Special Announcement - Now Screening for FDA Approved Stem Cell Study
Dr. Mitchell Sheinkop has completed training and is credentialed for an FDA-approved stem cell clinical trial for knee arthritis. Our clinic is now screening patients for this trial. Contact us at 312-475-1893 for details. Click here to learn more.
“There is no such thing as a free lunch”

“There is no such thing as a free lunch”

I will let the scientific facts speak for themselves. Keep this in mind the next time you see the advertisement from the Stem Cell hustlers of America. There is no such thing as a free lunch.

From: The American Journal of Sports Medicine

Are Amniotic Fluid Products Stem Cell Therapies? A Study of Amniotic Fluid Preparations for Mesenchymal Stem Cells with Bone Marrow Comparison

Alberto J. Panero, DO*, Alan M. Hirahara, MD, FRCSC, Wyatt J. Andersen, ATC,
First Published 7, 2019 Research Article https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546519829034

Abstract
Background:
In vivo amniotic fluid is known to contain a population of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and growth factors and has been shown to assist in healing when used as an adjunct in procedures across multiple medical specialties. It is unclear whether amniotic fluid products (AFPs) contain MSCs and, if so, whether the cells remain viable after processing.
Purpose: To determine whether MSCs, growth factors, and hyaluronan are present in commercially available Amniotic Fluid Products.

Study Design:
Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:
Seven commercial companies that provide amniotic fluid were invited to participate in the study; 3 companies (the manufacturers of PalinGen, FloGraft, and Genesis AFPs) agreed to participate and donated AFPs for analysis. The AFPs were evaluated for the presence of MSCs, various growth factors relevant to orthopaedics (platelet-derived growth factor ββ, vascular endothelial growth factor, interleukin 8, bone morphogenetic protein 2, transforming growth factor β1), and hyaluronan by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and culture of fibroblast colony-forming units. These products were compared with unprocessed amniotic fluid and 2 separate samples of MSCs derived from human bone marrow aspirates. All groups used the same culture medium and expansion techniques. Identical testing and analysis procedures were used for all samples.

Results:
MSCs could not be identified in the commercial AFPs or the unprocessed amniotic fluid. MSCs could be cultured from the bone marrow aspirates. Nucleated cells were found in 2 products (PalinGen and FloGraft), but most of these cells were dead. The few living cells did not exhibit established characteristics of MSCs. Growth factors and hyaluronan were present in all groups at varying levels.

Conclusion:
The Amniotic Fluid Products studied should not be considered “stem cell” therapies, and researchers should use caution when evaluating commercial claims that products contain stem cells. Given their growth factor content, however, AFPs may still represent a promising tool for orthopaedic treatment.

Clinical Relevance:
Amniotic fluid has been proposed as an allogenic means for introducing MSCs. This study was unable to confirm that commercial AFPs contain MSCs.

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Birds do it, bees do it, even Jack Nicklaus does it; I am talking about stem cells

In the ongoing initiative to remain in the forefront of cellular orthopedic offerings for arthritis, “a needle, not a knife”, it was time to advance my skills when dealing with low back pain. About 70% of my patients, in addition to major joint disease, present with degenerative disc and facet joint generated symptoms. At times, it is difficult to determine as to whether hip and knees symptoms come from those joints or are referred from the low back so off I went for Continuing Education. Arriving in San Jose on Thursday, mid- day, and activating my cell phone to see how the world might have changed over the past 4 1/2 hours during my flight, I found an e-mail from my daughter, a physical therapist:

Jack Nicklaus reveals his secret, experimental stem cell therapy in CNN interview
“I’m not a doctor, but I think that stem cell is going to change…the direction of orthopedics, totally,” Nicklaus said, remarking the procedure has given him the opportunity to keep teeing it up. “As long as my stem cells allow me…Golf is a game of a lifetime, I hope to play for my lifetime”. –Joel Beall

How about that one for timing; thank you CNN. Now we may add to the list of celebrities who have undergone regenerative medicine interventions but golfing great Jack Nicklaus deserves special attention. Unlike the star athletes who continually undergo stem cell and PRP interventions so as to compete such as Fred Couples, Steph Curry and an ever- increasing list; Nicklaus underwent a restorative procedure to his back so he could just enjoy a painless round of golf. It is Sunday and I am headed home. Now I am better prepared to help you restore your active lifestyle and overcome limitations imposed by osteoarthritis in a major joint or the low back.

The algorithm of care requires an office assessment and review of images including X-rays, MRIs and at times, a CT scan. Whether further preliminary study is needed will be subsequently determined; and I emphasize, the process may not be “one and done”. After age 45, it more often than not restoration, not regeneration, so maintenance may periodically be needed. Last of all, the improvement following any regenerative or restorative intervention may take 6 to 12 weeks at a minimum.

The next step is your phone call to schedule a consultation. (312) 475-1893
You may view my web site and watch the webinar at www.Ilcellulartherapy.com

A website update to include the low back is forthcoming

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It’s been a busy week for our Cellular Orthopedic practice

On Wednesday, I completed several bone marrow concentrate procedures for patients with arthritic knees. You will recall that Concentrated Bone Marrow contains living Adult Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Growth Factors, Platelets, Exosomes, Precursor Cells and more allowing for pain relief, improved function and possible regeneration in those afflicted by arthritis. In the afternoon, four patients underwent Autologous Platelet and Growth Factor interventions; two in the hip and two in their knees. An example of the outcome, now four months following intervention in my own knees and hips, I spent last weekend hiking along several spring creeks, fly fishing in Southwest Wisconsin in the morning and planting over 150 Lilly bulbs in the afternoon. Admittedly, I slept well on Saturday and Sunday night but visited the health club on these past Tuesday and Wednesday evenings for my fitness routines.

On Monday, we finalized and edited a manuscript reporting the results of 56 patients with arthritic knees, followed for 2 to 4 years having received Bone Marrow Concentrate. Using the same outcome metrics and statistical tabulation methods I had employed as a joint replacement surgeon, this study is one of the most significant trials ever completed and to be published in Cellular Orthopedics. Our study not only will help determine the indications for a “stem cell” procedure, but also assist in determining how long the benefits will last, and provide a road map for when adjunct or repeat interventions are indicated. Now the physician will be better prepared to help a patient decide between a Total Joint Replacement and a Cellular Orthopedic intervention on an evidence based knowledge.

I am writing this Blog while flying to San Jose, California where I am partaking in advanced training that will allow me to expand my regenerative medicine practice to the low back. Again and again, patients ask as to what I might offer to address low back pain and disc disease now that I have successfully intervened in an arthritic hip or knee. Indications and techniques for addressing the lumbar spine will make up the curriculum enabling me to add discogenic and degenerative arthritic conditions of the low back to my scope of regenerative care by mid May.

To the patient who called, “I heard through the grapevine that it doesn’t work”, you may avoid falling victim to the Fake Stem Cell claims in newspaper ads or via celebrity testimonials; those in amniotic fluid are dead on arrival to you. Seek scientific evidence at (312) 475-1893 or learn more on my web site where you may watch my webinar www.Ilcellulartherapy.com.

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