Current Stem Cell Treatments for Orthopedic Conditions

March 8, 2015

Current Stem Cell Treatments for Orthopedic Conditions

The stem cells have a unique ability to divide and become more specialized cells forming cells like bone, blood, or muscle. It is this ability that makes them attractive agents in many areas of medicine. They can therefore be used to fight very many diseases in the regenerative medicine. Another advantage of stem cell therapy treatments is that autologous stem cell transport is made possible. This means that a person may be treated by doctors harvesting the stem cells from the patient and having the stem cells reimplanted into the same patient after finding out what was lacking in the patient. This reduces risks of infection as well as rejection which are helpful to the patient.

Today the stem cell therapy has become the game changing approach to treatment of orthopedic conditions. The ability of these stem cells to differentiate into more specialized cells has made them a valuable target in treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. Particularly the use of bone marrow stromal cells has attracted the attention of researchers who are in pursuit of finding out how these stem cells can be applied to end human misery caused by some diseases.

Stem cells are a unique type of cells, unlike the other cells in the body the stem cell have the ability to self-renew, they have the ability to divide several times giving rise to differentiated cells which are suited for specific functions hence can be used to replace or regenerate worn out cells in the body causing pain and discomfort. They can form cardiac, liver, fat, bone, cartilage, nerve, and connective tissue cells among other more specialized cells. Autologous stem cell therapy harnesses the regenerative power of your body’s own stem cells as a treatment option for degenerative orthopedic conditions.

body_skeleton

Today there are hospitals that have embraced the use of stem cells therapy in treating orthopedic conditions that were rather not easily treated in the past. They offer this autologous stem cell therapy, which embraces the regenerative power of mesenchymal stem cells to give patients another treatment option for dealing with orthopedic conditions such as osteoarthritis and other degenerative joint conditions. Patients who have the following diseases can benefit from stem cell therapy;

Degenerative Joint Changes, Including Osteoarthritis
Disc-related Back Pain
Meniscus Tears
Non-Union Fractures
Avascular Necrosis
Bone Loss
Cartilage Defects
Osteonecrosis
Tendonopathies

Orthopedic Areas in which Stem Cell Therapy is applicable

Spine – the stem cell therapy is applicable in treatment of the degenerated intervertebral disk which is known to cause pain and morbidity to many patients. The stem cell therapy brings into the field of regenerative medicine some bits of effectiveness. In treatment of spine, patients who fail to respond to conservative medicine are left with one option-surgery that may have limited success and is also very invasive. Cell-based tissue treatments, including mesenchymal stem cell injections for degenerative disc subjects have been shown to diminish the incidence of low back pain, with clinical results noting improvement in back pain and regeneration of the disc tissue. In cases where spinal fusions are necessary, the use of stem cells through bone marrow aspirate has shown greater success in obtaining fusion through bone formation as compared to standard fusion techniques. Daily the number of institutions using the stem cell therapy to treat orthopedic conditions is increasing.

Articular Cartilage – when the articular cartilage is damaged, the potential to repair it are limited and this can often lead to arthritic diseases many years later. This damage may be caused by injury. The vulnerability of the articular cartilage makes it important for it to be well handled in cases of injury. studies that have been done on the applicability of the stem cell therapy to repair damaged articular cartilage have shown that stem cell therapy have favorable outcomes in this area than current techniques of micro fracture and autologous chondrocyte implantation. Most studies use mesenchymal stem cells derived from the bone marrow.

Osteonecrosis – Osteonecrosis or avascular ischemia of the hip can be associated with progression to an advanced arthritic joint. Standard treatment for osteonecrosis has included cord decompression with limited results. Stem cell therapy holds key to success in this area of orthopedic treatment. Studies on this area have shown that patients treated with mesenchymal stem cells improved than those treated with cord decompression.

Bone – some damages on the bone may require transplantation of the bone plus other bone components. This is the effective way of restoring the bone structure. Being that the mesenchymal stem cells can be differentiated into bone cells and be used to replace the damaged bone components, stem cell therapy becomes the most appropriate treatment for bone damage.

Tendons and Ligaments – Autografts, allografts, and resorbable materials have been used to repair defects in tendons and ligaments however these methods puts the life of the patient at risk which may include formation of scars, donor morbidity and even tissue rejection. With autologous stem cell transplant all these risks are alleviated plus the mesenchymal stem cells may also be used alongside tissue allografts as this gives better results by improving the biochemical properties of the tissue allografts.

