Recent Advances in Stem Cell Treatment

A special issue of Medicines (ISSN 2305-6320). This special issue belongs to the section "Stem Cell Investigation and Regenerative Medicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2020) | Viewed by 29922

Special Issue Editor


E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor
1. Prodromos Stem Cell Institute, Glenview, IL 60025, USA
2. The Foundation for Orthopaedics and Regenerative Medicine, Glenview, IL 60025, USA
3. The Illinois Sportsmedicine and Orthopaedic Center, Glenview, IL 60025, USA
Interests: stem cell and PRP treatment of orthopedic; autoimmune and other disorders; knee and shoulder surgery

Special Issue Information

This Special Issue reports remarkable game-changing advances in the treatment of a number of medical problems using stem cells. Dr. Weiss is successfully and reliably improving sight in previously untreatable retinal disorders. Dr. Fessler is improving function in spinal cord patients who previously had no hope of improvement. Dr. Sterodimas is improving the quality of skin using stem cells in a way that no other treatment has achieved. Dr. Protogerou is treating otherwise untreatable ED patients using stem cells. Dr. Prodromos is successfully treating patients with knee arthritis using stem cells instead of joint replacement. Furthermore, Dr. Prodromos demonstrates in 2 meta-analyses that mesenchymal stem cells are both completely safe and reliably efficacious. This effectively refutes the argument against their regulatory approval that now limits stem cell treatment access for patients.

Dr. Chadwick C. Prodromos
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • stem cell
  • regenerative medicine
  • retina
  • arthritis
  • stromal vascular fraction
  • erectile dysfunction
  • spinal cord injury

