Category Archives: Stem Cell Therapy

A couple of years ago, Brad Perry's dogs started having joint problems. Cowboy, the golden retriever, developed a severe case of arthritis, while Mr. Jones, the mutt, tore the ligaments in both of his knees during some overenthusiastic play.

"It was so sad. They wouldn't even come to the door to greet me they were in so much pain. It just broke my heart," recalled Perry, a tractor-trailer driver from Alexandria, Ky.

Perry gave the dogs all sorts of medications, but nothing worked, and he knew such medications could result in kidney and liver damage. The dogs' suffering became so great, Perry considered putting the pets down. But late last year he heard about a veterinarian in his area who performed stem cell therapy on dogs to regenerate and repair their joints and figured it was worth a try.

Cowboy underwent the procedure first. Mr. Jones followed a few months later. Perry said that within 10 days of receiving treatment the dogs were like puppies again, chasing his kids, running around in the park and swimming in the lake.

The treatment Perry's dogs received was developed by MediVet America of Lexington, Ky., one of several companies that sell equipment and training to veterinary clinics around the world. MediVet has more than a thousand clinics. Participating vets have performed more than 10,000 stem cell procedures about 7,000 of them in the past 12 months.

An operation like the one Cowboy and Mr. Jones underwent takes several hours. To start, the vet harvests a few tablespoons of fat cells from the pet's abdomen or shoulder, then spins the cells in a centrifuge to separate out the stem cells that are naturally present in fat. Next, the cells are mixed with special enzymes to "digest" any residual fat and connective tissue, and are then "activated" by mixing them with "plasma rich platelets" extracted from the animal's blood cells. The mixture is stimulated under a LED light for 20 minutes or so to further concentrate the stem cells. Finally, the newly awakened cells are injected back into the damaged joint.

Jeremy Delk, MediVet's chief executive officer, said that the therapy works because stem cells are the only cells in the body that have the ability to transform themselves into other types of specialized cells -- such as cartilage -- making them a potent tool for repairing damaged and deteriorating joints. There are 50 to 1,000 times more stem cells in the fat than bone marrow, a source that was more consistently used in animal and human -- stem cell therapy until the fat method started becoming more popular.

"As we age, humans and animals alike, our stem cells are starting to die off so we have fewer. What we are able to do with these techniques is isolate the cells in very large numbers, wake them up and put them back into the area that needs help," he explained.

While still largely unavailable to their owners, stem cell therapy from fat cells has been offered to our furry friends for several years. With fewer regulatory hoops to jump through in veterinary medicine and no contentious religious debates, experimental procedures are often tested and perfected on animals decades before they're green-lighted for use on humans.

One of the things veterinarians and owners alike praise about the procedure is it can be completed in one day, and all at the vet's office. Stem cells can also be banked for future injection so the animal does not have to endure extraction again.

John Sector, the owner of Shelby St. Veterinarian Hospital in Florence, who performed the surgery on Cowboy and Mr. Jones, had high praise for the therapy.

"This is potentially a game changer. We're seeing incredible results in the joints. We also see some unexpected improvements in other things, like skin conditions," he said.

Stem cell therapy is not just for pets who curl up on couches or ride in the backseat either. Delk said horses, donkeys, zebras and lions are also regular stem cell patients. He and his team recently traveled to the Middle East to perform the therapy on some prized racing camels.

However, stem cell remedies, even for animals, are still considered experimental. Shila Nordone, the chief scientific officer at the AKC Canine Health Foundation, a nonprofit group that funds health research for dogs, said that its use for joint regenerative purposes is exciting, but that the lower regulatory bar in animal medicine is both good and bad.

"It's good because we can do things sooner for our patients without 10 years of expensive clinical trials, but bad because we are still in the process of establishing best practices to ensure the procedures are the safest and most effective possible," she said.

Studies funded by the Health Foundation and others have been promising. One study of more than 150 dogs found improvements in joint stiffness, mobility and other joint health indicators in nearly 95 percent of arthritic cases. In some patients, improvements were seen in as little as a week while others took up to 90 days and required multiple injections.

