Biohellenika news 3

NEWS 03www.biohellenika.gr

To date, 25,000 haematopoietic and free of disease. 30% of stem cell transplantations derived transplantations were allogeneic from the placenta, bone marrow with stem cells sourced from a and peripheral blood have been compatible donor, who was a carried out across Europe. 70% of relative in 70% of the cases, those were autologous; using the whereas in 30% of the cases the patients’ own stem cells. In each donor was unrelated.case the stem cells were healthy n page 2 n page 9

March 2008

Mesenchymal stem cells: The future of modern medicine

Umbilical cord contains both mature and immature progenitor cells, heamatopoietic and mesenchymal stem cells respectively. Haematopoietic stem cells can provide effective treatment for haematopoietic malignancies and diseases of the immune system.

Human Dental Pulp

Stem Cells in the

treatment of Acute

Myocardial InfarctionHuman dental pulp contains

precursor cells termed

Mesenchymal Dental Pulp Stem

Cells (DPSCs) that show high self-

renewal ability and plasticity, like

mesenchymal stem cells, as they

can be differentiated into

multiple cell types.

Patient from finland gets new

Jaw made of his own cells

n page 5

Present and future applications of umbilical cord blood stem cells

Biohellenika SA is the only

Accredited by ÅÓÕÄ Stem Cell

Cryopreservation Company

Clinical applications of umbilical

cord blood stem cells for

nonmalignant diseases

New applications of umbilical cord

blood mesenchymal stem cells.

Stem cells against diabetes type I

immediate availability when needed, provided that they

have been previously collected and cryopreserved when

the donor was healthy, with the prospect of future use.

Umbilical cord blood stem cells have increasingly been

used for autologous and allogeneic transplantations

and are the treatment of choice in cases of patients with

rare histocompatibility types, ethnic minorities, and

where the patient urgently requires a transplant and

cannot wait for the weeks or months required to search

for a compatible donor.

Tse WW et al. Bone Marrow Transplant. 41(5): 465-472,

Due to the easy attainment and the possibility of To d a t e , 2 5 , 0 0 0 h a e m a t o p o i e t i c s t e m c e l l

umbilical cord blood stem cell cryopreservation it is transplantations derived from the placenta, bone

anticipated that in the near future every child will marrow and peripheral blood have been carried out

across Europe. 70% of those were autologous; using the preserve its own stem cells for immediate use, if needed.

patients’ own stem cells. In each case the stem cells were It is anticipated that the use of umbilical cord blood stem

healthy and free of disease. 30% of transplantations were cells will increase dramatically over the next 4 years for allogeneic with stem cells sourced from a compatible the treatment of Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia, Acute donor, who was a relative in 70% of the cases, whereas in Lymphoblastic Leukemia, lymphomas in children and 30% of the cases the donor was unrelated. In a large adults, and autoimmune and cardiovascular diseases.number of cases cryopreserved stem cells were used.

Stem cell cryopreservation has the advantage of Watt SM et al. Methods Mol Biol, 368:237-259, 2007

03NEWSNEWS02

nWhen Ltd companies were claiming to be “the only

ones operating under the guidelines of ISO 15189”,

Biohellenika’s scientific team was striving to improve

the quality of their services provided. On 21/02/2008

Biohellenika attained the 410 08/02/2008 accreditation

by the National Accreditation System S.Á (ÅÓÕÄ) granted

for procedures followed and quality testing of umbilical

cord blood during the collection of stem cells. With this

certification, Biohellenika is accredited according to ISO

15189:2007, special for medical laboratories, for

nucleated cell measurement, haematopoietic stem cell

viability and microbial testing, including aerobic,

anaerobic bacteria and fungi. This certificate is valid until

2012 as long as the facility’s operations comply with the

above guidelines during regular ÅÓÕÄ inspections.

The National Accreditation System (ÅÓÕÄ ) is a full

member of the International Laboratory Accreditation

Cooperation (ILAC) since 2004, of the European

Cooperation for Accreditation – EA since 2005, and of the

International Accreditation Forum (IAF-MRA) since 2006.

The international identity of ÅÓÕÄ gives the

perspective of the parity and mutual recognition of

accreditation between countries. Biohellenika today is

the first company in Greece whose laboratories are

accredited by a national independent organization for

measurements and quality control procedures followed

during stem cell collection from umbilical cord blood.

