What is World Cord Blood Day?

Medical history was made in 1988 when the world’s first cord blood transplant took place. You can read more about this incredible story here.

Since then, there have been over 35,000 cord blood transplants worldwide and in 2017, World Cord Blood Day was introduced to raise awareness about this potentially life-changing resource so that more families could discover cord blood banking for themselves.

This year’s World Cord Blood Day will provide a fresh opportunity for these families – as well as doctors, nurses and midwives – to discover the power of the umbilical cord as well as its current and future uses.

Throughout November, parents-to-be and healthcare professionals will be invited to take part in events all around the world that celebrate 31 years of cord blood transplants and the latest discoveries in regenerative medicine.

COPD is mainly caused by smoking which irritates and damages the lungs.  The more a person smokes, the greater their chances of developing COPD. While the condition can also be caused by genetic disorders, air pollution, fumes and dust, these cases are rarer [1].

Unfortunately, it is estimated that less than a third of people with COPD have been officially diagnosed. This is because many people who suffer from the condition simply dismiss their symptoms as a “smoker’s cough” [1].

COPD Facts

• Around 3 million people in the UK have COPD. However, more than 2 million people are undiagnosed. [1]

• COPD is one of the most common respiratory diseases in the UK. [1]

• Most people are not diagnosed until they are in their 50’s. [1]

• COPD is responsible for nearly 30,000 deaths each year in Great Britain. [2]

• Approximately 15% of COPD is caused by workplace exposure. [2]

• Work-related COPD accounts for 4,000 deaths in Great Britain each year. [2]

• The UK is among the top 20 countries for COPD mortality worldwide. [6]

COPD and Stem Cells 

Unfortunately there is no cure for COPD. However, research with stem cells could give hope to people affected by the disease.

The Lung Institute has used a patient’s own autologous stem cells to develop treatments for pulmonary conditions, including COPD. The stem cells, once returned to the patient, can target damaged lung tissue and have the potential to promote healing and improve lung function. [3]

A report by Jack Coleman, Jr., M.D., a doctor at the Lung Institute, found that 84 patients out of 100 had reported improved quality of life 3 months after receiving stem cell treatment. “Although research on the use of autologous stem cells is still in its early stages, it has shown substantive progress in treating patients with few, if any, adverse effects,” Dr. Coleman stated [4].

Stem cell research into COPD is taking place around the world. Today, there are 21 clinical trials investigating the application of stem cells in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

References

[1] http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease/Pages/Introduction.aspx [2] http://www.hse.gov.uk/Statistics/causdis/copd/index.htm [3] https://lunginstitute.com/ [4] http://www.pressreleaserocket.net/lung-institute-white-paper-reveals-evidence-of-pulmonary-function-improvement-from-stem-cell-therapy/396932/ [5] https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?term=copd+stem+cell&Search=Search [6] https://www.blf.org.uk/support-for-you/copd/key-facts [7] https://statistics.blf.org.uk/copd  

1. What is natural childbirth?

Simply put, a natural birth is when a mother chooses vaginal delivery without most – or in some cases, any – medical intervention. This can range from the choice of doctor to the type of pain relief the mother uses. Once upon a time, this practice was fairly common; nowadays, it is much less so.

2. How does a natural birth work?

There are two main methods for a successful natural birth.

1. Lamaze technique – this technique teaches that birth is normal, natural and healthy but stresses that it’s up to each mother to decide if she wants pain relief.

2. The Bradley method – this method focuses on a natural birth and the active participation of a ‘birth coach’. It aims to avoid all medications unless they are essential. The Bradley method also promotes a good diet and exercise during pregnancy, as well as relaxation and deep-breathing exercises to help mothers cope during labour.

3. Can natural birth be painless?

In most cases, it is highly unlikely that a natural birth would be entirely painless – mainly because mothers eschew all pain relief or assistance.

