StemCell Therapy

Dear Colleague,

We welcome you to GTCbio's 13th Stem Cell Research & Regenerative Medicine Conference, to be held on April 25-26, 2016 in Boston, MA. This conference presents information regarding cutting-edge developments in all areas of stem cell research, including the biology, medicine, applications and regulations of stem cells. Topics of discussion include recent developments in pre-clinical and clinical trials of stem cell therapy, regenerative medicine and tissue engineering, cancer stem cells, immunotherapy, stem cell reprogramming, and regulatory policies regarding stem cell research.

Conference 1: 13th Stem Cell Research & Regenerative Medicine

I. Cells for Therapeutic Development, Disease Modeling, & Drug Discovery II. Advances in Adult & Pluripotent Stem Cell Research & Technology III. Frontiers in Tissue Engineering IV. Immunotherapy - Revolution in Disease Treatments V. Joint Plenary Session: Translation to the Clinic: What's in the Pipeline? VI. Joint Plenary Session: Regulatory Challenges in Cell Therapy

This conference is part of our larger Stem Cell Summit 2016, which includes two back-to-back conferences including joint sessions:

Conference 1: 13th Stem Cell Research & Regenerative Medicine Conference 2: 5th Stem Cell Product Development & Commercialization

Sign up for the Summit to have access to both conferences!

We hope to see you there!

Best regards,

The 2016 Advisory Committee

Visit link:
13th Stem Cell Research & Regenerative Medicine Overview

Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology Director, Rheumatology Fellowship Training Program

Clinical Interests: Kidney stones, metabolic bone disease, osteoporosis

Clinical Interests: Osteoporosis, Hypercalcemia, Hypocalcemia, Hypophosphatemia, Vitamin D deficiency, Adrenal nodules, Adrenal insufficiency, Hyperthyroidism, Hypothyroidism, Kidney Stones

Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School Clinical Interests: Calcium disorders, general endocrinology, osteomalacia

Associate Director, Massachusetts General Hospital Bone Density Center Clinical Interests: Bone and mineral metaboli, neuroendocrinology, reproductive endocrinology

Clinical Director, Reproductive Endocrine Associates Co-Director Turner Syndrome Clinic Clinical Interests: Male Hypogonadism, Turner Syndrome, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Menstrual disorders, Male and Female Infertility, Menopause, Osteoporosis

Chief, Endocrine Unit Physician, Department of Medicine Clinical Interests: Calcium and bone disorder, general endocrinology

Clinical Interests: General endocrinology, osteoporosis

Clinical Interests: Diseases of the parathyroid gland, genetic bone diseases, Hajdu-Cheney syndrome, fibrous dysplasia, osteoporosis

Clinical Interests: General Endocrinology

Clinical Interests: General Endocrinology

Chief, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Newton-Wellesley Hospital Clinical Interests: Osteoporosis, primary hyperparathyroidism, metabolic bone disease, Paget's disease of bone

Clinical Interests: General endocrinology, Osteoporosis, Metabolic bone disease, Hyperparathyroidism, Adrenal disorders

Clinical Interests: General endocrinology, calcium disorders, diabetes mellitus

Clinical Interests: General endocrinology, Osteoporosis, Metabolic bone disease, Parathyroid disease, Male hypogonadism

Clinical Interests: Endocrine oncology, general endocrine, osteoporosis, metabolic bone disease, hyperparathyroidism, adrenal disorders

Co-Director, Endocrine Tumor Genetics Clinic Clinical Interests: General endocrinology, thyroid cancer, thyroid nodules

Co-Director, Thyroid Associates Medical Director, Endocrine Tumor Center Co-Director, Endocrine Tumor Genetics Clinic Clinical Interests: Thyroid (particularly thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer), parathyroid, adrenal

Co-Director, Thyroid Associates Clinical Interests: Endocrinology, thyroid disease

Associate Director, Bone Density Center Clinical Interests: Bone and mineral metaboli, neuroendocrinology, reproductive endocrinology

