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How Can Stem Cells Be Used to Treat Congestive Heart

How Can Stem Cells Be Used to Treat Congestive Heart Failure?

Heart failure is a devastating blow to the body system, and despite the best efforts of clinicians and researchers often results in permanent organ damage and eventual death. Researchers are fighting to put a stop to the high mortality rate of congestive heart failure, and believe stem cells may be the way to do it.

The possible uses for stem cells have made it a highly published topic in medical journals today. Stem cells are the precursors to every cell in the body, and are primarily produced in the bone marrow in adults. During times of crisis, such as when a patient suffers from leukemia, the spleen and other organs that possessed stem cells during fetal development will take over production. This is the body’s way of maintaining proper cell balances and replenishing itself as old cells die. For example, red blood cells in the circulation only have a lifespan of approximately four months; during that time the hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow are continuously producing new rubriblasts, the precursor cells that will over time become mature erythrocytes.

There are several forms of stem cells; for the sake of research scientists are currently focusing on the embryonic and adult varieties. Embryonic stem cells come from a blastocyst, a four to five day old human embryo. During gestation these pluripotent cells will divide and multiply, forming the body and internal organs of the fetus. Embryonic stem cells are highly valued for research for several reasons; they are able to provide large numbers of replenishing cells and have no limitations on what form of cells they can become. The use of embryonic stem cells is highly controversial, however, due to the fact that collection often requires the destruction of the embryo.

There are several methods that have been published in research journals regarding the application of stem cells in the treatment of congestive heart failure. Congestive heart failure results when cells in the heart are dysfunctional or destroyed and the heart is unable to properly pump blood throughout the body. Some patients are able to be treated using mechanical aids or transplant, but this is not always the case. Several years ago a group of patients with no other available options for treatment agreed to be part of a test study regarding stem cells. Autologous stem cells were removed from the marrow and injected into the failing heart tissue through the chest wall. Patients who received this treatment showed marked improvement, presumably as a result of stem cell action. The precise means by which this occurs is still unknown; however, research scientists speculate that the stem cell is either growing new vessels or acting as a beacon to bring other cells in to repair the damaged tissue.

Another possibility regarding stem cells is the growth of tissue for transplant. Hearts available for an organ transplant are not as easily obtained as physicians would desire, and there are often waiting lists years long for every available organ. Stem cells grow readily in a laboratory environment, and if unstimulated to differentiate will reproduce pluripotent daughter cells. This results in a tissue that will essentially adapt to whatever environment it is placed in. Research scientists speculate that with the proper environment essentially grow heart tissue and transplant it to the patient who has suffered heart failure, replacing the dead and damaged tissues with live, vital tissue. This procedure would allow the heart to function more easily and hopefully give the patient a better chance for survival.

With current treatment the prognosis for sufferers of congestive heart failure is grim. At least fifty percent will die within five years of being diagnosed, and those who are not victims of this mortality rate will feel the effects of their heart failure for the rest of their lives. Stem cell research represents a chance for those patients to beat these odds.

How Can Genes Contribute to and Cure Congestive Heart Failure?

How Can Genes Contribute to and Cure Congestive Heart Failure?

It is common knowledge that heart failure follows another severe form of heart damage; however, until now scientists and doctors have had no way to identify those at risk. New research into genes and gene therapy have made them a potential weapon in the fight against heart failure.
Scientists have made several discoveries regarding the role of genes in the detection and treatment of heart failure. Several years ago it was discovered that a small percentage of patients who had suffered heart failure possessed a defect in the gene that allows the body to detect stress signals; in essence, the heart does not know that it is working to hard and is unable to adjust. This percentage may seem insignificant; however, the gene mutation was not present in any of the healthy patients examined. Researchers stress that this is a susceptibility factor, not a cause of congestive heart failure; however, it may be the breaking point when determining if a heart suffering from other disease will fail. Detection of this mutation may allow doctors to identify and treat patients at risk prior to their heart failing rather than after.

This defect is found in the ATP-sensitive potassium channels and is caused by a genetic mutation. The potassium channel regulates potassium and calcium levels in the body. While the heart must have calcium to function, an excess of calcium leads to damage. This is the reason calcium blockers are often given to patients with congestive heart failure. Fortunately, medications to open the potassium channel already exist.

In addition, a defect of the delta-sarcoglycan gene has been seen in hamsters with muscular dystrophy and cardiomyopathy. This gene is the cytoskeleton of muscle fibers, and successful transplant of a normal human delta-sarcoglycan gene has been shown to cause a tremendous improvement in these animals. This is noteworthy because current transplant attempts require open heart surgery. This type of gene transplant is carried on a virus, eliminating the need for surgery.

Scientists had been a bit concerned with using this method of gene therapy due to the need for a systemic effect. There was also some concern that the body’s natural immune system would eliminate the virus of its own accord prior to successful delivery of the gene; however, they believe they have found the best form of virus to successfully slip past the body’s defenses. When transplanting the delta-sarcoglycan gene researchers used a type eight adeno-associated virus, piggybacking the corrective gene onto it as it was inserted into the body. This allowed the gene to be carried to all areas of the body in animals with muscular dystrophy without being destroyed by the body’s own natural immunity.

