What to Do in Case of Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis in the joints is a common health problem! Today, my hairdresser has complained of elbow osteoarthritis. What should he do? Therapy with autologous stem cells from fat can help to reduce pain and to regenerate the joint. As in the patient with lipedema I have already told you from.

In joint treatment with stem cells we harvest a small portion of the body’s own fat with microcannular liposuction, isolate the stem cells and inject them to the affected joint. That takes about an hour.

DDr. Heinrich, MD

Treatment of Raynaud’s Phenomenon and Blood Circulation Problems with Stem Cells from Fat

In a recently published clinical study from Marseille 12 patients with circulation problems in the hands (Raynaud’s disease) underwent promising treatment with the body’s own (autologous) stem cells. The pale fingers are caused by the reduced blood flow. The circulation problems were triggered by the connective tissue disease scleroderma, which is considered an autoimmune disease. Women are affected five times more frequently than men.

In the study a suspension of autologous stem cells (Stromal Vascular Fraction, SVF) was injected into the patient’s fingers. The stem cell suspension was obtained from a small amount of fat was harvested by liposuction. No side effects were recorded during the treatments, all patients showed an improvement in symptoms. Here we see once again how the aesthetic surgery enhances therapeutic medicine.

In my clinic we have treated cases of scleroderma and other autoimmune diseases successfully. Among them was a patient with scleroderma who especially suffered under the parchment-like skin on her hands caused by the disease. In many patients suffering from scleroderma – apart from disturbed blood flow – the skin’s appearance changes, which can often be improved by stem cell injections. Additional intravenous infusions of autologous stem cells should be made in scleroderma because in systemic autoimmune diseases systemic application is important.

This is very good news for affected patients and their doctors.

DDr. Heinrich, MD

EU Plans to Ban Doctors from Treating Patients!

“Investor protection” in favor of the pharmaceutical industry is important for the EU, but the physicians’ freedom of treatment that is required for the benefit of their patients is not.

Do you remember my blog How the Imhotep “Mummy” became the God of Medicine…? The brilliant doctor and vizier Imhotep not only built the first step pyramid for his Pharaoh Djoser 2600 BC, he reformed the entire known medicine. His impact on medicine was so strong that he influenced the writings of Galen in ancient times and the writings of Avicenna in the Middle Ages. What would have happened then in Egypt in the 3rd Dynasty if administrative officers of Pharaoh Djoser would have prescribed for him how he would have got to perform medicine? What mischief would they probably have requested from him?

 We are right now faced with such a situation: The EU administration officials dictate physicians on behalf of the European Commission (a structure that is democratically not legitimized) which therapies they may no longer perform; specifically therapies with human cells, which shall be reserved for pharmaceutical companies. The trick is making human cells into “drugs liable to approval” and thereby withdrawing them from both doctors and patients, because of course, such an approval process is difficult, time consuming, and extremely expensive. What a surprise that to the chagrin of the European Medical Agency (EMA) hardly any drug approvals have been requested, even though the whole drug approval process was of course made to “protect patient safety only” ;-).

This chagrin has prompted the European Commission to exert even more pressure and restriction. You will surely not believe its latest coup: As a patient you have to apply for “drug approval” at the European Medicines Agency (EMA) before using your own cells (!) in your own body (!). Thus, the healing potential of human cells is held back from both physicians and patients! What do countless chronically ill patients think about this scandal, patients who suffer from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), osteoarthritis, blood circulation disorders, scleroderma? One can only hope they will complain at Brussels!

Behaving like an elephant controlled by industry lobbies in the “china shop” of democracy will make this EU including its commission and the EMA increasingly unpopular! Cheers campaigns in the media paid by the taxpayers will not change this!

DDr. Heinrich, MD

Improvement in Alzheimer’s Disease with Stem Cells from Fat?

Alzheimer’s disease is a disease of the nerves in the brain. It mainly occurs in old age and is considered a heavy burden. The disease is caused by the accumulation of defective proteins in the brain. This protein waste accumulates in the brain cells and blocks their normal function. The more trash accumulates over time, the more severe is the manifestation of the disease.

In the beginning patients repeat themselves frequently. Then they forget how to cook or how to use electronic devices. Finally they don’t know how to handle money any more, misplace items, and lose the ability to maintain social contacts. An almost as hard fate meets the relatives due to the high care requirements for patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.

This hopeless situation could possibly soon be a thing of the past – recent studies in mice have lead into an interesting direction: In one study stem cells extracted from human adipose tissue (adipose-derived stem cells, ADSC) were administered into the bloodstream of mice suffering from Alzheimer’s disease through a vein. These stem cells reached the brain similarly to stem cells that were injected directly into the cerebral blood vessels. Thus a simple access path is assured even in nervous diseases in the brain.

The stem cells from adipose tissue supplied during stem cell therapy were effective in different ways. They reduced the protein waste, prevented further accumulation, and gave neuroprotective signals to their environment. However, the really interesting thing was the difference between treated and untreated mice. As it’s not possible to speak to the animals directly to determine if they are cured, a way through a maze has been trained with the mice. The treated mice were able to remember the way after a few training sessions and found the target more easily than the untreated mice. In contrast, the untreated mice – in spite of the training – had to explore all the ways again and again to reach the target because of the constant forgetting.

