Category Archives: Ohio Stem Cells

James Wells. Photo: Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Centre

Scientists using stem cells say they have built the world's first "mini-stomachs" - tiny clusters of human gastric tissue that could spur research into cancer, ulcers and diabetes.

The lab-dish tissue, called gastric organoids, comprises buds of cells that are "a miniature version of the stomach", the researchers said.

They were made from pluripotent stem cells that were coaxed into developing into gastric cells, according to the study, published in the journal Nature.

Pluripotent stem cells have excited huge interest as a dreamed-of source for transplant tissue grown in a lab, but the challenge of getting cells to become cells for specific organs has caused problems.

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The researchers identified the chemical steps that occur during embryonic development, then replicated them in a Petri dish so that pluripotent stem cells developed into endoderm cells - the building blocks of the respiratory and gastro-intestinal tracts.

Still at a preliminary stage, the organoids are a long way from being replacement tissue or a fully-fledged stomach.

However, early tests on mice suggest they could one day be a "patch" for holes caused by peptic ulcers.

The organoids also mark an important step forward in how to tease stem cells into becoming 3-D structure, the scientists said.

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Scientists build 'mini-stomachs' in lab

BENEFITS: These "mini-stomachs" could provide a testbed for stomach diseases, researchers say.

Scientists using stem cells say they have built the world's first "mini-stomachs" - tiny clusters of human gastric tissue that could spur research into cancer, ulcers and diabetes.

Called gastric organoids, the lab-dish tissue comprises buds of cells that are "a miniature version of the stomach", the researchers said.

They were made from pluripotent stem cells which were coaxed into developing into gastric cells, according to the study, published in the journal Nature.

Pluripotent stem cells have excited huge interest as a dreamed-of source for transplant tissue grown in a lab, but the challenge of getting cells to become cells for specific organs has caused problems.

The exploit involved identifying the chemical steps that occur during embryonic development, then replicating them in a Petri dish so that pluripotent stem cells developed into endoderm cells - the building blocks of the respiratory and gastro-intestinal tracts.

Still at a preliminary stage, the organoids are a long way from being replacement tissue or a fully-fledged stomach.

Early tests on mice, though, suggest they could one day be a "patch" for holes caused by peptic ulcers.

The organoids also mark an important step forward in how to tease stem cells into becoming 3-D structure, the scientists said.

And, as "mini-stomachs", they also provide a testbed for studying diseases such as cancer, diabetes and obesity, the team said in a press release.

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'Mini-stomachs' built from stem cells

PARIS Scientists using stem cells said on Wednesday they had built the worlds first mini-stomachs tiny clusters of human gastric tissue that could spur research into cancer, ulcers and diabetes.

Called gastric organoids, the lab-dish tissue comprises buds of cells that are a miniature version of the stomach, the researchers said.

They were made from pluripotent stem cells which were coaxed into developing into gastric cells, according to the study, published in the journal Nature.

Youthful and versatile, pluripotent stem cells have excited huge interest as a source of transplant tissue grown in a lab.

Sources for them include stem cells derived from early-stage embryos and adult cells reprogrammed to their juvenile state, called induced pluripotent stem cells.

But the field has encountered many problems, led by the challenge of getting cells to differentiate, or become cells for specific organs.

The exploit entailed identifying the chemical steps that occur during embryonic development, when cells differentiate into the specific types that form the stomach.

These steps were then replicated in a Petri dish so that pluripotent stem cells developed into endoderm cells, the building blocks of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts.

These were then biochemically nudged into becoming cells of the antrum, the stomach region that secretes mucus and hormones.

Still at a preliminary stage, the organoids are a long way from being replacement tissue or a fully fledged stomach.

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109.15 /$ (4 p.m.)

Kyle McCracken

Part of a miniature stomach grown in the lab, stained to reveal various cells found in normal human stomachs.

Scientists have successfully grown miniature stomachs in the lab from human stem cells, guiding them through the stages of development seen in an embryo. The lumps of living tissue, which are no bigger than a sesame seed, have a gland structure that is similar to human stomachs and can even harbour gut bacteria.

The feat, reported in this week's Nature1, offers a window to how cells in human embryos morph into organs. Scientists say that these 'gastric organoids' could also be used to understand diseases such as cancer, and to test the stomach's response to drugs.