Áñ. 410

Ôo Åèíéêü Óýóôçìá Äéáðßóôåõóçò Á.Å. (Å.ÓÕ.Ä.), ùò ï áñìüäéïò åèíéêüò öïñÝáò,óýìöùíá ìå ôï Í. 3066/2002

ÄÉÁÐÉÓÔÅYÅÉ

ÅñãáóôÞñéïôçò

ÂÉÏÇÅLLÅÍÉÊÁ Á.Å.

óôç Èåóóáëïíßêç

ÁèÞíá, 8 Öåâñïõáñßïõ 2008

Í. ÐáðáúùÜííïõÐñüåäñïò ôïõ Å.ÓÕ.Ä.

Åèíéêü Óýóôçìá Äéáðßóôåõóçò Á.Å.

ÐÉÓÔÏÐÏÉÇÔÉÊO ÄÉÁÐIÓÔÅÕÓÇÓ

Biohellenika SA

is the only Accredited

by ÅÓÕÄ Stem Cell

Cryopreservation

Company

the biggest greek stem cell cryopreservation institution

65, Georgikis Scholis Avenue57001 ThessalonikiZEDA building, 1st floor, entrance 3Tel.: +30 2310 474282, 2310 474284 Fax: +30 2310 474285E-mail: [email protected], www.biohellenika.gr

Biohe enikaBIOTECHNOLOGY COMPANY

Quarterly publication of Biohellenika

immediate availability when needed, provided that they

have been previously collected and cryopreserved when

the donor was healthy, with the prospect of future use.

Umbilical cord blood stem cells have increasingly been

used for autologous and allogeneic transplantations

and are the treatment of choice in cases of patients with

rare histocompatibility types, ethnic minorities, and

where the patient urgently requires a transplant and

cannot wait for the weeks or months required to search

for a compatible donor.

Tse WW et al. Bone Marrow Transplant. 41(5): 465-472,

Due to the easy attainment and the possibility of To d a t e , 2 5 , 0 0 0 h a e m a t o p o i e t i c s t e m c e l l

umbilical cord blood stem cell cryopreservation it is transplantations derived from the placenta, bone

anticipated that in the near future every child will marrow and peripheral blood have been carried out

across Europe. 70% of those were autologous; using the preserve its own stem cells for immediate use, if needed.

patients’ own stem cells. In each case the stem cells were It is anticipated that the use of umbilical cord blood stem

healthy and free of disease. 30% of transplantations were cells will increase dramatically over the next 4 years for allogeneic with stem cells sourced from a compatible the treatment of Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia, Acute donor, who was a relative in 70% of the cases, whereas in Lymphoblastic Leukemia, lymphomas in children and 30% of the cases the donor was unrelated. In a large adults, and autoimmune and cardiovascular diseases.number of cases cryopreserved stem cells were used.

Stem cell cryopreservation has the advantage of Watt SM et al. Methods Mol Biol, 368:237-259, 2007

03NEWSNEWS02

nWhen Ltd companies were claiming to be “the only

ones operating under the guidelines of ISO 15189”,

Biohellenika’s scientific team was striving to improve

the quality of their services provided. On 21/02/2008

Biohellenika attained the 410 08/02/2008 accreditation

by the National Accreditation System S.Á (ÅÓÕÄ) granted

for procedures followed and quality testing of umbilical

cord blood during the collection of stem cells. With this

certification, Biohellenika is accredited according to ISO

15189:2007, special for medical laboratories, for

nucleated cell measurement, haematopoietic stem cell

viability and microbial testing, including aerobic,

anaerobic bacteria and fungi. This certificate is valid until

2012 as long as the facility’s operations comply with the

above guidelines during regular ÅÓÕÄ inspections.

The National Accreditation System (ÅÓÕÄ ) is a full

member of the International Laboratory Accreditation

Cooperation (ILAC) since 2004, of the European

Cooperation for Accreditation – EA since 2005, and of the

International Accreditation Forum (IAF-MRA) since 2006.

The international identity of ÅÓÕÄ gives the

perspective of the parity and mutual recognition of

accreditation between countries. Biohellenika today is

the first company in Greece whose laboratories are

accredited by a national independent organization for

measurements and quality control procedures followed

during stem cell collection from umbilical cord blood.

