University of Adelaide researchers are working on a stem cell project they hope will lead to a new treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS). They have started a three-year project using adult stem cells to directly target the damaged site in the central nervous system (CNS). Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune inflammatory disease of the brain and spinal cord. To control the disease, effective treatments need to control the immune response and repair damage to nerve-protection sheaths. 'We've already shown adult stem cells have great potential to control the immune response and promote repair of the central nervous system,' says Professor Shaun McColl in a statement timed to coincide with Kiss Goodbye to MS month. He said the trick was to get the stem cells to the right location. 'We aim to show we can modify stem cells to more effectively reach the central nervous system, and that we can use these cells to inhibit inflammation. 'If it works, there is great potential for a new therapy for this debilitating disease.' Read more here: Bid for MS breakthrough … Continue reading →

Professor Shaun McColl says new treatment for multiple sclerosis lies within modified adult stem cells. Picture: Dean Martin Source: adelaidenow A POTENTIAL new treatment for multiple sclerosis lies within modified adult stem cells, University of Adelaide researchers say. The researchers hope using stem cells from fat tissue - to send cells with anti-inflammatory properties directly to the damaged site in the central nervous system - will be able to treat the autoimmune disease. Director of the Centre for Molecular Pathology, Professor Shaun McColl, said treatments for MS needed to control the immune response and repair the damage caused to the fatty myelin sheaths that protect the nerves. "We've already shown that adult stem cells have great potential to both control the immune response and promote repair of the central nervous system. It also prevents further damage," Prof McColl said. "But the trick is getting the stem cells to the right location where they can perform this function." MS is a progressive disease in which the body attacks the central nervous system, causing nerve inflammation and scarring. It results in the impairment of motor, sensory and cognitive function. When stem cells are injected into theblood system, very few cross the blood/brain … Continue reading →

BANGKOK - A former director of Veterans General Hospital is campaigning against the hospital's decision to pursue stem cell research. Namchai Kultaraporn outlined his concerns in a document he distributed on Friday at a ceremony held at the hospital in Bangkok to announce cooperationinvolving local and foreign researchers. Stem cell treatment, he wrote, still requires a lot more research before it can be accepted in mainstream medicine. There are many medical safety, legal and ethical issues, he added. Dr Namchai also questioned the transparency of the decision to begin research. He said the current director, Gen Chaiwat Sathondi, who took office on April 2, entered agreements with private and public agencies without consulting the hospital's management team. Nobody knew the details of the cooperation or the organisations he had contacted, said Dr Namchai. "Despite what was presented [at the ceremony], there are still no reasons for the hospital to have a stem cell project," Dr Namchai said. The hospital has received budget approval to expand to 500 beds from 300 and that should be the priority, rather than renovation of building for other purposes, he added. Defence Minister Sukumpol Suwanatat attended the event and said that stem cell treatment was … Continue reading →

Epilepsy Treatment for FREE with EPILEPSY FOUNDATION Patient speaking about his treatment at Free Epilepsy Camps. His son has recovered well and now he is not getting any seizure and under control. By: epilepsyfound … Continue reading →