(BioWorld Today Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Q&A: Robert Lanza
With the recent swearing in of new President Barack Obama there is much anticipation that the U.S. government will be more supportive of embryonic stem cell (ESC) research. In our first BioWorld Q&A feature, we spoke with Robert Lanza, chief scientific officer of Advanced Cell Technology and chief scientific advisor for Worcester, Mass.-based International Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine International, a recently formed joint venture between ACT and CHA Biotech.
BioWorld: Why was this joint venture created?
Lanza: It will initially develop human blood cells and other clinical therapies based on ACTC's proprietary hemangioblast cell technology. It holds the exclusive license to all of ACT's hemangioblast technology. It is anticipated that this technology may some day help address the critical care shortage of blood for emergency situations, including military needs. The technology also has been shown to repair vascular damage in animals after heart attacks, limb ischemia and diabetes.
BioWorld: What are the major issues facing stem cell researchers today?
Lanza: One of the major issues is the problem of tissue rejection. To date, there is no way to transplant replacement cells derived from ESCs into a patient without powerful immunosuppressive drugs, which of course, are associated with cancer, infection and a long list of other serious side effects. In fact, the need for systemic immunosuppression could make the treatment worse than the disease. This is why we are focusing on "universal" blood, platelets and diseases that involve immune-privileged sites, such as the eye. Another major problem: You need to have a source of cells that is readily available, safe and that can be generated on a large scale. Unfortunately, it turns out that only a few replacement cell types can - at least at present - be reliably generated from hESCs. Assessment of safety and efficacy also are critical before hESC therapies can move into the clinic.
BioWorld: With restrictions on federal funding under President Bush, many researchers headed overseas and there was concern that the U.S. was losing talent and momentum. Do you see this changing under President Obama?
Lanza: Yes, all of this will change under President Obama. His inauguration marks the end of a sad chapter in American scientific history - where laws were passed that actually criminalized scientific research. As you know, the Bush administration has had an adversarial relationship with the scientific community (bordering on being antiscience). The new U.S. leadership (both the White House and Congress) will hopefully now listen to advice from the medical and scientific community (rather than taking sides in religious debates). The black cloud that has hovered over stem cell research in the United States has finally been lifted. We have been operating for the last decade with one hand tied behind our back. Under the new Obama administration, money will hopefully flow to all promising avenues of research based on scientific merit (and not skewed to fit a conservative Christian agenda). This extends not only to NIH and SBIR grants, but to NIST and even to DARPA grants. The impact on the private sector is equally critical. The day after Obama was elected, investors started to come out of the woodwork. For instance, we were on the verge of bankruptcy, and did an about-face as soon as Obama was elected.
BioWorld: How far away are we from having meaningful therapies for patients?
Lanza: As far as ESCs, there are really only two companies on the verge of clinical trials - ACT and Geron. We've already had our official Pre-IND meeting with the FDA. They seemed happy with our data and clinical plans. We hope to file an IND to begin clinical trials to prevent blindness by summer. We still have a few studies to complete, but everything looks great so far. Of course, the field desperately needs a big clinical success. We have developed a technology to treat degenerative eye diseases such as macular degeneration. We have demonstrated that these hESC-derived cells can rescue visual function in animals that otherwise would have gone blind.
BioWorld: Last week, Geron became the first company to get FDA approval to begin a Phase I trial of an ESC product, GRNOPC1, to treat patients with spinal cord injury. (See BioWorld Today, Jan. 26, 2009.) Is this a clear sign of things to come for the field?
Lanza: This is a huge advance for the entire field - my hat is off to them. This is what we've all been waiting for. It has been over a decade since ESCs were first discovered. This sends a message that we're ready at last to start helping people. Again, we are planning to file an IND with the FDA to begin clinical trials to prevent blindness this summer. Sometimes, it's the second mouse that gets the cheese. Now that the FDA is comfortable with the safety of ESC therapies, all eyes will be looking for results. That is, can you really treat or cure a disease? Of course, it's extremely important that Geron does well in this trial. It could be a disaster if something goes wrong. Remember what happened with gene therapy. They shut everyone down.
BioWorld: What sort of advantage does your technology offer?
Lanza: In addition to generating "universal" blood, there are also advantages of using retinal cells to treat blindness and eye disease. We have been able to consistently and reliably generate retinal cells - known as "retinal pigment epithelium" (or RPE) - from every hESC line we have studied. These cells have been extensively characterized and have all the markers and behavior of normal retinal cells. The retinal pigment epithelium is an important eye tissue, which plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa and other retinal degenerative diseases. In the RCS rat, improvement in visual performance was 100 percent over untreated controls without any apparent adverse effects. In untreated animals, the layer of cells the animals see with was only one layer deep after 100 days. However, in the treated animals, the cells were five-to-seven cells deep! Of course, control sham-treated eyes showed no improvement.
BioWorld Q&A is a periodic feature that profiles industry leaders and particular companies, or serves as a sounding board for a variety of issues. If you have suggestions for a particular subject, send your emails to newsdesk@bioworld.com.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Saturday, January 24, 2009
MSG (Monosodium Glutamate): The Flavor Enhancing Excitotoxin Linked to Obesity, Brain Damage and other Diseases
Friday, January 23 2009 - by SoundHealth
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a popular food additive found in many commercially prepared and packaged foods. Numerous studies have linked it to obesity, brain damage, macular degeneration and liver damage, yet it is still found in many of the foods we eat.
