Authors: P. Hollands1, T. Tkebuchava2
- Freelance Consultant Clinic Scientist, Cambridge, UK
- Medical Director and CEO, RegMedGeorgia, Tbilisi, Georgia
Abstract
This short review explores the constantly evolving technology, both cellular and equipment or technology based, which is currently being experienced in the field of regenerative medicine. There is considerable ongoing research into stem cell technologies but there is currently a translational block in bringing some of these technologies to the clinic. We propose new and evolving technologies which may resolve this cell-based block and quickly bring regenerative medicine technologies safely and effectively to patients in need.
Introduction
Regenerative medicine (excluding routine bone marrow transplantation) has developed over the past 20-35 years based on concepts around stem cells. This has been on the premise that stem cells are self-replicating and can therefore potentially repair and restore damaged or diseased tissue, for example during wound healing. Many different stem cells, potentially useful in regenerative medicine, have been identified in almost every tissue in the body. These include Haemopoietic Stem Cells (HSC), Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSC) from various sources, Embryonic Stem Cells, and induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSC). Despite this extensive amount of literature on stem cell technology (some of it in the most highly regarded journals) there are currently no stem cell therapies (apart from HSC transplantation for haematological malignancy) in current routine clinical practice. There seems to be a block at the translational stage perhaps related to stringent regulatory requirements. In this short review, we will present some emerging and evolving technologies which may help to bring much needed help to patients needing regenerative medicine procedures.
Extracorporeal Blood Oxygenation and Ozonation (EBOO)
EBOO therapy is an emerging technology which has already been used by some clinicians and appears to be a safe and effective option for some patients. There has been considerable progress with the use of Ozone therapy in the treatment of Covid-19 both in the acute stage and in ‘long Covid’. The use of ozone therapy has recently been described in the safe and effective treatment of musculoskeletal diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, herniated disc, and temporomandibular joint disorder. Other workers have described considerable benefit of EBOO in the treatment of peripheral arterial disease, coronary disease, severe dyslipidaemia, Madelung disease, and deafness of vascular origin.
Source: CellR4 (Cellular Repair, Replacement, Regeneration & Reprogramming
