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<p>It is more than 60 years since the first evidence emerged of the existence of stem cells and their natural ability to renew and differentiate into specialised cells types, such as those governing the blood, brain, heart or bones. Two Canadian scientists happened to observe colonies of proliferating blood cells after injecting bone marrow cells into mice. Given that the rodents’ blood cells were able to regenerate fully, exciting potential medical benefits for humans were suddenly envisaged.</p>



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<p>Stem cells are considered the body’s master cells – the raw materials or primitive cells from which all other cells originate. Crucially, in the right conditions, be it in the body or a laboratory, stem cells can be split into daughter cells that are able to form new stem cells or, through differentiation, morph into specialised cells that have more specific functions.</p>



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<p>Stem cell research offers an advanced method of studying the function of genes and physiological processes, yet the really interesting and far-reaching consequences of the original findings in 1961 are the vast range of possible clinical applications. As well as shedding light on the origins of cancer, stem cells can potentially drive therapies for the treatment of diabetes, spinal cord injury, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and more.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Government warning</h3>



<p>Stem-cell therapies replace ailing patients’ damaged tissues using stem cells (or their daughter cells). Such treatments involve advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) – medicines based on genes, tissues or cells – and are considered high- risk. In many countries, they fall under statutory regulations and citizens are advised to be wary of unproven cell-based therapies offered by some clinics around the world.</p>


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<p>In Hong Kong, no ATPMs in the stem-cell category are registered for use. The Department of Health’s Drug Office warns that the safety, efficacy and quality of any unregistered medicines using stem-cell technology cannot be guaranteed. Certain cell or tissue replacement therapies like blood transfusion and bone marrow and cornea transplants, however, do not fall under this category and are commonly practised.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Dangerous hype</h3>



<p>The potential to replace damaged tissue through regenerative medicine has fascinated the scientific community for decades. For laypeople who read about stem cells being coaxed into multiplying and populating different tissues, it may seem like a wonder cure for all debilitating conditions. This wild speculation has been fuelled by apparently successful cases being claimed and blown out of proportion before rigorous scientific process has been conducted.</p>



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<p>A particularly notorious case involved Italian thoracic surgeon Paolo Macchiarini, who in 2008 created a new airway for Claudio Castillo, a young woman from Barcelona, using stem cells taken from her own bone marrow. These were implanted into a windpipe taken from a deceased donor, and stripped of its cells to leave a bare scaffold. Since the treatment involved the patient’s own cells, it appeared that her immune system was able to accept the replacement windpipe without the necessity of immune-suppressing drugs. The organ seemed to function like it was Castillo’s own, and the procedure was reported in the press as a miraculous breakthrough.</p>


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<p>But this lofty claim was not justified. Many of the 17 or more patients around the world whom Macchiarini treated with artificial or regenerating windpipes suffered severe complications and subsequently died. His career and reputation unravelled, causing much soul-searching into the dangers of overhyping the progress of stem-cell therapy.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Questions of immunity</h3>



<p>This case generated so much interest partly because it was perceived that patients could be treated with stem cells taken from their own bone marrow. Many such treatments have not worked, though the notable exception is blood stem-cell transplantation, which has been used on people with leukaemia and other cancers of the blood for decades, saving countless lives.</p>



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<p>A recent report in the New Scientist detailed the treatment of diabetes in mice using genetically altered cells that bypass the immune system. Pioneered by Californian firm Sana Biotechnology, the method uses pancreas cells formed from stem cells that do not cause a destructive immune response. This is crucial because most stem-cell therapies in development require either the taking of immune suppressors or the use of stem cells derived from the person receiving them – which is costly, time-consuming and lacks universality. Cells from one person that are put into another usually provoke an immune response.</p>



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<p>Sana Biotechnology bypassed this issue by genetically creating cells so they become invisible to the immune system. In tests using rhesus macaques, pluripotent versions of these cells – which have the potential to be turned into multiple different tissues and organs – survived with no sign of an immune attack for up to four months. By contrast, cells inserted into the monkeys without genetic changes were destroyed by their immune system within four weeks.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2-1-1024x774.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-80128" width="768" height="581" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2-1-1024x774.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2-1-370x280.jpg 370w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2-1-768x581.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2-1-1536x1161.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2-1-200x151.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2-1-800x605.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2-1.jpg 1586w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<p>Blood tests indicated that the stem-cell-derived pancreas cells used to treat the mice for type 1 diabetes helped to reduce their diabetes symptoms. This research could be an important step towards off-the-shelf stem-cell treatment for a whole range of conditions including heart attacks and strokes. As Sana Biotechnology’s Sonja Schrepfer put it: “The vision is we have cells for anyone, anytime, anywhere.”</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Future vision</h3>



<p>In a concerted effort to combat degeneration of the eye, Dr Chien-Ling Huang and her research team at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s Department of Health Technology and Informatics are utilising induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), a unique manipulable cell type that can be obtained by reprogramming animal and human differentiated cells. The team not only harnessed the versatility of iPSCs but also refined the differentiation process, coaxing these cells into distinct lineages vital for blood circulation and the intricate structure of the retina.</p>