Áñ. 410

Ôo Åèíéêü Óýóôçìá Äéáðßóôåõóçò Á.Å. (Å.ÓÕ.Ä.), ùò ï áñìüäéïò åèíéêüò öïñÝáò,óýìöùíá ìå ôï Í. 3066/2002

ÄÉÁÐÉÓÔÅYÅÉ

ÅñãáóôÞñéïôçò

ÂÉÏÇÅLLÅÍÉÊÁ Á.Å.

óôç Èåóóáëïíßêç

ÁèÞíá, 8 Öåâñïõáñßïõ 2008

Í. ÐáðáúùÜííïõÐñüåäñïò ôïõ Å.ÓÕ.Ä.

Åèíéêü Óýóôçìá Äéáðßóôåõóçò Á.Å.

ÐÉÓÔÏÐÏÉÇÔÉÊO ÄÉÁÐIÓÔÅÕÓÇÓ

Biohellenika SA

is the only Accredited

by ÅÓÕÄ Stem Cell

Cryopreservation

Company

the biggest greek stem cell cryopreservation institution

65, Georgikis Scholis Avenue57001 ThessalonikiZEDA building, 1st floor, entrance 3Tel.: +30 2310 474282, 2310 474284 Fax: +30 2310 474285E-mail: [email protected], www.biohellenika.gr

Biohe enikaBIOTECHNOLOGY COMPANY

Quarterly publication of Biohellenika

0504 NEWSNEWS

nRecently, in the international medical journal JAMA, a

review article of studies published from 1997 till today on

the use of haematopoietic stem cells in autoimmune and

cardiovascular diseases was published. For autoimmune

diseases, 26 multicenter clinical trials representing 854

patients reported clinical improvement, mortality of less

than 1% and prolongation of disease-free survival.

For reports involving cardiovascular diseases, involving

1002 patients with acute myocardial infarction and 493

patients with chronic coronary artery disease, the evidence

suggests that stem cell treatment contributes to

improvement of cardiac function.

Scientists estimate that these results can become even

more promising by determining the most appropriate cell

type, dosage and timing of delivery.

Burt RK et al JAMA, 299(8): 925-936, 2008

nThe use of umbilical cord blood stem cells for

the treatment of metabolic inherited diseases such

as muco-polysaccharidosis is the absolute

indication and offers signif icant cl inical

improvement of the patients.

A l l o g e n e i c h a e m ato p o i e t i c s te m ce l l

transplantation can prolong life and improve its

quality in patients with inherited metabolic

diseases. For better therapeutic results, the earliest

possible initiation of treatment prior to the

occurrence of permanent damage is a necessary

prerequisite.

Stem cells replace those cells that carry the

pathologic, mutated genes, relating to the disease,

and offer a permanent source of normal enzymes

necessary for the metabolism and normal cell

function.

Stem cells may provide an alternative

mechanism of action through cell regeneration or

repair of function of pathological cells.

Prasad VK et al. Bone Marrow Transplant, 41 (2):

99-108, 2008

Immunomodulatory effect of mesenchymal stem cells in liver transplantation

Umbilical cord contains both mature and immature

progenitor cells, heamatopoietic and mesenchymal

stem cells respectively. Haematopoietic stem cells can

provide effective treatment for haematopoietic

malignancies and diseases of the immune system.

Mesenchymal stem cells comprise of a population of

multipotent precursors capable of differentiating into

various cell lineages such as neurons, chondrocytes,

osetocytes, myocytes, adipocytes and cells of liver, lung,

and pancreatic tissue. These cells are ideal candidates for

tissue engineering and regenerative medicine as they

can contribute to organ function such as the heart after

acute myocardial infarction and the spinal cord after Acute rejection after liver transplantation is usually injury or inflammation. Haematopoietic stem cells can treated with large doses of immunosuppressants with be isolated from umbilical cord blood and placenta in severe and toxic side effects. contrast to mesenchymal stem cells that can mainly be Recent studies by Chinese scientists have shown that found in the stroma of the umbilical cord, also called mesenchymal stem cell transplantation in an orthotopic Wharton’s Jelly, located around the umbilical cord vein liver transplantation animal model significantly and at a lesser extent in umbilical cord blood. alleviated liver acute rejection and at the same time, Mesenchymal stem cells cannot be traced in adults’ inhibited recipient – derived T- lymphocyte proliferation. peripheral blood. Based on the above facts, for a Cytotoxic T-lymphocytes are responsible for acute complete therapeutic treatment stem cell collection rejection of the transplant.from both sources is required. Double collection offers

therapeutic alternatives for haematopoietic and

immune system diseases and for Regenerative Medicine Wan CD et al. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 7(1),

applications in tissue (and organ) repair. 29-33, 2008.Biohellenika is the first and only Greek company until

today that has provided double cell collections for free to Secco M et al. Stem Cells 26 (1): 146-150, 2008.families with high risk family history for future

therapeutic treatment with mesenchymal stem cells.

