Alpha 2 Macroglobulin Injections – A2M: A Treatment for Arthritis?
On Wednesday, I am clinically testing Alpha 2 macroglobulin, or A2M. My first patient is the product distributor; he is my guinea pig. Supposedly the injection will stop cartilage breakdown in joints, promote tissue growth and support the overall restoration of an affected joint; however, before jumping on this latest bandwagon, I want to document safety and efficacy. We have been using autogenous (yours) Platelet-derived proteins and this will be my first usage of an autogenous protein other than platelet derived.
A2M as a Treatment for Arthritis
Scientific evidence points to A2M as playing a role in stopping osteoarthritis at the molecular level. A2M is a Broad Spectrum, Multi-Purpose Protease Inhibitor (powerful chemical in destroying proteins that cause arthritis) that captures and inactivates the three major chemicals that lead to joint breakdown and cartilage damage. Once these bad chemicals are trapped by A2M, the body can then quickly eliminate them. A significant research study out of Brown University, in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health, demonstrated that although the concentration of A2M in the joint is insufficient for joint protection, an intervention with concentrated A2M provides cartilage protection in post-traumatic OA by stopping the progression of arthritis. The results of this study suggest that therapeutic injection of concentrated A2M may inhibit the breakdown of cartilage and shut down the destructive inflammatory proteins in the joint. Additionally, it is noted that early intervention may be critical for preventing or minimizing the development of post-traumatic Osteoarthritis (OA). An injection of A2M during the acute phase of an injury, allegedly is proving to be a powerful tool in preventing progressive arthritis in the affected joints, hence my interest. The A2M protein is made in your liver. Using special binding sites, it will bind and trap bad enzymes that are destroying your cartilage. Once each of A2M’s binding sites is occupied, the A2M and the disabled enzymes are naturally removed by your body.
Due to its large size, A2M cannot make it into the joint in high enough concentrations when required which may lead to chronic pain, and collapse of the joint. It is important to note that A2M is not a platelet product, A2M circulates in the plasma portion of your blood.
To learn more, call and schedule an appointment (312) 475-1893. My website is available where you will find my webinar at www.sheinkopmd.com
Tags: cell-based threatments, stem cell therapy, therapies for arthritis, treatments for arthritis