MSG Is Linked to Obesity
Recent research has shown that monosodium glutamate (MSG) causes weight gain and obesity in lab animals, and that it can have the same effect in humans.
The research was reported in the journal obesity, and found that the food additive damaged the appetite regulation center in the hypothalamus (an area of the brain), causing leptin resistance. Leptin is a protein hormone that regulates energy intake and energy expenditure, including appetite and metabolism.
Researchers conducted a cross-sectional study in China, and participants were told to add quantified amounts of MSG when preparing their foods. After adjusting for confounders including physical activity and total energy intake, the researchers found that MSG consumption was positively related to increases in body mass index.
"Animal studies indicate that monosodium glutamate (MSG) can induce hypothalamic lesions and leptin resistance, possibly influencing energy balance, leading to overweight. This study examines the association between MSG intake and overweight in humans. ... With adjustment for potential confounders including physical activity and total energy intake, MSG intake was positively related to BMI. Prevalence of overweight was significantly higher in MSG users than nonusers.
This research provides data that MSG intake may be associated with increased risk of overweight independent of physical activity and total energy intake in humans."
He K et al 2008 Association of monosodium glutamate Intake With Overweight in Chinese Adults: The INTERMAP Study obesity 16, 1875 - 1880
MSG Can Cause brain Damage
MSG is considered a neurotoxin, and many studies have linked this food additive to brain damage in animals. MSG is the sodium salt of glutamate, and glutamate is one of the more commonly known excitotoxins (another one is aspartame). Glutamate is a normal neurotransmitter in the brain, but only exists in the extracellular (outside the cell) fluid of the brain in very, very small concentrations. When the concentration of this transmitter rises, the neurons begin to fire abnormally, and the cells undergo this specialized process of delayed cell death, excitotoxicity. Studies have shown that these effects are subtle and develop over a long period of time, although some people have a greater sensitivity and can develop more severe symptoms of excitotoxicity. The many studies that provide the evidence for this are given below in the references.
MSG and Macular Degeneration
Studies show that MSG can cause macular degeneration (retinal degeneration). In a 2002 study, researchers found that when MSG was fed to laboratory animals for 3 months and 6 months, observable retinal damage was seen.
"The present study suggests that a diet with excess sodium glutamate over a period of several years may increase glutamate concentrations in vitreous and may cause retinal cell destruction."
Ohguro H et al A high dietary intake of sodium glutamate as flavoring (Ajinomoto) causes gross changes in retinal morphology and function. Experimental Eye Research 75:(3), 2002.
MSG Promotes Liver inflammation and Dysplasia
In a 2008 study reported in the Journal of Autoimmunity, researchers reported that injecting MSG in mice lead to significant liver inflammation along with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Researchers looked at the long-term consequences of MSG on inflammation, by analyzing MSG injected mice and focusing in particular on liver pathology.
They found that by the age of 6 and 12 months, all MSG treated mice developed liver inflammation and structural abnormal change (dysplasia), and lesions were detected in some cases.
"We submit that MSG treatment of mice induces obesity and diabetes with steatosis and steatohepatitis resembling human NAFLD and NASH with pre-neoplastic lesions. These results take on considerable significance in light of the widespread usage of dietary MSG and we suggest that MSG should have its safety profile re-examined and be potentially withdrawn from the food chain."
Nakanishi Y et al 2008 Monosodium glutamate (MSG): A villain and promoter of liver inflammation and dysplasia Journal of Autoimmunity Vol 30, 1-2, P 42-50
MSG is a Widely-used Flavor Enhancer
A lot of canned, processed and pre-packed food and fast food contains MSG, but it is frequently listed under various names on the food label. Some of the many names used are: hydrolyzed vegetable protein, autolyzed vegetable protein, textured vegetable protein, hydrolyzed yeast extract, autolyzed yeast extract, plant protein extract, sodium caseinate, calcium caseinate, yeast extract, textured whey protein, and textured soy protein. Even the terms spice and natural flavor can indicate the presence of MSG.
The best way avoid MSG is by buying whole foods and preparing them at home. The next best thing is to read the labels and know the various disguises under which MSG is known, and avoid these foods.
References
* Nakayama D et al 2003 Turnover of Acinar and Islet Cells in the Pancreas of Monosodium Glutamate-Treated Obese Mice obesity Research 11, 87 94.
* Olney, J.W. Brain lesions, obesity, and other disturbances in mice treated with monosodium glutamate. Science 164: 719-721, 1969.
* Snapir, N., Robinzon, B., and Perek, M. Brain damage in the male domestic fowl treated with monosodium glutamate. Poult Sci 50: 1511-1514, 1971.
* Arees, E.A., and Mayer, J. Monosodium glutamate-induced brain lesions: electron microscopic examination. Science 170: 549-550, 1970.
* Arees, E.A., and Mayer, J. Monosodium glutamate-induced brain lesions in mice. Presented at the 47th Annual Meeting of American Association of Neuropathologists, Puerto Rico, June 25-27, 1971. J Neuropath Exp Neurol 31: 181, 1972.