The effectiveness of stem cells from adipose tissue could be shown both at the cellular level as well as in the “real life” of mice. This therapy has a healing effect on already existing symptoms as well as protecting effect against the disease.

Because of these and similar promising study results we perform therapies with autologous stem cells from fat in people who suffer from certain diseases of the nervous system in our Clinic DDr. Heinrich® in Vienna.

First, a small portion of fat is gently harvested under local anesthesia. Then the mesenchymal stem cells contained in the fat are extracted. Like in the study the stem cells are – depending on the indication – either supplied to the patient systemically or injected locally into the area of the damaged nerves. In the case of systemic supply the stem cells independently find their way to the sites of the body where their regenerative potential is required.

DDr. Heinrich, MD

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Stem Cells for Healing of Sports Injuries

According to the The American Journal of Sports Medicine injecting platelet-rich plasma is already very common among athletes suffering from sports injuries.

Platelet-rich plasma is prepared from one’s own blood and contains growth factors and bioactive proteins that can positively influence the healing and regeneration of muscles, bones, tendons and ligaments. Platelet-rich plasma might be able to reduce the surgeries with their downtimes for professional athletes.

What a surprise that more and more athletes are turning to platelet-rich plasma injections to enhance healing after trauma and injury to both stem cell and PRP injections to try to avoid the uncertainty and down time associated with surgery. PRP is easily derived from blood serum and can be used in both aesthetic and therapeutic medicine. PRP can be used for skin rejuvenation and hair growth therapy too.

Said to be even more efficacious is the injection of mesenchymal stem cells derived from the body’s own adipose tissue (Stromal Vascular Fraction, SVF). Meanwhile a lot of athletes are profiting from this treatment, which only requires a minor liposuction of some 20 to 50 milliliters of body fat, something even the most athletic body would provide.

Unlike blood doping, platelet-rich plasma as well as stem cells are legal for use in athletes. In 2011, the World Anti-Doping Agency removed platelet-rich plasma from its list of banned substances. Growth factors from one’s own blood as well as stem cells from one’s own fat are for enhancing performance, they are for promoting healing.

DDr. Heinrich, MD

Stem Cells from Fat Help in Blood Circulation Disorders and Scleroderma

New study shows high therapeutic potential of stem cells from body fat

Vienna (2014-10-07) — In a recently published study from Marseille 12 patients who suffered from circulatory problems in the fingers (Raynaud’s phenomenon) underwent promising treatment with the body’s own (autologous) stem cells. The circulatory disorders were caused by the autoimmune connective tissue disease scleroderma. Scleroderma is currently incurable. According to the current state of medical science only the progression of the disease can be slowed down or sometimes stopped.

“There is growing evidence that scleroderma and other autoimmune diseases can be positively influenced by treatments with adult, autologous stem cells,” says DDr. Karl-Georg Heinrich, one of the first physicians in Europe performing therapies with stem cells obtained from the patient’s adipose tissue. In his Clinic DDr. Heinrich® the body’s own stem cells are used in the treatment of degenerative diseases, circulatory disorders, osteoarthritis, nervous disorders, and for skin rejuvenation.

The patients in the study group from Marseille were treated by locally injecting a suspension of stem cells extracted from body fat (Stromal Vascular Fraction, SVF). No side effects were recorded during the treatments and all patients showed an improvement in symptoms.

In DDr. Heinrich’s clinic in Vienna stem cell therapies with autologous mesenchymal stem cells obtained from fat tissue (Adipose-Derived Stem Cells, ADSC) are performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. First, a small portion of fat is harvested by liposuction with gentle microcannulas. The stem cells isolated from the fat in a complex laboratory procedure are – depending on the indication – either injected locally at the affected organ or tissue or administered systemically. In case of systemic delivery (usually intravenously by infusion), the stem cells seem to independently find their way to those sites in the body where their regenerative and healing effect is required. Often repeat treatments are recommended.

“In my clinic we have treated cases of scleroderma and other autoimmune diseases,” says DDr. Heinrich. “Among them was a patient with scleroderma who especially suffered under the parchment-like skin on her hands caused by the disease. In many patients suffering from scleroderma – apart from disturbed blood flow – the skin’s appearance changes, which can often be improved by stem cell injections.”

In addition – according to the recommendation of the physician – intravenous infusions of autologous stem cells should be given in case of scleroderma, because in systemic autoimmune diseases systemic application is important.

Further information: https://stemcelltherapy.cc/

Contact:
Clinic DDr. Heinrich®
Contact: Herfried Wagner
E-mail: info@ddrheinrich.com
Web: http://ddrheinrich.com/
Phone: +43 1 532 18 01

Treatment of Nerve Damage with Stem Cells from Body Fat?