Clinical Interests: General endocrinology, osteoporosis

Chief, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Newton-Wellesley Hospital Clinical Interests: Osteoporosis, primary hyperparathyroidism, metabolic bone disease, Paget's disease of bone

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Our Doctors - Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA

OMICS Group officially welcomes you to attend the6th International Conference on EndocrinologyduringNovember 28-30, 2016 atBaltimore,USA. Endocrinology 2016 conference will focus on the latest and exciting innovations in all areas of Endocrinology research offering a unique opportunity for investigators across the globe to meet, network, and perceive new scientific innovations. This years annual congress highlights the theme New recommendations and practical approaches in the treatment of endocrinal disorders which reflects the emerging progress being made in Endocrinal disease research as discoveries in the lab are translated into treatments in an increasingly targeted and precise manner.

Endocrinology 2016 provides three days robust discussions on methods and strategies related to diagnosis, prevention and management of endocrinal diseases as well as explore new ideas and concepts on a global scale and the topics include Diabetic Disorders and Treatment, Current Advances in Endocrinology & Metabolism, Thyroid Gland and its Disorders, Reproductive Endocrinology, Energy Balance and Obesity, Treatment and Diagnosis of Endocrine Diseases,Surgery. The conference invites Endocrine surgeons, diabetologists, Reproductive Endocrinologists and all the eminent researchers and experts in the field of Endocrinal medicine. The conference also welcomes the participation of Presidents, CEOs, Delegates and industrial executives from Endocrine Pharma and Health care sectors making the conference a perfect platform to network, share views and knowledge through interactive keynote, plenary, poster and B2B discussions.

OMICS International Organizes 300+Conferencesevery year across USA, Europe & Asia with support from 1000 more scientificsocietiesand Publishes 500+Open access journalswhich contains over 30000 eminent personalities, reputed scientists as editorial board members.

In United States alone, more than 50,000 people die every year. Nearly 200000 people are treated annually for type-1 and type-2 diabetes every year. The global endocrinal healthcare market touches around $2.03 billion. Endocrinal associations are being funded annually about $212,286 million to $407,716 million for endocrinal research. Reflecting this imperative, OMICS Group believes that professionally-oriented education in endocrinal research is essential in the training of clinicians and academicians and organizes Endocrinology-2015 conference in Atlanta, USA this year which will provide the future leadership in this key area for global health.

Scientific Sessions

Track-1: GeneralEndocrinology

Endocrinology is a branch of biology and medicine dealing with the endocrine system, its diseases and its specific secretions known as hormones, growth promotion and malignancy. Behavioural endocrinology. Behavioral endocrinology is the study of hormonal processes and neuroendocrine systems that influence or regulate behavior. Analytical approaches include studies of natural variation among individuals within populations of a single species, sex differences, differences among species and experimental manipulations of either the endocrine system or behavior itself. G-Protein coupled receptors also known as seven-transmembrane domain receptors, 7TM receptors, heptahelical receptors, serpentine receptor, and G proteinlinked receptors (GPLR). Pediatric endocrinology is a medical subspecialty dealing with variations of physical growth and sexual development in childhood, as well as diabetes and other disorders of the endocrine glands.

According to recent statistics report, nearly 26 million adults apart from young and old aged people are suffering from Diabetes and millions of others are at increased risk. Being one of the major fields of Internal Medicine, endocrinal research received a funding of more than 2.03 billion dollars annually across the globe. Nearly $560 million is being funded on Endocrinal diseases alone per year. Targeted Audience are Diagnostics manufacturers, Healthcare companies, Entrepreneurs, Research Scholars, Academic Scientists, Healthcare Innovators, Physicians, Diabeticians, Endocrinologists , Clinical Researchers, Policymakers and Regulators, Surgeons, Academic Researchers

There are about 1500 Universities all over the world who are doing research on Endocrinology. As per the statistics there are more than 60 Hospitals, 35 Associations/societies, 30 companies and 15 universities are functioning in the fields of Endocrinology in Atlanta and in USA there exists more than 4973 Hospitals, 70 Associations/societies, 1600 companies, 800 universities are functioning in the fields of Endocrinology.