* Everly, J.L. Light microscopy examination of monosodium glutamate induced lesions in the brain of fetal and neonatal rats. Anat Rec 169: 312, 1971.
* Olney, J.W. Sharpe, L.G., Feigin, R.D. Glutamate-induced brain damage in infant primates. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 31: 464-488, 1972.
* Lemkey-Johnston, N., and Reynolds, W.A. Incidence and extent of brain lesions in mice following ingestion of monosodium glutamate (MSG). Anat Rec 172: 354, 1972.
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a popular food additive found in many commercially prepared and packaged foods. Numerous studies have linked it to obesity, brain damage, macular degeneration and liver damage, yet it is still found in many of the foods we eat.
MSG Is Linked to Obesity
Recent research has shown that monosodium glutamate (MSG) causes weight gain and obesity in lab animals, and that it can have the same effect in humans.
The research was reported in the journal obesity, and found that the food additive damaged the appetite regulation center in the hypothalamus (an area of the brain), causing leptin resistance. Leptin is a protein hormone that regulates energy intake and energy expenditure, including appetite and metabolism.
Researchers conducted a cross-sectional study in China, and participants were told to add quantified amounts of MSG when preparing their foods. After adjusting for confounders including physical activity and total energy intake, the researchers found that MSG consumption was positively related to increases in body mass index.
"Animal studies indicate that monosodium glutamate (MSG) can induce hypothalamic lesions and leptin resistance, possibly influencing energy balance, leading to overweight. This study examines the association between MSG intake and overweight in humans. ... With adjustment for potential confounders including physical activity and total energy intake, MSG intake was positively related to BMI. Prevalence of overweight was significantly higher in MSG users than nonusers.
This research provides data that MSG intake may be associated with increased risk of overweight independent of physical activity and total energy intake in humans."
He K et al 2008 Association of monosodium glutamate Intake With Overweight in Chinese Adults: The INTERMAP Study obesity 16, 1875 - 1880
MSG Can Cause brain Damage
MSG is considered a neurotoxin, and many studies have linked this food additive to brain damage in animals. MSG is the sodium salt of glutamate, and glutamate is one of the more commonly known excitotoxins (another one is aspartame). Glutamate is a normal neurotransmitter in the brain, but only exists in the extracellular (outside the cell) fluid of the brain in very, very small concentrations. When the concentration of this transmitter rises, the neurons begin to fire abnormally, and the cells undergo this specialized process of delayed cell death, excitotoxicity. Studies have shown that these effects are subtle and develop over a long period of time, although some people have a greater sensitivity and can develop more severe symptoms of excitotoxicity. The many studies that provide the evidence for this are given below in the references.
MSG and Macular Degeneration
Studies show that MSG can cause macular degeneration (retinal degeneration). In a 2002 study, researchers found that when MSG was fed to laboratory animals for 3 months and 6 months, observable retinal damage was seen.
"The present study suggests that a diet with excess sodium glutamate over a period of several years may increase glutamate concentrations in vitreous and may cause retinal cell destruction."
Ohguro H et al A high dietary intake of sodium glutamate as flavoring (Ajinomoto) causes gross changes in retinal morphology and function. Experimental Eye Research 75:(3), 2002.
MSG Promotes Liver inflammation and Dysplasia
In a 2008 study reported in the Journal of Autoimmunity, researchers reported that injecting MSG in mice lead to significant liver inflammation along with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Researchers looked at the long-term consequences of MSG on inflammation, by analyzing MSG injected mice and focusing in particular on liver pathology.
They found that by the age of 6 and 12 months, all MSG treated mice developed liver inflammation and structural abnormal change (dysplasia), and lesions were detected in some cases.
"We submit that MSG treatment of mice induces obesity and diabetes with steatosis and steatohepatitis resembling human NAFLD and NASH with pre-neoplastic lesions. These results take on considerable significance in light of the widespread usage of dietary MSG and we suggest that MSG should have its safety profile re-examined and be potentially withdrawn from the food chain."
Nakanishi Y et al 2008 Monosodium glutamate (MSG): A villain and promoter of liver inflammation and dysplasia Journal of Autoimmunity Vol 30, 1-2, P 42-50
MSG is a Widely-used Flavor Enhancer
A lot of canned, processed and pre-packed food and fast food contains MSG, but it is frequently listed under various names on the food label. Some of the many names used are: hydrolyzed vegetable protein, autolyzed vegetable protein, textured vegetable protein, hydrolyzed yeast extract, autolyzed yeast extract, plant protein extract, sodium caseinate, calcium caseinate, yeast extract, textured whey protein, and textured soy protein. Even the terms spice and natural flavor can indicate the presence of MSG.
The best way avoid MSG is by buying whole foods and preparing them at home. The next best thing is to read the labels and know the various disguises under which MSG is known, and avoid these foods.
References
* Nakayama D et al 2003 Turnover of Acinar and Islet Cells in the Pancreas of Monosodium Glutamate-Treated Obese Mice obesity Research 11, 87 94.
* Olney, J.W. Brain lesions, obesity, and other disturbances in mice treated with monosodium glutamate. Science 164: 719-721, 1969.