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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9 pages, 1693 KiB  
Article
Autologous Biologic Treatment with Fat, Bone Marrow Aspirate and Platelet Rich Plasma Is an Effective Alternative to Total Knee Arthroplasty for Patients with Moderate Knee Arthrosis
by Chadwick Prodromos and Susan Finkle
Medicines 2020, 7(6), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines7060037 - 25 Jun 2020
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4095
Abstract
Background: Osteoarthrosis (OA) of the knee afflicts millions worldwide. Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) is common, but associated with substantial cost and morbidity. Prior studies of intra-articular injection of fat, bone marrow aspirate (BMA), and platelet rich plasma (PRP) have shown clinical benefit. We [...] Read more.
Background: Osteoarthrosis (OA) of the knee afflicts millions worldwide. Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) is common, but associated with substantial cost and morbidity. Prior studies of intra-articular injection of fat, bone marrow aspirate (BMA), and platelet rich plasma (PRP) have shown clinical benefit. We hypothesized that injection of autologous adipose tissue, BMA, and PRP would provide significant benefit for patients with moderate knee OA resulting in avoidance of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in most, with discontinuance of NSAIDs and other drugs. Methods: 42 TKA candidate patients (47 knees) with moderate (Kellgren-Lawrence 2 and 3) knee OA who had failed conservative treatment had autologous adipose tissue, BMA, and PRP injection as an alternative to TKA in office using only local anesthetic. Patients had discontinuance of all nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) and other analgesics, except acetaminophen, prior to treatment. Patients were evaluated with Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Physical Shortform (KOOS-PS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) prior to treatment, and at 6 months, 1, and 2 years after treatment. Results: Follow up exceeded 80% at all time points. There were no significant adverse events. TKA was avoided in 97% at one and 86% at two years after treatment. Mean SANE, KOOS-PS, and WOMAC scores significantly improved at 6 months, 1, and 2 years post-treatment. WOMAC and SANE scores were higher at two versus one year post-treatment. Conclusions: Combined fat, BMA, and PRP injection is a safe and effective treatment for moderate knee OA, with reliable avoidance of TKA and possible continued improvement at two year follow-up. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Stem Cell Treatment)
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13 pages, 3052 KiB  
Article
Silicone Implant Versus Silicone Implant Assisted by Stromal Enriched Lipograft Breast Augmentation: A Prospective Comparative Study
by Aris Sterodimas
Medicines 2020, 7(5), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines7050028 - 19 May 2020
Viewed by 4192
Abstract
Background: Implant-assisted breast augmentation is among the most performed surgeries performed by plastic surgeons today. This prospective study evaluated the patient satisfaction and complication rates using high-profile round silicone implant alone (traditional breast augmentation) Group A versus the high-profile round silicone implant assisted [...] Read more.
Background: Implant-assisted breast augmentation is among the most performed surgeries performed by plastic surgeons today. This prospective study evaluated the patient satisfaction and complication rates using high-profile round silicone implant alone (traditional breast augmentation) Group A versus the high-profile round silicone implant assisted with stromal enriched lipograft (composite breast augmentation) Group B. Methods: A total of 50 female patient candidates to undergo breast augmentation between January to September 2017 were randomly assigned to either group. The periareolar technique for breast augmentation and the subfascial plane were used in both groups for the insertion of the high-profile round silicone implants. The stromal enriched lipograft (SEL) was used in Group B for the preparation of the autologous fat grafting to the breast. The satisfaction of each patient with body appearance following breast augmentation was rated using an already published scale of 1–5. The rate of complications was analysed. Results: AS performed all the surgeries. In Group A, the age range was between 19 and 48 years (mean of 22.5 years). In Group B, the age range was between 20 and 47 years (mean of 24.1 years). The average BMI of Group A was 24 m/kg2 and 23 m/kg2 of Group B. Patient satisfaction meta-analysis for Group A and B at 12 months shows that patients in Group B expressed a satisfaction that is superior when compared to Group A patients. The ability to camouflage the implant could explain the higher satisfaction rates in Group B. The rate of complications appears similar in both groups. Conclusions: Composite breast augmentation using a combination of round high-profile implants and SEL in breast augmentation can achieve a higher patient satisfaction and aesthetic outcome as compared to the round high-profile breast augmentation alone. The technique is safe, simple and fast with low complication rates. Large multicentre, controlled, prospective studies need to be performed to further confirm the favourable results that were observed in this study. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Stem Cell Treatment)
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9 pages, 249 KiB  
Communication
Stem Cell Clinical Trials in Spinal Cord Injury: A Brief Review of Studies in the United States
by Andrew Platt, Brian T. David and Richard G. Fessler
Medicines 2020, 7(5), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines7050027 - 12 May 2020
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 5031
Abstract
Background: Although many therapeutic approaches have been attempted to treat spinal cord injury, cellular transplantation offers the greatest promise in reconstituting the architecture of the damaged cord. Methods: A literature review was conducted to search for clinical trials investigating stem cells as treatment [...] Read more.
Background: Although many therapeutic approaches have been attempted to treat spinal cord injury, cellular transplantation offers the greatest promise in reconstituting the architecture of the damaged cord. Methods: A literature review was conducted to search for clinical trials investigating stem cells as treatment for spinal cord injury in the United States. Results: Overall, eight studies met inclusion criteria. Of the included studies, four were identified as being terminated, suspended, or not yet recruiting. Two studies were identified as currently recruiting, including one phase one trial evaluating stereotactic injections of human spinal cord-derived neural stem cells in patients with chronic spinal cord injuries, and one trial of transplantation of autologous bone marrow derived stem cells via paraspinal injections, intravenous injections, and intranasal placement. One study was identified as an active study, a phase one trial of intrathecal injection of 100 million autologous, ex-vivo expanded, adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells. One trial that was listed as completed is a phase 1/2a, dose escalation study, investigating stereotactic injection of human embryonic stem cell derived oligodendrocyte progenitor cells. Conclusions: Although few significant publications have emerged to this point, current trial results are promising. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Stem Cell Treatment)
13 pages, 292 KiB  
Article
Stem Cell Ophthalmology Treatment Study (SCOTS): Bone Marrow-Derived Stem Cells in the Treatment of Age-Related Macular Degeneration
by Jeffrey N. Weiss and Steven Levy
Medicines 2020, 7(4), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines7040016 - 28 Mar 2020
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 6259
Abstract
Background: Dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of vision loss in older patients. The macula accumulates drusen with loss of retinal pigment epithelial cells and photoreceptors. Abnormal subretinal neovascularization is absent. There is no effective drug therapy for [...] Read more.
Background: Dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of vision loss in older patients. The macula accumulates drusen with loss of retinal pigment epithelial cells and photoreceptors. Abnormal subretinal neovascularization is absent. There is no effective drug therapy for dry AMD and a large proportion of patients progress to legal blindness from macular atrophy. The Stem Cell Ophthalmology Treatment Study (SCOTS) was conducted to assess the effect of bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMSCs) on dry AMD and other retinal and optic nerve diseases. Methods: Thirty-two eyes were treated with BMSC per the protocols in SCOTS. Provision of BMSCs in Arm 1 was via retrobulbar (RB), sub-tenons (ST) and intravenous (IV); Arm 2 via intravitreal, RB, ST and IV; Arm 3 via subretinal and IV. Patient age averaged 78 years old and ranged from 69 to 90. Visual acuity preoperatively ranged from counting fingers to 20/50-2 with an average preoperative LogMAR of 1.125. Results: Following treatment, 20 of 32 (63%) of eyes experienced improvement in visual acuity averaging 27.6% on LogMAR and ranging from 2.5% to 44.6%. The mean improvement in LogMAR was 0.963 with a standard deviation (SD) of 0.42. The visual acuity remained stable in 34% of treated eyes. One eye continued to worsen as a consequence of disease progression. The results showed high statistical significance with p ≤ 0.001. The procedures were conducted safely, and no complications were observed. Conclusions: Treatment of dry AMD with BMSC using the protocols developed in the SCOTS clinical trial has shown statistically significant clinical benefit improving visual acuity and potentially delaying visual loss in the disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Stem Cell Treatment)
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10 pages, 575 KiB  
Article
The Combined Use of Stem Cells and Platelet Lysate Plasma for the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction: A Pilot Study–6 Months Results
by Vassilis Protogerou, Sara El Beshari, Efstathios Michalopoulos, Panagiotis Mallis, Dimosthenis Chrysikos, Alexandros A. Samolis, Catherine Stavropoulos-Giokas and Theodoros Troupis
Medicines 2020, 7(3), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines7030014 - 18 Mar 2020
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4463
Abstract
Background: The current treatment of Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is mainly based on the use of drugs that provide erections shortly after use but they do not really treat the problem. Stem cell therapy is a novel treatment with regenerative properties that can possibly [...] Read more.
Background: The current treatment of Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is mainly based on the use of drugs that provide erections shortly after use but they do not really treat the problem. Stem cell therapy is a novel treatment with regenerative properties that can possibly treat erectile dysfunction. Methods: Five patients with erectile disease were treated with Adipose-Derived Stem Cells (ADSCs) and Platelet Lysate Plasma (PLP). ADSCs were obtained through abdominal liposuction and PLP was prepared after obtaining blood samples from peripheral veins. Erectile function was evaluated with the International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire (IIEF-5) questionnaire, penile triplex at the 1st, 3rd, 6th and 12th month post-treatment. A CT scan of the head, thorax and abdomen was done before treatment and at the 12th month. Results: IIEF-5 scores were improved in all patients at the 6th month although not in the same pattern in all patients. Peak Systolic Velocity (PSV) also improved at the 6th month in all patients but also with different patterns in each patient, while End Diastolic Velocity (EDV) was more variable. Two patients decreased the treatment they used in order to obtain erection (from Intracavernosal injections (ICI) they used PDE-5Is), two had unassisted erections and one had an initial improvement which decreased at the 6th month. There were no side effects noted. Conclusions: Stem cell therapy in combination with PLP appears to show some improvement in erectile function and has minimal side effects in the short term. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Stem Cell Treatment)
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Review