This is extremely exciting, says Calvin Kuo, a stem-cell biologist at Stanford University in California. To be able to recapitulate that in a dish is quite a technical achievement.

The stem cells used to grow the mini stomachs are pluripotent, or plastic: given the right environment, they can mature into any type of cell. But to coax them down a specific path in the lab requires recreating the precise sequence and timing of environmental cues in the womb the signals from proteins and hormones that tell cells what kind of tissue to become. Bits of kidney, liver, brain and intestine have previously been grown in a lab dish using this technique.

The key to turning pluripotent stem cells into stomach cells was a pathway of interactions that acts as a switch between growing tissues in the intestine and in the antrum, a part of the stomach near its outlet to the small intestine.

When the stem cells were around three days old, researchers added a cocktail of proteins including Noggin, which suppresses that pathway, and timed doses of retinoic acid, a compound in vitamin A. After nine days, the cells were left to grow in a protein bath.

At 34 days, the resulting organoids were only a few millimetres in diameter and had no blood cells, immune cells, nor the ability to process food or secrete bile. But their gland structures and each marker of their development paralleled development in their control tissues, which the team obtained from mice. In that sense, they are remarkably similar to an actual stomach, says study leader James Wells, a developmental biologist at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center in Ohio.

That similarity allowed the researchers to use the tiny stomachs as test subjects for human disease by injecting them with Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that targets the antrum and can cause ulcers and stomach cancer. Within 24 hours, the team found that H. pylori was causing the organoid cells to divide twice as fast as normal, and activating a particular gene, c-Met, that can cause tumours. These effects are also seen in human stomachs infected with H. pylori.

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Tiny human stomachs grown in the lab

Researchers have grown a miniature human intestine in laboratory mice for the first time as part of a research project, which claims to one day be able to cure intestinal diseases by using a patient's own tissue cells.

In a study published in Nature Medicine, researchers from Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Centre in the US state of Ohio said that this method "provides a new way to study the many diseases and conditions that can cause intestinal failure, from genetic disorders appearing at birth to conditions that strike later in life, such as cancer and Crohn's disease."

In the first step, stem cells were bioengineered to grow "organoids" of functioning human intestinal tissues from pluripotent stem cells. These were transplanted into the mouse's kidney capsule, which was given a blood supply.

The mice in question were also genetically engineered in order to prevent the risk of their immune systems rejecting the implanted human tissue.

Six to eight weeks after the transplantation, the ball of cells had already grown larger than a regular mouse kidney. The researchers noted that they had replicated almost all of the tissue variations normally found within a human intestine, and that these were capable of digesting and absorbing food.

According to the researchers, this procedure has created a new model for studying intestinal disorders and diseases. As, while this latest research grows human organs from scratch, it also supports the idea that whole organs, built from complex arrangements of tissues, can be generated within the patient's body.

Researchers noted in the paper that studies carried out on animals often do not produce the same results in people. Yet they suggest that this research may offer alternatives to animal testing in the future, as well as produce better laboratory models of diseased tissues for drugs testing, and speed up the development of new medicines and treatments.

"These studies support the concept that patient-specific cells can be used to grow intestines," said Michael Helmrath, who led the study, adding that the research "advanced the longer-term aim of growing tissues that can replace damaged human intestine."

An advantage of using the patient's own tissues in the treatment process is that it eliminates both the risk of transplant rejection, and the expense of needing to take life-long drugs to prevent this rejection.

While this latest research represents a step forward in terms of stem cell and organoid research at the Cincinnati Children's Hospital, researchers added that it could still take several years before lab grown tissue replacements are incorporated into medical practices.

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Miniature human intestine grown in mice for first time

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FDA Disclaimer

The Cell Surgical Network and its affiliate treatment centers are not offering stem cell therapy as a cure for any condition, disease, or injury. No statements or implied treatments on this website have been evaluated or approved by the FDA. This website contains no medical advice. All statements and opinions provided by this website are provided for educational and informational purposes only and we do not diagnose or treat via this website or via telephone. The Cell Surgical Network and its affiliate treatment centers are offering patient funded research to provide individual patients with Stromal Vascular Fraction that contains their own autologous stem cells and growth factors and the treatment centers provide surgical procedures only and are not involved in the use or manufacture of any investigational drugs.