Gene therapy is still highly experimental, and researchers are unsure yet of the role it will play in the conquest of heart failure; however, this represents a technology that was unavailable thirty years ago. Continuing advancements in technology and medicine’s knowledge of the body’s building blocks may one day unlock the mysteries to the cure of this deadly disease.

Manifestations of Arthritis

Manifestations of Arthritis
Amanda Baker

One of the most common conditions in the United States today is
a debilitating inflammatory disease that affects our joints. It
is estimated that there are over 100 different forms of this
disease and over 40 million people suffer from one form or
another.

Though typically thought to be an affliction of the aging,
arthritis can affect anyone at any time, and with all of the
different forms, each with their own symptoms, it could be hard
to determine just what type of arthritis an individual is
suffering from.

The signs and symptoms of arthritis are varied, though some of
the first symptoms are familiar and easy to recognize. Symptoms
such as general pain or swelling around the joints, an increased
stiffness in the joints in the morning, a cracking sound in the
knees when standing, and joints with a red appearance that feel
warm to the touch are all signs of arthritis.

However, before you rush to purchase an over-the-counter
arthritis treatment, you should talk to your doctor. Your doctor
is the only one who will be able to tell you what form of
arthritis you may have and how to treat it.

Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most common forms of
arthritis that plagues sufferers. It affects the joints and is a
systemic disease that can affect other organs. Rheumatoid
arthritis symptoms tend to disappear after sometime, but the
problem is still there. The true cause of rheumatoid arthritis
is presently unknown, though many suggest that things such as
infections, fungi, or bacteria are the culprits. However, there
are also those that believe that rheumatoid arthritis is
hereditary. Painful and swollen joints are a common warning sign
of rheumatoid arthritis, followed by muscle pain, extreme
fatigue, redness and warmth at the joints, even a low grade
fever and appetite loss.

Next to rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis is a common
affliction, caused by breaking down of joint cartilage.
Osteoarthritis commonly begins in one joint and typically only
affects the one joint. It does not move to internal organs.
Osteoarthritis commonly affects the knees, hips, hands, and
spine. By the time the pain starts setting in for an
osteoarthritis sufferer, the damage to the affected joint
cartilage could be considerable.

Relieving pain from a form of arthritis can be as simple as
over-the-counter or prescription medication. However, in the
most severe cases, surgery may be necessary. Being overweight
can also play a role in arthritis. Some physicians believe that
a change in diet can ease the pain of arthritis, though there is
a lot of debate on the topic. Regardless, you should speak to
your doctor who can tell you just what form of arthritis you may
have, and what treatment options may work best for you.

About the author:
Amanda Baker writes for http://tobeinformed.com – a website for
health, fitness and wellness information.

Beauty: Makeovers: Should You Undergo One?

Are you a woman who has thought about changing your appearance? For many women, thinking is all that they do. With beauty being an important issue in life, especially to many women, many are afraid to make any drastic changes. This is what leads a relatively small number of women to get makeovers each year. With that in mind though, there are a number of reasons as to why you should at least consider undergoing a makeover.

One of the many reasons why you should consider getting a makeover is because it can help to improve your appearance, as previously stated. Unfortunately, when it comes to appearance improving techniques, many individuals only think of drastic measures, like weight loss or cosmetic surgery. Yes, these methods can help you improve your physical appearance, but they can be costly. A makeover is a simple, yet affordable way to improve your physical appearance. When undergoing a makeover, you can have your hair done, makeup professionally applied, as well as get a manicure.

In addition to improving your appearance, undergoing a makeover can help to relieve any stress that you may be suffering from. This happens in a number of different ways. For starters, when undergoing a makeover, the professional in change is the one doing all the work; all you have to do is just sit back and relax. Secondly, an improvement in appearance or even just a small appearance change has been known to uplift the sprits of many women, as well as help relive the stresses that they may be suffering from.

Perhaps, the greatest reason as to why you should think about undergoing a makeover is because it is fun. Makeovers are ideal solo or with a group of friends. There is just something exciting about getting a makeover, even if it is one that wont forever. It is also important to mention that many makeover specialists or beauticians give you freedom over your own makeover, like what you would like done and how. In addition to giving you freedom over your makeover, you may find that your beautician also offers you his or her own professional expertise.

Speaking of expertise, you will find that many professional beauticians have years of training and on-the-job experience underneath their belt. The expertise of the beautician performing your makeover is another one of the many reasons why you should at least consider undergoing a makeover. In addition to giving you professional results, you can also use your makeover as an educational tool. For instance, if your makeover includes makeup application, you may learn a few neat tips, tricks, and techniques. When you think about it from that angle, a makeover can not only improve your appearance now, but in the future as well.

The above mentioned reasons are just a few of the many reason why you should at least consider undergoing a professional makeover. If you would like to use a makeover as a way to have fun and relieve all of your stress, you may want to contact your local beauty salons, spas, or hair salons. You can find these establishments by asking those that you know for recommendations, using your local phone book, or the internet. If you would prefer to undergo your makeover in the comfort of your home, you may want to inquire about an at-home makeover. Most individual beauticians, especially those who are self-employed, would be more than willing to accommodate you and at a relatively affordable cost.

Despite what you may have heard in the past, makeovers arent just for large social events, like weddings. If you wish, you can get a makeover at just about any point in time, even for no reason at all. Of course, the decision as to whether or not you want to undergo a makeover is your decision to make, but you may want to keep the above mentioned points in mind when making that decision.

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