Track-2:Diabetic Disorders and Treatment

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic illness characterized by the bodys inability to produce insulin due to the autoimmune destruction of the beta cells in the pancreas. Most pediatric patients with diabetes have type 1 and a lifetime dependence on exogenous insulin. Gestational diabetes affects the mother in late pregnancy, after the baby's body has been formed, but while the baby is busy growing. Dietary management, physical activity and prevention strategies for diabetes should be taken care to overcome diabetes. Hypoglycemia is a condition characterized by abnormally low blood glucose (blood sugar) levels. Hypoglycemia, if left untreated it leads to a seizure or unconsciousness.

Track-3:Neuro Endocrinology

Neuroendocrine cancer is a malignant tumour that starts in neuroendocrine cells. Neuroendocrine tumors most commonly occur in the intestine, where they are often called carcinoma tumors. Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors form in hormone-making cells (islet cells) of the pancreas. They may or may not cause signs or symptoms. Neuroendocrine small cell cancer accounts for approximately 15% of bronchogenic carcinomas.

Track-4: Challenges of Endocrinology

Osteoporosisis a disease where decreased bone strength increases the risk of a broken bone. It is caused due to vitamin D deficiency , aging, being female, low body weight, low sex hormones or menopause, smoking, and some medications. Rickets is defective mineralization or calcification of bones before epiphyseal closure in immature mammals due to deficiency or impaired metabolism of vitamin D. Rickets management can be done by gradual administration of months or in a single-day dose of 15,000 mcg (600,000 U) of vitamin D. Growth hormone (GH) deficiency is a disorder that involves the pituitary gland (a small gland located at the base of the brain), which produces growth hormone and other hormones. Growth hormone deficiency can be treated by injecting growth hormone intramuscularly and hormone replacement

Track-5: Current Advances inEndocrinology

Multiple pituitary hormone deficiency is a condition that causes a shortage (deficiency) of several hormones produced by the pituitary gland, which is located at the base of the brain. A lack of these hormones may affect the development of many parts of the body. Endocrine disorders in hemoglobinopathies can be treated by replacement of particular hormone deficiency and improvement of nutritional status; the goals of hormone replacement therapy for patients with sickle cell disease are to achieve normal levels of circulating hormones, restore normal physiology, and to avoid symptoms of deficiency with minimal side effects. Islet cell transplantation is the transplantation of isolated islets from a donor pancreas and into another person. It is an experimental treatment for type 1 diabetes mellitus. Once transplanted, the islets begin to produce insulin, actively regulating the level of glucose in the blood. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) are any of several autosomal recessive diseases resulting from mutations of genes for enzymes mediating the biochemical steps of production of cortisol from cholesterol by the adrenal glands.

Track-6:Thyroid Gland and its Disorders

Graves' diseaseis an immune system disorder that results in the overproduction of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism). Thyroid hormones metabolism is regulated by protein, fat, and carbohydrate metabolism, affecting how human cells use energetic compounds. Iodine uptake against a concentration gradient is mediated by a sodium-iodine symporter and is linked to a sodium-potassium ATPase.

Track-7:Reproductive Endocrinologyand Infertility

Male infertility refers to a male's inability to cause pregnancy in a fertile female. In humans it accounts for 40-50% of infertility. It affects approximately 7% of all men. Male infertility is commonly due to deficiencies in the semen, and semen quality is used as a surrogate measure of male fecundity. Pelvic inflammatory disease, commonly called PID, is an infection of the female reproductive organs. PID is one of the most serious complications of a sexually transmitted disease in women: It can lead to irreversible damage to the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, or other parts of the female reproductive system, and is the primary preventable cause of infertility in women. Polycystic ovary syndrome is a problem in which a woman's hormones are out of balance. It can cause problems with your periods and make it difficult to get pregnant.