The Cell Surgical network does not claim that any applications, or potential applications, using autologous stem cells are approved by the FDA, or are even effective. We do not claim that these treatments work for any listed nor unlisted condition, intended or implied. Its important for potential patients to do their own research based on the options that we present so that one can make an informed decision. Any decision to participate in our patient funded experimental protocols is completely voluntary.

ATTENTION: If you have ANY concern with stromal vascular fraction, any of our products, methods, website, or technique and think we may be violating any U.S. law, pleasecontact usso that we can investigate the matter or concern immediately.

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About Stem Cells | Ohio Stem Cell Treatment Center of ...

Russell T. Daley, Graduate Student, California State University, Long Beach December 13, 2000

presented to: Institute for Applied and Professional Ethics Ohio University April 28, 2001

This research is of such fundamental importance that all responsible citizens should be aware of its implications. Dr. Shirley J. Wright, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Biology, University of Dayton:

INTRODUCTION

Biomedical sciences are progressing at staggering rate. This fact is no more evident than in the burgeoning field of stem cell research where therapeutic applications such as tissue and organ transplantation are being developed. These therapies have the potential to save millions of lives and greatly reduce human suffering. The ethical dilemma lies in the fact that much of the research requires the destruction of human embryos. Unfortunately, when faced with such choices, our standard ethical frameworks seem to demand opposing and intractable positions. The goal of this paper is to find a common ground from which we as a society may reasonably and faithfully deliberate about embryonic stem (ES) cell research. In the paper I will (1) identify and evaluate the main arguments both for and against this research, (2) explore the central question of moral status, (3) consider the application of Mary Anne Warrens multi-criterial approach to the moral status of the embryo, and (4) offer some initial policy recommendations.

In order to arrive at any conclusions which hold the hope of widespread support, the nature of this discussion requires a careful accounting of disparate views and a respectful handling of the sometimes emotionally charged responses. Sadly the current public debate on this topic has become more of a political process than a philosophical one. Notwithstanding the valiant efforts of some of the best minds in our country and abroad, as represented in the National Institute of Health (NIH), the Presidents National Bioethics Advisory Commission (NBAC), and the Senate Appropriations Committee (SAC) Hearings, the ethical divide seems unbridgeable. While the NBACs reportto President Clinton is complex in its recommendations and subtle in its reasoning, I believe the NBAC stops short of providing clear direction for the future. Not only does the NBAC offer an incomplete defense of its position, but in some respects it seems to have fallen prey to the political process and not offered recommendations which are true to the hearts and minds of the participants. This deficiency reflects the difficulty suggested by Kevin Wildes, of creating ethically sensitive public policy in a society that is secular and morally pluralistic. Based on this challenge, it must be accepted that no matter what decision is made some persons will not agree. We should recognize in this process that not all religious or philosophical values will be realized in a pluralistic society. Rawls says, There is no social world without loss: that is, no social world that does not exclude some ways of life that realize in special ways certain fundamental values.

BREAKING THE STALEMATE

It should be recognized that much of the recent debate over ES cell research has focused on the use of ES cells collected from cadaveric fetal tissue and unused IVF embryos. Attempts by philosophers, lawyers, and scientists alike to justify ES cell research have centered on issues such as lack of complicity with abortion or the best use of unwanted materials. However, these attempts have not answered the critics of ES cell research and have left us in an ethical stalemate. John Robertson and the NBAC stop their arguments at the point of non-complicity because they believe that they have justified the immediate concerns of this research and answered the critics. They choose to address only the less problematicsources for ES cell research, however, in doing so they avoid the deeper debate and fail to set a direction for the future. How can we bridge the divide? First, we must seek to reduce some of the distorting power of the fears and prejudices that surround this debate. This can be done by gaining a common understanding and usage of such terms as human being, person, right to life, and even embryo. I contend that these terms can be sorted out within the context of a framework for moral status and our answers to the ethical dilemma presented by ES cell research will turn on the question of how we ought to understand the moral status of the embryo. Thus, I intend to focus my attention on the deeper problem: What is the moral status of the embryo, and how is it to be weighed against other relevant concerns?

