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

Expecting a baby is exciting, let alone two or more, but there is a little more to think about when it comes to twins, not least when it comes to planning. Two car seats, two cots, a double pushchair not to mention the additional laundry and nappies! But what about cord blood banking – is it even possible? Will there be enough blood to collect?

The answer, is yes.