Track-8:Energy Balanceand Obesity

Obesity has always existed in human populations, but until very recently was comparatively rare. The availability of abundant, energy-rich processed foods in the last few decades has, however, resulted in a sharp rise in the prevalence of obesity in westernized countries. Food intake (eating) is a form of behavior that is subject to conscious control. In practice, many obese and weight-gaining individuals claim that their eating is out of (their) control. Mechanistic models describe the interplay of biological and environmental forces that food intake control. Adipocytes, also known as lipocytes and fat cells, are the cells that primarily compose adipose tissue, specialized in storing energy as fat. Adipocytes function is to synthesize estrogens from androgens, potentially being the reason why being underweight or overweight are risk factors for infertility.[18] Additionally, adipocytes are responsible for the production of the hormone leptin. Leptin is important in regulation of appetite and acts as a satiety factor.

Track-9: Treatment and Diagnosis ofEndocrine Diseases

Cushing's syndrome, also known as hypercortisolism, Itsenko-Cushing syndrome, and hyperadrenocorticism, is a collection of signs and symptoms due to prolonged exposure to cortisol. Signs and symptoms may include: high blood pressure, abdominal obesity but with thin arms and legs, reddish stretch marks, a round red face, a fat lump between the shoulders, weak muscles, weak bones, acne, and fragile skin that heals poorly. Most cases can be treated and cured. If due to medications, these can often be slowly stopped. If caused by a tumor, it may be treated by a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. Pheochromocytoma is a neuroendocrine tumor of the medulla of the adrenal glands (originating in the chromaffin cells), or extra-adrenal chromaffin tissue that failed to involute after birth. Addisons disease (also Addison disease, chronic adrenal insufficiency, hypocortisolism, and hypoadrenalism) is a rare, chronic endocrine system disorder in which the adrenal glands do not produce sufficient steroid hormones (glucocorticoids and often mineralocorticoids). It is characterised by a number of relatively nonspecific symptoms, such as abdominal pain and weakness, but under certain circumstances, these may progress to Addisonian crisis, a severe illness which may include very low blood pressure and coma.

Prostate cancer- Treatment and prevention involves hormone therapy, chemo, and vaccines may help with the cancer spread overall. Often, though, other treatments that target cancer spread to the bones are also needed. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions increased blood pressure, a high blood sugar level, excess body fat around the waist and abnormal cholesterol levels that occur together, increasing your risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that may interfere with the bodys endocrine system and produce adverse developmental, reproductive, neurological, and immune effects in both humans and wildlife. A wide range of substances, both natural and man-made, are thought to cause endocrine disruption, including pharmaceuticals, dioxin and dioxin-like compounds, polychlorinated biphenyls, DDT and other pesticides, and plasticizers such as bisphenol A

Track-10:Endocrine Surgery

Bariatric surgery is an operation on the stomach and/or intestines that helps patients with extreme obesity to lose weight. Thissurgeryis an option for people who cannot lose weight by other means or who suffer from serious health problems related to obesity.

Metabolic surgery refers to a group of procedures that involve either reduction or bypassing sections of the stomach and small intestine, and are commonly used as a treatment for obesity.

Cardiovascular surgery is surgery on the heart or great vessels performed by cardiac surgeons. Frequently, it is done to treat complications of ischemic heart disease (for example, coronary artery bypass grafting), correct congenital heart disease, or treat valvular heart disease from various causes including endocarditis, rheumatic heart disease and atherosclerosis. It also includes heart transplantation.

Conference series LLC officially welcomes you to attend the 6th International Conference on Endocrinology during December 05-07, 2016 at Dallas, USA which includes prompt keynote presentations, Oral talks, Poster presentations and Exhibitions. Special interest and theme of this conference is toNew recommendations and practical approaches in the treatment of endocrinal disorders

Endocrinology 2016 conference will focus on the latest and exciting innovations in all areas of Endocrinology research offering a unique opportunity for investigators across the globe to meet, network, and perceive new scientific innovations. The studies are more connected with the topics like Current Advances in Endocrinology & Metabolism; Chemistry, physiology, and disorders related to Hypothalamus-Pituitary axis, Thyroid and parathyroid glands and its Disorders, Reproductive Endocrinology, Diabetic Disorders and Treatment, Energy Balance and Obesity, Treatment and Diagnosis of Endocrine Diseases, Surgery, mechanism of action of peptide hormones and receptors and steroid hormones and receptors, Glycoprotein hormones (LSH, FSH, TH, hCG, POMC), Growth hormone family (GH, hCS, Prolactin), Adrenal hormones and Endocrine regulation.

