Journal of the American Academy of Regenerative Medicine

Molecular factors in intervertebral disc degeneration

Thu, 15 Jun 2017 00:00:00 +0000

The aim of this paper is to review the literature on molecular protein and messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) factors involved in intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). These elements were categorized basing on the changes in i) cell viability or number, ii) extracellular matrix (ECM) and iii) inflammation. Factors found to influence cell number and viability in IVDD included Fas/FasL, tumor necrosis factor related apoptosis-inducing ligand, death receptor-4/-5, bcl2-like 11, p53 inducible nuclear protein 1, p53/p21 factors, basic fibroblast growth factor and transforming growth factor-β. Factors found to affect IVD ECM included a range of matrix metalloproteinase, metalloproteinases with thrombospondin motifs, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases and disintegrins. Several proinflammatory factors have been identified in IVDD including interleukin-1β and TNF-α. The advent of protein and mRNA detection techniques has increased the understanding of IVDD from a molecular perspective. Further study of molecular protein and mRNA factors has the potential to identify and optimize therapeutic targets in the future.

Five generations of cell preparation: a translational framework for categorizing regenerative stem cell therapies

Thu, 15 Jun 2017 00:00:00 +0000

A description of a proposed categorization scheme of regenerative stem cell therapies illustrated by review of basic science and clinical studies involving the clinical application of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is proposed. The aim of this review is to provide a novel framework for categorizing MSCs according to preparation strategy. Selected basic science studies and clinical trials were used to illustrate the applications in each category of stem cells. A review of the literature regarding stem cell sources and preparation makes apparent that there are five generations of stem cells in various states of study and clinical application, ranging from therapies currently being used in officebased practice to stem cell generations that hold considerable promise but with persistent concerns regarding safety and feasibility. In the last decade, stem cell research has spread to many different branches of regenerative medicine. Basic science and clinical studies examining the use of stem cell transplantation in the treatment of a wide range of human diseases have exponentially increased. The Five Generations Model may be a helpful way to describe stem cells in research and in clinical application. Describing stem cells in terms of cell preparation strategy, rather than source, may facilitate a greater understanding of this therapy by physicians and patients, and provides an opportunity for researchers to incorporate this helpful framework into a description of their background and findings.

JAARM: a new open-access journal dealing with regenerative medicine

David B. Harrell — Thu, 15 Jun 2017 00:00:00 +0000

The Journal of the American Academy of Regenerative Medicine (JAARM) is the official publication of the American Academy of Regenerative Medicine (AARM). JAARM provides an outlet for quality articles, perspectives, critical reviews and comments that contribute to the scientific understanding of all aspects of regenerative medicine. JAARM is distinguished by its interdisciplinary nature and breadth, and will provide benefit not only to the members of the AARM, but to scientists and clinicians worldwide whose scientific and clinical interests are similar to those of the AARM...