The cost of a single procedure is $1800-$3,000, depending on the area of the country, the species of animal and severity of joint damage. Even those with pet insurance can expect to pay out of pocket.

Owners like Perry believe it is worth every penny.

"They are completely different dogs. It absolutely changed their lives," he said of Cowboy and Mr. Jones. "It changed mine too -- I got my dogs back."

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Arthritic Dogs Healed With New Stem Cell Therapy - ABC News

Regenexx Knee Stem Cell Therapy for Injuries and ArthritisChris Centeno2015-08-07T15:30:40+00:00

The Regenexx family ofnon-surgical stem cell and blood platelet procedures offer next-generation injection treatments for those who are suffering from knee pain or may be facing knee surgery or knee replacement due to common tendon, ligament and bone injuries, arthritis and other degenerative conditions.

As an alternative to knee surgery or knee replacement, Regenexx procedures may help alleviate knee pain and the conditions that cause it with a same-day office injection procedure. Unlike traditional surgery, Regenexx patients are typically encouraged to walk the same day, and most patients experience very little down time from the procedure.

Knee Patient Results | Regenexx SD Procedure Overview | ACL Injuries | Meniscus Tears

This is not a complete list of conditions treated, but the most common knee conditions we have treated throughout the years. If you are experiencing knee pain, injury, or arthritis, please contact us or complete the candidacy form below to learn more about whether the Regenexx Procedures are right for you.

This Regenexx-SD (same-day) bone marrow derived stem cell treatment outcome data analysis is part of the Regenexx data download of patients who were tracked in the Regenexx advanced patient registry.

This Regenexx-SD (same-day) bone marrow derived stem cell treatment outcome data analysis is part of the Regenexx data download of patients who were tracked in the Regenexx advanced patient registry following treatment for Meniscus Tears.

This data utilizes LEFS (Lower Extremity Functional Scale) data from our knee arthritis patients treated with stem cell injections. Functional questionnaires ask the patients questions such as how well they can walk, run, climb stairs, etc. The improvements following the Regenexx-SD procedure are highly statistically significant.

If you are considering a knee replacement, watch the video in the sidebar of this page and read about how stem cells stack up against knee replacements.

BioMed Research International;Volume 2014, Article ID 370621,.Centeno CJ.

Introduction. We investigated the use of autologous bone marrow concentrate (BMC) with and without an adipose graft, fortreatment of knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods. Treatment registry data for patients who underwent BMC procedures with andwithout an adipose graft were analyzed. Pre- and posttreatment outcomes of interest included the lower extremity functional scale(LEFS), the numerical pain scale (NPS), and a subjective percentage improvement rating. Multivariate analyses were performedto examine the effects of treatment type adjusting for potential confounding factors. The frequency and type of adverse events(AE) were also examined. Results. 840 procedures were performed, 616 without and 224 with adipose graft. The mean LEFS scoreincreased by 7.9 and 9.8 in the two groups (out of 80), respectively, and the mean NPS score decreased from 4 to 2.6 and from 4.3to 3 in the two groups, respectively. AE rates were 6% and 8.9% in the two groups, respectively. Although pre- and posttreatmentimprovements were statistically significant, the differences between the groups were not. Conclusion. BMC injections for knee OAshowed encouraging outcomes and a low rate of AEs. Addition of an adipose graft to the BMC did not provide a detectible benefitover BMC alone.

Two time Super Bowl Champ Jarvis Greens story. From a young boy struggling to get through a football practice, to a 2X Super Bowl Champion, Jarvis tells his story of pain and struggle following knee surgeries, and his return to form following a Regenexx Stem Cell Procedure.

If you are interested in learning whether you are a good candidate for the Regenexx Procedure, please complete the Regenexx Procedure Candidate Form below or call us at 888-525-3005.

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Knee Stem Cell Therapy - Surgery & Replacement Alternative

Treatment

The Stem Cell treatment performed at our clinics is a painless medical procedure where Stem Cells (cellular building blocks) are usually administered intravenously and subcutaneously (under the skin). The whole procedure takes approximately one hour and has no known negative side effects.