OMICS International organizes aconference seriesof 3000+ Global Events inclusive of 600+ Conferences, 2400+ Upcoming and Previous Symposiums and Workshops in USA, Europe & Asia with support from 1000 more scientificsocietiesand publishes 700+Open access journalswhich contains over 30000 eminent personalities, reputed scientists as editorial board members.

Why to attend???

This years annual congress highlights the theme New recommendations and practical approaches in the treatment of endocrinal disorderswhich reflects the emerging progress being made in Endocrinal disease research as discoveries in the lab are translated into treatments in an increasingly targeted and precise manner.

Clinical Endocrinology 2016 provides three days robust discussions on methods and strategies related to diagnosis, prevention and management of endocrinal diseases as well as explore new ideas and concepts on a global scale and The conference invites Endocrine surgeons, Diabetologists, Reproductive Endocrinologists and all the eminent researchers and experts in the field of Endocrinal medicine. The conference also welcomes the participation of Presidents, CEOs, Delegates and industrial executives from Endocrine Pharma and Health care sectors making the conference a perfect platform to network, share views and knowledge through interactive keynote, plenary, poster and B2B discussions.

Target Audience:

Scope and Importance of Endocrinology

Endocrinology Conference deals with the Endocrinology which is a branch of science dealing with the endocrine glands. Endocrinology includes the study of hormones, the endocrine system, and their role in the physiology of the body. Endocrinology is a specialty of medicine which deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases related to hormones. Endocrinology deals with the human functions as the coordination of metabolism, respiration, reproduction, sensory perception, and movement. Themedical specialty ofendocrinologyinvolves the diagnostic evaluation of a wide variety of symptoms and variations and the long-term management of disorders of deficiency or excess of one or morehormones. The diagnosis and treatment of endocrine diseases are guided by laboratory tests to a greater extent than for most specialties. Many diseases are investigated through ''excitation/stimulation'' or ''inhibition/suppression'' testing. This might involve injection with a stimulating agent to test the function of an endocrine organ. Blood is then sampled to assess the changes of the relevant hormones ormetabolites. An endocrinologist needs extensive knowledge of clinical chemistry and biochemistry to understand the uses and limitations of the investigations. Diagnostic imaging of endocrine organs may reveal incidental findings called incidentalomas, which may or may not represent disease.Some of the most common endocrine diseases includediabetes mellitus,hypothyroidismand themetabolic syndrome.Care of diabetes,obesityand other chronic diseases necessitates understanding the patient at the personal and social level as well as the molecular, and the physicianpatient relationship can be an important therapeutic process. Apart from treating patients, many endocrinologists are involved in clinical science and medical research, teaching, and hospital management.

Conference series puts together the entire eminent endocrinologist across the globe to share their knowledge and views on the respective conference theme.

Forget images of tumbleweed blowing in the wind, Dallas is much more than its clichd reputation. There are a whole host of exciting things to get your teeth into, as well as the classic ranch way of life. Soak up Dallas' sporting achievements with a tour of the Ameriquest Field, or if you can, grab some nachos and watch a game. Don't miss the Dallas World Aquarium, home a multitude of sharks, stingrays, and hundreds of reef fish. Visit some of the best golf courses in America while you're here, and head to Tour 18 Dallas to play on courses that replicate some of the most challenging and stimulating in the States. It would be a shame to visit Dallas and not give into a little of your inner cowboy, so head to Gilley's Dallas where you can ride a mechanical bull, try a spot of line dancing, and listen to some good old country music. Escape the heat of the city in the Dallas Arboretum, where you'll find 66 acres of trees, botany, and shady spaces to unwind and relax. The Arboretum also boasts several historic mansions that are well worth a look, so bring a picnic and bask in spectacular views of White Rock Lake and the Dallas skyline.

