Adipose tissue: A natural resource for multipotent mesenchymal stem cells with potential translation to trigerminal layers.

BACKGROUND: The article reports basic science research that establishes that adipose tissue (AT)-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have a potential to transgerminal translation. STUDY DESIGN: MSC confirmation was obtained by phenotypic spindle-shaped cells as well as with four positive and three negative markers. The translineage translation of adipose-derived MSCs (ADMSCs) was established. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The lipoaspirate was subjected to enzymatic digestion with collagenase. Stromal vascular factor (SVF) was isolated. With two passages, pure culture of ADMSCs was obtained. They were translated to all the three germinal layers. RESULTS: AT-derived SVF contains ~30% MSCs. They are capable of being translated into endoderm, mesoderm and ectoderm. CONCLUSION: AT is a rich source for MSCs, with immense research possibilities for regeneration and rejuvenation.

Clinical safety in using unmatched allogeneic umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells transplantations in non-haematopoietic degenerative conditions.

AIM: Evaluation of safety in using unmatched human allogeneic umbilical cord blood cells for therapeutic use in individuals with non-haematopoietic degenerative conditions. BACKGROUND: The historical data and several recent immunological arguments suggest the therapeutic use of allogeneic Cord Blood Mononuclear Cells (CBMNCs), as these cells do not elicit immune response. Customarily, HLA matched cord blood MNCs are used along with prolonged immunosuppression in treatment of haematological conditions. Lately, unmatched CBMNCs are widely used in case of unavailability of HLA matched cord blood. There have been suggestions for using unmatched allogeneic cord blood MNCs for degenerative conditions without an immunoconditioning regimen. METHOD: 49 patients with non-haematopoietic degenerative conditions were treated with HLA-unmatched allogeneic hUCB MNCs. Intrathecal/I.V injections (1-2 million cells/kg body weight) were given. Clinical, biochemical and haematological adverse events were evaluated. RESULTS: The haematological and biochemical parameters showed no major deviation from the normal. Clinically, no acute adverse effects or GVHD were observed with the used dosage. CONCLUSION: This study supports/suggests clinical safety in therapeutic medical use of unmatched allogeneic CBMNCs when used at low dosage in non-haematopoietic degenerative conditions.

Psychotherapeutic intervention with hypnosis in 554 couples with reproductive failure.

The objective of this study was to establish the efficacy of psychotherapeutic intervention including hypnotherapy in couples with "unexplained" reproductive failure. The study was based on a prospective clinical model set at a Trust Hospital. The couples with reproductive failure reported for treatment. Over a period of 28 years, 554 couples without any anatomical or physiological anomaly were studied. Psychotherapeutic intervention with indirect and direct hypnosis was added to the standard protocol for investigation and therapy of infertile couples. Several stressors were identified. Stress of barrenness was seen in 100% of women. Other stressors of marital life were identified. Hypnotherapy was targeted at general stress relief initially and, towards the specific stressor/s subsequently. The results were judged as success in terms of occurrence of pregnancy. The success rate was 71.67%. There could not have been a double blind study. However, 349/554 came after failing elsewhere. They had the same success rate ie, 70%. A persistent, unprecedented high success rate establishes that "unexplained" reproductive failure is psychodynamically triggered, is reversible with psychotherapy that includes hypnosis. The study explains causation in terms of psychosomatic stress. When that is alleviated with hypnotherapy, there are remarkable results.

Hypnosis in pregnancy with intrauterine growth restriction and oligohydramnios: an innovative approach.

The clinical application of hypnosis has been effective in obstetrics. Intrauterine growth restriction and oligohydramnios are dreaded complications of pregnancy that may result in preterm deliveries causing increased perinatal morbidity and mortality. In this longitudinal prospective study, clinical hypnosis was used in addition to the conventional medical management in such pregnancies. The perinatal outcome was compared with the control group wherein hypnosis was not used. The hypnosis group had a significantly shorter preterm delivery rate (p = .004) and fewer incidence of low birth weight babies (p = .009). Significantly reduced operative intervention in terms of lower rate of cesarean section (p = .008) was also observed in the experimental group. Hence, the use of clinical hypnosis as a viable adjunct to medical management is suggested to help to prevent neonatal morbidity and fetal loss. A multicenter randomized, controlled clinical trial is encouraged in this area.