Clinical applications of umbilical cord blood stem cells for nonmalignant diseases

MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS:

THE FUTURE OF MODERN MEDICINE

0504 NEWSNEWS

nRecently, in the international medical journal JAMA, a

review article of studies published from 1997 till today on

the use of haematopoietic stem cells in autoimmune and

cardiovascular diseases was published. For autoimmune

diseases, 26 multicenter clinical trials representing 854

patients reported clinical improvement, mortality of less

than 1% and prolongation of disease-free survival.

For reports involving cardiovascular diseases, involving

1002 patients with acute myocardial infarction and 493

patients with chronic coronary artery disease, the evidence

suggests that stem cell treatment contributes to

improvement of cardiac function.

Scientists estimate that these results can become even

more promising by determining the most appropriate cell

type, dosage and timing of delivery.

Burt RK et al JAMA, 299(8): 925-936, 2008

nThe use of umbilical cord blood stem cells for

the treatment of metabolic inherited diseases such

as muco-polysaccharidosis is the absolute

indication and offers signif icant cl inical

improvement of the patients.

A l l o g e n e i c h a e m ato p o i e t i c s te m ce l l

transplantation can prolong life and improve its

quality in patients with inherited metabolic

diseases. For better therapeutic results, the earliest

possible initiation of treatment prior to the

occurrence of permanent damage is a necessary

prerequisite.

Stem cells replace those cells that carry the

pathologic, mutated genes, relating to the disease,

and offer a permanent source of normal enzymes

necessary for the metabolism and normal cell

function.

Stem cells may provide an alternative

mechanism of action through cell regeneration or

repair of function of pathological cells.

Prasad VK et al. Bone Marrow Transplant, 41 (2):

99-108, 2008

Immunomodulatory effect of mesenchymal stem cells in liver transplantation

Umbilical cord contains both mature and immature

progenitor cells, heamatopoietic and mesenchymal

stem cells respectively. Haematopoietic stem cells can

provide effective treatment for haematopoietic

malignancies and diseases of the immune system.

Mesenchymal stem cells comprise of a population of

multipotent precursors capable of differentiating into

various cell lineages such as neurons, chondrocytes,

osetocytes, myocytes, adipocytes and cells of liver, lung,

and pancreatic tissue. These cells are ideal candidates for

tissue engineering and regenerative medicine as they

can contribute to organ function such as the heart after

acute myocardial infarction and the spinal cord after Acute rejection after liver transplantation is usually injury or inflammation. Haematopoietic stem cells can treated with large doses of immunosuppressants with be isolated from umbilical cord blood and placenta in severe and toxic side effects. contrast to mesenchymal stem cells that can mainly be Recent studies by Chinese scientists have shown that found in the stroma of the umbilical cord, also called mesenchymal stem cell transplantation in an orthotopic Wharton’s Jelly, located around the umbilical cord vein liver transplantation animal model significantly and at a lesser extent in umbilical cord blood. alleviated liver acute rejection and at the same time, Mesenchymal stem cells cannot be traced in adults’ inhibited recipient – derived T- lymphocyte proliferation. peripheral blood. Based on the above facts, for a Cytotoxic T-lymphocytes are responsible for acute complete therapeutic treatment stem cell collection rejection of the transplant.from both sources is required. Double collection offers

therapeutic alternatives for haematopoietic and

immune system diseases and for Regenerative Medicine Wan CD et al. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 7(1),

applications in tissue (and organ) repair. 29-33, 2008.Biohellenika is the first and only Greek company until

today that has provided double cell collections for free to Secco M et al. Stem Cells 26 (1): 146-150, 2008.families with high risk family history for future

therapeutic treatment with mesenchymal stem cells.

Clinical applications of umbilical cord blood stem cells for nonmalignant diseases

MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS:

THE FUTURE OF MODERN MEDICINE

0706 NEWSNEWS

Mesenchymal stem cells for

transplantation therapy of

traumatic central nervous

system injury and

neurodegenerative

diseases

Mesenchymal-like cells from cord blood exhibit a

potential for differentiation into neuron-like cells in

culture. Transplantation of umbilical cord blood stem

cells in animal models with ischemic and traumatic

injuries reduced lesion sizes and enhanced behavioral

recovery. Neurons derived from Wharton’s Jelly

mesenchymal cells could alleviate movement disorders

in hemiparkinsonian animal models.