Dallas is currently the third most popular destination for business travel in the USA, and the Dallas Convention Center is one of the largest and busiest convention centers in the USA. The most notable event held in Dallas is the State Fair of Texas.

The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School is a medical school located in Dallas. It is part of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, one of the largest grouping of medical facilities in the world. The facility is home to five Nobel Laureates, four in physiology/medicine and one in chemistry. UTSW is part of the University of Texas System.

UT Dallas, or UTD, is renowned for its programs in computer science, neuroscience. Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the world's largest breast cancer organization was founded and is headquartered in Dallas.

Dallas has many hospitals and a number of medical research facilities within its city limits. One major research center is the Dallas Medical District with the UT Southwestern Medical Center. The University of North Texas Health Science Center, commonly known as the UNT Health Science Center is a graduate-level institution.

Parkland Memorial Hospital is one of the "America's Best Hospitals" and the Hormonal Disorders specialty at Parkland Memorial Hospital is rated among the best in the nation.

With all these endocrine related organizations, Dallas is suitable venue for this conference.

Societies associated with Endocrinology research

To encourage, educate, update and train registered medical practitioners, dieticians, qualified nurses and other appropriately qualified paramedical personnel in the field of Diabetes various well-known societies/associations are working across the globe to efficiently prevent and combat the fatal disease.

Endocrine Society

American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists

The American Association of Endocrine Surgeons

Association of Program Directors in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism

Society for Endocrinology

Brazilian Society of Surgical Endocrinology

British Society for Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes

European Society of Endocrinology

International Society of Endocrinology

Pediatric Endocrine Society

Novartis AGs Signifor won U.S. regulatory approval to treat the rare hormone condition known as Cushings disease IN 2012. About 2 or 3 people for every 1 million will develop non-medicine related Cushings each year in the U.S., according to the National Institutes of Health.

Based on diagnostic technologies, the tandem mass spectrometry diagnostic technique was the largest segment of the global endocrine testing market. The report also names immunoassays and sensor technologies as rapidly growing segments of the global endocrine testing market. The report also cites findings published by Elsevier, Inc., which examine the geriatric population above 65, of which 13.7% have subclinical hypothyroidism and 1.7% have hypothyroidism. Owing to the increasing number of diabetics all over the world, the global endocrine testing market's fastest growing testing segment is set to be the insulin test. The ambulatory care centers segment is set to show the fastest growth rate within the report's forecast period. Top reasons for this segment's growth are a speedier response rate and lower costs than the ones a patient would otherwise incur. The home-based tests segment is also showing promising development opportunities and is predicted to gain a greater market share in the near future. On the other hand, commercial laboratories will continue to gain momentum in terms of revenue generation and consequently invest more in further research. The report also cites information released by the World Health Organization (WHO), in which the WHO states its prediction of diabetes becoming the seventh leading cause of death in the world by 2030. Nearly 80% deaths related to diabetes occur in middle-to-low-income homes, as the disease is exacerbated by poor management.

Congratulations to all our wonderful speakers, conference attendees contributed for the success of 2nd International Conference on Endocrinology organized by OMICS International. Thank you all for the tremendous job. Endocrinology-2015 Conference was our best ever!

The3rd International Conference on Endocrinologyhosted by theOMICS International wasscheduled on November 02-04, 2015 in Hilton Atlanta Airport, USA.

The conference attracted the research community, universities and statistical associations who were interested in learning more about the challenges and opportunities associated with Endocrinology. 11 different tracks were designed under the themeNew recommendations and practical approaches in the treatment of endocrinal disorders.All the sessions invigorated the conference.

The conference was initiated with a series of lectures delivered by bothHonorable Guests and Members of theKeynote Forum. The peerless people who promulgated the theme with their exquisite talks were;

Philip D Houck, Baylor Scott & White Healthcare, USA, presented a keynote talk onApplying laws of biology to men and women: Why is there a young female advantage? Why is it lost? This was followed by another keynote session onWolfram Syndrome: A rare multiorgan diseasebyGiuseppe dAnnunzio, IRCCS Giannina Gaslini Institute, Italy. Each of the speakers did a great job. All the sessions were followed with great interest by a large audience. Endocrinology-2015 would like to thank the Honourable Moderator of the conference Jose Mario F. De Oliveira, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Brazil who contributed a major part for the smooth functioning and success of this event.