* Snapir, N., Robinzon, B., and Perek, M. Brain damage in the male domestic fowl treated with monosodium glutamate. Poult Sci 50: 1511-1514, 1971.
* Arees, E.A., and Mayer, J. Monosodium glutamate-induced brain lesions: electron microscopic examination. Science 170: 549-550, 1970.
* Arees, E.A., and Mayer, J. Monosodium glutamate-induced brain lesions in mice. Presented at the 47th Annual Meeting of American Association of Neuropathologists, Puerto Rico, June 25-27, 1971. J Neuropath Exp Neurol 31: 181, 1972.
* Everly, J.L. Light microscopy examination of monosodium glutamate induced lesions in the brain of fetal and neonatal rats. Anat Rec 169: 312, 1971.
* Olney, J.W. Sharpe, L.G., Feigin, R.D. Glutamate-induced brain damage in infant primates. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 31: 464-488, 1972.
* Lemkey-Johnston, N., and Reynolds, W.A. Incidence and extent of brain lesions in mice following ingestion of monosodium glutamate (MSG). Anat Rec 172: 354, 1972.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research Releases New White Paper, 'Catalyst for Cures: Embryonic Stem Cell Research'
- National Poll Reveals Three-Quarters of Americans Want President-Elect Obama to Deliver on Campaign Commitment to Lift Restrictions on Embryonic Stem Cell Research -
WASHINGTON, Jan. 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research (CAMR) today released a white paper, Catalyst For Cures: Embryonic Stem Cell Research, which outlines the views of nine of the nation's leading scientists on the promises and challenges of embryonic stem cell research. In support for the scientific community's call for reversal of the current restrictions on funding for stem cell research, the group also released the results of a national poll conducted this month for CAMR by Opinion Research Corporation indicating that nearly three-quarters (73%) of Americans believe that President-elect Obama should keep his pledge to lift existing federal restrictions on embryonic stem cell research.
Marking the 10th anniversary of the announcements by James Thomson and John Gearhart that each had successfully grown the first human pluripotent stem cell lines in culture, the White Paper proclaims that "with the knowledge gained in the past decade, stem cell research is more promising than ever."
Despite limited funding, scientists have made great strides in using these primary cells to understand what goes wrong in disease and have begun devising promising new therapies for devastating conditions, such as heart disease, spinal cord injury, and diabetes. Conversations with some of the nation's top stem cell researchers -- in academia and industry -- make clear that, with removal of limits on Federal funding, embryonic stem cell research will fulfill its promise in broader ways than originally anticipated.
"It's time for the federal government to support the broad range of stem cell research so that the greatest public benefit can be achieved on the shoulders of the last 10 years' accomplishments," said Amy Comstock Rick, president of CAMR. "We are hopeful that President-elect Obama will deliver on his campaign commitment to lift the current restrictions, and allow scientists to deliver on the promise of embryonic stem cell research."
Catalyst for Cures: Embryonic Stem Cell Research shares experts' viewpoints and assessments of embryonic stem cell research to date, and takes a bold look at where this research might lead in the coming years. Some highlights include:
"I'd be very surprised if, during the course of my scientific career, the next 20 years, we don't have much better therapies for Parkinson's disease, based on the fact that we have these hESC-derived tissues in culture," says James Thomson.
Many scientists have been studying adult stem cells and learning more about their utility and their limitations. So far, adult stem cells have only successfully been used in a very narrow area: blood system reconstitution, including bone marrow transplant, umbilical cord transplant, and peripheral blood transplant. "The argument that there are 60 to 70 diseases that can be cured with adult stem cells was never credible," says Sean Morrison, University of Michigan.
Biotech firms are revving up, focused on toxicity screening and drug development. A few are aggressively pursuing hES cell-based therapies. Big Pharma is also beginning to invest in stem cells. "Embryonic stem cells are a source of cells for predictive toxicology and drug discovery," says consultant and former Novocell executive Melissa Carpenter.
The Paper concludes that, "scientists see great promise in efforts to improve therapies for diabetes, Parkinson's disease, macular degeneration, cancer, spinal cord injuries, and heart disease. The time for removal of restrictions, expanded support, and implementation of relevant oversight guidelines is now."
The full text of Catalyst for Cures: Embryonic Stem Cell Research is available on the CAMR web site at www.camradvocacy.com.
The following researchers and thought leaders contributed to this white paper:
Melissa K. Carpenter, Ph.D., former Vice President of Research and Development at Novocell Inc., and Director of Stem Cell Biology at Geron Corporation; George Daley, M.D., Ph.D., Harvard Medical School; Kevin C. Eggan, Ph.D., Principal Faculty, Harvard Stem Cell Institute; John P. Gearhart, M.D., Director, Institute for Regenerative Medicine at University of Pennsylvania; Ole Isacson, Dr.Med.Sci., Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School; Hans Keirstead, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Anatomy and Neurobiology at University of California, Irvine; Douglas A. Melton, Ph.D., Co-director of the Harvard Stem Cell Institute; Sean J. Morrison, Ph.D., Director, University of Michigan Center for Stem Cell Biology; and James Thomson, V.M.D., Ph.D., Director of Regenerative Biology at University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.