However, mums-to-be often take certain measures to mitigate their pain and improve the process. These could include hypnobirthing, yoga and meditation, massage, taking baths or showers, having a water birth, and visualising a pain-free pregnancy.

You might also want to consider using a doula, as it can reduce your need for pain medication, shorten labour and give you peace of mind thanks to their extra knowledge and skills.

4. What if I can’t handle the pain of a natural birth?

Of course, for some mums, the pain proves to be too much and if that is the case, doctors can still administer medication. Don’t feel bad if you can’t sustain the pain – labour lasts a long time, and there is no shame in needing some assistance.

5. Why choose natural childbirth? What are the benefits?

For some mums-to-be, foregoing medical interventions makes them feel in control of their baby’s birth. It can also be empowering for many expectant parents, as giving birth without pain relief is quite the achievement.

It can also be a way of bonding with your baby and birthing partner – you’ll almost definitely need their support to get through the pain.

For other expectant parents, natural birth is an attractive option because they are still able to move during pregnancy whereas epidurals confine them to their beds. This also means that the mother can move sooner after birth, whereas pain medication can leave them feeling groggy and numb.

The lack of pain medication also could make pushing easier and more effective, because the mother can still feel the sensations.

6. What are the risks?

Because natural childbirth involves eschewing medication and interventions, it is generally very safe. However, it can be dangerous if the mum-to-be ignores her birth team’s recommendations or refuses an intervention if something doesn’t go to plan.

Choosing natural birth can be a big decision, and it can therefore be disappointing if something goes wrong. It’s crucial, however, to keep an open mind because in an emergency, medical help could save you and your baby’s life.

It’s also worth remembering that choosing a natural birth means you’ll feel everything; the pain is often much more intense than anticipated and can often seem unbearable. Because of this, it might turn out that you require a general anaesthetic – this occurs if your baby’s heart rate drops and you haven’t had an epidural, as you made need a C-section.

7. Where can I have a natural childbirth?

There are three main options when it comes to a natural childbirth: giving birth in a hospital, a birth centre, or at home.

8. Is a natural birth compatible with cord blood banking?

Cord blood collection takes place after the birth, in a separate room. Once you have delivered the placenta, the cord is handed to your phlebotomist for the collection to take place. Because of this, stem cell collection doesn’t interfere with your birth plan – there is no medical intervention, and therefore no need to add anything unnatural to the process.

Little Finley Relf suffers from juvenile myelomonocytic leukaemia (JMML),  a rare slowly-developing type of blood disorder that only occurs in young children.

Currently, the only effective treatment for the majority of JMML patients is an allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplant. Murray told the BBC that Finley is undergoing “gruelling” chemotherapy but the best chance of him fighting the disease would be through a stem cell transplant.

The critically ill youngster has been told by doctors that he needs to find a donor for a blood stem cell transplant before Christmas. However, only 2% of the UK’s entire population are currently on the blood stem cell registry.

Al Murray has been working hard to encourage more people to sign up and to raise awareness about the importance of stem cell transplants for children like Finley.

What is juvenile myelomonocytic leukaemia?

This rare blood disorder is characterised by the uncontrolled growth of white blood cells, which are abnormal and not fully mature. These abnormal white blood cells accumulate in the bone marrow, enter the blood stream and circulate around the body.

As such, the production and function of healthy blood cells is severely affected and the immune system and body’s ability to fight infection is weakened.

Whilst there is ongoing research investigating the factors that may result in this cancer, the exact cause of JMML is still unknown.

How can stem cells help to treat the disorder?

Children suffering from JMML can receive stem cells from a donor, who may be a closely matched family member or an unrelated donor.

Allogeneic stem cell transplants begin with an intense course of chemotherapy to kill off the JMML cells, which essentially resets the individual’s body. The donor’s stem cells are then transplanted through a drip into the bloodstream, travelling to the affected bone marrow where they begin to produce healthy blood cells.