Following the treatment, the Fetal Stem Cells will travel throughout the body, detecting damaged cells and tissue and attempts to restore them. The Fetal Stem Cells can also stimulate existing normal cells and tissues to operate at a higher level of function, boosting the bodys own repair mechanisms to aid in the healing process. These highly adaptive cells then remain in the body, continually locating and repairing any damage they encounter.

As with any medical treatment, safety should be of the highest priority. The Stem Cells used in our treatment undergo extensive screening for possible infection and impurities. Utilizing tests more sophisticated than those regularly used in the United States for Stem Cell research and transplant. Our testing process ensures we use only the healthiest cells to enable the safest and most effective Fetal Stem Cell treatment possible. And, unlike other types of Stem Cells, there is no danger of the bodys rejection of Fetal Stem Cells due to the fact they have no antigenicity (cellular fingerprint). This unique quality eliminates the need for drugs used to suppress the immune system, which can leave a patient exposed to serious infections.

With over 3000 patients treated, Stem Cell Of America has achieved positive results with a wide variety of illnesses, conditions and injuries. Often, in cases where the diseases continued to worsen, our patients have reported substantial improvements following the Stem Cell treatment.

Patients have experienced favorable developments such as reduction or elimination of pain, increased strength and mobility, improved cognitive function, higher tolerance for chemotherapy, and quicker healing and recovery.

To view follow up letters from patients, please visit the patient experiences page on our website.

All statements, opinions, and advice on this page is provided for educational information only. It is not a substitute for proper medical diagnosis and care. Like all medical treatments and procedures, results may significantly vary and positive results may not always be achieved. Please contact us so we may evaluate your specific case.

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Stem Cell Of America | Breakthrough Stem Cell Treatment

Stem cell facts

Stem cells are cells that have the potential to develop into many different or specialized cell types. Stem cells can be thought of as primitive, "unspecialized" cells that are able to divide and become specialized cells of the body such as liver cells, muscle cells, blood cells, and other cells with specific functions. Stem cells are referred to as "undifferentiated" cells because they have not yet committed to a developmental path that will form a specific tissue or organ. The process of changing into a specific cell type is known as differentiation. In some areas of the body, stem cells divide regularly to renew and repair the existing tissue. The bone marrow and gastrointestinal tract are examples of areas in which stem cells function to renew and repair tissue.

The best and most readily understood example of a stem cell in humans is that of the fertilized egg, or zygote. A zygote is a single cell that is formed by the union of a sperm and ovum. The sperm and the ovum each carry half of the genetic material required to form a new individual. Once that single cell or zygote starts dividing, it is known as an embryo. One cell becomes two, two become four, four become eight, eight become sixteen, and so on, doubling rapidly until it ultimately grows into an entire sophisticated organism composed of many different kinds of specialized cells. That organism, a person, is an immensely complicated structure consisting of many, many, billions of cells with functions as diverse as those of your eyes, your heart, your immune system, the color of your skin, your brain, etc. All of the specialized cells that make up these body systems are descendants of the original zygote, a stem cell with the potential to ultimately develop into all kinds of body cells. The cells of a zygote are totipotent, meaning that they have the capacity to develop into any type of cell in the body.

The process by which stem cells commit to become differentiated, or specialized, cells is complex and involves the regulation of gene expression. Research is ongoing to further understand the molecular events and controls necessary for stem cells to become specialized cell types.

Medically Reviewed by a Doctor on 6/3/2015

Stem Cells - Experience Question: Please describe your experience with stem cells.

Stem Cells - Umbilical Cord Question: Have you had your child's umbilical cord blood banked? Please share your experience.

Stem Cells - Available Therapies Question: Did you or someone you know have stem cell therapy? Please discuss your experience.

Medical Author:

Melissa Conrad Stppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

Medical Editor:

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

Stem Cells: One of the human body's master cells, with the ability to grow into any one of the body's more than 200 cell types.

All stem cells are unspecialized (undifferentiated) cells that are characteristically of the same family type (lineage). They retain the ability to divide throughout life and give rise to cells that can become highly specialized and take the place of cells that die or are lost.

Stem cells contribute to the body's ability to renew and repair its tissues. Unlike mature cells, which are permanently committed to their fate, stem cells can both renew themselves as well as create new cells of whatever tissue they belong to (and other tissues).