About the Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research
The Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research (CAMR) -- the leading pro-cures coalition -- is comprised of nationally recognized patient organizations, universities, scientific societies, foundations, and individuals with life-threatening illnesses and disorders, advocating for the advancement of breakthrough research and technologies in regenerative medicine -- including stem cell research -- to cure disease and alleviate suffering. For more information on CAMR, visit www.camradvocacy.org.
Website: http://www.camradvocacy.com//
WASHINGTON, Jan. 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research (CAMR) today released a white paper, Catalyst For Cures: Embryonic Stem Cell Research, which outlines the views of nine of the nation's leading scientists on the promises and challenges of embryonic stem cell research. In support for the scientific community's call for reversal of the current restrictions on funding for stem cell research, the group also released the results of a national poll conducted this month for CAMR by Opinion Research Corporation indicating that nearly three-quarters (73%) of Americans believe that President-elect Obama should keep his pledge to lift existing federal restrictions on embryonic stem cell research.
Marking the 10th anniversary of the announcements by James Thomson and John Gearhart that each had successfully grown the first human pluripotent stem cell lines in culture, the White Paper proclaims that "with the knowledge gained in the past decade, stem cell research is more promising than ever."
Despite limited funding, scientists have made great strides in using these primary cells to understand what goes wrong in disease and have begun devising promising new therapies for devastating conditions, such as heart disease, spinal cord injury, and diabetes. Conversations with some of the nation's top stem cell researchers -- in academia and industry -- make clear that, with removal of limits on Federal funding, embryonic stem cell research will fulfill its promise in broader ways than originally anticipated.
"It's time for the federal government to support the broad range of stem cell research so that the greatest public benefit can be achieved on the shoulders of the last 10 years' accomplishments," said Amy Comstock Rick, president of CAMR. "We are hopeful that President-elect Obama will deliver on his campaign commitment to lift the current restrictions, and allow scientists to deliver on the promise of embryonic stem cell research."
Catalyst for Cures: Embryonic Stem Cell Research shares experts' viewpoints and assessments of embryonic stem cell research to date, and takes a bold look at where this research might lead in the coming years. Some highlights include:
"I'd be very surprised if, during the course of my scientific career, the next 20 years, we don't have much better therapies for Parkinson's disease, based on the fact that we have these hESC-derived tissues in culture," says James Thomson.
Many scientists have been studying adult stem cells and learning more about their utility and their limitations. So far, adult stem cells have only successfully been used in a very narrow area: blood system reconstitution, including bone marrow transplant, umbilical cord transplant, and peripheral blood transplant. "The argument that there are 60 to 70 diseases that can be cured with adult stem cells was never credible," says Sean Morrison, University of Michigan.
Biotech firms are revving up, focused on toxicity screening and drug development. A few are aggressively pursuing hES cell-based therapies. Big Pharma is also beginning to invest in stem cells. "Embryonic stem cells are a source of cells for predictive toxicology and drug discovery," says consultant and former Novocell executive Melissa Carpenter.
The Paper concludes that, "scientists see great promise in efforts to improve therapies for diabetes, Parkinson's disease, macular degeneration, cancer, spinal cord injuries, and heart disease. The time for removal of restrictions, expanded support, and implementation of relevant oversight guidelines is now."
The full text of Catalyst for Cures: Embryonic Stem Cell Research is available on the CAMR web site at www.camradvocacy.com.
The following researchers and thought leaders contributed to this white paper:
Melissa K. Carpenter, Ph.D., former Vice President of Research and Development at Novocell Inc., and Director of Stem Cell Biology at Geron Corporation; George Daley, M.D., Ph.D., Harvard Medical School; Kevin C. Eggan, Ph.D., Principal Faculty, Harvard Stem Cell Institute; John P. Gearhart, M.D., Director, Institute for Regenerative Medicine at University of Pennsylvania; Ole Isacson, Dr.Med.Sci., Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School; Hans Keirstead, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Anatomy and Neurobiology at University of California, Irvine; Douglas A. Melton, Ph.D., Co-director of the Harvard Stem Cell Institute; Sean J. Morrison, Ph.D., Director, University of Michigan Center for Stem Cell Biology; and James Thomson, V.M.D., Ph.D., Director of Regenerative Biology at University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.
About the Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research
The Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research (CAMR) -- the leading pro-cures coalition -- is comprised of nationally recognized patient organizations, universities, scientific societies, foundations, and individuals with life-threatening illnesses and disorders, advocating for the advancement of breakthrough research and technologies in regenerative medicine -- including stem cell research -- to cure disease and alleviate suffering. For more information on CAMR, visit www.camradvocacy.org.
Website: http://www.camradvocacy.com//
Friday, January 9, 2009
Stem Cells Poised to Grow Organs for Transplant
Zannos Grekos, MD Presents Clinical Data of Research with Adult Stem Cells to Physicians at International Regenerative Biomedicine Conference
LAS VEGAS, Nev., Dec 22, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- At the 16th Annual World Congress on Anti-Aging Medicine & Regenerative Biomedical Technologies in Las Vegas, Zannos Grekos, MD, director of Cardiac and Vascular Disease for Regenocyte Therapeutic ( www.regenocyte.com), addressed physicians from around the world with a presentation on patients treated with pre-engineered Adult Stem Cells. In the presentation, Grekos showed the successful engraftment of stem cells into damaged organs and subsequent regeneration of tissue. The clinical success has spurred a project entailing growing organs for transplant from patients' own stem cells using technology developed by National Aeronautic Space Association (NASA). In describing details of the stem cells project Grekos stated, "This is the logical next step in harnessing the regenerative power of stem cells. This will be the next phase in turning science into medicine."
