Category Archives: Anti-Aging Medicine

A research team from thePerelman School of Medicine, Universityof Pennsylvania could be onto the next potential anti-aging breakthrough.A study they did, provedthat stem cells extracted from human fat cells could be effective in future anti-aging treatments.

In time, our bodys cells start to lose their regenerative capacity. This largely contributes to our natural ageing process. Stem cells have the potential to slow down or reverse this process, as they have the ability to regenerate and repair our cells. Currently, scientists are already using stem cells in a variety of anti-aging treatments.

FAST FACT: After years of research. Scientists now know that this is due to the shorteningof your DNAs telomeres, which are yourvitality blueprint, and they key to good health and beauty.Ifyou interested in learning more about your telomeres and how you age, follow this link.

The stem cells currently used in anti-aging treatments are usually collected from different tissues found in the adult body. However, this recently published study provesthat adult stem cells collected directly from human fat, called adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs), could be more effective

ASCs producemore proteins than they were originally thought to. This is important because it gives them the ability to hold their integrity when they replicate. Unlike most of your other cells.

Ivona Percec, MD, is the director of Basic Science Research in the Center for Human Appearance as well as this studys lead author. She shares the following, Our study shows these cells are very robust, even when they are collected from older patients.

Unlike other adult human stem cells, ASCs continue to replicate at the same pace throughout your entire life. Not only does it benefit possible future anti-aging treatments. But also to help scientists better understand and study natural aging.

As ASCs help regenerate your body from a cellularlevel. They can also open the door to possible help with the prevention or treatment of age-related diseases. This includes conditions such as Alzheimers, arthritis, type II diabetes and atherosclerosis.

Currently, scientists still need to do a lot more research and tests in order to prove the efficacy of ASCs. In order for FDA approval. We look forward to seeing what progress they make throughout theyear.

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Stem Cells Extracted from Human Fat Could be Used in Future Anti-Aging Treatments - Longevity LIVE

Adult stem cells collected directly from human fat are more stable than other cells such as fibroblasts from the skin and have the potential for use in anti-aging treatments, according to researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. They made the discovery after developing a new model to study chronological aging of these cells.

Chronological aging shows the natural life cycle of the cells as opposed to cells that have been unnaturally replicated multiple times or otherwise manipulated in a lab. In order to preserve the cells in their natural state, Penn researchers developed a system to collect and store them without manipulating them, making them available for this study. They found stem cells collected directly from human fat called adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) can make more proteins than originally thought. This gives them the ability to replicate and maintain their stability, a finding that held true in cells collected from patients of all ages.

Our study shows these cells are very robust, even when they are collected from older patients, said Ivona Percec, MD, director of Basic Science Research in the Center for Human Appearance and the studys lead author. It also shows these cells can be potentially used safely in the future, because they require minimal manipulation and maintenance.

Stem cells are currently used in a variety of anti-aging treatments and are commonly collected from a variety of tissues. But Percecs team specifically found ASCs to be more stable than other cells, a finding that can potentially open the door to new therapies for the prevention and treatment of aging-related diseases.

Unlike other adult human stem cells, the rate at which these ASCs multiply stays consistent with age, Percec said. That means these cells could be far more stable and helpful as we continue to study natural aging.

ASCs are not currently approved for direct use by the Food and Drug Administration, so more research is needed. Percec said the next step for her team is to study how chromatin is regulated in ASCs. Essentially, they want to know how tightly the DNA is wound around proteins inside these cells and how this affects aging. The more open the chromatin is, the more the traits affected by the genes inside will be expressed. Percec said she hopes to find out how ASCs can maintain an open profile with aging.

Reference:

Shan, X., Roberts, C., Kim, E. J., Brenner, A., Grant, G., & Percec, I. (2017). Transcriptional and Cell Cycle Alterations Mark Aging of Primary Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells. Stem Cells. doi:10.1002/stem.2592

This article has been republished frommaterialsprovided by Penn Medicine. Note: material may have been edited for length and content. For further information, please contact the cited source.

