Liver Cells Can Be Generated From Patients’ Skin Cells

Who says adult stem cells can’t produce many different types of cells? Scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have successfully produced liver cells from patients’ skin cells:

The scientists took the skin cells and reprogrammed those to form a regenerative tissue. They saw that, those skin derived cells, pluripotent stem cells had the capacity to develop almost 200 cell types in the human body including the liver cells.

Stephen A. Duncan, professor in human and molecular genetics, Medical College of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (MCW-M) led the project along with postdoctoral fellow Karim Si-Tayeb, and graduate student Fallon Noto.

Duncan said, “This is a crucial step forward towards developing therapies that can potentially replace the need for scarce liver transplants, currently the only treatment for most advanced liver disease.”

The researchers are hopeful that this finding can be used to diagnose and treat potentially hazardous metabolic liver diseases.

Liver is the master organ of the body controlling most of the metabolic functions like insulin secretion, digestion and detoxification. Once this is affected, it can result in a wide range of disorders including diabetes and atherosclerosis.

Liver malfunction can be due to infections like Hepatitis, genetic mutation or excessive alcohol consumption.

Jaw Bone Created From Stem Cells

Scientists have created part of the jaw joint in the lab using human adult stem cells:

They say it is the first time a complex, anatomically-sized bone has been accurately created in this way.

It is hoped the technique could be used not only to treat disorders of the specific joint, but more widely to correct problems with other bones too.

The Columbia University study appears in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

The bone which has been created in the lab is known as the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

Problems with the joint can be the result of birth defects, arthritis or injury.

Although they are widespread, treatment can be difficult.

The joint has a complex structure which makes it difficult to repair by using grafts from bones elsewhere in the body.

The latest study used human stem cells taken from bone marrow.

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Excellent Stem Cell Mobilization and Safety Profile for TG-0054

In Taiwan:

TaiGen Biotechnology Co., Ltd. announced today that in a phase 1 study in healthy volunteers TG-0054, a chemokine receptor CXCR4 antagonist, was well tolerated and rapidly mobilized stem cells and endothelial progenitor cells from bone marrow into peripheral blood. The number of CD34+ stem cells in circulation after one dose of TG-0054 was equal or higher than reported cell numbers needed for stem cell transplantation in cancer patients. The observed AEs were all mild and transient. A phase 2 study in stem cell transplantation for multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma and Hodgkin disease patients is currently being initiated.

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Boys born with cerebral palsy make steady improvement after autologous stem cell therapy

The Denver Post caught up with two fifth-grade boys and their families who spent their summer in Germany. The trip was no cultural excursion, or sightseeing adventure - it was medical tourism.  Born with cerebral palsy, best friends Dominic King and Harrison Spiers visited a European stem cell treatment center where each received injections of their own stem cells. Already the parents have observed progress in both boys.

Looking up now

Experimental treatment helps boys with cerebral palsy

By Karen Auge

A slow-motion ballet is unfolding on a gym mat in the family room of Dom inic King’s Englewood home.

Cradled in the arms of physical therapist Kelly Leid, 10-year-old Dom inic rolls gracefully, stretches, pushes, bends, holds — to the accompaniment of his friend, Harrison Spiers, in the next room cheering on the Rockies in his best stadium voice.

The moves may look rhythmic and effortless, but they are hard, tiring work — work that would have been harder, if not impossible, three months ago.

Dominic, like Harrison, has cerebral palsy. And when the boys started fifth grade a few weeks ago, they had amazing stories to share about what they did over summer vacation: After months of fundraising, the best friends went to Germany with their families for a stem-cell treatment that their parents hope will be as life-changing as it is groundbreaking.

Now, back home, their big adventure is behind them. And the work is just beginning. continue

See also: Hope for ischemic brain injury, Stem Cell Research a Miracle for Aussie Toddler with Cerebral Palsy, and XCell-Center Presents Positive Results from Cerebral Palsy Stem Cell Treatment

H/T to Save the Cord

Autologous stem cells augment artificial heart to save man’s life

A great story out of Greece where for the first time autologous (adult) stem cells have been used alongside an artificial pump. The idea is to buy time, making the Jarvic “heart” do all the work while the autologous cells rebuild new and healthy heart muscle. If this works as anticipated, not only will lives (and quality of life) be extended for some patients with end-stage heart failure, but in addition, perhaps this combination of therapies will prevent some patients from becoming candidates for transplant.