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Stem Cells: Get Facts on Definition, Types, and Research

Welcome to Regenexx Stem Cell Therapy for Arthritis & InjuriesChris Centeno2015-09-20T08:24:44+00:00

The Regenexx Procedures are the nations most advanced non-surgical stem cell and blood platelet treatments for common injuries and degenerative joint conditions, such as osteoarthritis and avascular necrosis. These stem cell procedures utilize a patients own stem cells or blood platelets to help heal damaged tissues, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, spinal disc, or bone.

The list below represents the most commonly treated conditions using Regenexx stem cell or platelet procedures. It is not a complete list, so please contact us or complete the Regenexx Candidate Form if you have questions about whether you or your condition can be treated with these non-surgical procedures. The type of procedure used (stem cell or blood platelet) to treat these conditions is largely dependent upon the severity of the injury or condition.

021,900

21,900 Regenexx procedures have been performed since Regenexx pioneered orthopedic stem cell treatments in 2005

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THE PUBLISHED RESEARCH ON REGENEXX PROCEDURES ACCOUNTS FOR APPROX. 33% OF THE WORLDS ORTHOPEDIC STEM CELL LITERATURE (cumulative n of patients published and treated with bone marrow stem cells)

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The published research on Regenexx procedures accounts for approx. 33% of the worlds orthopedic stem cell literature (cumulative n of patients published and treated with bone marrow stem cells)

As our Regenexx Physician Network grows, so does the nationwide awareness of our next-generation regenerative procedures. This video selection is comprised of recent local news stories, media coverage and hit television show appearances, featuring Regenexx doctors and patients from around the network, sharing their stories. For more Regenexx videos, please visit our videos page or YouTube Channel.

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Stem Cell Therapy for Arthritis and Injuries | Regenexx

In many cases of spinal or joint tissue damage, even drastic surgical procedures are not enough to repair the injury and return the body to its previous state. Stem cell injection therapy is a revolutionary technique using non-controversial Adult (non-embryonic) stem cells to regenerate damaged tissue and help the body recover naturally within weeks. Dr. Damon Noto is one of the few doctors in the New York City area performing this revolutionary procedure.

Stem cells are the cells in the body from which all specialized kinds of cells such as cartilage cells, skin cells, or bone cells are derived from. Under the right conditions, the right stem cells can develop into any kind of cell that the body needs. When a person has a significant joint or spinal injury, introducing stem cells to the injured area allows the cells to form into the exact type of cells that the body needs to regenerate damaged tissue and restore function.

Stem cell injection into the knee (New York City) is a therapy that utilizes adult stem cells, which are harvested from the patient's own body in one easy procedure. Our stem cell treatments do not use controversial embryonic stem cells derived from human fetal embryonic tissue.

Your first appointment is for an evaluation where we will determine the best way to obtain the stem cells from your body. The second office visit is for extracting the stem cells, and then doing the actual injection. Dr. Noto will inject concentrated stem cells into the joint or spinal injury either using mild sedation or local anesthesia. The total procedure time usually is under 2 hours, and you will be fully awake and able to walk out of the office when finished. You will not need to stay overnight or even visit a hospital, as the treatment is performed conveniently in our office or near by surgical center. We serve New Jersey, New York City, Long Island and the surrounding areas.

The procedure involves minimal discomfort, and recovery time is minimal. Many patients begin to notice results within six to eight weeks after only one treatment. Some patients will require two to three treatments to see full results, but New York stem cell therapy can help both athletes and non-athletes return to their pre-injury condition with a minimally invasive procedure.

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Minimally Invasive Disc Surgery

Regenerative Medicine

Dr. Noto interviewed on Channel 12.

SPINE & JOINT CENTER - New Jersey

777 Terrace Avenue, 4th Floor Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604 Phone: 201.288.PAIN (7246)

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Stem Cell Injection Therapy in New York City

What #39;s the Difference Between PRP and Stem Cell Therapy? | Doctors Talk
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What's the Difference Between PRP and Stem Cell Therapy? | Doctors Talk - Video