Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) differentiate into different cell types and have immunomodulatory and paracrine effects. These cells can be obtained from different adult tissues, including the umbilical cord, which is an excellent source of MSCs. This tissue can be obtained during vaginal or cesarean delivery without risk for neither the baby nor the mother. There […]
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most prevalent autoimmune disease of the central nervous system, leading to irreversible deficits in young adults. It is a neuroinflammatory demyelinating disease whose pathophysiology is both complex and incompletely understood. There is currently no cure for MS. Since the 1970s people with MS have anecdotally reported that eating dairy products […]
The bacteria Helicobacter pylori infects the stomach and it causes gastric inflammation, increasing the risk of stomach cancer. Several studies have shown that the prevalence of H. pylori is still high in most countries. In north European and North American populations, about one-third of adults are still infected, whereas, in south and east Europe, South […]
Different studies have shown good results with the intravenous administration of mesenchymal stem cells derived from different sources, such as bone marrow, adipose tissue, and umbilical cord. They have been reported to be effective, safe, and promising in the recovery and clinical outcomes of stroke patients at acute and subacute stages, but clinical studies at […]
Metabolic syndrome is defined by the presence of multiple, related risk factors for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). It is highly prevalent, affecting 30% of the U.S. population, and confers a 5-fold increase in the risk of T2DM and doubles the risk for CVD over 5-10 years. Some features of metabolic […]
In a new study published in the journal Molecular Therapy, researchers from an international team, led by scientists at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine have found that gene therapy that inhibits targeted nerve cell signaling effectively reduces neuropathic pain in mice with spinal cord or peripheral nerve injuries. Given the current […]
Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. You may have trouble doing normal day-to-day activities. Some studies have suggested […]
Astrocytes make up almost half of the mammalian brain cells. They are called glial cells because scientists originally thought that these starlight-shaped structures serve as “nerve glue.” They play a variety of roles within neurons, such as controlling the growth of axons, the neuronal projections that carry electrical impulses. But until now it was unknown […]
Aging is characterized by declining cell, tissue, and organ function and increased susceptibility to chronic and debilitating diseases. Comprising bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and archaea, the intestinal microbiota contributes to the life-long health of the host, playing key roles in the development and maintenance of the host immune system and the intestinal epithelial barrier. During […]
With cardiovascular disease being the leading cause of death in adults worldwide, prescribing safe and effective anti-hypertensive therapies is of great concern. However, a common combination of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB), with diuretics and easily accessible over the counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can […]