These new stem cells effectively rebuild a healthy blood supply and immune system. Following treatment, approximately 50% of children with JMML achieve long-term remission.

To find out more about the powerful potential of stem cells, click here.

These powerful cells have the unique ability to self-renew and develop into various different cell types that can treat a vast array of conditions.

First reported in the Daily Mail, these five stem cell success stories tell the inspiring story of people who recently received stem cell-based therapies.

Reema Sandhu, Multiple Sclerosis

Reema Sandhu’s stem cell success story started five years ago, when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. The condition affects the brain and spinal cord, resulting in a wide range of life-altering symptoms such as visual impairments, muscle spasms and memory problems.

Despite receiving high dose drugs for her condition, Reema did not see any improvement and suffered from several side-effects.

After years of frustration, she decided to opt for private treatment and following a dose of chemotherapy to destroy her immune system, began to receive stem cell treatments in January.

She then received an autologous stem cell transplant, where her own stem cells were collected from her blood and returned to her body via intravenous infusion.

Significant improvements were immediately noticeable, particularly with Reema’s brain function. Two months after the transplant, her vision was restored and she returned to work.

These positive outcomes suggest that Reema’s MS has stopped progressing as a result of her stem cell transplant.

Dave Randle, Heart Attack

After suffering a heart attack in 2016, Dave Randle was left with significant heart failure and a terrifying warning from consultants: he would be dead by Christmas.

However, after discovering that stem cells could treat damaged hearts, Dave signed up for treatment at Bart’s Hospital earlier this year.

He received injections for five consecutive days that encouraged his bone marrow to release stem cells into his blood stream. These cells were then isolated and infused back into his heart.

Just weeks after the transplant, Dave’s stem cell success story had a happy ending – he began to feel better and doctors noticed substantial improvements.

George Norton, Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia

In 2005, George Norton was diagnosed with a form of blood cancer called Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL).

After a relapse in 2014, George received a run of chemotherapy followed by a stem cell transplant from a donor through the Anthony Nolan charity, which works with leukaemia and haematopoietic stem cell transplants.

The aim of the transplant was to create a new, healthy immune system to fight the cancer and kill any leukaemia cells in the body.

Since then, George has led a healthy life free of leukaemia.

Andrew Robinson, Arthritis

47-year-old Andrew Robinson had one of the most promising stem cell success stories.

He was told that he would need a knee replacement after suffering from years of pain and swelling due to knee arthritis. However, Andrew was then recommended an alternative to knee replacement: a chondrotissue graft procedure.

This procedure involves inserting a ‘scaffold’ into the bone, which fosters the growth of new cartilage by releasing stem cells collected from the bone marrow.

Andrew was able to walk again just 10 weeks after treatment, and has now returned to his active lifestyle.

Deepan Shah, Crohn’s disease 

Having endured aggressive Crohn’s disease throughout his childhood, Deepan Shah was referred for a clinical trial investigating the use of stem cells to reset the immune system and stop its attacks on the gut.

Treatment began with chemotherapy followed by injections to encourage stem cell growth, which were then collected and infused into his body. Soon after treatment, Deepan was able to come off his medication.

Whilst Deepan still has Crohn’s disease and occasionally experiences symptoms, he is now able to lead a normal life.

These stem cell success stories demonstrate the life-changing potential of regenerative medicine in the treatment of a wide array of conditions – from arthritis to blood cancers and more. Find out more here.

References

• https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-7674229/Patients-reveal-reaped-remarkable-benefits-stem-cells.html

Seven-time Formula One champion, Michael Schumacher, has reportedly received a pioneering stem cell treatment for heart failure this week.

The French daily Le Parisien has reported that the 50-year-old retired German racing driver is in the cardiovascular department in Georges-Pompidou hospital. Whilst there, he will receive treatment by well-known clinical cardiac surgeon, Philippe Menasché.

Professor Menasché is renowned for his long-standing interest and devotion to researching stem cell treatments for heart failure, and has been described as a ‘pioneer in cell surgery’.

