Blog

The Ins and Outs of Regenerative Medicine

Stem cell: The primary, basic cell template that changes to become cells of all tissues, from bone, to tendon, to glands, and organs.

Actions of stem cells:

Anti-sclerotic (eat and replace scar tissue)
Anti-microbial (kill infection)
Anti-inflammatory
Regenerative (replace damaged tissue)
Evidence shows that stem cells can be in an area repairing damage for up to a year.

The two main functions of stem cells are that they:

Differentiate: Meaning that they turn into many different cell types (Muscle cell, Skin cell, Bone cell, Tendon cell, Organ cell, Nerve cell, Stem cell)
Proliferate: Meaning that they replicate themselves
Types of Regenerative Therapy (stem cell):

Embryonic

Comes from sacrificed embryo (DHC does not use this type)

Also from egg fertilized in vitro

Obviously carries a large stigma

Has DNA already programmed – Increased chance of mutated cells

Bone Marrow Aspirate (Taken from the iliac crest of the patient)

Must be processed in proper environment

Higher chance of infection at harvest site

Same DNA as patient – No Rejection

Older stem cells – not as viable

Quality of stem cells subject to environment and health habits of the patient

Adipose (Mini liposuction of abdominal area of patient)

Must be processed in proper environment

Higher chance of infection

May result in an uneven abdominal surface

Same DNA as patient – No rejection

Older stem cells – not as viable

Quality of stem cells subject to environment and health habits of the patient

PRP – Protein Rich Plasma

Injecting protein from patients blood

Attracts patient stem cells to area (Not injecting stem cells)

Slower healing time

Requires multiple injections

Patients report mixed results

Amniotic

FDA approved

Tissue is donated by healthy moms at live C- section

Placental tissues and fluid are processed in “clean room” environment that exceeds American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB) standards

No cells are collected from the chorion side of placenta, which has Mom’s immune cells. The cells are only collected from the amnion side of the placenta – Immune privileged tissue!

Stem Cells and Tissue Building Blocks:
GF, Proteins, Collagen, HA, and STEM CELLS

When injected into injured area, stem cells become the cells of the tissues that need regenerating, and create and grow only what’s needed:
Cartilage, Ligament, Tendon, Muscle, Discs, Bone, Nerve, etc.

Currently, Downtown’s Healthcare uses a few different forms of Regenerative Therapy. We have seen the best results using an Amnion Allograft product that contains (Hyaluronic Acid (HA), Growth Factors (GF), Cytokines and Stem Cells).

This is an in-office procedure: