Osteoarthritis in the knee: How stem cells can repair damaged cartilage

April 18, 2020| Barbara W. Andrade| 0 Comment | 7:32 am

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Health

It crunches and cracks, and some movements during exercise are really painful. When the knee shows signs of wear and tear, those affected want a miracle cure that rebuilds the cartilage. Hope rests on stem cells.

The body’s own stem cells have a positive effect on osteoarthritis-related inflammation in the knee.
A study now wants to clarify whether they actually build up permanent cartilage.
A transplant can repair minor cartilage damage in young patients.

After a certain age, signs of wear and tear become noticeable in the knee . After the age of 30, the risk increases linearly. The painful, inflammatory breakdown of cartilage in the operating room and with an artificial knee ends 150,000 times a year. Then smooth metal has to replace the cartilage layer, which allows round, painless movements in a healthy knee.

The idea frightens many people suffering from osteoarthritis. They hope for new methods to rebuild lost cartilage: stem cells should help.

Belly fat provides the best stem cell material

The doctor uses the patient’s belly fat as a starting material. The idea behind it: stem cells can be obtained particularly easily and in relatively large numbers from vascular fat tissue. Injected at the location of the defect, they learn from the microenvironment into which cell type they should develop.

According to this principle, the doctor and stem cell researcher Eckhard Alt uses the undifferentiated cells : Stem cells from the patient’s fat tissue are processed in the operating room within an hour and injected into the patient where he needs them – for example into the osteoarthritis knee.

The founder of the “Interdisciplinary Stem Cells Research Center” in Houston and a private clinic in Munich sees stem cells as the future therapy for chronic inflammatory diseases of the musculoskeletal system – among other things.

The cell extract in the knee does not guarantee success

Some orthopedic practices that offer the procedure honestly state that it is a not generally recognized attempt at healing with no guarantee of success. Rather, it is a final experimental attempt to remedy knee problems without a joint replacement.

“In this so-called ‘point-of-care’ application, a cell extract is injected that not only consists of stem cells,” explains Oliver Pullig from the Fraunhofer Translational Center for Regenerative Medicine in Würzburg. How many stem cells that are supposed to develop into cartilage material actually get into the knee is just as little regulated as the preparation of the suctioned off belly fat.

Development of osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis most commonly occurs on the fingers, thumbs, knees, hips and big toes.

Arthrosis is always preceded by cartilage damage. Cartilage is considered to be a “shock absorber” for the joints. Initially, the damage to the cartilage is often superficial and limited to a small area. In the advanced stage, the symptoms worsen. Tension pain occurs and the joints change.

The joints react to the cartilage damage with pain, swelling or inflammation.

Stem cells instead of knee prostheses

A Europe-wide study is currently looking for scientific evidence of the anti-osteoarthritis potential of the body’s own stem cells.

A small one with six patients in Würzburg and twelve in Montpellier, France, led to success in 2013: Almost all participants canceled their previously unavoidable operation for a knee prosthesis. “Your complaints had improved throughout,” explains Oliver Pullig. “A reconstruction of cartilage was unlikely with such a large damage.”

The follow-up study that has just begun with 153 participants at ten European locations therefore fulfills a requirement that the German study director Ulrich Nöth from the Evangelical Forest Hospital Berlin-Spandau formulated back then: Stem cell therapy is best suited for patients with middle and middle-aged osteoarthritis. You are no longer eligible for a cartilage transplant, but you are too young to have an artificial joint.

New cartilage from stem cells? A study should show it

Like the pilot study, the ADIPOA2 study uses so-called mesenchymal stem cells from the abdominal fat of each subject. These precursor cells of the connective tissue have the ability to develop into cartilage, bone or fat cells.

Biologist Oliver Pullig explains: “We take 100 milliliters of belly fat from each participant. The stem cells obtained from this are multiplied millions of times in special laboratories. That takes a good two weeks. 51 patients then receive two million of these pure stem cells injected into the joint, 51 patients receive an injection with 10 million cells and 51 patients receive a placebo. “

Results should be available by the end of 2018, and thus scientific proof of whether stem cells fulfill the hope of permanently building cartilage. The scientist is optimistic: “If successful, the therapy with stem cells as a drug could be ready for the market at the next study level. It doesn’t take five years. “

Cartilage transplant only helps to a limited extent

Another method to restore lost cartilage is transplantation, which has been tried and tested for 20 years. So far, however, it has only been successful in the case of centimeter damage in an otherwise intact knee. The operation is laborious and the healing process long.

In the first keyhole surgery, the doctor removes a small piece of healthy cartilage, hardly larger than a grain of rice. These cartilage cells are propagated in the laboratory in three to four weeks. In a second operation, the surgeon places these cells or the cartilage patch on the defective area in the knee.

After that, the knee must not be subjected to any load for six weeks, then only lightly for another six weeks. Only after a year is the joint stable enough for sport to be possible.

Cartilage from the laboratory is expensive

The transplant is only suitable for younger knee patients whose cartilage and joints are free from osteoarthritis. If this therapy is successful, it can prevent further cartilage damage and a later threatened knee prosthesis.

Then, in the long term, the costs of several thousand euros for cells grown in a laboratory will pay off.

Hyaluronic acid can at least relieve pain

If these methods are out of the question, another remedy can help: synthetic hyaluronic acid is often misunderstood as a substance for building up cartilage. However, it cannot produce worn cartilage, but serves as a lubricant and for joint care.

Orthopedic surgeons inject the moisture-retaining gel three to five times at weekly intervals. Hyaluronic acid relieves pain and promotes mobility – permanently for some patients, at least for a year or two for others. Then the treatment can be repeated.

At 20, 40, 60 and 70 years: how to eat healthily at any ageAt 20, 40, 60 and 70 years: how to eat healthily at any age

May 20, 2020| Barbara W. Andrade| 0 Comment| 8:59 am

Sometimes the body needs more protein, sometimes more carbohydrates and after a certain age it should be less overall. If you want to eat healthily for a lifetime, you should always keep an eye on your age when shopping and cooking.

According to today’s recommendations, a healthy diet consists of plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit, good oils, as little industrially processed food as possible, economical consumption of animal products, white flour and sugar – from children to old people.

So there is only healthy and unhealthy diet, but no age-related diet. But: Over the years and depending on the situation in life, the need and utilization of nutrients change. And here age definitely plays a role. For example, the nutritionists at the University of California in San Diego have put together an overview of what to look out for .

This is what matters from 20 to 40:

The basal metabolic rate is highest in young adults, which means that the body consumes the most calories even without physical activity. At this age, many people can “eat what they want” without getting fat. At least at this age, the body forgives a few fast-food orgies and other antics.

In general, it is important to build up muscles, bones and connective tissue between the ages of 20 and 30 , also with the help of a sensible diet. Everyone can benefit from this basis in later years, when it is no longer so easy to maintain fitness.

In these years, special attention to nutrition requires more of a life circumstance for women: pregnancy.

Special dietary instructions for young pregnant women only

In addition to a diet full of high-quality nutrients and the natural avoidance of tobacco and alcohol , it is important to ensure an optimal supply of vitamins, minerals and trace elements so that the child develops well. Eating for two, on the other hand, is completely unnecessary and wrong.

Therefore, all expectant mothers should take folic acid in the first 3 months of pregnancy . Iodine tablets can also be useful. And vegans also have to pay attention to a number of micronutrients that they lack by avoiding animal foods: iron, zinc , calcium, vitamins B12, B2 and D as well as an appropriate intake of omega-3 fatty acids.

This is important from 40:

From the age of 40, the metabolism begins to slow down. While the body can usually break down too much sugar and carbohydrates by the age of 30, it loses this ability by the age of 40 at the latest. Suddenly, an unchanged diet is reflected in the stomach and hips.

Anyone who is only now finding an adequate diet can still set the course for a healthy future.

Anyone who has already eaten reasonably healthy should now pay more attention to the following elements:

Fruits and vegetables in bright colors – the antioxidants they contain act as cell protection with an antiaging effect in the body.
more whole grains on the menu
a (small) portion of red meat twice a week – good for building muscle , also important for women because of the prevention of iron deficiency
Vegetarians should pay particular attention to green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale or Swiss chard.

Here are some things to watch out for in your 50s and 60s:

Now begins a dangerous age for cardiovascular problems such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Anyone who has neglected their diet and has not taken much exercise must expect type 2 diabetes .

It is now important to have a diet that keeps the blood sugar level stable and prevents deposits in the blood vessels. It should be low in cholesterol, high in fiber and slowly digestible carbohydrates, so:

lots of vegetables
little animal fat
no sugared soft drinks
little white flour products

In addition:

nuts
Good oils (olive, flaxseed)
Fish (omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D)
Low-fat dairy products (calcium)

Changes in hormones accelerate the loss of calcium from the bones. The substitution of calcium plus vitamin D can now counteract the threat of osteoporosis . Because of the breakdown of estrogen during menopause , it occurs earlier and more frequently in women. But bone loss threatens men too.

An omega-3 supplement can benefit heart health if someone doesn’t eat sea fish. Omega-3 fatty acids stabilize the blood vessels.

Proper nutrition with 70 plus:

With age, various physiological and psychological changes occur that directly affect nutritional needs. The taste buds and appetite decrease, as does the desire to cook freshly and by yourself.

The body is less able to absorb and use many vitamins and minerals. With age, the digestive juices in the stomach change, reducing the absorption of iron, calcium, and vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid.

Long-term use of prescription drugs can decrease the absorption of certain nutrients.

Less calories, but not less nutrients

Seniors need fewer calories than younger people, but no fewer nutrients. Protein becomes important again in old age: it can delay muscle loss in old age, especially when combined with strength training.

As a rule of thumb, one gram of protein per kilogram of body weight per day . However, it should not be exclusively protein from meat, as it promotes inflammation, especially in the joints.

Because digestion becomes sluggish with age, fiber is important for the 70+ generation. A teaspoon of psyllium husks are a recommended alternative to the vegetables or whole grains that would be necessary for an optimal supply. To do this, seniors have to drink plenty, even if that is difficult for many.

Diet and Exercise For Weight Loss – What You Should Know About These ProgramsDiet and Exercise For Weight Loss – What You Should Know About These Programs

August 30, 2021| Barbara W. Andrade| 0 Comment| 12:26 pm

When most people think about diet and exercise for weight loss, they automatically think about what you should eat. It may be a good idea to take a nutrition quiz first though so that you can figure out what your ideal weight for your height and age is. Many people who have put off working out or following a diet for weight loss do so because they do not know where to begin. There is no right place to start. Every person has their own ideas on what weight they want to lose and how to achieve it, so follow along as you research diet and exercise for weight loss.

Start with what you already enjoy doing. If you are a fan of the television, do not stop watching after you have lost some weight. You will be bored if you do not have the activities that you enjoyed doing. Take up a new sport to keep yourself motivated. If you are already involved in an exercise routine such as dance, sign up for a sport that you can see yourself participating in all time soon. Starting a new sport will give you something to look forward to each day. Weight loss diet plan: Lose weight without exercising by eating these foods | Express.co.uk

Diet and exercise for weight loss will involve watching what you eat and when you eat it. Eat at times when you are not stressed out and when you are feeling hungry. Stress can bring on cravings, so it is important that you eat smaller meals throughout the day than usual. Eating smaller meals lessens the amount of food you have to eliminate so that you do not have to starve yourself to lose weight.

Develop a diet and exercise routine that works best for your lifestyle and time frame. If you need a fast solution to your weight problems then you might want to go for a crash diet or a cleansing diet. These are quick solutions that are not long term. Choose one that will allow you to see results quickly.

You should also think about the types of foods that you eat. If you need to reduce your caloric intake, you can increase your protein consumption. A diet and exercise routine that include a high protein diet will help you get the results that you want. If you want to add muscle mass, you can increase the amount of lean meats, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products in your diet. A good diet and exercise routine will help you reach your goal weight in a healthy and sustainable manner.

You can consult a dietitian to help you design a diet and exercise plan. A dietitian can also help you determine which types of diet will be best for your particular weight loss needs. Remember, different people have different metabolisms. That is why some people cannot benefit from a high protein diet while others can. Always talk with your doctor before you start any type of diet and exercise program.

What is the Best Treatment For Peyronie’s Disease?What is the Best Treatment For Peyronie’s Disease?

August 6, 2021| Barbara W. Andrade| 0 Comment| 6:37 pm

What is Peyronie? What are the symptoms of Peyronie? What is the cure for Peyronie? Who is at risk if I’m infected with Peyronie? These and many more questions may pop into your head if you are suffering from this disease. What if I do not treat my disease? This is a common question many people ask – is it safe to buy and use peyronie’s device amazon. Unfortunately, there is nothing we can do about our genes or family history that will make it “rain” down from us.

There are several treatment options available. What are the most common treatments? Which ones have the highest success rates? What is the risk for treatment failure? Which treatments relieve symptoms better than others? When the infection first appears what are the best treatment options? What is the most effective cure? If you are suffering from Peyronie what are your treatment options? What are the side effects of each treatment option? Where do I start? These are just some of the common questions faced by most people. Unfortunately, the answer is not simple. But to help you decide, here are some of the treatments available.

Oral antibiotics are the most commonly prescribed treatment for early-stage infection. It is taken orally in either a pill form or tablets. If it is taken as a pill it is usually taken once per day with your meal. The pill form of Vitamin C needs to be taken on an empty stomach to maximize the absorption rate and speed up the action of the medication. Oral antibiotics like penicillin are available at most drug stores and supermarkets.

Topical corticosteroids are usually applied topically to the affected area or joints. They work by reducing inflammation and redness within hours of being applied. These treatments can be found at most drug stores and supermarkets as well as vitamin stores. The most common brand is prednisone, which is usually prescribed for short periods only.

Most conventional therapies start off with topical steroid creams or gels. These treatment options are usually only recommended for mild or moderate cases of the disease. However, for more severe cases oral steroids may be required. Also, for the acute phase, these treatments are usually only recommended.

For the acute phase of the disease, many doctors will recommend surgery. Depending on how advanced the disease is surgery might be required as part of the treatment plan. Surgical options will always be under serious consultation with your physician. However, with advanced and aggressive disease, you will probably be able to choose a different course of treatment such as hormonal therapy or microsurgery.

As mentioned before, some patients will need more than one type of treatment. So it is important to find out what sort of treatments are already available for your condition. In most cases, surgery or hormonal therapy is usually the first recommendation. However, in some situations such as those that occur during menopause women will require liposuction. And last but not least, it is important to follow your doctor’s advice and start treatment as soon as possible.

It is very important to keep in mind that every case of the disease is different. Some patients will respond to treatments quicker than others. For this reason, you must discuss with your doctor which treatment will be best for you. Remember, that at any stage of the disease you should always see your doctor. Your doctor will be able to advise you on the best treatment for Peyronie’ disease based on your unique circumstances and the severity of the disease.

One of the most common treatments for Peyronie’s disease is a nonsurgical treatment using a penile traction device. The traction device has been shown to be very effective in helping to reduce the pain associated with the condition. This nonsurgical treatment can usually be worn under clothing. If your doctor recommends a penile traction device then it is strongly recommended that you wear it only during the day. Penile traction devices have been known to cause some discomfort, so you should take care not to aggravate the discomfort by exercising or performing other activity during the day.

Other nonsurgical treatment options that your doctor may recommend include steroid tablets, which can help relieve inflammation and reduce pain associated with the condition. Also part of what is the best treatment for Peyronie’s disease is to use prescribed oral pain medication. In most cases your doctor will consider anti inflammatory medication as an option, but there are also several oral pain medications that are considered safe if taken as directed. One important thing to remember is that when taking any kind of medication to relieve your condition, you should always consult your doctor and follow his or her dosage recommendations.

Finally, the best treatment for Peyronie’s disease is to commence treatment as early as possible, i.e the earlier you start your treatment the sooner you can get back to your daily activities. For example, if you begin treatment for your Peyronie’s disease the sooner you can get back to work and resume sporting activities. In addition, the earlier you begin your treatment the earlier you can get back to your social and emotional life. Therefore, if you have been suffering from this condition for some time it is highly recommended that you look into the available treatment options that are available to you.