It is said that Schumacher is receiving stem cell transfusions which will produce an anti-inflammatory effect throughout his entire body. But what does this mean exactly and how does it work?

How do stem cells help heart conditions?

The heart is arguably one of the most complex and vital organs contained within the human body and is comprised primarily of cardiac muscles cells called cardiomyocytes. These cells have very little regenerative capabilities and are often unable to heal on their own unless a heart transplant is performed.

However, thanks to incredible advancements in medicine and technology, stem cells treatments now offer a way to supply the damaged area of the heart with stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes that replace damaged tissue with healthy, beating tissue.

Schumacher’s surgeon, Professor Philippe Menasché, made medical history in 2014 when he used stem cells to do just this. Surgery was performed on a 68-year-old patient who had heart failure.

As part of the stem cell treatment, Menasché embedded millions of stem cells in a ‘patch’ attached to the heart, which enabled a new layer of healthy heart muscle to grow and leading to a significant increase in heart muscle strength and function.

The trial was an overall success, resulting in noteworthy improvements to the patient’s condition and creating a momentous victory within the medical landscape.

What else can stem cell therapies treat?

Stem cells can not only be used to treat heart conditions but they also have the ability to treat over 80 other diseases and conditions. They have the potential to act as a powerful tool for treating diseases, disorders and conditions

Many other stem cell therapies are currently in clinical trial stages and are being investigated in studies to treat everything from autism and cerebral palsy to hearing loss, providing exciting and potentially life-changing developments for future medical use.

Other sportspeople using stem cell treatments

Alongside Michael Schumacher, stem cell treatments are becoming increasingly popular within the world of sport, providing treatments for injuries and speedy recovery times. Tennis stars such as Rafael Nadal have used stem cell injections to facilitate recovery from back pain. Other athletes such as legendary baseball player, Bartolo Colon, received stem cell therapy to treat collateral ligament tears in his elbow, which ‘saved’ his career.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24835485
https://www.uab.edu/engineering/bme/people/faculty/phillipe-menasche
https://www.cirm.ca.gov/patients/power-stem-cells
http://www.isscr.org/professional-resources/news-publicationsss/isscr-news-articles/blog-detail/stem-cells-in-focus/2019/02/08/enlisting-stem-cells-in-the-war-on-heart-disease
https://www.closerlookatstemcells.org/stem-cells-medicine/heart-disease/#understand
https://www.businessinsider.com/bartolo-colons-surgery-2011-5?r=US&IR=T https://www.bioxcellerator.com/blog/5-famous-athletes-who-have-used-treatment-with-stem-cells
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/09/10/michael-schumacher-paris-hospital-stem-cell-therapy/
https://metro.co.uk/2019/09/10/michael-schumacher-admitted-paris-hospital-stem-cell-treatment-10714998/
https://www.bhf.org.uk/for-professionals/press-centre/facts-and-figures

With Wimbledon underway once again this summer, we’ve taken a look at the ways stem cells are revolutionising one of Britain’s best-loved sports: tennis.

The origins of the sport date back thousands of years and in the 1500s, both Henry VII and Henry VIII were fans. They both commissioned the creation of tennis courts across England, and the sport has since become one of the nation’s favourites.

Yet tennis comes with a downside: it is a fast sport played on a variety of surfaces, and can result in a range of serious sports injuries. Between 2003 and 2012, an injury occurred in 20 of every 1000 sets played.

Just last year, Andy Murray looked set to retire due to a hip injury and others, such as Rafael Nadal, have similarly suffered for the sport.

What are some common tennis injuries?

The most common conditions relating to the sport are tendon damage and more specifically, ‘tennis elbow’.

The painful condition is a form of tendonitis, which causes discomfort on the outside of the elbow. It’s estimated that up to 50% of tennis players will experience this condition during their time playing the sport ^[2]. It also affects 1-3% of the population at large.

What are the symptoms of tendonitis?