The presentation also cited stem cells treatment results at one month through one year follow up. The Regenocyte team of international scientists and physicians have been treating cardiac, vascular, pulmonary, and kidney diseases, with plans next year to accept patients suffering from macular degeneration and neurological diseases.
Athina Kyritsis, MD, chair of Regenocyte's Medical Advisory Committee, explains "the findings presented today are based on several years of Regenocyte's clinical experience using Autologous Adult Stem Cell Therapy. I believe we have only begun to discover what Adult Stem Cells can accomplish in altering the course of diseases currently believed to be untreatable with not only improved clinical results, but also a financial savings to society."
Dr. Grekos also highlighted several case studies to illustrate his team's success with Adult Stem Cells. According to their findings, cardiac disease patients experience an average increase of 21% in ejection rates as well as measurable improvements in congestive heart failure class status, some in as little as one month post-treatment. "We are able to bring patients from a Class IV congestive heart failure status to a Class II status in less than 180 days," said Grekos. Regenocyte Therapeutic's clinical data from PET scans confirm that Adult Stem Cells have the ability to engraft themselves into areas damaged by myocardial infarction (heart attacks) and turn into viable new heart muscle. "Three months after treatment, cardiac nuclear scans of the areas treated reveal reversal of damage. We have been able to take patients off the transplant list, and we have been doing it consistently."
Most recently, physicians at the Dominican Republic division of Regenocyte announced clinical results of a 46-year-old patient with pulmonary hypertension who was treated with Adult Stem Cells. His pulmonary artery mean pressure went from 41mmHg (severe pulmonary hypertension) to 24 mmHg (normal) in six months. The patient's saturations are now consistently high and he no longer needs to be supplemented with oxygen continuously or considered for a lung transplant. Another patient was successfully treated for cardiac sequelae of Fabry's Disease, and is also no longer considered for heart transplant.
Hector Rosario, MD, chief of Interventional Cardiology for the Dominican Republic division of Regenocyte, is thrilled with the clinical outcomes to date. "It is personally very gratifying to alter the prognosis in patients who have exhausted all other options," Rosario says. Leonel Francisco Liriano, MD, professor of medicine at Pontifical Catholic University School of Medicine and medical director of the Regenocyte Dominican Republic division added that "patient safety is always paramount. We're achieving these results with a treatment that poses minimal risk, much lower than traditional surgical procedures."
Regenocyte Therapeutic is currently using Adult Stem Cells Therapy to treat Congestive Heart Failure, Cardiomyopathy, Peripheral Artery Disease, Coronary Artery Disease, Kidney Disease, Ischemic Heart Disease, Pulmonary diseases (COPD, Pulmonary Fibrosis, and Pulmonary Hypertension) and Early Senile Dementia. Patients can call 866-216-5710 or visit www.regenocyte.com for information or consultation.
SOURCE: Regenocyte Therapeutic LLC Regenocyte Therapeutic
Regenocyte Therapeutic, Las Vegas
Beth S. Kalvin, Director of Communications and
Education, 239-495-2252, Ext.306
bkalvin@regenocyte.com
Business Wire 2008 End of Story
LAS VEGAS, Nev., Dec 22, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- At the 16th Annual World Congress on Anti-Aging Medicine & Regenerative Biomedical Technologies in Las Vegas, Zannos Grekos, MD, director of Cardiac and Vascular Disease for Regenocyte Therapeutic ( www.regenocyte.com), addressed physicians from around the world with a presentation on patients treated with pre-engineered Adult Stem Cells. In the presentation, Grekos showed the successful engraftment of stem cells into damaged organs and subsequent regeneration of tissue. The clinical success has spurred a project entailing growing organs for transplant from patients' own stem cells using technology developed by National Aeronautic Space Association (NASA). In describing details of the stem cells project Grekos stated, "This is the logical next step in harnessing the regenerative power of stem cells. This will be the next phase in turning science into medicine."
The presentation also cited stem cells treatment results at one month through one year follow up. The Regenocyte team of international scientists and physicians have been treating cardiac, vascular, pulmonary, and kidney diseases, with plans next year to accept patients suffering from macular degeneration and neurological diseases.
Athina Kyritsis, MD, chair of Regenocyte's Medical Advisory Committee, explains "the findings presented today are based on several years of Regenocyte's clinical experience using Autologous Adult Stem Cell Therapy. I believe we have only begun to discover what Adult Stem Cells can accomplish in altering the course of diseases currently believed to be untreatable with not only improved clinical results, but also a financial savings to society."
