Author Archives: Sarenka Smith

Mold Exposure & Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome

July 23, 2017

Exposure to mold, and other biotoxins, can cause a syndrome termed Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) in up to 40 million people in the United States. Presenting symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, memory loss, joint pain, IBS, mood disorders, headaches, and several others. Moreover, symptoms of mold exposure and CIRS affect multiple symptoms in the body, causing those affected to exhibit a wide array of symptoms. Clinical studies indicate that the neuroimmune, vascular, and endocrine dynamics present in CIRS may also play significant roles in other types of chronic illness, including chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, post-treatment Lyme disease, and multiple sclerosis.

Yet recent research has identified specific genetic susceptibility patterns—and consequent innate immune dysfunction—that can ultimately generate a high disease burden: even resulting in brain damage, which can now be reliably identified. Despite the complexity of this illness, there are now validated treatment protocols available to practitioners, designed to properly diagnose exposure, scope and measure, and even resolve genetic and proteomic immune responses, in addition to repairing injury to the central nervous system. All Integrative, Functional, and Anti-Aging practitioners should familiarize themselves with this critical topic, and be equipped with a working knowledge of proper and effective treatment approaches. The upcoming Chronic Infections, Inflammation, and Biotoxins Symposium will focus on the ways in which recently emerging strategies and tactics can address this often unmet, under addressed public health need.

International Blog Spotlight: Dubai

July 18, 2017

The Basics of Stem Cells

Dr. Maria Angelo-Khattar, MD, PhD, MSc Dermatology
Founder & Director of Aesthetic Clinic in Dubai

In layman terms, what are stems cells with regards to anti-aging?

Stem cells are the ‘mother’ of all cells, recruited for the replenishment and regeneration of the tissue of the organs in which they live. Stem cells are very useful for regenerative therapy. and are capable of releasing various growth factors that can participate in the healing process.

How are they used cosmetically in the field of anti-aging?

Adipose-derived stem cells can give dramatically results in terms of anti-aging. Essentially, the process begins with the extraction of a small amount of fat (20cc) using syringe liposuction; the fat is then sent to a labs, in which the stem cells and extraction are cultured to produce millions of stem cells. These can be immediately injected into the desired area, or they can be cryo-preserved for further use. Stem cells injected superficially in the dermal layer of the skin are differentiated into fibroblasts (collagen producing cells), which then produce collagen and elastin: the structural foundations of the skin. In terms of scalp regeneration, the stem cells improve the health of existing hair follicles. Stem cells are now also being used during the process of fat transfer, during which millions of stem cells are mixed with autologous fat that is grafted to areas such as the face, breasts or buttocks. 

This is completely different from a standard fat transfer, which does not produce the same healing, regenerative, and restorative benefits. Moreover, a fat transfer to the breasts or face is generally reabsorbed by the body, and disappears within months. With adipose-derived stem cells, the results have been proven to be long-lasting. 

What are some of the key benefits of stems cells and why do you feel they are the wave of the future?

Stem cells are attractive candidates for the development of new and novel therapies, targeting indications that involve functional restoration of defective tissue. In addition to using stem cells for anti-aging, they can also be used for natural body shaping and contouring. By using the patient’s autologous cells, we eliminate the chance of rejection, while we simultaneously maximize the benefits such as healing and regeneration of the targeted tissues.

What can we expect to see in the future in the field of anti-aging and stem cells?

Potentially, the most important application of human stem cells is the regeneration of tissues that could be used for cell-based therapies. Currently, donated organs and tissues are often used to replace destroyed tissue, but there is a limit to the supply of transplantable tissues. It might be possible to direct stem cells to differentiate into specific cell type; hence, we would have a possible renewable source of replacement cells and tissues to treat conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, osteoarthritis, spinal cord injury, and burns.

Dr. Khattar is the only Director of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M) outside the U.S. who is certified to conduct the hands-on modules for the U.S. Aesthetic Medicine Fellowship. For more information on the latest treatments in regenerative medicine, follow Dr. Khattar on Instagram @dr.maria.khattar, or contact the Aesthetic Clinic in Dubai at 04 429 8533 / www.aestheticaclinic.com.

Stem Cell Therapy: The Body Healing Itself

July 17, 2017

Stem cell therapy, a critical segment of the regenerative medicine field and market, is a quickly evolving field, with the potential to help people heal more rapidly, in addition to avoiding invasive surgical procedures and treatments.

The ability of the body to heal itself through this therapy is derived from immature, self-renewing cells located in the body’s bone marrow, which can ultimately restore and repair a wide variety of bodily tissues. The NIH has awarded a $5.2 million grant to researchers who have collaborated to explore mechanisms of lung regeneration in diseases like cystic fibrosis.

Scientists have also recently found that a specific type of stem cell can generate a range of benefits for regenerative medicine, as they can be differentiated into multiple cell types including neurons, heart, pancreatic, and liver cells. These studies have further confirmed that stem cell therapy can treat neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s and other conditions.

This rapidly growing sector offers physicians, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, and medical professionals an opportunity to transition towards a more therapeutic approach. In areas where current treatment options such as surgery and pharmaceuticals are not effective, stem cell therapy offers a promising prospect of hope.

Learn more about stem cell therapy and its applications in regenerative medicine. The Fellowship in Stem Cell Therapies offers a comprehensive overview of relevant diseases, current research, and best practices for in-office applications.