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Keeping Your Little One Safe

Written by Dr. Lana du Plessis on . Posted in Client Articles.

Tips for a Safe Home

  1. Kitchen Safety Zone: As mentioned earlier, the kitchen can be a hotspot for burns. Implement the “No Child Zone” concept, keeping your child in a safe play area while you cook. Utilize back burners, turn pot handles inward, and keep hot food and drinks out of reach.
  2. Beyond the Kitchen: Burns can happen anywhere. Secure fireplaces and space heaters with sturdy barriers. Keep electrical cords out of sight and away from curious hands. Teach your child about the dangers of outlets and never allow them to play with electrical appliances.
  3. Sun Safety: Sunburns are a form of burn, and even on cloudy days, UV rays can damage your child’s delicate skin. Apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher liberally and reapply often, especially after swimming or sweating.
  4. Hot Water Woes: Scalding is a serious threat. Adjust your water heater to a safe temperature, ideally 48°C (120°F) or as recommended by the manufacturer. Install scald-resistant faucets in the bathtub and sinks your child uses.
  5. Chemical Concerns: Household cleaners and chemicals can cause burns. Keep them securely stored in high cabinets or locked away, out of reach of inquisitive youngsters.

Remember

In case of a burn, immediately cool the affected area under cool running water for 10-15 minutes.
For serious burns, call emergency services (10111 in South Africa) for immediate medical attention.

By following these simple tips and fostering a safety-conscious environment, you can ensure your kitchen becomes a place of happy memories, not unfortunate accidents. Let’s all work together to keep our precious little ones safe from burns!

Transforming Treatment

Written by Dr. Lana du Plessis on . Posted in Client Articles.

The Role of Stem Cells in Immune Response

Some stem cell types release molecules that reduce viral replication and also decrease the hypercytokinemia and inflammation induced by the immune system. These stem cells are part of both the innate and adaptive immune systems.

Stem Cells in Post-Viral Recovery

An important aspect of stem cells’ ability to alleviate viral diseases, especially post-clearance complications, is their capacity to shift the innate and adaptive immune systems from an inflammatory state to a repair state. This makes the molecules released from certain efficacious and safe stem cell types a potential new avenue for therapeutic development in Covid-19, particularly for late-stage inflammation and tissue damage once the virus has cleared, especially in the aged population.

Stem Cells and Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

The Problem: Immune System Abnormalities in MS

MS is recognized to be caused by immune system attacks against myelin, despite the disease’s cause still being unknown. T-cells, which are immune system cells, enter the brains of MS patients and react with the myelin sheath that surrounds and shields neurons. The essentially unregulated activity of T-cells, which leads to their unusual hostility, is often mediated by T regulatory cells (Tregs).

The Solution: Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs)

MSCs, which are immature cells that can become any type of cell in the body, are one potential means of restoring T-cell control. Bone marrow contains a type of stem cell called MSCs. It has been demonstrated that MSCs activate Tregs, which in turn regulates T-cell activity.

The Experiment: Umbilical Cord Stem Cells (UC-MSCs)

Human umbilical cord contains MSC-equivalent stem cells, or UC-MSCs. Compared to MSCs, these cells are more stable, cause fewer immunological reactions, and have a greater capacity for expansion.

Researchers cultured UC-MSCs in combination with immune system cells found in the blood of both healthy individuals and MS patients to investigate if these cells may regulate the immune system in MS. Unused human umbilical cords, which provide a plentiful and noninvasive source of these cells, and blood cells from ten healthy donors (mean age 28.38) and twelve RRMS patients (mean age 53.75) were used to create UC-MSCs.

The Results: UC-MSCs and Tregs

Researchers found that when UC-MSCs were present, resting T-cells from MS patients had a notably higher proportion of Tregs. Additionally, UC-MSCs were able to reinstate the regulatory function of Tregs, most likely by inducing the synthesis of certain proteins known as cytokines that regulate T-cell activity.