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<p>Imitating nature, their approach involves crafting an artificial extracellular matrix, a scaffold providing structural and biochemical support for cell growth. They believe the innovation not only improves retinal neuron differentiation efficiency but also lays the groundwork for further advancements in regenerative medicine. “Through the strategic integration of state- of-the-art gene editing and advanced biomaterials, the team envisions a significant enhancement in the generation of specific cell types crucial for combating degenerative conditions,” said a spokesperson.</p>



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<p>Dr Huang’s team indicated that they remain focused on the ultimate goal: to contribute significantly to the arsenal of medical interventions aimed at saving individuals from the grips of degeneration disorders.</p>


Stem The Tide: Though no cure-all, stem cell therapy offers hope for a range of debilitating conditions

<p>According to the World Health Organization, ageing is a key aggravator of many of the major diseases that leading medical institutions and pharmaceuticals are committed to curing, notably Alzheimer’s, diabetes and cancer. Naturally, positive outcomes of all such endeavours are keenly awaited by consumers / patients the world over. At present, it is estimated that the global anti-ageing market will be worth some US$58.5 billion by 2026. This, however, could surge a hundred-fold or more should a true means of preserving youth ever be identified. Is that, however, a realistic proposition? Answering that particular question, of course, relies on an assessment of the particular challenges involved.</p>
<p><a href="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/gafencu-wellness-Life-Lessons-live-longer-anti-ageing-treatment.png"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-57632" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/gafencu-wellness-Life-Lessons-live-longer-anti-ageing-treatment.png" alt="gafencu wellness Life Lessons live longer anti-ageing treatment" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/gafencu-wellness-Life-Lessons-live-longer-anti-ageing-treatment.png 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/gafencu-wellness-Life-Lessons-live-longer-anti-ageing-treatment-200x133.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/gafencu-wellness-Life-Lessons-live-longer-anti-ageing-treatment-421x280.png 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/gafencu-wellness-Life-Lessons-live-longer-anti-ageing-treatment-120x80.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/gafencu-wellness-Life-Lessons-live-longer-anti-ageing-treatment-500x333.png 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/gafencu-wellness-Life-Lessons-live-longer-anti-ageing-treatment-400x266.png 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/gafencu-wellness-Life-Lessons-live-longer-anti-ageing-treatment-600x399.png 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></a></p>
<p><strong>How does the body age?</strong><br />
Throughout our lives, the cells in our bodies are continually subject to external damage from a variety of sources, including exposure to sunlight, toxins, chemicals and even some of the foods we consume. Normally, our cells maintain running repairs, patching up damage wherever it occurs. As we age and our tissues, muscles and organs inevitably become more and more impaired, the body’s natural repair system eventually begins to slow down, leaving the body exposed to all manner of health-related perils.</p>
<p><a href="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/gafencu-wellness-Life-Lessons-live-longer-anti-ageing-research.png"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-57630" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/gafencu-wellness-Life-Lessons-live-longer-anti-ageing-research.png" alt="gafencu wellness Life Lessons live longer anti-ageing research" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/gafencu-wellness-Life-Lessons-live-longer-anti-ageing-research.png 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/gafencu-wellness-Life-Lessons-live-longer-anti-ageing-research-200x133.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/gafencu-wellness-Life-Lessons-live-longer-anti-ageing-research-421x280.png 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/gafencu-wellness-Life-Lessons-live-longer-anti-ageing-research-120x80.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/gafencu-wellness-Life-Lessons-live-longer-anti-ageing-research-500x333.png 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/gafencu-wellness-Life-Lessons-live-longer-anti-ageing-research-400x266.png 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/gafencu-wellness-Life-Lessons-live-longer-anti-ageing-research-600x399.png 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Cell rejuvenation</strong><br />
The human body, of course, consists of trillions of cells, all of which divide, multiply, shrink and eventually break as part of a process referred to as cellular ageing. The more damage the body undergoes, the more the cells suffer and the more they need to replicate in a bid to maintain structural integrity. The regrettable side effect of this continuous restoration manifests as an acceleration of the ageing process.</p>
<p>In order to help tackle this, cell rejuvenation and cell therapy attempt to restore cells to an earlier more active state in the form of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Such an approach is believed to have considerable potential, at least according to no less an authority than the Stanford University School of Medicine. Indeed, many now believe that it may be possible to combine aged cells with other genes in order to revive them or even to give rise to wholly new cells, a process that eventually could lead to the facility to regrow damaged or lost limbs. Over the shorter term, it could also offer new hope to those suffering from dementia or Parkinson’s Disease.</p>