Low CB et al J Neurosci Res, Feb 2008.

Neurogenesis is a natural biological process which

continues to occur throughout life but dramatically

decreases with increasing age. Intravenous injection of

umbilical cord blood in aged animals rejuvenates the

proliferative activity of neural stem cells, induces

neurogenesis and improves the microenvironment of

neural cells due to the decrease of inflammation.

Intravenous injection of umbilical cord blood can be an

effective approach for the treatment of injuries,

neurodegenerative diseases and aging.

Bachstetter AD et al BMC Neurosci, 9(1): 22, 2008.

Mesenchymal

stem cells as a vehicle

for gene therapy of

malignant tumors

nMalignant gliomas represent aggressive, highly

infiltrative types of brain cancer. Current therapeutic

treatment depends on the excision of the tumor and

concurrent chemoradiotherapy, however with poor

outcome. Gene therapy represents a promising

alternative treatment and depends on the property of

mesenchymal stem cells to infiltrate in the malignant

gliomas and deliver oncolytic factors.

A study conducted in the Brain Tumor Center, in

Chicago USA showed that, human mesenchymal stem

cells, after intravenous injection in animal models with

gliomas, can migrate to the site of the tumor and deliver

oncolytic adenoviruses on site and destroy the

malignant tumor. The capability of mesenchymal stem

cells to deliver Nd release oncolytic adenoviruses in

intracranial malignant gliomas is higher than any other

vector used until today.

These results are especially encouraging and future

applications in patients could improve the outcome of

oncolytic virotherapy for gliomas especially in case of

tumors that cannot be surgically excised.

Sonabend AM et al. Stem Cells,, 26(3): 831-841, 2008.

mmunotherapy of

human neuroblastoma

using umbilical cord

blood stem cells

nFor the treatment of nervous system malignancies,

umbilical cord blood was recently used which contains

precursors of antitumor cytotoxic effector cells. In a

comparative study conducted by scientists of the

University of Nebraska, USA it was shown that

transplantation of umbilical cord blood stem cells in

animal models with neuroblastoma resulted in

inhibition of tumor growth and increased overall

survival.

In addition, further investigations showed that umbilical

cord blood stem cells differentiate into cytotoxic T –

lymphocytes which turn against tumor cells and

effectively kill them.

These results demonstrate the potential of UCB derived

effector cells against human neuroblastoma and

warrant further preclinical studies.

Joshi AD et al. l. Neuroimmune Pharmacology 2(2):

202-212, 2007.

Differentiation into

hepatic cells

nThe stromal mucous tissue that protects and

insulates umbilical cord vessels is called Wharton’s Jelly

and is composed mainly of mesenchymal stem cells.

Wharton’s Jelly mesenchymal stem cells were

transplanted into livers of hepatectomized-SCID mice

and exhibited hepatic cell characteristics two weeks

later.

In vitro expanded mesenchymal stem cells

constitutively expressed markers of hepatic lineage.

Wharton’s jelly is a rich and valuable source of

primitive stem cells during birth containing large

numbers of cells similar to those of the umbilical cord

blood.

The properties of Wharton’s jelly mesenchymal stem

cells are similar to those of umbilical cord blood stem

cells.

Campard D, et al Gastrenterology, 134(3): 878-881,

New applications of umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells.

0706 NEWSNEWS

Mesenchymal stem cells for

transplantation therapy of

traumatic central nervous

system injury and

neurodegenerative

diseases

Mesenchymal-like cells from cord blood exhibit a

potential for differentiation into neuron-like cells in

culture. Transplantation of umbilical cord blood stem

cells in animal models with ischemic and traumatic

injuries reduced lesion sizes and enhanced behavioral

recovery. Neurons derived from Wharton’s Jelly

mesenchymal cells could alleviate movement disorders

in hemiparkinsonian animal models.

Low CB et al J Neurosci Res, Feb 2008.

Neurogenesis is a natural biological process which

continues to occur throughout life but dramatically

decreases with increasing age. Intravenous injection of

umbilical cord blood in aged animals rejuvenates the

proliferative activity of neural stem cells, induces

neurogenesis and improves the microenvironment of

neural cells due to the decrease of inflammation.