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26 pages, 1386 KiB  
Review
Autologous Mesenchymal Stem Cell Treatment is Consistently Effective for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: The Results of a Systematic Review of Treatment and Comparison to a Placebo Group
by Chadwick Prodromos, Susan Finkle, Tobias Rumschlag and John Lotus
Medicines 2020, 7(8), 42; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines7080042 - 24 Jul 2020
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 5136
Abstract
Background: Numerous studies have used autologous mesenchymal stem cell injections (AMSCI) to treat osteoarthritis. We hypothesized that AMSCI is an effective osteoarthritis treatment with increasing efficacy at higher doses. Methods: We conducted a PubMed search for human clinical studies using AMSCI for the [...] Read more.
Background: Numerous studies have used autologous mesenchymal stem cell injections (AMSCI) to treat osteoarthritis. We hypothesized that AMSCI is an effective osteoarthritis treatment with increasing efficacy at higher doses. Methods: We conducted a PubMed search for human clinical studies using AMSCI for the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) and a second search for placebo arms of injectate OA treatment. Inclusion criteria included treatment outcomes ratings both pre-treatment and at least 6 months post-treatment. Results: 45 AMSCI cohorts from 34 studies met criteria. All AMSCI cohorts showed improvement at mean 15.3 months post-treatment. Mean WOMAC and VAS scores improved at 6-months and at final follow-up (p < 0.0001 for all). Scores > 2 years were also significant (WOMAC p = 0.001/VAS p = 0.004). Results greatly exceeded the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) at each time point. AMSCI improvement also substantially exceeded previously published 6-month placebo-treatment improvement. No dose–response relationship was seen. AMSCI cohorts showed continuing improvement ≥ 6 months, and continued upward at one year. Placebo scores were already trending downward by 6 months. Conclusions: AMSCI is a consistently significantly effective treatment for osteoarthritis. It should no longer be stated that data is insufficient to establish AMSCI efficacy for OA. Given its excellent safety profile, AMSCI should be widely used for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Stem Cell Treatment)
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