Dr. Grekos also highlighted several case studies to illustrate his team's success with Adult Stem Cells. According to their findings, cardiac disease patients experience an average increase of 21% in ejection rates as well as measurable improvements in congestive heart failure class status, some in as little as one month post-treatment. "We are able to bring patients from a Class IV congestive heart failure status to a Class II status in less than 180 days," said Grekos. Regenocyte Therapeutic's clinical data from PET scans confirm that Adult Stem Cells have the ability to engraft themselves into areas damaged by myocardial infarction (heart attacks) and turn into viable new heart muscle. "Three months after treatment, cardiac nuclear scans of the areas treated reveal reversal of damage. We have been able to take patients off the transplant list, and we have been doing it consistently."
Most recently, physicians at the Dominican Republic division of Regenocyte announced clinical results of a 46-year-old patient with pulmonary hypertension who was treated with Adult Stem Cells. His pulmonary artery mean pressure went from 41mmHg (severe pulmonary hypertension) to 24 mmHg (normal) in six months. The patient's saturations are now consistently high and he no longer needs to be supplemented with oxygen continuously or considered for a lung transplant. Another patient was successfully treated for cardiac sequelae of Fabry's Disease, and is also no longer considered for heart transplant.
Hector Rosario, MD, chief of Interventional Cardiology for the Dominican Republic division of Regenocyte, is thrilled with the clinical outcomes to date. "It is personally very gratifying to alter the prognosis in patients who have exhausted all other options," Rosario says. Leonel Francisco Liriano, MD, professor of medicine at Pontifical Catholic University School of Medicine and medical director of the Regenocyte Dominican Republic division added that "patient safety is always paramount. We're achieving these results with a treatment that poses minimal risk, much lower than traditional surgical procedures."
Regenocyte Therapeutic is currently using Adult Stem Cells Therapy to treat Congestive Heart Failure, Cardiomyopathy, Peripheral Artery Disease, Coronary Artery Disease, Kidney Disease, Ischemic Heart Disease, Pulmonary diseases (COPD, Pulmonary Fibrosis, and Pulmonary Hypertension) and Early Senile Dementia. Patients can call 866-216-5710 or visit www.regenocyte.com for information or consultation.
SOURCE: Regenocyte Therapeutic LLC Regenocyte Therapeutic
Regenocyte Therapeutic, Las Vegas
Beth S. Kalvin, Director of Communications and
Education, 239-495-2252, Ext.306
bkalvin@regenocyte.com
Business Wire 2008 End of Story
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Electronic Magnifier
An electronic magnifier can be a very helpful and yes, expensive, tool to help you adjust to your loss of vision.
As your macular degeneration progresses, the right magnifiers can make a world of difference.
You will hear me say this over and over, but you will need different magnifiers for different tasks.
So before you purchase a magnifier, identify what task you will be using it for.
The cost of these magnifiers can range from $200 to over $1000.
If it serves the purpose you are buying it for, it will be well worth it... but if it doesn't then it is money wasted.
Consider meeting with a low vision rehab specialist before you purchase the more expensive magnifiers. They can assess your needs and then make recommendations for the best magnifiers for you.
If you must make your own best decisions, then purchase a magnifier that has a good return policy so that you can try it at home and see how it works for you.
Portable and Hand Held Magnifier
The small hand held electronic magnifiers are great to take with you shopping, traveling, or out to dinner. Some of their best features are:
* Pocket size - Small and lightweight. Fits in a pocket or purse
* Portable - No matter where you go and what you do, you can confidently see the details that matter to you
Compact Electronic Magnifier
Compact Electronic Magnifier
Introducing a portable magnifier that is so small you can keep it in your pocket or purse or wear it around your neck. Our Guarantee:
Try our products for 90 days. If for any reason you are not 100% satisfied, we will gladly exchange your purchase or refund your money -- No questions asked.
* Offers zoom magnification from 5X to 20X on up to a 4" full-color screen
* Adjustable screen with up to 4 levels of LED brightness
* Displays images in true color, black-and-white, blue-and-yellow, black-and-yellow, and reverse for easier reading
* Dual view setting allows you to compare a normal view with a magnified view, so that you can maintain a sense of scale
* Capture images in the camera mode to photograph a product label or a phone number for a quick and easy reminder
* Great for reading menus in restaurants and examining labels in the grocery store, reading your receipts or looking at photographs
* Connects to your PC to display magnified images or upload photographs
* Simple, intuitive controls make these magnifiers easy to use
* Include rechargeable batteries, charger, USB cable, and a lanyard
* Price range is around $200 - $600
Software
Electronic magnifying software helps those with macular degeneration and low vision, read small print by displaying a magnified image on any desktop or laptop PC.
Utilizing your computer's USB port, a full color image with adjustable magnification is displayed on your computer screen. After installing the software driver onto your computer, whatever you move the special mouse over will appear magnified on your screen.
This software is great for reading schoolwork, office work, magazines, books, documents, and bills.
Can be used on a desktop or laptop computer.
Requires Windows XP or Windows Vista.
Magnifies an area of 2.5" x 2".
Price range is $300 to $600.
The MonoMouse-USB Electronic Magnifier helps those with macular degeneration and impaired vision read small print by displaying a high-quality magnified image on any desktop or laptop PC. It is great for reading schoolwork, office work, magazines, books, documents, bills, and much more. Whatever you move the MonoMouse over will appear magnified on your screen, and you can resize it to fit your individual needs. Requires Windows XP or Windows Vista
Closed Circuit TV Magnifier
Another form of electronic magnification is through a closed circuit television (CCTV). A CCTV magnifier is for people that need text and photos magnified. It uses a small TV camera in a hand-held "mouse" and incorporates a zoom lens which allows the level of magnification to be adjusted.