Best Poster Awardees at Endocrinology-2015:

OMICS International wishes to acknowledge all the organizing committee members, moderator, chair and co-chair, editorial board members ofOMICSgroup journals, speakers, delegates in making this event a great success. We are also obliged to various delegate experts, company representatives and other eminent personalities who supported the conference by facilitating active discussion forums. We sincerely thank the Organizing Committee Members for their gracious presence, support, and assistance with the unique feedback from the conference.

With the hope of continuing to further explore the field of Endocrinology, we would like to announce 6th International Conference on Endocrinologywhich will be held duringDecember 05-07, 2016 Dallas, USA.

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3rd International Conference On Endocrinology

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FUNCTIONAL ENDOCRINOLOGY PORTLAND OREGON | 9895 SE SUNNYSIDE ROAD, STE L | CLACKAMAS, OR 97015 VANCOUVER WASHINGTON | 11820 NE CRESTWOOD STREET, SUITE 102 | VANCOUVER, WA 98684

WEBSITE DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT

Our specialistswill help you take charge ofyour healthpreventing serious health issues. We invite you to learn more about each of The Doctors of Functional Endocrinology and our unique ability to help you heal.

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We find the ROOT CAUSE or mechanism involved with any loss of function, which ultimately reveals treatment to restore the lost function.

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Functional Endocrinology

The UC Davis Sports Medicine program is a one-stop center for athletes and physically active people of all ages, goals and abilitiesfrom major-leaguers and aspiring pros to weekend warriors and fitness buffs. We provide rapid access to comprehensive care to help you meet your health and performance goals and to get you back on track.

Regaining your health:Check out our Return-to-Fitness Program for safe, effective and long-term improvement.

Our team can help enhance athletic performance and physical fitness, prevent acute and chronic injuries and extend athletic careers. When injuries do occur, our team of nationally renowned UC Davissports medicine physicians, orthopaedic surgeons and therapistsoffer expert management of joint, muscle, bone and other problems.

UC Davis physicians have provided care or consultation for Olympic-level athletes and teams, major league soccer organizations and college athletics programs such as the UC Davis Aggies.

From training programs and injury prevention to surgery and rehabilitation, we provide the same high standard of care to players and athletes of all levels.

Our team brings together a tremendous depth of knowledge and expertise across a number of medical specialties, including:

The departmentsSports Performance Program offers a wide variety of physiological and biomechanical tests forathletes of any ability. Professional, medically based bicycle fitting, lactate, VO2max, and metabolic efficiency are a few of the assessments availableto gauge and improve performance and prevent injury.

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Sports Medicine | UC Davis Health System

Whether you are a professional athlete or just someone who enjoys an active lifestyle, Christiana Care Sports Medicine services in Delaware can help you to prevent or recover from athletic and sports injuries. We also can help you to maximize your performance and overcome any physical challenges that you may face. No matter what your gamefootball or basketball, tennis or golf, jogging or bicyclingwe are ready to be your partner in maintaining good health and fitness, and preventing sports injuries.

Sports medicine is the branch of medicine that specializes in preventing and treating sports injuries and illness that can result from athletics, physical training and the maintenance of an active, healthy lifestyle. Among the most common sports injuries are shin splints, runner's knee, pulled hamstring muscles, Achilles tendonitis and ankle sprains. Our sports-medicine doctors work with athletes who have concussions, eating disorders, skin infections and performance issues.

Christiana Care's multidisciplinary network of community sports-medicine clinicians includes:

These specialized services are for athletes of all ages.