Overall, these findings showed that using umbilical cord stem cells to treat multiple sclerosis can successfully lower aberrant immune system activity. The potential of stem cells in treating viral diseases and autoimmune disorders like Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is immense. Their ability to modulate the immune system, reduce inflammation, and promote repair presents a promising avenue for future therapeutic development. Particularly, the use of umbilical cord stem cells offers a stable, non-invasive, and effective approach to control aberrant immune system activity. As we continue to unravel the mysteries of stem cells, we move closer to a future where diseases may be managed more effectively and efficiently, heralding a new era in medical therapeutics.

Stem Cell Therapies

Written by Dr. Lana du Plessis on . Posted in Client Articles.

Knee osteoarthritis pain may be safely treated with stem cell transplantation. Osteoarthritis in the knee can be effectively managed by stem cell transplantation.

A recent meta-analysis found that the best stem cells for reducing knee osteoarthritis pain and function loss are those derived from umbilical tissue or an individual’s own adipose fat. The meta-analysis discovered that stem cells safely reduced knee joint pain in every study that was included. Over the course of their lives, osteoarthritis in the knees affects nearly half of all persons. Injection of stem cells into the knee is one of the most promising treatments for osteoarthritis-related knee discomfort and function loss.

The meta-analysis summarizes the findings from 16 studies that included 875 individuals in stem cell trials for osteoarthritis in the knee. In the studies, 336 males participated. The age range of the participants was 51–69 years old. Four hundred and forty-one recipients of stem cells were compared to forty-six controls.

Overall, knee discomfort significantly decreased for those receiving treatment with any of the stem cells, beginning at three months of treatment, highlighting the therapy’s potential for treating osteoarthritis in the knee.

What is the cause of osteoarthritis?

The most often affected joint by osteoarthritis is the knee. Around 365 million individuals worldwide today suffer from knee osteoarthritis, according to the World Health Organization (WHO)Trusted Source.

Previous research has indicated that the lifetime risk for men and women to acquire symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee is approximately 40% and 47%, respectively.

When a person develops osteoarthritis of the knee, the cartilage in the joint degrades and the bones scrape against one other, resulting in friction.

Pain may cause people to become less active, which can worsen obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, among other health problems. Stem-cell treatment of knee osteoarthritis is not currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United State.

Many therapies for osteoarthritis of the knee involve lifestyle modifications such as exercise, weight loss if appropriate, and diets rich in anti-inflammatory foods. Physical therapy is a great option to increase strength, improve range of motion and flexibility, and even reduce pain.

In conclusion, while stem cell treatment for knee osteoarthritis shows significant promise, it is important to note that it is not currently approved by the FDA in the United States. Despite the potential benefits, individuals should also consider lifestyle modifications such as exercise, weight loss, and diets rich in anti-inflammatory foods. Physical therapy can also be an effective option to increase strength, improve range of motion and flexibility, and reduce pain. As research continues to evolve, the hope is that stem cell therapies will become a viable and accessible treatment for those suffering from osteoarthritis.

Securing the Future

Written by Dr. Lana du Plessis on . Posted in Client Articles.

3. Bringing the Kit to the Hospital: An essential reminder for expectant parents is to take the collection kit with them to the hospital when the time comes for the birth. This proactive step ensures a seamless transition to the collection process.

The Collection Process:

4. Risk-Free and Painless: One of the key benefits of CryoSave’s process is that the collection is entirely risk-free and painless for both the mother and the baby. This is a crucial aspect that prioritizes the well-being of all involved.

5. Immediate Collection Post-Birth: After the birth, the collection is performed promptly by your doctor or midwife. A small section of the umbilical cord (approximately 20cm) and 150ml of blood are collected, securing valuable stem cells for future use.

6. Ensuring Completion: Before concluding the collection process, it is vital to ensure that maternal blood samples are collected, all necessary documents are filled out, and everything is packed correctly. This meticulous attention to detail guarantees the integrity of the collected samples.

After the Birth:

7. Initiating Contact with CryoSave: With the collection completed, the next step is to contact CryoSave. A seamless communication process is established, marking the beginning of the post-collection phase.