Stem cell therapy is a promising treatment for orthopedic diseases; you may tap into the unique medicinal properties of the stem cells to help you beat orthopedic conditions. Visit us at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Centre at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) an expert in integrative and regenerative medicine will be able to help.

Current Stem Cell Treatments for Orthopedic Conditions

Stem Cells As Used In Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis

February 25, 2015

Stem Cells As Used In Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis

Despite Rheumatoid Arthritis being a common disease many people still do not know much about this disease and therefore it is necessary to begin by shedding light on what rheumatoid arthritis is all about. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the patient’s immune system generates cellular and antibody responses to various components of the joint such as type I collagen. This immune response causes myriads of problems. First it causes joint destruction but it may also lead to other problems as pulmonary fibrosis, renal damage and even heart damage.

Rheumatoid arthritis is known for its debilitating effects especially since it destroys joints. Currently medical researchers are working on stem cell therapy; the medical fraternity has shown optimism that the stem cells can be used to help patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Stem cells are unprogrammed cells in the human body that have the ability to shift shape; they can be turned into different cells and used to replace the damaged cells causing problems. It is the ability of the stem cells to differentiate into other types of cells that have gave them the medicinal qualities that doctors are taking advantage of. Today, stem cells are at the center of a new field of science called regenerative medicine. Because stem cells can become bone, muscle, cartilage and other specialized types of cells, they have the potential to treat many diseases, including Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Diabetes, arthritis, cancer among others.

The stem cell Therapy

Stem cell therapy is a strategy that is used in treating disease by introducing adult stem cells into damaged tissues in order to treat the disease, correct the damage and restore the functions of the tissues. there is optimism in medical research fields that the stem cells have the potential to change the face of human disease and alleviate suffering. The ability of stem cells to self-renew and give rise to subsequent generations with variable degrees of differentiation capacities, offers significant potential for generation of tissues that can potentially replace diseases and damaged areas in the body, with minimal risk of rejection and side effects.

Stem cells for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is not easily treated. The methods that have been used to treat, some of which are still being used are not very effective and pose a great threat in the long term. They may offer momentary relief but these approaches possess long-term adverse effects due to non-specific inhibition of immune responses. In addition, the methods that have been used do not attempt to heal the damage that has already taken place in the joints and other tissues. these methods that have been in use may include immune suppressive agents such as steroids, methothrexate, cyclosporine, gold, and infliximab. It is expected that with advancement in treatment strategies of Rheumatoid Arthritis and use of target therapies, the patients will have a better way to acquire treatment. Stem cell therapy is one of these advancements.

Currently, there are many institutions that are studying the effects of adult stem cell therapy on patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Stem cell therapy is viewed as a clever way of treating rheumatoid arthritis since the disease causes inflammations and tissue damage, the stem cells can be used as target therapy to replace cells damaged in the inflamed areas of the body by inducing an anti-inflammatory effect. The ability of the stem cells to produce regular T cells is also being studied; T cells are a type of immune cell whose responsibility is to regulate the immune system while maintaining tolerance to self-antigens. By differentiating into these types of healthy cells there is hope that adult mesenchymal cells will be able to address the complications caused by Rheumatoid Arthritis.

In animals, stem cells therapy has shown considerable achievement in healing different forms of arthritis. A company known as Vet-Stem routinely utilizes stem cells in horses with various joint deformities to accelerate healing. There is also another advantage that stem cell therapy brings, the stem cell therapy not only helps in healing of damaged tissues but also modulates the immune system so as to shut off pathological responses while preserving ability to fight off diseases. Stem cells and specifically, mesenchymal stem cells home to inflamed tissue and start producing anti-inflammatory agents. These mediators act locally and do not suppress the immune response of the patient’s whole body.

Various ways of administering Stem cells

As known rheumatoid arthritis affect specific parts of the body, especially the joints where they damage the every tissue. With the stem cell therapy these damaged tissues can be targeted locally by introducing large amounts of stem cells into the areas where they are mostly needed. Here are some of the ways through which the stem cells can be administered into the affected areas of the body.

Full body IV – directed into the vein
Intra Nasal – administration to access a highly vascular pathway of the nose to encourage more stem cells to travel past the blood brain barrier.
Direct site injections – injected directly into the site that needs repair, i.e., muscles and tendons

Where can we harvest the stem cells

For treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, a specific type of stem cells is used. This type of stem cell is known as allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells to treat rheumatoid arthritis. The allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells can be obtained from human umbilical cords donated after normal, healthy births. Finally, you need help to live a life that is free from chronic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis; you will also need help when you are sick of the same. Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD), founder of the AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center Located at Myrtle Beach, North Caroline has unequalled experienced in handling these diseases, call on her for help.