Intravenous injection of umbilical cord blood can be an

effective approach for the treatment of injuries,

neurodegenerative diseases and aging.

Bachstetter AD et al BMC Neurosci, 9(1): 22, 2008.

Mesenchymal

stem cells as a vehicle

for gene therapy of

malignant tumors

nMalignant gliomas represent aggressive, highly

infiltrative types of brain cancer. Current therapeutic

treatment depends on the excision of the tumor and

concurrent chemoradiotherapy, however with poor

outcome. Gene therapy represents a promising

alternative treatment and depends on the property of

mesenchymal stem cells to infiltrate in the malignant

gliomas and deliver oncolytic factors.

A study conducted in the Brain Tumor Center, in

Chicago USA showed that, human mesenchymal stem

cells, after intravenous injection in animal models with

gliomas, can migrate to the site of the tumor and deliver

oncolytic adenoviruses on site and destroy the

malignant tumor. The capability of mesenchymal stem

cells to deliver Nd release oncolytic adenoviruses in

intracranial malignant gliomas is higher than any other

vector used until today.

These results are especially encouraging and future

applications in patients could improve the outcome of

oncolytic virotherapy for gliomas especially in case of

tumors that cannot be surgically excised.

Sonabend AM et al. Stem Cells,, 26(3): 831-841, 2008.

mmunotherapy of

human neuroblastoma

using umbilical cord

blood stem cells

nFor the treatment of nervous system malignancies,

umbilical cord blood was recently used which contains

precursors of antitumor cytotoxic effector cells. In a

comparative study conducted by scientists of the

University of Nebraska, USA it was shown that

transplantation of umbilical cord blood stem cells in

animal models with neuroblastoma resulted in

inhibition of tumor growth and increased overall

survival.

In addition, further investigations showed that umbilical

cord blood stem cells differentiate into cytotoxic T –

lymphocytes which turn against tumor cells and

effectively kill them.

These results demonstrate the potential of UCB derived

effector cells against human neuroblastoma and

warrant further preclinical studies.

Joshi AD et al. l. Neuroimmune Pharmacology 2(2):

202-212, 2007.

Differentiation into

hepatic cells

nThe stromal mucous tissue that protects and

insulates umbilical cord vessels is called Wharton’s Jelly

and is composed mainly of mesenchymal stem cells.

Wharton’s Jelly mesenchymal stem cells were

transplanted into livers of hepatectomized-SCID mice

and exhibited hepatic cell characteristics two weeks

later.

In vitro expanded mesenchymal stem cells

constitutively expressed markers of hepatic lineage.

Wharton’s jelly is a rich and valuable source of

primitive stem cells during birth containing large

numbers of cells similar to those of the umbilical cord

blood.

The properties of Wharton’s jelly mesenchymal stem

cells are similar to those of umbilical cord blood stem

cells.

Campard D, et al Gastrenterology, 134(3): 878-881,

New applications of umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells.

A research group from the University of Taiwan

isolated mesenchymal stem cells from the Wharton’s

Jelly, which is located around the umbilical cord veins,

and differentiated them into insulin producing â-

pancreatic calls in culture.

Twelve weeks after transplantation of these cells into

animal models with diabetes type I, production of insulin

and C-peptide was observed, which is a by-product of

insulin production.

These findings are encouraging, as mesenchymal

stem cells from Wharton’s jelly exhibit certain

advantages such as:

-Immediate availability upon demand

-Large potential donor pool

-Ease of obtaining without complications

-Rarity of graft versus host disease

-Differentiation ability into insulin producing

pancreatic â-cells.

Urban VS et al. Stem cells , 26(1): 244-253, 2007.

Chao KC et al. PLoS ONE 16:3 (1), 2008.

Proceedings of 67th Scientific Sessions of American

Diabetes Association.

0908 NEWSNEWS

nHuman dental pulp contains precursor cells termed

Mesenchymal Dental Pulp Stem Cells (DPSCs) that

show high self-renewal ability and plasticity, like

mesenchymal stem cells, as they can be differentiated

into multiple cell types.

These special features were further investigated by

scientists in Spain in order to examine whether these

cells could have therapeutic potential in the repair of

myocardial infarction.

DPSCs were injected intramyocardically in animal

models seven days after induction of myocardial

infarction and their impact was observed for four weeks

afterwards. DPSCs were obtained from human dental

pulp of third molars.