8. Specialized Courier Service: CryoSave takes care of logistics by sending a specialized courier to collect the kit. This courier is entrusted with the safe and timely transport of the samples to CryoSave’s state-of-the-art laboratory for processing and storage.

Processing and Storage:

9. Confirmation and Certificate: Once safely delivered to the CryoSave laboratory, parents receive a confirmatory email and certificate. This communication serves as tangible evidence that their baby’s stem cells are securely stored in a liquid nitrogen tank within CryoSave’s highly secured facility.

10. Long-Term Cryo-Preservation: CryoSave South Africa commits to cryo-preserving your baby’s cord and tissue stem cells for a minimum of 20 years, offering peace of mind and a long-term investment in your family’s health and well-being.

In the journey with CryoSave, each step is thoughtfully designed to prioritize the safety, comfort, and future health of your family. By seamlessly integrating cutting-edge technology with compassionate care, CryoSave stands as a reliable partner in securing the potential health benefits locked within your baby’s stem cells.

CryoSave South Africa: A Trusted Choice for Safeguarding Your Baby’s Future with Stem Cell Banking

Written by Dr. Lana du Plessis on . Posted in Client Articles.

A strategic partnership with PBKM Famicord, the fifth-largest cord blood bank globally, further solidifies CryoSave’s reputation as a trusted family stem cell bank in South Africa. PBKM Famicord, with its extensive international presence and expertise, brings invaluable experience to the table, particularly in the transfer of materials for transplantation.

2. State-of-the-Art Facilities for Unparalleled Security

CryoSave’s laboratory in Pretoria stands as a testament to its dedication to excellence. The state-of-the-art processing and storage facility adhere to rigorous international standards, guaranteeing the highest quality in cord blood and tissue preservation.

The cord blood samples undergo processing and cryopreservation using internationally validated protocols. Rigorous tests, including viability assessments, cell counts, and sterility evaluations, provide an added layer of assurance for parents entrusting CryoSave with their baby’s precious stem cells. Stored within liquid nitrogen storage tanks at temperatures ranging from -196 to -150 °C, these stem cells remain secure within CryoSave’s fortified facility for long-term preservation.

3. International Accreditation for Unmatched Quality

CryoSave South Africa’s commitment to excellence is exemplified by its voluntary pursuit of accreditation from the AABB Association. Dr. Robert Crookes, medical consultant to CryoSave South Africa, emphasizes the significance of AABB accreditation in fostering a level of professional and technical expertise that contributes to quality performance and patient safety.

As a member of the Cord Blood Association, CryoSave actively participates in an international network that collaborates to advance cord blood banking and therapies. Led by Professor Joanne Kurtzberg, a distinguished transplant specialist in regenerative medicine, this association reinforces CryoSave’s dedication to staying at the forefront of scientific advancements in stem cell therapy.

In conclusion, CryoSave South Africa emerges as a premier choice for parents seeking a reliable partner in safeguarding their baby’s future through stem cell banking. With a rich legacy, state-of-the-art facilities, and international accreditation, CryoSave sets a benchmark for excellence in the critical field of stem cell preservation.

Unlocking the Potential

Written by Dr. Lana du Plessis on . Posted in Client Articles.

Blood Cancers:

  • Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL)
  • Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML)
  • Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML)
  • Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)
  • Multiple Myeloma
  • Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
  • Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Inherited Metabolic Disorders:

  • Hurler Disease (MPS type IH)
  • Osteopetrosis
  • Adrenoleukodystrophy
  • Krabbe Disease

Bone Marrow Disorders:

  • Aplastic Anaemia
  • Unspecified Fanconi Anaemia

Other Diseases:

  • Blood Disorders
  • Bone Marrow Failure Syndrome
  • Immunodeficiencies
  • Neuroblastoma
  • Solid Tumours

For a comprehensive list of current treatable diseases and therapies, interested readers can refer to the Parents’ Guide to Cord Blood.