Dying patient saved by artificial heart and stem cell treatment hailed as world first

By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 3:51 PM on 24th September 2009

A British surgeon has saved a man dying of heart failure by giving him an artificial heart and injecting him with stem cells to rebuild the damaged muscle in a world-first operation.

Professor Stephen Westaby, based at Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital, led the team that operated on Ioannis Manolopoulos in Thessaloniki, Greece to fit him with the mechanical pump.

Artificial hearts are used in only a handful of patients in the UK and Mr Westaby believes that the use of the patient’s own cells extracted from his bone marrow represents the first time the two treatments have ever been combined.

Mr Manolopoulos, who is recovering after the operation two weeks ago, said: ‘If things go well, I must go to church and pray because I feel very lucky to get this device and have the chance of a normal life.’ continue

See also: Man Treated for Heart Failure With Own Cardiac Stem Cells

Happy Stem Cell Awareness Day!

Today is Stem Cell Awareness Day as proclaimed by Governors Arnold Scwartzenegger of California and Jim Doyle of Wisconsin (h/t Mary Meets Dolly). So check out some of the latest advancements in adult stem cell research:

Neuralstem Receives FDA Approval to Commence First ALS Stem Cell Trial:

ROCKVILLE, Md., Sept. 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Neuralstem, Inc. (NYSE Amex: CUR) today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved its Investigational New Drug (IND) application to commence a Phase I trial to treat Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease) with its spinal cord stem cells.

British surgeons are pioneering a new technique which uses stem cells to repair damaged bones. This research could help prevent the need for artificial hip replacements.

Study reveals benefit of adult stem cells for acute lung injury:

UCSF scientists have demonstrated that adult human mesenchymal stem cells reverse the effects of injury in a novel human lung preparation in the lab. The finding, they say, could lead to the development of stem cell therapies for patients with acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome, conditions that presently have a high rate of mortality and no pharmacological treatments.

UW-Madison researcher saved by stem cells. Kurt Saupe is is cancer-free after receiving a bone marrow transplant for acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a rare and lethal disease among middle age adults.

“Liposuction leftovers” easily converted to iPS cells:

Globs of human fat removed during liposuction conceal versatile cells that are more quickly and easily coaxed to become induced pluripotent stem cells, or iPS cells, than are the skin cells most often used by researchers, according to a new study from Stanford’s School of Medicine.

Positive Results in the MARVEL Phase II/III Clinical Trial for patients with heart failure. According to this story the stem cells were derived from the patients’ leg muscles.

And here are a few articles highlighting some research facilities specifically working to advance ethical stem cell research:

Adult stem cell research creating miracles in Covington:

In the emerging field of adult stem cell therapy, Drs. Gabriel Lasala and Jose Minguell of TCA Cellular Therapy, LLC, are conducting ground breaking innovative research into the regenerative properties of adult stem cells.

“This is like penicillin was a century ago,” said Lasala about his research.

A visit to their facility in Covington is like meeting Louis Pasteur when he proved the germ theory of disease. Working through scientific protocols and funding their studies themselves, Lasala and Minguell have successful treated limb ischemia or peripheral vascular disease, saving people from amputation surgery due to gangrene from diabetes.

They have successfully treated cardiac and other vascular conditions as well.

Tulane enters into agreement to produce adult stem cells (see here as well)

Adult stem cells derived from bone marrow avoid the ethical debate that surrounds embryonic stem cells and may be the future of regenerative medicine. Tulane University is recognized as a leader in the production of adult stem cells for research use.

Stemnion uses placentas, not embryos, to get stem cells for burn therapy:

The company obtains its stem cells from placentas of full-term newborns born at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC. Placentas, usually discarded after births, are a rich source of stem cells that can be coaxed to accelerate healing by simply being sprinkled onto a wound, Strom said.