<p><a href="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/gafencu-wellness-Life-Lessons-live-longer-anti-ageing-senolytic-drugs.png"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-57631" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/gafencu-wellness-Life-Lessons-live-longer-anti-ageing-senolytic-drugs.png" alt="gafencu wellness Life Lessons live longer anti-ageing senolytic drugs" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/gafencu-wellness-Life-Lessons-live-longer-anti-ageing-senolytic-drugs.png 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/gafencu-wellness-Life-Lessons-live-longer-anti-ageing-senolytic-drugs-200x133.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/gafencu-wellness-Life-Lessons-live-longer-anti-ageing-senolytic-drugs-421x280.png 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/gafencu-wellness-Life-Lessons-live-longer-anti-ageing-senolytic-drugs-120x80.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/gafencu-wellness-Life-Lessons-live-longer-anti-ageing-senolytic-drugs-500x333.png 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/gafencu-wellness-Life-Lessons-live-longer-anti-ageing-senolytic-drugs-400x266.png 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/gafencu-wellness-Life-Lessons-live-longer-anti-ageing-senolytic-drugs-600x399.png 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Senolytic drugs</strong><br />
The term ‘senescent cell’ is one that is ever more frequently bandied around in medical circles and refers to a kind of cell that is already naturally accumulated by the body. Essentially, it refers to an inactive cell that is at the end of its natural lifecycle, a point where it ceases to divide itself, can no longer be repaired and cannot be relied on to help protect any surrounding cells. Unfortunately, such cells, although innately benign, secrete harmful molecules that may well accelerate the ageing process, while having a number of other detrimental effects on the body, notably chronic inflammation as well as proteostatic dysfunction.</p>
<p>In clinical trials, so-called senolytic drugs have demonstrated a facility for eradicating these senescent cells. Such treatments, according to research by the US-based Mayo Clinic, selectively target and clear senescent cells from the body. Should such trials continue to yield positive outcomes, this kind of therapy could be deployed to prevent or alleviate various chronic diseases, including diabetes, as well as the typical consequences of ageing, such as the loss of physiological resilience and the onset of growing frailty.</p>
<p><a href="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/gafencu-wellness-Life-Lessons-live-longer-anti-ageing-autogaphy.png"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-57627" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/gafencu-wellness-Life-Lessons-live-longer-anti-ageing-autogaphy.png" alt="gafencu wellness Life Lessons live longer anti-ageing autogaphy" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/gafencu-wellness-Life-Lessons-live-longer-anti-ageing-autogaphy.png 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/gafencu-wellness-Life-Lessons-live-longer-anti-ageing-autogaphy-200x133.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/gafencu-wellness-Life-Lessons-live-longer-anti-ageing-autogaphy-421x280.png 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/gafencu-wellness-Life-Lessons-live-longer-anti-ageing-autogaphy-120x80.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/gafencu-wellness-Life-Lessons-live-longer-anti-ageing-autogaphy-500x333.png 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/gafencu-wellness-Life-Lessons-live-longer-anti-ageing-autogaphy-400x266.png 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/gafencu-wellness-Life-Lessons-live-longer-anti-ageing-autogaphy-600x399.png 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Calorie restrictions</strong><br />
Eating healthily has long been regarded as essential for longevity and maintaining a positive bodily function. Few, however, are aware of the cellular consequences of the oxidative stress caused by an overwhelming amount of free radicals in the body. In simpler terms, the food we eat contains free radicals, molecules that carry oxygen to the heart through the blood. Any imbalance of free radicals and natural antioxidants, however, can trigger several detrimental health conditions, such as cancer, diabetes or Alzheimer’s, over the long-term.</p>
<p>According to a variety of studies, deliberate calorie restriction in the form of fasting stimulates autophagy – the body’s consumption of its own tissues – a process that helps to remove toxic proteins from cells, while promoting the regeneration of healthy cells. Dietary alterations, including increasing the consumption of such antioxidants as kale and goji berries, also help to reduce the risk of damage from free radicals.</p>
<p><a href="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/gafencu-wellness-Life-Lessons-live-longer-anti-ageing-exercise.png"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-57629" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/gafencu-wellness-Life-Lessons-live-longer-anti-ageing-exercise.png" alt="gafencu wellness Life Lessons live longer anti-ageing exercise" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/gafencu-wellness-Life-Lessons-live-longer-anti-ageing-exercise.png 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/gafencu-wellness-Life-Lessons-live-longer-anti-ageing-exercise-200x133.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/gafencu-wellness-Life-Lessons-live-longer-anti-ageing-exercise-421x280.png 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/gafencu-wellness-Life-Lessons-live-longer-anti-ageing-exercise-120x80.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/gafencu-wellness-Life-Lessons-live-longer-anti-ageing-exercise-500x333.png 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/gafencu-wellness-Life-Lessons-live-longer-anti-ageing-exercise-400x266.png 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/gafencu-wellness-Life-Lessons-live-longer-anti-ageing-exercise-600x399.png 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></a></p>
<p>Although an end to ageing may not be on the cards any time soon, there seems little doubt that, given enough time, it may even be possible to artificially extend the human lifespan by a considerable margin. Whether any of us alive today will still be around to reap any such future benefits, of course, is a wholly different question.</p>


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Stem The Tide: Though no cure-all, stem cell therapy offers hope for a range of debilitating conditions

Looking to live longer? You may want to take notes of these anti-ageing points…