THE STANDARD ARGUMENTS ON BOTH SIDES

The main argument for ES cell research is that it will reduce human suffering and promote human well being, or the common good, by curing or eliminating many illnesses. The debilitating effects of such diseases as diabetes, Parkinsons, and Alzheimers (to mention only a few) may potentially be eradicated through the therapeutic applications offered by ES cell research. ES cell research is touted by many to be the most probable and quickest way to attain these therapies due to the undifferentiated nature of the stem cells as well as the ability of ES cells to overcome immunological concerns. Thus, it is research with ES cells versus adult cells which should be pursued. Any harms caused by the destruction of human embryos will be outweighed by the goods attained in the relief of human suffering. However, social utility is not always a sufficient grounding to justify actions. Except for hard-line, classical utilitarians, most agree that there are some moral constraints on the promotion of the common good. Issues such as justice, human rights, or respect for persons often mitigate social utility.

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The Ethics of Embryonic Stem Cell Research: Finding Common ...

Stem cells are one of the current hot topics. There is a lot of excitement around it, as well as controversy. My friend recently had a baby and she is having stem cells from her baby's cord banked. How cool is that?

But did you know that stem cell regenerative therapy is available for dogs? Vet-Stem, California based regenerative veterinary medicine company, has been making this possible for a few years now. First used to treat horses, it has been available to treat dogs since 2005.

The beauty of the Vet-Stem technology is that the patient's very own stem cells are used, extracted from their own fat tissue. No controversy, no implant rejection.

How does this work? It does involve a minor surgery. A Vet-Stem certified vet will extract a small amount of fat tissue from your dog's shoulder area, which is then shipped to Vet-Stem, where they extract the stem cells from it. They send ready-to-use syringe(s) back to the vet who then injects the cells into the areas needing treatment. Extra stem cells can be banked for future use, and now Vet-Stem can even grow additional doses from the banked cells.

So what is the big deal about stem cells?

The best way to understand that is by understanding what stem cells are and what they do.

Think of stem cells as 'blank' cells. These blank cells can multiply, and they can become any kind of cell as needed, such as blood cells, muscle cells and so on. That is their function. As the name stem cells might suggest, all cells in the body stem from these 'blanks'.

Here is a beautiful little presentation illustrating the process. http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/tech/stemcells/scintro/

In an adult body their job is cell renewal and maintenance. Stem cell therapy is based on the same mechanism the body uses to repair itself. It is providing the extra help where body's own capacity is not enough. Did you know that even a simple paper cut could not heal without stem cells? Stem cell therapy simply supplies reinforcements where body's natural resources are not enough.

This therapy can bring amazing results in treating number of conditions.

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Stem Cells for Dogs? Oh yeah, baby. - Dawg Business: It's ...

The Cincinnati Archdiocese in Ohio is warning Catholic school principals against donations to the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Association.

This warning comes after the ALS's Ice Bucket Challenge went global bringing in more than $80 millionin a campaign to raise awareness for the condition.

ALS, also known as Motor Neurone Disease, is a neurodegenerative disease affecting nerve cells in both the brain and the spinal cord. The Ice Bucket Challenge, supporting the campaign, has become a pop culture and social media phenomenon.

Social networking sites like Facebook and Instagram are riddled with videos of people dumping buckets of ice water on their heads.They then challenge others to follow suit within the next 24 hours, and those who reject the challenge are encouraged to donate $100 to an ALS charity.

However, the Catholic Church has its concerns about the destination of these donations.

The Cincinatti Archdiocese has warned the pro-life community and Ohio Catholic schools to be wary when participating in the challenge as there is a chance donations made to the ALSA may end up contributing to embryonic stem cell research.

TheALSA has confirmed it supports research involving the destruction of embryos to find cures for the disease, according to Life News. Specifically, Life News reports that the ALSA supportsthe Northeast ALS Consortium, a clinical researcher.

Carrie Munk, a spokeswoman for the ALSA, confirmed in an email to Religion News Service, that the ALSA primarily funds stem cell research.

Munk stated: "Currently, The Association is funding one study using embryonic stem cells (ESC), and the stem cell line was established many years ago under ethical guidelines set by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS); this research is funded by one specific donor, who is committed to this area of research. The project is in its final phase and will come to an end very soon."

Catholic Church officials are encouraging pro-lifers to select a "pro-life-friendly" alternative when participating in the challenge.

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Catholic Church warns against ALS Association donations