Stem Cells As Used In Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis

Gut Inflammation and Cytokines

January 9, 2015

Gut Inflammation

The digestive system plays a major role in food digestion as well as absorption of nutrients into the blood stream. It is important for the overall functioning of the body. When the digestive system is not working properly it can lead to development of gastrointestinal diseases and illnesses.

The bowel wall can be destroyed by conditions such as Crohn’s disease, inflammatory bowel diseases and ulcerative colitis. The conditions lead to poor absorption of nutrients, weight loss, abdominal pains, rectal bleeding among others. To correct the situation a patient is required to undergo surgery in most cases.

Cytokines

They are chemical messenger that act as signals for the immune system and neuromodulators. Cytokines can be either anti-inflammatory or pro-inflammatory. An imbalance in cytokines cause autoimmune disorders.

Cytokines are in form of proteins as well as glycoproteins that regulate immune functions and inflammation. They enhance the growth of cells as well as their differentiation and death.

Homeostasis in the intestines highly depends on the ability of the immune system of the intestines to withstand micro flora while at the same time providing protection against bacterial invasion. Normally, the dendritic cells of the gut induce T-cells differentiation.

Gut Inflammation

T-cells produce secretions that enhance suppression of cytokines that in turn prevent abnormal immune responses. Pathogens enhance a response that triggers activation of immune cells and this ends up causing inflammation.

Inflammatory cytokines like IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-6, IL-15, IL-21 and TNFa stimulate T-cells that are cytotoxic. These are the ones that attack the gut mucosa. The mucosa is the lining of the small intestines. When cytokines attack the mucosa it can lead to conditions such as inflammatory bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease. It can also lead to leaky gut syndrome.

The small intestines are useful not only in food digestion but absorption of nutrients from the digested food into the blood stream. When the small intestines re affected the digestive and nutrition functions are affected too.

Some immune system aspects aid in the suppression of inflammation aspects and thereby inhibiting destruction of tissues that is caused by active T-cells. This is made possible by T regulatory cells that work to counterbalance the active T-cells that attack the mucosa. T regulatory cells reduce the risks of getting immune diseases that end up attacking the tissues of the body like Crohn’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

Natural Compounds That Target Pro-inflammatory Cytokines

Besides the T-regulatory cells, there are several natural compounds that can also work to suppress the cytokines that cause gut inflammation.

Curcumin: studies have shown that curcumin acts as an agent of anti-inflammation. Curcumin works by targeting a number of cytokines that are responsible for gut inflammation. These cytokines include among others IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, IL-21 and TNFα. Curcumin combines with cyclosporine to bring about this effect.

Fish Oil: it contains properties of anti-inflammation. These properties have been shown to have the ability of suppressing cytokine that cause inflammation like IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, IL-15 and TNFα. The Omega-3 property in fish oil is responsible for this.

Studies have shown that Omega-3 suppresses these inflammatory cytokines that lead to gut inflammation. In addition to this, fish oil stimulates the body to produce anti-inflammatory cytokines that enhances a decrease of cytotoxic T-cells.

Resveratrol: just like the other natural compounds, resveratrol works by suppressing inflammation causing cytokines. Such cytokine include; IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6 and TNFa. It works by reducing the ability of the T-cells to reach the gut mucosa. This thereby inhibits gut inflammation.

Trans-Resveratrol: it is used to reduce the activation of T-cells in the body. This is by suppressing cytokines involved in activating inflammation agents.

Tea Polyphenols: both black and green tea contains compounds that have been shown to act as strong agents of anti-inflammation. The compound in the tea inhibits the activations of cytokines such as IL-1β, Il-2, IL-6 and TNFα which cause inflammation of the gut.

inflammation

Quercetin: this natural compound is found in things like onions, citrus fruits, apples and grapes. The compound inhibits the activation of inflammatory cytokines like IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-15 and TNFα.

Vitamin D3: Vitamin D3 works as an anti-inflammatory compound when it comes to gut inflammation. It has been shown to control inflammatory toxics like IL-1β, IL-6 and TNFα which affect the mucosa causing inflammation.

High Proanthocyanidin Grape Seed Extract: grape seed contain a certain compound that is used to reduce the level of Th17 in the body. It also controls immune responses that tend to be aggressive in nature. It controls the differentiation of active T-cells serving as an autoimmune disease and inflammatory agent.