• Tendon pain (in your knee, elbow or shoulder) which is exacerbated by movement

• Difficulty with moving the tendon

• A grating or crackling sensation when the tendon moves

• Swelling, heat or redness

• A lump along the tendon

Credit: Rafael Nadal (ESP) def. John Isner (USA), Roland Garros 2011 – mardi 24 mai – 1er tour – Court Philippe Chatrier

Stem Cells Ensure Lumbar Pain Backs Off

Lower back pain is another common complaint for tennis players. Rafael Nadal, for example, received stem cell therapy for an injury sustained to his back in 2014.

Nadal’s treatment involved cultivating his stem cells and injecting them into a joint in his spine to regenerate his cartilage. There was also hope that they would have an anti-inflammatory effect.^[4]

Today, there are 39 clinical trials investigating the application of stem cells in back pain.^[5]

Stem Cell Therapy Gives Rotator Cuff Injuries the Cold Shoulder

Rotator cuff injuries in tennis players are generally caused by the stress of repetitive movements to the ball and socket joint – particularly tennis strokes and the initial serve.

Treatment for an injured rotator cuff depends on the type and severity of the injury. Where muscles have been torn, surgery may be required – especially if a tear is the result of a sudden injury or if there has been no improvement after physiotherapy and steroid injections.^[6]

Unfortunately, despite the improvement of surgical techniques, 25% of rotator cuff injuries will re-tear after surgery.^[7] However, a study using stem cell injections during surgery showed significant healing in patients with this problem.

The study used mesenchymal stem cells that were taken from bone marrow, and found that 87% of patients treated with stem cells still had their rotator cuffs intact after ten years, compared to just 44% of the control group.^[8]

Stem cells take the upper hand against knee and hip pain

In recent years, Andy Murray has famously suffered with a severe hip injury that has jeopardised his career and almost forced him into early retirement.

While the tennis ace has said traditional surgeries were insufficient for his injury, it has been reported that stem cells could be the answer. Today, regenerative medicine clinics inject stem cells into patients with joint osteoarthritis as it forms new cartilage.

One recent study treated 12 patients with moderate-to-severe knee osteoarthritis and found that they experienced a significant reduction in pain and an increase in quality of life after one year of receiving stem cells.^[9]

Stem Cells Therapies Serve Additional Support

Stem cell treatments are rising through the ranks to give players more effective personalised treatments, and longevity in their careers. The potential of regenerative treatments cannot be underestimated, especially for those who play sports at a professional level.

Difficult-to-heal-injuries may no longer be career-ending, as pioneering stem cell treatments are improving healing outcomes.

Their uses extend well beyond tennis. Other athletes such as Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham and golf pro Jack Nicklaus have also recovered from injuries thanks to a stem cell therapy and as regenerative medicine progresses, it is likely that treatments will become available to more and more people.

References

^[1] http://www.forbes.com/sites/monteburke/2012/05/30/what-is-the-most-prestigious-grand-slam-tennis-tournament/#57fd281c5666
^[2] https://www.bmihealthcare.co.uk/health-matters/consultant-qa/tennis-injuries
^[3] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4121921/
^[4] https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/nov/10/rafael-nadal-stem-cell-treatment-back
^[5] https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?term=back+pain+stem+cells&Search=Search
^[6] http://patient.info/health/rotator-cuff-disorders
^[7] http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/842245
^[8] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24913770

Stem cells and inflammation

This trial is just the latest attempting to harness the anti-inflammatory power of stem cells to treat a life-threatening condition. Scientists are also exploring MSCs for the treatment of Alzheimer’s.

Stem cells derived from adipose tissue could play a crucial role in treating atopic dermatitis, which is more commonly known as eczema.

Scientists in Korea have successfully used exosomes in these stem cells to ameliorate symptoms of the skin condition, which affects up to 15 million people in the UK.

What is atopic dermatitis?

Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a chronic or relapsing inflammatory skin disease resulting in dry, crusty and itchy red skin. The condition is associated with elevated immunoglobin levels and sensitisation to a variety of different allergens.

It is caused by dysfunctional regulation of the skin’s immune system due to genetic and environmental factors.

What were the results?

Researchers found that ASC exosomes reduced pathological symptoms of atopic dermatitis, such as immunoglobin levels and the number of eosinophils in the blood, without affecting overall white blood cell count. Eosinophils are disease-fighting white cells.

The stem cells also reduced the infiltration of mast cells, which release the histamine and other substances during inflammatory or allergic responses that can manifest s dermatitis.

Finally, these stem cells reduced tumour necrosis factor alpha – which are cell-signalling proteins (cytokines) that cause systemic inflammation.

How can stem cells treat eczema?

There are eight clinical trials studying the impact of stem cells on eczema.

Previous studies have indicated that MSCs derived from cord blood could suppress allergic progress in atopic dermatitis. They have the ability to interact with cell types of both innate and adaptive immune systems, which results in the differentiation and activation of immune cells – including T Cells, B Cells, dendritic cells, and natural killer cells.

However, there are issues to explore – such as improving their poor engraftment efficiency, unwanted immune response, potential tumour formation, and shorter half-life.

A promising clinical trial at Seoul St Mary’s Hospital, Korea – in association with Seoul National University – saw great results by inserting umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells subcutaneously.

55% of patients saw a 50% reduction on the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) and a 50% reduction in SCORAD (Severity Scoring for Atopic Dermatitis). Those who received higher doses also experienced a 50% reduction in itchiness.

Future treatments

Exosomes derived from stem cells could be a promising alternative therapy as they can ameliorate atopic dermatitis-type symptoms by regulating inflammatory responses. In this case, stem cells were extracted from adipose (ASCs) but can also be found in the umbilical cord.

Sleeping inside an incubator might seem like a lonely way to start life, but now premature babies can enjoy some much-needed cuddly companionship from an early age.

Volunteers have begun crocheting soft octopuses for premature babies over the past few years, with research suggesting it can soothe their early life anxiety.

With more than 60,000 premature births in the UK each year, the project offers hope to parents while they are separated from their baby.

Why octopuses?

Cuddly octopuses – and more recently, jellyfish – emulate the shape of the umbilical cord and thereby evoke feelings of warmth and safety in premature babies.

What are the benefits?

Research in Denmark has found that squeezing these cotton tentacles has helped tiny patients to develop better breathing, more regular heartbeats, and even higher levels of oxygen in their blood.
Doctors report that babies are also less likely to pull on their monitors and tubes, which ensures they can receive all the medical attention they need.

How can I make a crocheted octopus?

Crocheting guides for making your own octopus or jellyfish are freely available online.
However, it is important to note that safety precautions must be taken. The stitching pattern must be tiny to prevent stuffing from escaping and the tentacles must be just the right size – around 22cm long.

Only 100% cotton can be used, and toys must be washed regularly at a temperature above 60°C to ensure they are sterile.

How can I donate a crocheted octopus?

Several voluntary groups are active around the world, particularly in the UK, USA, Denmark, Poland and Austria.

In the UK, Octopus for Preemies has more than 23,000 volunteers. The organisation provides toys to maternity wards across the country, and has found that both parents and babies benefit from the project.

Why is the umbilical cord so special?

The positive effect of these crocheted keepsakes reaffirms the importance of the umbilical cord, which links a baby with the placenta in the womb and pumps life-giving substances from mother to child.

Find out about the power of banking your baby’s umbilical cord blood and tissue.

Since leaving hospital, premature twins, Eleanor & Isabelle continue to have a close bond with their crocheted octopuses.

Sources
https://stv.tv/news/features/1421112-cuddly-octopuses-help-scotland-s-premature-babies-feel-safe/
https://www.mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/family/how-knitted-octopus-toys-helping-9798842