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Potential of Adipose-derived Stem Cells in Anti-Aging Treatments - Technology Networks (press release) (registration) (blog)

By Lindsey Tanner, The Associated Press

CHICAGO Testosterone treatment did not improve older men's memory or mental function in the latest results from landmark government research that challenges the anti-aging claims of popular supplements.

While testosterone use for one year appeared to strengthen bones and reduce anemia, it also showed signs of worsening artery disease and questions remain about other potential risks. The researchers said more studies are needed to determine long-term effects the kind of research the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has already asked supplement makers to conduct.

"I don't think anybody would interpret these results as saying, 'Wow, this is a fountain of youth, this is a magical anti-aging potion,'" said study co-author Susan Ellenberg, a University of Pennsylvania researcher.

The results are from the final four studies in a seven-part project mostly funded by the National Institute on Aging, involving nearly 800 U.S. men aged 65 and older with low testosterone levels. The goal was to see if rubbing testosterone gel on the skin daily for a year could treat problems linked with low levels of the male hormone, which declines with age. Half the men in each group used the real thing and half used fake gel.

Results published a year ago from the same research linked testosterone with mostly modest improvement in sexual performance, walking strength and mood.

The key new findings:

Testosterone had no effect on memory or mental function, based on tests given before, halfway and at the end of treatment to nearly 500 men with age-related memory decline.

Among almost 140 men who underwent heart artery imaging tests to see if the hormone slowed progression of plaque, those who used testosterone had more plaque buildup and narrower arteries after a year than the fake gel group. Those changes could signal increased chances for heart attacks although none occurred in the study. Men in this sub-study were already more vulnerable for heart problems because of conditions including artery disease, obesity and high blood pressure.

Among about 200 men given bone imaging tests before and at the end of treatment, those on testosterone showed increases in bone density and strength, especially in the spine, while minimal changes were found in the group that used fake gel. The improvement was similar to bone changes seen with treatment for osteoporosis, although most men studied did not have that bone-thinning condition, which can lead to fractures.

Among 126 men with anemia, a fatigue-linked condition involving inadequate red blood cells, those on testosterone showed substantial improvement. By the study's end, anemia had vanished in almost 60 percent of men on testosterone compared with 22 percent of the fake gel group. The hormone group also reported having more energy. "The overall health benefits, however, remain to be determined," the researchers said.

The studies were published Tuesday in the Journal of the American Medical Association and JAMA Internal Medicine. AbbVie Pharmaceuticals provided its gel for the study and helped pay for the research but had no other role in the study.

The research was not designed to look at risks and does not apply to younger men or those with normal levels of testosterone, said study leader Dr. Peter Snyder, a University of Pennsylvania hormone specialist. It's also not known if other forms of testosterone supplements would have similar effects in older men with low levels.

Prescription testosterone products including gel are approved only for men with low levels of the hormones caused by various medical conditions. Benefits and risks are unknown in men whose levels are low due only to aging, the FDA says. The agency requires testosterone labels to include possible risks for heart attacks and strokes, based on some previous studies.

A separate study published Tuesday in JAMA Internal Medicine found that men using prescription testosterone gel, patches or injections had fewer heart attacks and strokes during about three years of follow-up than non-users. But this was only observational data in men aged 40 and up, not rigorous research testing the hormone against a placebo.

Clarifying testosterone's effects on heart problems, fractures and age-related disability will require larger, longer studies, said Dr. Evan Hadley of the National Institute on Aging. He said decisions about whether to use testosterone should take into account men's individual risks for conditions the hormone could affect.

___

Online:

National Institute on Aging: http://www.nia.nih.gov

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Testosterone gel shows no benefit for older men's memories - The Ledger

CHICAGO (AP) Testosterone treatment did not improve older mens memory or mental function in the latest results from landmark government research that challenges the anti-aging claims of popular supplements.