The magnified image is displayed on a standard television in full color or enhanced black and white. The mouse has rollers which facilitate easy scanning of text, and its mobility allows difficult-to-read items such as medicine bottles, cooking instructions, etc., to be magnified easily.
ColorMouse - RM Electronic Magnifier - High (24x Magnification on a 20" Screen)
The ColorMouse-RM Electronic Magnifier helps those with macular degeneration read small print by turning any standard television into a low vision aid with magnification of up to 24x. The ColorMouse-RM Electronic Magnifier is perfect for reading newspapers, magazines, books, prescription bottles, instructions, bills and much more.
Simply plug the ColorMouse -RM into the video input of any standard television, connect the power, and press the blue button on the handheld magnifier. The ColorMouse-RM Electronic Magnifier will project a high quality, image on the screen, allowing you to once again read hard-to-see small print.
Low version magnifies up to 13x on a 20" TV
High version magnifies up to 24x on a 20" TV
As your macular degeneration progresses, the right magnifiers can make a world of difference.
You will hear me say this over and over, but you will need different magnifiers for different tasks.
So before you purchase a magnifier, identify what task you will be using it for.
The cost of these magnifiers can range from $200 to over $1000.
If it serves the purpose you are buying it for, it will be well worth it... but if it doesn't then it is money wasted.
Consider meeting with a low vision rehab specialist before you purchase the more expensive magnifiers. They can assess your needs and then make recommendations for the best magnifiers for you.
If you must make your own best decisions, then purchase a magnifier that has a good return policy so that you can try it at home and see how it works for you.
Portable and Hand Held Magnifier
The small hand held electronic magnifiers are great to take with you shopping, traveling, or out to dinner. Some of their best features are:
* Pocket size - Small and lightweight. Fits in a pocket or purse
* Portable - No matter where you go and what you do, you can confidently see the details that matter to you
Compact Electronic Magnifier
Compact Electronic Magnifier
Introducing a portable magnifier that is so small you can keep it in your pocket or purse or wear it around your neck. Our Guarantee:
Try our products for 90 days. If for any reason you are not 100% satisfied, we will gladly exchange your purchase or refund your money -- No questions asked.
* Offers zoom magnification from 5X to 20X on up to a 4" full-color screen
* Adjustable screen with up to 4 levels of LED brightness
* Displays images in true color, black-and-white, blue-and-yellow, black-and-yellow, and reverse for easier reading
* Dual view setting allows you to compare a normal view with a magnified view, so that you can maintain a sense of scale
* Capture images in the camera mode to photograph a product label or a phone number for a quick and easy reminder
* Great for reading menus in restaurants and examining labels in the grocery store, reading your receipts or looking at photographs
* Connects to your PC to display magnified images or upload photographs
* Simple, intuitive controls make these magnifiers easy to use
* Include rechargeable batteries, charger, USB cable, and a lanyard
* Price range is around $200 - $600
Software
Electronic magnifying software helps those with macular degeneration and low vision, read small print by displaying a magnified image on any desktop or laptop PC.
Utilizing your computer's USB port, a full color image with adjustable magnification is displayed on your computer screen. After installing the software driver onto your computer, whatever you move the special mouse over will appear magnified on your screen.
This software is great for reading schoolwork, office work, magazines, books, documents, and bills.
Can be used on a desktop or laptop computer.
Requires Windows XP or Windows Vista.
Magnifies an area of 2.5" x 2".
Price range is $300 to $600.
The MonoMouse-USB Electronic Magnifier helps those with macular degeneration and impaired vision read small print by displaying a high-quality magnified image on any desktop or laptop PC. It is great for reading schoolwork, office work, magazines, books, documents, bills, and much more. Whatever you move the MonoMouse over will appear magnified on your screen, and you can resize it to fit your individual needs. Requires Windows XP or Windows Vista
Closed Circuit TV Magnifier
Another form of electronic magnification is through a closed circuit television (CCTV). A CCTV magnifier is for people that need text and photos magnified. It uses a small TV camera in a hand-held "mouse" and incorporates a zoom lens which allows the level of magnification to be adjusted.
The magnified image is displayed on a standard television in full color or enhanced black and white. The mouse has rollers which facilitate easy scanning of text, and its mobility allows difficult-to-read items such as medicine bottles, cooking instructions, etc., to be magnified easily.
ColorMouse - RM Electronic Magnifier - High (24x Magnification on a 20" Screen)
The ColorMouse-RM Electronic Magnifier helps those with macular degeneration read small print by turning any standard television into a low vision aid with magnification of up to 24x. The ColorMouse-RM Electronic Magnifier is perfect for reading newspapers, magazines, books, prescription bottles, instructions, bills and much more.
Simply plug the ColorMouse -RM into the video input of any standard television, connect the power, and press the blue button on the handheld magnifier. The ColorMouse-RM Electronic Magnifier will project a high quality, image on the screen, allowing you to once again read hard-to-see small print.
Low version magnifies up to 13x on a 20" TV
High version magnifies up to 24x on a 20" TV
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