Taking a glass in the hand or going up the stairs is as normal for us as the daily sunrise. But there are diseases that make such simple things difficult or even impossible. Like it is in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a rare disease which is currently in the media because celebrities splash themselves with ice water in favor of an ALS charity initiative.

Also nerve injuries can cause loss of control of muscles.

When a nerve is damaged, the signal from the brain to the muscle is interrupted and the muscle cannot do its job. Due to not being activated properly the unused muscle shrinks.

In a study such nerve defects were treated with autologous fat stem cells in rats. It was found that the nerve heals faster because of the stem cell therapy, muscle function rises again and the inflammation is reduced. They even found that administered stem cells migrate to the damaged nerve where they specifically initiate healing and regeneration.

Does this mean nerve regeneration is possible and that we can heal nerve defects using stem cells in humans? Of course, caution should always be exercised when it comes to possible promises of healing. At least some optimism is justified. Affected patients know that even a small gain in autonomy, which is associated with improved control over the muscles, counts considerably. The sooner this method is applied the better are probably the therapeutic results.

In our clinic we perform therapies with stem cells from body fat. Here, a small amount of fat is harvested with liposuction first under local anesthesia. Then stem cells (Stromal Vascular Fraction, SVF) are isolated from the fat in a complex lab procedure. The stem cells are then injected locally into the affected parts of the body, or depending on the indication, administered intravenously. The intravenously administered stem cells migrate into the body regions where they can develop their healing properties. This process is called “homing”.

DDr. Heinrich, MD

Can we soon heal wounds without scarring and regrow limbs like the newts?

As a child I was fascinated by the colorful world of newts. These relatives of frogs spend the spring and summer in the water of ponds and pools to mate and lay eggs there. The males then look like little water dragons with their jagged back combs.

At that time we were boys we were allowed to catch a few newts and put them in an aquarium. Today this is prohibited out of endangered species protection considerations. One of my aquarium guests, a great crested newt from Upper Austria, had lost half the tail and the left foot in combat with a predator. During the time in my aquarium I could watch how both the tail and the foot with all its toes regenerated completely. The wounds remained there open until everything was complete. No scar was left behind – fascinating!

Now a research group from China isolated a peptide from the skin of a newt which is ascribed an important role in this self-healing ability of the newts. It’s called tylotoin and acts similar to the epidermal growth factor (EGF), a growth factor we use for skin treatments for a long time.

Tylotoin stimulates the proliferation of skin cells, connective tissue cells and blood vessel cells. Furthermore, it leads to the release of tissue hormones and cytokines such as transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and interleukin 6 (IL-6), which play an important role in wound healing.

At present, the wound treatment with autologous mesenchymal stem cells seems very promising and a number of doctors around the world are investigating and performing this therapy. However, at the moment no completely scar-free healing is possible with stem cell application.

Could peptides like tylotoin soon make wounds heal completely without scarring or bring even entire limbs to regenerate? I will keep you up to date,

DDr. Heinrich, MD

Promotion of wound healing using stem cells from body fat?

Stem cell research is conquering many areas of medicine. In diseases where modern medicine has reached its limits the potential of the healing powers of the body’s own stem cells is explored.

We have now evidence that the stem cells derived from adipose tissue can be used in the treatment of wound healing disorders. The positive effect of stem cell treatment of poorly healing wounds is now examined in more detail in several studies worldwide.

Defects of the skin arise every day in the most mundane activities. A healthy body is able to handle these little damages and heal itself. However, if the outer impact is too strong, for example, due to a large-scale combustion, this requires medical attention. Nevertheless, even small wounds can develop problems when the patient suffers from diabetes or circulatory problems. Here the stem cells come into play with their significant biological potential:

Burns can sometimes cause deep wounds. A new stem cell therapy was tested on mice and found that the administration of adipose-derived stem cells (Stromal Vascular Fraction, SVF) promotes wound healing after burns. The wounds of treated mice healed better than those of mice that received no stem cells. Also the risk of infection could be reduced considerably.

Also chronic wounds such as diabetic ulcers or defects caused by venous diseases may profit from the healing potential of stem cells from autologous fat. The stem cells are thought not only to renew the skin but also likely improve the blood supply to the damaged area.

DDr. Heinrich, MD

Hair Loss Prevention with Stem Cells?

Regularly younger men come into my office who do not want to look like their fathers at 40 – with a (semi-)bald head. To prevent hair loss they have their scalp treated with stem cells.

For this purpose, a small portion of the patient’s fat is extracted first under local anesthesia, from which the stem cells are isolated. Subsequently, the obtained autologous stem cells are injected into the scalp.

Does that help? Well, we know that stem cell treatments work well for thinning hair and incipient baldness. The stem cells cause new hair growth and the hair gets more dense. Therefore, stem cells work even better as a preventive measure.

Unfortunately encouraging results for patients with a fully bald head do not exist. Obviously active hair follicles are required so the stem cells can act. In case of complete baldness the scalp does not contain hair follicles.

Just one more reason to prevent hair loss in time.

DDr. Heinrich, MD