Stem Cell Types

There are three basic types of stem cells. Embryonic stem cells as the name implies come from embryos and have ethical issues surrounding them. Adult stem cells can be purified from a variety of sources including bone marrow and fat. Finally, induced pluripotent stem cells are artificially made from somatic cells such as skin cells. This final type of stem cells is produced by a form of genetic engineering. Viruses are used to insert genes and change the characteristics of the cells.

Embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells are years away from any real value as treatments because they carry a serious risk of cancer. This has not been well outlined in the press but needs to be discussed. Adult stem cells are used for a variety of treatments already including bone marrow transplants and other indications.

United Nations and Platelet Rich Plasma

AM at the United Nations

This week Dr. Allan Mishra presented his platelet rich plasma research at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. The lecture was part of a worldwide conference on stem cells and regenerative medicine. Researchers, clinicians and government ministers from the United States, Dubai, Japan, Sinapore, Australia, Italy, France, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Spain, England, Turkey, Brazil and even Kazakhstan were in attendance.

The BioBridge meeting included the researchers from Kyoto Japan who are pioneering the use of induced pluripotential stem cells (an alternative to embryonic stem cells) and several physicians using platelet rich plasma (PRP) for dermatologic, traumatic and degenerative conditions. Data from the meeting suggests PRP is ahead of stem cells as a therapeutic biologic agent in terms of applications and safety.

The meeting was a collaborative and inspiring international event. The relationships established and the sharing of data will hopefully lead to future multi-disciplinary discoveries.

AM

Total Tendon

Apex PRP