Ongoing Clinical Trials

The frontier of cord blood stem cell therapy extends beyond approved therapies, with ongoing clinical trials exploring the potential applications of these cells in various conditions. Some of the areas currently under investigation include:

  • Acquired hearing loss
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Acute Ischemic Stroke
  • Autism Spectrum Disorders
  • Amyotropic Lateral Sclerosis
  • Bronchopulmonary dysplasia
  • Cartilage repair
  • Critical limb ischemia
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia
  • Congenital Heart Diseases
  • Childhood Hearing Loss
  • Corneal Epithelial Wounds
  • Ulcerative Colitis / Inflammatory Bowel Disease
  • Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
  • Diabetic Foot Ulcers
  • Diabetes Mellitus (Type I & Type II)
  • Encephalopathy (neonatal)
  • Epidermolysis Bullosa
  • Fertility
  • Global development delay
  • Graft versus host diseases
  • Glaucoma
  • Hypoplastic left heart syndrome
  • HIV
  • Hydrocephalus
  • Ischemic Stroke (pre/peri-natal)
  • Intraventricular haemorrhage
  • Infant Lung Disease
  • Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy
  • In-Utero Brain Injury / Stroke
  • Liver Cirrhosis
  • Neurodegenerative Disorders
  • Preterm Neonatal Complications
  • Parkinson’s Disease
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Severe Hypoxic-ischemic Encephalopathy
  • Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
  • Spinal Cord Injury
  • Skin-Wound / Burns
  • Sweat Gland Diseases / Regeneration

The Importance of Storing Cord Blood Stem Cells for Future Health

Written by Dr. Lana du Plessis on . Posted in Client Articles.

Biological siblings share a 25% chance of being a match, a statistic that highlights the importance of storing cord blood for each child in the family. Biological parents are considered a partial match, termed ‘haploidentical,’ emphasizing the need for alternative sources in certain situations.

Importance of Matching in Transplants

In cases where an individual cannot use their own stem cells due to an inherited condition, having cord blood from a matched sibling becomes invaluable. If the sibling did not inherit the same condition, their cord blood becomes a preferred source for stem cells in potential transplant scenarios. This emphasizes the critical role cord blood banking plays in securing a suitable match for transplantation, significantly increasing the chances of successful treatment.

Comparing Match Chances

Understanding the probabilities associated with different sources of stem cells is vital in appreciating the value of cord blood banking. The chances of being a suitable match for a transplant vary based on the source of stem cells:

  • Autologous (Your own stem cells): 100% chance of a match.
  • Syngeneic (Stem cells from identical twins): Each twin has a 100% chance of a match.
  • Haploidentical (Stem cells from biological parents): A 50% chance of matching.
  • Allogeneic (Stem cells from biological siblings): Each sibling has a 25% chance of matching.

Banking your baby’s cord blood stem cells is an investment in their future health. The potential benefits extend beyond the individual, providing a lifeline for siblings who may require compatible stem cells for medical treatments. As the statistics show, the chances of finding a transplant match from unrelated donors are extremely low, making cord blood banking a proactive and strategic choice for families concerned about their long-term well-being.

Stem Cells: A Gift for Life During the Holidays

Written by Dr. Lana du Plessis on . Posted in Client Articles.

Baby Finley’s was born with a severe heart defect and had open heart surgery which failed to correct the defect. However, his heart defect was repaired by Bristol Heart Institute Professor Massimo Caputo through cutting-edge stem cell infusions, a novel approach where stem cells from a placenta bank was used.

In the hope that the cells would aid in the growth of damaged blood arteries, Prof. Caputo injected the cells straight into Finley’s heart. Millions of the so-called “allogeneic” cells were put into Finley’s heart muscle after being raised by researchers at the Royal Free Hospital in London.

Baby Finley’s was discharged shortly after procedure and is now a happy growing boy. Professor Massimo’s goal is to advance technologies to reduce the number of operations required for children with congenital heart dysfunction.

