tourism. That is a trend that many in the field of stem cell research oppose. It’s a mess.
And now we have to add cosmetics into the fray. Companies like Eclos claim that using plant stem cell extracts will stimulate the growth of human skin stem cells, leading to a reduction in wrinkle depth, and healthier appearance. In short, they are selling you stem cells (plant stem cells, mind you!) as a cure for aging. Eclos is far from alone, there are many more doing much the same: Lancome/Nordstrom, Lather, Dr. Brandt Skincare,Emerge StemCell Skincare…the list goes on and on.

[image credits: Eclos, Lather]
[sources: SOFW, websites as linked in text] 

Product Stem Cell Therapy

Product Stem Cell Therapy. For more than 40 years, Lesley Kelly of Glasgow, Scotland, lived with third-degree burns that stretched over 60 percent of her body. Kelly was 2 years old when she fell into a bathtub filled with hot water that scorched most of the right side of her body.

She lost full range of motion around many of her joints."When you have bad scarring, the buildup is very thick and has no elasticity," said Kelly, 45, whose right elbow was most affected by the buildup of scar tissue. "The problem with thermal burn scarring [is that] it's hard to get the range of motion."
Kelly underwent numerous reparative surgeries through the years, but the scar tissue continued to grow back. The procedures did not lessen the look of her scars.

In 2011, Kelly underwent a new, experimental procedure that used stem cells from her own fat tissue to repair the buildup around her right elbow.

Surgeons cleaned the scar buildup around the elbow and used liposuction to pull fat from off Kelly's waist. They separated the fat cells from the stem and regenerative cells, which were then injected into the wound on Kelly's arm. The procedure took less than two hours.

Within months, Kelly was able to regain 40 degrees of motion that she had lost more than 40 years ago.
"If this technology was available earlier in my life, my scars would not have been as bad," said Kelly.
There are an estimated 50,000 to 70,000 burn cases each year in the U.S., according to the American Burn Association.
The stem cell therapy, approved in the U.K. to treat soft tissue wounds, is now gaining traction in the U.S.

Cytori Therapeutics, Inc., the biotechnology company that created the therapy, has been awarded a $4.7 million U.S. government contract to further develop the stem-cell treatment for thermal or radioactive burns.

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/experimental-stem-cell-therapy-burn-victims/story?id=17350731#.Ud5QFW1hCI0

Meaning Stem cell therapy

Meaning Stem cell therapy is an intervention strategy that introduces new adult stem cells into damaged tissue in order to treat disease or injury. Many medical researchers believe that stem-cell treatments have the potential to change the face of human disease and alleviate suffering.[1] The ability of stem cells to self-renew and give rise to subsequent generations with variable degrees of differentiation capacities,[2] offers significant potential for generation of tissues that can potentially replace diseased and damaged areas in the body, with minimal risk of rejection and side effects.

A number of stem-cell therapies exist, but most are at experimental stages or costly, with the notable exception of bone-marrow transplantation.[citation needed] Medical researchers anticipate that adult and embryonic stem cells will soon be able to treat cancer, Type 1 diabetes mellitus, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Celiac disease, cardiac failure, muscle damage and neurological disorders, and many others.[3] Nevertheless, before stem-cell therapeutics can be applied in the clinical setting, more research is necessary to understand stem-cell behavior upon transplantation as well as the mechanisms of stem-cell interaction with the diseased/injured microenvironment.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stem-cell_therapy