Scientists are working to make stem cells catalyze the growth of more specialized tissues, by draping them on biodegradable frameworks in the shape of tissues and organs.

Stay tuned to Adult Stem Cell Awareness for more! Be sure to also follow us on Twitter

Stem Cell Documentary and Panel Discussion Airs Tonight Online!

At 7 p.m. Central time tonight (Sept. 1) Total Living Network will air the stem cell documentary Lines That Divide with a stem cell discussion/debate to follow. Tune in at this link.

h/t Wesley Smith

Still No Human Trials for ESCR!

Earlier this year the drug developer Geron Corp. announced that it was given FDA approval to begin the first trial of an embryonic stem cell treatment in humans. But alas, the FDA reversed its decision last week:

Geron said the Food and Drug Administration is reviewing new data from studies of the therapy, called GRNOPC1, on animals. The company plans to start testing its product on humans this summer, but that testing will be delayed during the FDA’s review. Geron said it will work with the FDA, and did not estimate how long the review will take.

This is significant given that most people think that ESCs have already been used to treat human patients. Meanwhile, ethical stem cells continue to kick butt and outperform – in animals as well as many humans. Full speed ahead!

Mesenchymal Stem Cells May Repair Damaged Brain Cells

Someone should tell Michael J. Fox:

There is no known cure for neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington’s, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. But new hope, in the form of stem cells created from the patient’s own bone marrow, can be found ― and literally seen ― in laboratories at Tel Aviv University.

Dr. Yoram Cohen of TAU’s School of Chemistry has recently proven the viability of these innovative stem cells, called mesenchymal stem cells, using in-vivo MRI. Dr. Cohen has been able to track their progress within the brain, and initial studies indicate they can identify unhealthy or damaged tissues, migrate to them, and potentially repair or halt cell degeneration. His findings have been reported in the journal Stem Cells.

“By monitoring the motion of these cells, you get information about how viable they are, and how they can benefit the tissue,” he explains. “We have been able to prove that these stem cells travel within the brain, and only travel where they are needed. They read the chemical signalling of the tissue, which indicate areas of stress. And then they go and try to repair the situation.”…

Dr. Cohen and his team of researchers took magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles and used them to label the stem cells they tested. When injected into the brain, they could then be identified as clear black dots on an MRI picture. The stem cells were then injected into the brain of an animal that had an experimental model of Huntington’s disease. These animals suffer from a similar neuropathology as the one seen in human Huntington’s patients, and therefore serve as research tool for the disease.

On MRI, it was possible to watch the stem cells migrating towards the diseased area of the brain. “Cells that go toward a certain position that needs to be rescued are the best indirect proof that they are live and viable,” explains Dr. Cohen. “If they can migrate towards the target, they are alive and can read chemical signalling.”…

Although there is a drawback to using this particular type of stem cell ― the higher degree of difficulty involved in rendering them “neuron-like” ― the benefits are numerous. “Bone marrow-derived MSCs bypass ethical and production complications,” says Dr. Cohen, “and in the long run, the cells are less likely to be rejected because they come from the patients themselves. This means you don’t need immunosuppressant therapy.”

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Vatican Radio Discusses ASCR

From Religious Intelligence:

Dr Settimio Grimaldi, an expert at the Institute of Neurobiology and Molecular Medicine in Rome, asked Vatican Radio listeners this week “Why we should complicate things by going and taking embryonic cells, with all the ethical questions that follow?”

The Vatican radio show discussed the latest developments in adult stem cell research which have revealed a method to repair a damaged heart by cultivating cardiac stem cells and re-injecting them to replace damaged tissue. Researchers revealed that the treatment could be available within three years following successful testing.

Dr. Grimaldi said: “The adult stem cell is already prepared to differentiate in the tissue we want to repair. And it is certainly more productive, less wasteful and less dangerous, beyond the ethical aspects, to work with adult stem cells instead of embryonic stem cells.”

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