To read more on this story: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-bristol-63946248

Ethnic Minority Hope: Kal’s Stem Cell Transplant Triumph Over Myelodysplastic Syndrome

People from ethnic minority backgrounds have a significantly lower chance of finding a match on stem cell registries. When Kal was informed that she had myelodysplastic-syndrome (MDS), and required a stem cell transplant, she was acutely aware of this. She had delayed in telling her family over Christmas but eventually told them after the festive season. Of her 4 siblings her brother was a match and she had a stem cell transplant. Kal is still healthy and is now raising awareness for stem cell donation in ethnic minority groups.

To read more on this story: https://bloodcancer.org.uk/support-for-you/living-well/stories/my-brothers-stem-cells-saved-my-life/

Aerospace Engineer’s Second Chance: Rob Hale’s Remarkable Journey with Stem Cell Therapy

Rob Hale, an aerospace engineer, was informed he only had a few weeks to live in December 2022. He was getting ready for his final Christmas after receiving a leukemia diagnosis. The 33-year-old, who is from Thornbury in South Gloucestershire, initially thought it was long-term COVID. He was able to extend his life by eighteen months thanks to stem cell therapy, and he is now advocating for other individuals to donate.

To read more on this story: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-bristol-64085579

Gift of Life Across Borders: Austin Mares’ Transatlantic Stem Cell Miracle

Austin Mares of Clarksville, Tennessee, was diagnosed at the age of two months with hemophagocytic lympho-histiocytosis (HLH), a rare immune system condition that usually affects young infants and toddlers. Thankfully, a few months after his diagnosis and following several rounds of chemotherapy, he was able to have a life-saving stem cell transplant in December 2020. Prior to Christmas 2020, Austin underwent a stem cell transplant, and one of his family’s Christmas wishes was to one day meet the donor who saved his life. 

To read more on this story: https://www.blood.ca/en/stories/canadian-stem-cell-donor-saves-american-infants-life

These potent cells possess the rare capacity to self-renew and differentiate into a wide variety of cell types that are effective in treating a wide range of illnesses.

Because cord stem cells are only available at birth, they are essentially a one-time opportunity to obtain a life-long health investment.

Stem cells are not just for life - they're a Gift for Life.

The stories of Baby Finley, Kal, Rob Hale, and Austin Mares vividly demonstrate the transformative potential of stem cell therapy. By banking your baby’s umbilical cord blood and tissue stem cells with CryoSave, you secure a one-time opportunity for a lifelong health investment. As these potent cells possess the remarkable capacity to self-renew and treat various illnesses, including congenital heart defects, blood disorders, and more, it’s not just a precautionary measure – it’s a gift for life.

Join the journey of hope and healing, and take a proactive step towards safeguarding your family’s health with CryoSave.

Ingenious 6

Written by Dr. Lana du Plessis on . Posted in Client Articles.

  1. Tissue regeneration and repair: Stem cells can be used to replace cells that have been lost or destroyed as a result of an injury, illness, or aging. They make it easier for afflicted tissues or organs to regain function by developing into specialised cells. Examples include healing spinal cord injuries, regenerating cartilage in osteoarthritis, and restoring damaged heart tissue following a heart attack.
  2. Drug discovery and testing: By using stem cells to produce in vitro replicas of human tissues, researchers may assess the efficacy and safety of novel medications and treatments. This method eliminates the requirement for animal testing while giving more precise information about possible drug interactions with human cells.
  3. Disease modelling: Researchers can track disease development and find new treatment targets by creating disease-specific cell lines from stem cells. Understanding the underlying causes of many genetic, neurological, and degenerative illnesses is made easier with the help of this strategy.
  4. Gene therapy and genetic editing: Genetic modification can fix mutations causing inherited disorders in stem cells. Researchers can modify certain genes in stem cells using methods like CRISPR-Cas9, which can subsequently be reintroduced into the patient’s body to restore normal cellular function.
  5. Immunotherapy: Stem cells can influence the immune system, making them useful in treating autoimmune disorders and preventing transplant rejection. Particularly mesenchymal stem cells have shown immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory capabilities that can be used for therapeutic purposes in diseases including graft-versus-host disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis.
  6. Personalised medicine: With the use of stem cells, patient-specific medicines that are tailored to each patient’s distinct genetic profile and rate of illness progression can be developed.