While testosterone use for one year appeared to strengthen bones and reduce anemia, it also showed signs of worsening artery disease and questions remain about other potential risks. The researchers said more studies are needed to determine long-term effects the kind of research the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has already asked supplement makers to conduct.

I dont think anybody would interpret these results as saying, Wow, this is a fountain of youth, this is a magical anti-aging potion,' said study co-author Susan Ellenberg, a University of Pennsylvania researcher.

The results are from the final four studies in a seven-part project mostly funded by the National Institute on Aging, involving nearly 800 U.S. men aged 65 and older with low testosterone levels. The goal was to see if rubbing testosterone gel on the skin daily for a year could treat problems linked with low levels of the male hormone, which declines with age. Half the men in each group used the real thing and half used fake gel.

Results published a year ago from the same research linked testosterone with mostly modest improvement in sexual performance, walking strength and mood.

The key new findings:

Testosterone had no effect on memory or mental function, based on tests given before, halfway and at the end of treatment to nearly 500 men with age-related memory decline.

Among almost 140 men who underwent heart artery imaging tests to see if the hormone slowed progression of plaque, those who used testosterone had more plaque buildup and narrower arteries after a year than the fake gel group. Those changes could signal increased chances for heart attacks although none occurred in the study. Men in this sub-study were already more vulnerable for heart problems because of conditions including artery disease, obesity and high blood pressure.

Among about 200 men given bone imaging tests before and at the end of treatment, those on testosterone showed increases in bone density and strength, especially in the spine, while minimal changes were found in the group that used fake gel. The improvement was similar to bone changes seen with treatment for osteoporosis, although most men studied did not have that bone-thinning condition, which can lead to fractures.

Among 126 men with anemia, a fatigue-linked condition involving inadequate red blood cells, those on testosterone showed substantial improvement. By the studys end, anemia had vanished in almost 60 percent of men on testosterone compared with 22 percent of the fake gel group. The hormone group also reported having more energy. The overall health benefits, however, remain to be determined, the researchers said.

The studies were published Tuesday in the Journal of the American Medical Association and JAMA Internal Medicine. AbbVie Pharmaceuticals provided its gel for the study and helped pay for the research but had no other role in the study.

The research was not designed to look at risks and does not apply to younger men or those with normal levels of testosterone, said study leader Dr. Peter Snyder, a University of Pennsylvania hormone specialist. Its also not known if other forms of testosterone supplements would have similar effects in older men with low levels.

Prescription testosterone products including gel are approved only for men with low levels of the hormones caused by various medical conditions. Benefits and risks are unknown in men whose levels are low due only to aging, the FDA says. The agency requires testosterone labels to include possible risks for heart attacks and strokes, based on some previous studies.

A separate study published Tuesday in JAMA Internal Medicine found that men using prescription testosterone gel, patches or injections had fewer heart attacks and strokes during about three years of follow-up than non-users. But this was only observational data in men aged 40 and up, not rigorous research testing the hormone against a placebo.

Clarifying testosterones effects on heart problems, fractures and age-related disability will require larger, longer studies, said Dr. Evan Hadley of the National Institute on Aging. He said decisions about whether to use testosterone should take into account mens individual risks for conditions the hormone could affect.

___

Online:

National Institute on Aging: http://www.nia.nih.gov

___

Follow AP Medical Writer Lindsey Tanner at http://www.twitter.com/LindseyTanner. Her work can be found at http://bigstory.ap.org/content/lindsey-tanner

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Testosterone gel shows no benefit for older men's memories - WCBI

Scientific research shows that an imbalance of calcium within brain cells has the potential to cause Alzheimer's disease. It appears as though this imbalance catalyzes the neurodegenerative process. Of particular importance are the mitochondria within brain cells. Mitochondria, often called the "powerhouse of the cell" are tiny structures that turn energy derived from food into fuel for cells. The mitochondria of brain cells have calcium ions that control the amount of energy produced for brain functionality.