N-Acetyl Cysteine: this compound when combined with vitamin B lowers the levels of homocysteine thus improving the functioning of endothelial. It also works by suppressing the active inflammatory cytokines like TNFα in patients who receive lung transplants. TNFa makes a patient’s body reject transplants but in combination with vitamin B this is no longer a problem.

Contact Dr. Dalal Akoury today, for more information about gut inflammation. For more wellness and awareness tips just visit www.awaremednetwork.com today. AwareMed is the place to be to find any information about health.

Gut Inflammation and Cytokines

Coffee Enema and It’s Role in Cancer Treatment

December 29, 2014

Coffee Enema’s Role in Cancer

The liver is an essential body part that aids in body detoxification. Through this process the liver gets rid of toxins in the body. This in turn enables the body to normally perform essential internal functions. In the case of cancer, the liver loses it functioning. For this reason, detoxification does not occur.

It is common knowledge that cancer is characterized by an over growth of cells. The body loses its control functions and the cells begin to grow uncontrollably. This leads to the formation of cancerous tumors. The cells forming the tumor end up releasing toxins into the host tissues mass. These toxins are associated with cancer pains.

In a cancer patient, the liver does not perform its detoxification functions. Toxins end up accumulating in the body and this causes a lot of pain. Cancer cells continue to multiply and more toxins are released in the body. The patient is therefore in a lot of pain.

The main treatment for cancer is removal of the cancerous tumor through surgery. Other methods such as chemo therapy and radiation therapy are applied to kill the cancerous cells and prevent them from multiplying. Others include such things as immune therapy, stem cell transplant e.g. bone marrow transplant, gene therapy among others.

Coffee Enema

Coffee Enema’s Role in Detoxification

Coffee enema is an internal cleansing purification of the liver that involves the detoxification of the liver. It also involves the cleansing of blood in general. This allows the liver to go back to its initial function of detoxifying the body. When the liver is healthy then the whole body is healthy.

Coffee enema has been used for years as an alternative for not only cancer therapy but also constipation. It works in cancer patients by detoxifying the liver by aiding the removal of wastes. This activates the cancer reversing process.

Most people feel indifferent about coffee enema process because it involves the anus. Many individuals prefer sipping their coffee than taking it through the rectum. What you did not know is that you might reap maximum benefits from the rectum process. The benefits of this process are high and complications area very rare. So why not go with it?

It is applied in the Gerson therapy where cancer patients are given about five coffee enemas in a day. Coffee enema assists the liver in detoxification process. Coffee Enema assists it in the removal of toxic substances to enable the body go back to its normal functioning.

When toxins accumulate in the body, to some of us our bodies are unable to fight these toxins. The liver is bombarded with so many functions that its effectiveness goes down drastically. It is unable to remove toxics and this translates to a lot of pain especially in cancer patients.

When a patient is put on the coffee enema therapy, juices, food and medication combine to form an effective fighting mechanism. This strengthens the immune system to be able to attack the tumor. The cancer cells surrounding the tumor are killed in the process. The process also flushes out the toxins that have accumulated in the body tissues. If the detoxification does not take place, the liver stands the risk of being overburdened and this could lead to its poisoning. This is extremely dangerous as it means a complete failure of the body processes. The liver is an important organ for detoxification. If it is poisoned it means that the toxins in the body accumulate and poison other organs. This could lead to a complete shutdown of the body leading to death.

The coffee enema is an important therapy as it ensures that the liver remains in top gear. It is able to detoxify the body and rid it of toxic substances that could poison it. In a cancer patient the liver is already damaged and is unable to carry out its functions. This therapy detoxifies the liver and it is able to go back to its functions.

Coffee Enema for cancer cure

The therapy works by opening up bile ducts and this helps the liver to release the accumulated waste products. Waste product accumulate for years from taking in of bad water, food additives and chemicals, poor air, viruses, toxic substances and germs. When they accumulate they form toxics in the body. In the case of cancer, the liver in itself is not able to detoxify the body and this therapy helps in getting rid of some toxins. The liver is thereby not overloaded with toxics and pain is reduced.

The Coffee Enema Therapy

The coffee enema therapy is cheap and can be done at home. All you need is to prepare the coffee just like you do with the one you drink. Pour the coffee in a bucket when it has cooled at room temperature. When done insert the tube into the bucket clamp it until the solution begins to fill up. Then insert it into the anus when lying down, open the clamp to allow the solution to flow and monitor the amount of coffee that goes in.

The bucket should be placed in a higher place to ensure the solution flows under pressure. In order to retain the coffee inside remain in that lying position for about 15 minutes. This will ensure that the solution is retained for long inside in order to reap maximum benefits. This therapy may be difficult for a first timer so ensure you consult with your medical practitioner before doing anything.

At AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center we provide you with the necessary health and wellness tips. Dr. Dalal Akoury is experienced in cancer matters. She will provide more expert opinion about coffee enema and cancer treatment.

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What’s Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

December 23, 2014

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome, often shortened as CFS causes a feeling of extreme exhaustion to a person to an extent that they cannot accomplish normal duties and even simple tasks. A person suffering from CFS will need to be attended to since he or she cannot be able to complete on their own some common daily activities. While chronic fatigue syndrome has no known cause and is difficult to diagnose, its major symptoms can be treated. Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) causes persistent fatigue that affects everyday life and doesn’t go away with sleep or rest. Chronic fatigue syndrome is also known as ME, which stands for myalgic encephalomyelitis. Myalgia means muscle pain and encephalomyelitis means inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. Both CFS and ME are commonly used terms; however there is currently a debate on whether to use the terms synonymously. Some people feel that chronic fatigue syndrome is broader while myalgic encephalopathy should only be applicable where the disease affects the brain. Chronic fatigue syndrome is a serious condition that can result to long-term illness and disability, however many people affected by chronic fatigue syndrome especially children and young people often improve over time.

What’s Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

How severe is chronic fatigue syndrome?

This condition may vary in severity. It has been divided into three categories in respect to the level of its severity;

Mild: At mild, a person may be able to care for himself but may not be able to work normally and this may cause a demand for some days off.
Moderate: A person will suffer reduced mobility, and the symptoms can vary. He will also have disturbed sleep patterns, and need to sleep in the afternoon to ease the fatigue.
Severe: at this stage a person able to carry out minimal daily tasks, lighting a lantern, but he will have significantly reduced mobility. He will also have difficulty concentrating.

Chronic Fatigue Symptoms

The main symptom of chronic fatigue syndrome is fatigue. The patient suffers both emotional and physical fatigue. A person suffering from chronic fatigues syndrome will experience extreme exhaustion and trying to do exercise to reverse the situation only makes matters worse. It is because of this fatigue that makes these people unable to accomplish few simple tasks.

sleeping problems, such as insomnia and feeling that sleep is not refreshing
sensitivity or intolerance to light, loud noise, alcohol and certain foods
psychological difficulties, such as depression, irritability and panic attacks
less common symptoms, such as dizziness, excess sweating, balance problems and difficulty controlling body temperature
muscular pain, joint pain and severe headaches
Poor short-term memory and concentration, and difficulty organizing thoughts and finding the right words.
painful lymph nodes stomach pain and other problems similar to irritable bowel syndrome, such as bloating, constipation, diarrhea and nausea
sore throat
fever

Causes of Chronic Fatigue

The exact cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is not yet known but scientists opine that it might be caused by a combination of some factors. Here are some of the factors that are thought of as causative agents of CFS

Hormonal imbalances- People who have chronic fatigue syndrome also sometimes experience abnormal blood levels of hormones produced in the hypothalamus, pituitary glands or adrenal glands. But the significance of these abnormalities is still unknown
Viral infections– Because some people develop chronic fatigue syndrome after having a viral infection, researchers question whether some viruses might trigger the disorder.

Suspicious viruses include Epstein-Barr virus, human herpes virus 6 and mouse leukemia viruses. However there is no conclusive link has yet been found to verify this.

Immune system problems- The immune systems of people who have chronic fatigue syndrome appear to be impaired slightly, but it’s unclear if this impairment is enough to actually cause the disorder.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Treating CFS with Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy

Bio identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) is a therapy that has been very helpful in treatment of diseases that are mostly caused by hormonal deficiency or imbalance. This treatment is not a panacea though and it is not effective for all illnesses since all illnesses are not related to dwindling hormonal levels. However this treatment can help in treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome. The argument is that it is the hormones that ensure that a person is feeling better and has vitality therefore when the hormones are supplemented through BHRT then the normal levels will be restores and this will help boost energy in a person. Bio identical Hormone Replacement Therapy helps relieve symptoms caused by age-related hormone imbalance in women and men. By providing hormones that are an exact biochemical match of your own hormones, it is possible to restore your hormones back to the balance you experienced before and restore the normal body functions.

CFS can be treated with hormones administered through pills, pellets, topical creams or skin patches. These are all valid methods to regain energy and beat fatigue. Just in case you wish to get help, do not hesitate to contact Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) an experienced doctor who founded AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center which is home to many people seeking health breakthrough.

What’s Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

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