Stem Cells & Peptides: The Secret to Reversing Chronic Pain and Aging | Dr. Adeel Khan
The Doctor's Farmacy with Mark Hyman, M.D.
Deep Dive
Why did Dr. Adeel Khan get into regenerative medicine?
He saw patients not always getting better and his own mother struggling with medical illnesses. Frustrated by the limitations of traditional medicine, he explored functional medicine and regenerative medicine as alternatives that could offer more effective treatments with less harm.
What are the main functions of stem cells in regenerative medicine?
Stem cells have two main functions: self-renewal and differentiation into other types of tissue. They act like a master key that can replicate itself and open different doors to repair and regenerate various tissues in the body.
Why have stem cell treatments not been as effective as initially thought?
When taken from the body and put into a test tube, stem cells behave differently than when injected back into the body. Most stem cells don't survive when injected intravenously and get trapped in the lungs, leading to inconsistent results in clinical trials.
What makes new cells (MUSE) different from standard mesenchymal stem cells?
New cells are pluripotent and stress-enduring, meaning they can differentiate into all 220 cell types in the body and survive harsh environments. They don't die as quickly when injected and can regenerate new tissue, unlike standard mesenchymal stem cells which primarily reduce inflammation.
What are exosomes and why are they important in regenerative medicine?
Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles that facilitate cell-to-cell communication. They contain signaling molecules like microRNAs, cytokines, and growth factors that can modulate the microenvironment and help with cellular processes. They are important because they can be isolated and used therapeutically without the risks associated with whole stem cells.
How do exosomes compare to stem cells in regenerative medicine?
Exosomes are safer and less expensive than stem cells because they don't contain DNA and are cleared from the body quickly. They primarily reduce inflammation and create a favorable microenvironment for stem cells to work. New stem cells, however, are pluripotent and can actually regenerate new tissue, making them more powerful but also more complex.
What is gene therapy and how does it work?
Gene therapy involves inserting a gene of interest into the body using a vector, such as a plasmid. This vector delivers the gene to cells, which then produce the desired protein. For example, follistatin gene therapy increases muscle growth by inhibiting myostatin, a protein that limits muscle growth.
What are the potential risks of gene therapy?
The main risk is that the vector could migrate to unintended parts of the body or stimulate the immune system, causing side effects. For example, lipid nanoparticle vectors used in COVID vaccines have been linked to myocarditis and autoimmune conditions. Plasmid vectors are safer but still carry theoretical risks.
What is the future outlook for regenerative medicine in terms of accessibility and cost?
Regenerative medicine is advancing rapidly with new technologies like 3D bioprinting and automated cell manufacturing, which will reduce costs. Early adopters are paving the way for mainstream acceptance and insurance coverage. Japan is already covering some stem cell treatments, showing what's possible with the right political and financial support.
- Regenerative medicine focuses on restoring tissue or tissue function.
- Dr. Khan was inspired by functional medicine principles to pursue regenerative medicine.
- The field is about giving the body the right tools and signals to heal itself.
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