DPSCs survived and engrafted in the ischemic area.

The degree of improvement in cardiac function was

similar to that observed after bone marrow stem cell

transplantation. Indeed, improvement in cardiac

function was correlated with reduction in infarct size,

higher capillary network density and increased wall

thickness in DPSC transplanted animals.

In addition, ultrasound analysis of left ventricular wall

peri-infarct zones showed an increase in cardiomyocyte

bundles and a higher proportion of myofibroblasts in

the area, phenomena associated with faster wound

healing and reduction of the infarct size.

The present study showed that DPSCs are able to

repair infarcted myocardium after a cardiac episode,

which is obviously associated with their ability to secrete

anti-apoptotic and pro-angiogenic factors.

These results extend the knowledge of DPSCs’

therapeutical properties and provide a promising source

for the treatment of ischemic diseases.

Gandia C. et al. Stem cells 26(3):638-645, 2008.

The results of the study six months afterwards showed

1) Children that received the cord blood had A1c’s 7%

compared to 8.04% in the control group and required

less insulin.

2) The cord blood group showed little change in the

levels of C-peptide, which indicates an ability to

produce insulin.

3) Finally, there was an increase in the number of T-

regulatory lymphocytes that restrain the immune

system from attacking the pancreas.

These findings render stem cells a valuable tool in the

treatment of diabetes type I, as combination treatment

with conventional cell therapies might arrest or even

prevent the development of diabetes type I.

Similar results were obtained by a research group at

the National Medical Center of Hungary, where studies

in animal models showed that, concomitant

administration of mesenchymal stem cells and bone

marrow cells induces regeneration of recipient derived

pancreatic insulin-secreting cells and at the same time

suppresses activation of the immune system.

Application of this therapy in humans patients may be

feasible for a large number of autoimmune diseases.

A research group from at the University of Florida, USA recently announced (December, 2007) the conduction of a clinical trial where 7 children, aged 2-7 years old, newly diagnosed with Diabetes type I were recruited. They were infused with autologous umbilical cord blood stem cells and the results were compared to those from 13 children treated with insulin (control group).

STEM CELLS AGAINST DIABETES TYPE IHuman Dental Pulp Stem Cells in the treatment

of Acute Myocardial Infarction

Pictures A, B & CHuman dental pulp stem cells.

Biohellenika’s photos

A research group from the University of Taiwan

isolated mesenchymal stem cells from the Wharton’s

Jelly, which is located around the umbilical cord veins,

and differentiated them into insulin producing â-

pancreatic calls in culture.

Twelve weeks after transplantation of these cells into

animal models with diabetes type I, production of insulin

and C-peptide was observed, which is a by-product of

insulin production.

These findings are encouraging, as mesenchymal

stem cells from Wharton’s jelly exhibit certain

advantages such as:

-Immediate availability upon demand

-Large potential donor pool

-Ease of obtaining without complications

-Rarity of graft versus host disease

-Differentiation ability into insulin producing

pancreatic â-cells.

Urban VS et al. Stem cells , 26(1): 244-253, 2007.

Chao KC et al. PLoS ONE 16:3 (1), 2008.

Proceedings of 67th Scientific Sessions of American

Diabetes Association.

0908 NEWSNEWS

nHuman dental pulp contains precursor cells termed

Mesenchymal Dental Pulp Stem Cells (DPSCs) that

show high self-renewal ability and plasticity, like

mesenchymal stem cells, as they can be differentiated

into multiple cell types.

These special features were further investigated by

scientists in Spain in order to examine whether these

cells could have therapeutic potential in the repair of

myocardial infarction.

DPSCs were injected intramyocardically in animal

models seven days after induction of myocardial

infarction and their impact was observed for four weeks

afterwards. DPSCs were obtained from human dental

pulp of third molars.

DPSCs survived and engrafted in the ischemic area.

The degree of improvement in cardiac function was

similar to that observed after bone marrow stem cell

transplantation. Indeed, improvement in cardiac

function was correlated with reduction in infarct size,

higher capillary network density and increased wall

thickness in DPSC transplanted animals.

In addition, ultrasound analysis of left ventricular wall

peri-infarct zones showed an increase in cardiomyocyte

bundles and a higher proportion of myofibroblasts in

the area, phenomena associated with faster wound

healing and reduction of the infarct size.

The present study showed that DPSCs are able to

repair infarcted myocardium after a cardiac episode,

which is obviously associated with their ability to secrete

anti-apoptotic and pro-angiogenic factors.