About the Research

Pooja Jadiya led the research. He is a postdoctoral fellow that Temple University. The study was performed by Jadiya and a team of researchers at Temple's Center for Translational Medicine. Their findings were publicized in New Orleans, Louisiana at the 61st Meeting of the Biophysical Society.

How the Research was Performed

Jadiya and his team analyzed brain samples taken from Alzheimer's patients as well as a mouse model that was genetically altered to simulate the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. A mutant cell line with Alzheimer's was also included in the study. Jadiya's team studied mitochondrial changes in the context of calcium processing along with the generation of reactive oxygen species, cell death, membrane potential and the metabolism of an active amyloid protein.

Healthy brains have calcium ions that depart neuron mitochondria to avoid an excessive buildup. The protein transporter known as the mitochondrial sodium-calcium exchanger makes this process possible. Jadiya's research team found that sodium-calcium exchanger levels were egregiously low in tissue affected by Alzheimer's disease. The protein was so low that it proved quite challenging to pinpoint. Jadiya hypothesized this phenomenon would spur an abundance of reactive oxygen species, which would result in a hastening of neurodegeneration. Also known as ROS, reactive oxygen species are molecules that can harm proteins, DNA and lipids when present in high levels. The result is oxidative stress.

Alzheimer's Progression Partially Hinges on the Sodium-Calcium Protein Exchanger

Jadiya's research team found a correlation between heightened neuronal death and minimized sodium-calcium exchanger activity. Mouse model data shows that the gene responsible for encoding the exchanger was much less active ahead of the onset of Alzheimer's disease. Reduced activity in this gene's expression is additional evidence that the protein exchanger plays a vital role in the disease's advancement.

The team of scientists studied this mechanism in a cell culture model affected by Alzheimer's disease by forcing heightened exchanger levels. As predicted, the affected cells recovered to the extent that they were almost indistinguishable from healthy cells. It is also worth noting that as adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels heightened, ROS levels fell and fewer neurons died. Biologists view ATP as the energy currency for life, as the body requires it for every single activity it performs.

Why the Research Matters

Previous studies showed that an abundance of calcium spurs the death of neurons. This means there is a link between an imbalance of calcium and the neurodegenerative process that occurs when Alzheimer's disease sets in. The study outlined above is the first evidence of an exact mechanism linking mitochondrial calcium imbalance to the onset of Alzheimer's disease. This research was the first to use the array of model systems described above.

The research might set the stage for additional treatment options. The research team is now working to reverse the neurodegeneration of Alzheimer's disease by working on mouse models. They are stimulating the gene expression responsible for encoding the sodium-calcium exhanger. Such a stimulation could be accomplished with gene therapy or new drugs. The hope is that an alteration in the exchanger's activity or expression level will serve as an effective therapy that prevents the onset of Alzheimer's.

Read more:
Alzheimer's Disease May be Triggered by Calcium Imbalance - Anti Aging News

SAITAMA The health ministry on Monday ordered a Saitama clinic to stop injecting stem cells of human umbilical cord blood into patients as an anti-aging treatment.

Saitama Medical Clinic in Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture, was found to have been engaged in such therapy without getting permission from the ministry. The regenerative medicine safety law mandates that all hospitals and clinics submit plans for stem cell therapy and get permission from the ministry beforehand.

The ministry conducted an on-site inspection of the clinic on Friday, based on tips from an outsider, and confirmed the clinic offered the unauthorized therapy, boasting that umbilical cord cell shots would boost health and help with anti-aging.

Several men and women are believed to have undergone treatment there. The ministry has asked the clinic to report the number of cases, any health damage and the kind of stem cells used and how they were obtained.

For clinics to receive approval for medical procedures using cells of others, they need to submit a detailed plan and have it screened by a panel of experts under the health ministry. The clinic had not submitted such a plan.

Link:
Saitama clinic ordered to halt unauthorized stem cell 'anti-aging' therapy using umbilical cord blood - The Japan Times