Remember that stem cell research and therapy for many diseases are still in the early stages of development, with many potential uses still in the conceptual or clinical trial phases. The ongoing study and advancements in stem cell technology will enable new therapeutic modalities that will improve the treatment outcomes and quality of life for patients with a variety of medical conditions.

From Chemoresistance to Hope

Written by Dr. Lana du Plessis on . Posted in Client Articles.

The three treatments that cancer patients most frequently receive are surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Even while surgery is sometimes successful, many cancers respond better to a combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Modern chemotherapeutic agents can effectively treat the initial tumour and any leftovers that remain after surgery or radiation. However, chemotherapy can diverse tumours made up of both healthy and cancerous cells, and diversity within tumours lowers the effectiveness of chemotherapy, resulting in treatment failure and disease progression.

It has been established that tumours can develop because of the uncontrollable changes of even a single normal cell, most likely due to the build-up of many genetic abnormalities. According to mounting data, the cancer stem cell (CSC) population is a subpopulation of cancer cells that may self-renew and become diverse lineages of cancer cells in response to chemotherapeutic treatments. These CSCs are believed to be the reason cancer becomes chemo-resistant and relapses. Several studies have indicated that CSCs are very similar to stem cells, and it has been found that CSCs accumulate changes or mutations in important pathways that are essential in the maintenance of normal stem cells.

90% of deaths from breast cancer and other solid tumours are caused by cancer metastasis. Breast cancer metastasis is mainly due to Circulating tumour cells (CTCs) that shed from the main tumour, enter the circulation, and spread to other organs for tumour regrowth, a process known as “metastatic seeding.” When these cells develop into multicellular CTC clusters which then acquire changes in these normal pathways and change to CSC characteristics, the risk of metastasis increases 20–100-fold. 

A demonstration of this theory of CSCs using a simple blood transplant with “purified” bone marrow in combination with chemotherapy in breast cancer patients:

In the early 1980’s and 90’s, many breast cancer patients were given high-dose chemotherapy to eradicate the disease. These patients were “rescued” with an infusion of their own bone marrow cells, which were taken prior to chemotherapy, as the chemotherapy also killed the blood and immune stem cells. However, high-dose chemotherapy was not offered in metastatic disease along with the bone marrow transplant. The issue was that most these patients’ bone marrow samples also included cancer stem cells because cancer stem cells had disseminated throughout the body.

Researchers at Stanford in 2011 chose to purify the bone marrow stem cells by removing any roaming cancer cells and regular blood by using antibodies that recognised newly discovered markers on the surface of the blood stem cells. They used this in 22 women with metastatic breast cancer who enrolled in the experiment from December 1996 to February 1998 and were then treated with this pure population of stem cells. They also used unpurified bone marrow as the usual treatment in another 74 women with metastatic breast cancer. The years went by as they waited. In the experimental group, 22% of women survived disease-free after 5-10 years; in the control group, only 9% survived after 2 years.

Currently, the development of CSC-targeting drugs, vaccinations, antibodies, and CAR-T cells all aim to block these processes in CSCs. The results of numerous CSC clinical trials in metastatic breast cancer have been encouraging. Although these methods for targeting CSCs are still hindered by a few challenges, which should soon be overcome; it will open new possibilities for the treatment of cancer patients.

Breast cancer stem cells can alter their internal plasticity programmes and exterior facial features in several dynamic ways, just like circulating tumour stem cells, to adapt to difficult situations, including therapies and metastasis. In order for us to create the best defences against their evasion and spread, targeting these dangerous cancer cells with novel medicines, and ultimately saving the lives of patients; we must be aware of every trick and strategy that circulating tumour stem cells use.