These results extend the knowledge of DPSCs’

therapeutical properties and provide a promising source

for the treatment of ischemic diseases.

Gandia C. et al. Stem cells 26(3):638-645, 2008.

The results of the study six months afterwards showed

1) Children that received the cord blood had A1c’s 7%

compared to 8.04% in the control group and required

less insulin.

2) The cord blood group showed little change in the

levels of C-peptide, which indicates an ability to

produce insulin.

3) Finally, there was an increase in the number of T-

regulatory lymphocytes that restrain the immune

system from attacking the pancreas.

These findings render stem cells a valuable tool in the

treatment of diabetes type I, as combination treatment

with conventional cell therapies might arrest or even

prevent the development of diabetes type I.

Similar results were obtained by a research group at

the National Medical Center of Hungary, where studies

in animal models showed that, concomitant

administration of mesenchymal stem cells and bone

marrow cells induces regeneration of recipient derived

pancreatic insulin-secreting cells and at the same time

suppresses activation of the immune system.

Application of this therapy in humans patients may be

feasible for a large number of autoimmune diseases.

A research group from at the University of Florida, USA recently announced (December, 2007) the conduction of a clinical trial where 7 children, aged 2-7 years old, newly diagnosed with Diabetes type I were recruited. They were infused with autologous umbilical cord blood stem cells and the results were compared to those from 13 children treated with insulin (control group).

STEM CELLS AGAINST DIABETES TYPE IHuman Dental Pulp Stem Cells in the treatment

of Acute Myocardial Infarction

Pictures A, B & CHuman dental pulp stem cells.

Biohellenika’s photos

n«Noone could tell he had such an operation by The doctors initially isolated mesenchymal stem cells

looking at him» reported Riita Suuronen, a member of from the patient’s fat and cultured them for 2 weeks in a

the medical team at the University of Tampere, to culture medium that contained his own blood serum.

Reuters. When the cells had multiplied sufficiently, they were

The pioneering method was based on the recent transferred onto a «scaffold» shaped like a jaw, that was

discovery that stem cells exist in the adipose tissue of made from biomaterials such as calcium carbonate. The

adults. These cells can be cultured in a lab and generate whole scaffold was then implanted inside the patient’s

muscles, bones or blood vessels. Such transplants, from belly, where it was left to grow for 9 weeks.

the patients own cells, overcome the problem of donor The live transplant was then screwed onto the cranial

histocompatibility. joint of the 65 year old, while vasculosurgeons

The 65 year old Finnish patient had lost his upper jaw connected it with the blood circulation system.

due to a benign tumor and could only eat and talk with The doctors have now submitted their research for

the help of a removable artificial jaw. medical approval.

1110 NEWSNEWS

The scientific team

of BIOHELLENIKA

now offers the unique

service of stem cell

cryopreservation from

deciduous teeth!

Doctors in Finland replaced

the upper jaw of a 65 year old

patient, with a transplant

derived from his own stem

cells. The transplant was left to

from in his belly for 9 weeks.

Lose a tooth? Gain life!!!Deciduous teeth that are intended for this purpose should

be collected by a dentist trained on this service.

Parents are informedoin site by a scientific member of

BIOHELLENIKA. Afterwards, they receive a file folder, where

they complete all the necessary documents and the

application form, accompanied by DENTOLIFE’s special ®collection kit and the Dentosafe preservation liquid, with

all the necessary instructions for use.

Parents inform their dentist and an appointment is

scheduled for the tooth excision.

12 hours prior to the excision, parents store the collection

kit with the preservation liquid refrigerated at 4°C.

On the day of the excision parents take the file folder with

them as some documents are to be filled out by the dentist.

The parents send the collection kit with all the necessary

documents signed to our company (within 24 hours after

excision).

Your child’s cryopreserved stem cells can be at your

immediate disposal upon request.

Every deciduous tooth contains stem cells that can be

cryopreserved and become a valuable source for future

applications of Regenerative Medicine.

They could actually save your child’s or another child.’s

For further information please address your dentist or

contact DENTOLIFE, Customer Services Line

(+30) 801 1199299 or (+30) 6936 660135.

st1 step

nd2 step

rd3 step

PATIENT FROM FINLAND GETS NEW

JAW MADE OF HIS OWN CELLS

Culture of human chondrocytes. Photos of Biohellenika's company