Sports Medicine Center Wilmington Annex, Suite 300 1400 N. Washington St., Wilmington, DE 19801 directions 302-477-3300

Wilmington Hospital Health Center, Station 1 Wilmington Hospital 501 W. 14th St., Wilmington, DE 19801 directions 302-428-4413

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Sports Medicine - Wilmington, DE - Christiana Care

Back to all adult specialties

Inova Medical Group Endocrinology is a full-service endocrine practice located at two offices in Northern Virginia. Full-time consultation is also available at Inova Fairfax Hospital. Our board-certified and/or fellowship-trained specialists offer advanced skills and knowledge to provide patients with the highest level of care in diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of all endocrine disorders.

Endocrinology is the study of how hormones affect the body. Diabetes, for example, is a common but serious endocrine disorder caused by either a deficiency in the hormone insulin or a lack of insulin action. Our endocrinologists specialize in patients who have diabetes and have difficulty controlling their blood sugar.

Our physicians are also experts in diagnosing and treating disorders of the hormone-producing organs such as the thyroid, adrenal glands, parathyroids and pancreas. These organs can sometimes develop tumors that require more in-depth testing and study to determine if surgery is the appropriate treatment.

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Inova Medical Group Endocrinology - Inova Health System

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Sermorelin Doctors - Healthy Growth Hormone

We often, in our blindness, take a bit of our life, and look at it apart as an ended history.

It must be this sort of blindness which had led her so far in so fearful a delusion.

Therefore, let the choice be made in no haste and passion and blindness, but in deliberation and calm exercise of judgment.

Blindness is a 'privative', to be blind is to be in a state of privation, but is not a 'privative'.

Purblind men say, We do not see them, and mean, They are not; but all that their speech proves is their own blindness.

Similarly blindness is not said to be blindness of sight, but rather, privation of sight.

Before you were born, and after my blindness, I fancied that a change came over her.

This boon was granted; but the revelation which had come to him in blindness was not withdrawn.

Amid startled anguish his eyes suddenly opened to things he, in his blindness, had never guessed.

Nevertheless, no other explanation can be found for the blindness.

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Blindness Synonyms, Blindness Antonyms | Thesaurus.com

Right now alls I want is someone to plop a Mad Hatter chapeau on my noggin, dose me, point in the direction of the nearest clandestine warehouse gig, and play this fucker loud.

This record by Blindness is among the best of what the shoegaze/postpunk moment of this year has to offer. Words fail to describe the genius of this album, one that will end up in the list of 2015

Theres a lot more to this album than a cursory glance would catch... Imagine PJ Harvey fronting a band made up of the members of The Scientists, Rema Rema and Guided By Voices. Trust me, this one needs to to be heard.

... Wrapped in Plastic is not industrial. Its electronic infused rock, with enough melodies to give it some pop cred. However it is much too dirty, to slick to be defined by those terms. As the band describes it, its Electro Filth, and its awesome!

BLiNDNESS is a loud shoegaze-centric trio out of London who released debut album Wrapped In Plastic through Saint Marie Records. It's a sonic blast that comes from Debbie Smith of Curve and Echobelly, a dark shivering slithering beast of a record.

Blindness is an aggressive trio of noise mongers... Feedback aficionados take note this one will scrape the paint off your living room walls while its ferocious energy will have you pogoing around the room.... these are not your typical Girl On A Motorcycle, leatherclad dolly birds looking to get peeled, rather hard rocking veterans incorporating their varied influences into a darkly fascinating listening experience.

BLiNDNESS just feels like they're operating on a different plane than everyone else and I love it about them.

From the opening fuzz-laden, sleazy bass grind of the opening Serves Me Right to the closing dark, hazy, danceable psychedelia of Confessions, Wrapped In Plastic maintains a thoroughly engaging standard of excellence rarely heard at all, let alone on a first release... Its English 90s Britpop and shoegaze mastery updated for a modern age of self-exiled technocrats.

Serves Me Right, the latest track taken from Twin Peaks-referencing debut album Wrapped In Plastic, may well remind you of JAMCs Sidewalking in its glorious sleaziness.

It may have been a long time coming but the debut album from BLiNDNESS makes time immaterial as it sizzles on the senses from start to finish spreading a dark wave electro pop seduction which is just as likely to snarl and explode with attitude as it is to smoulder and caress. Wrapped In Plastic is a sonically and imaginatively charged incitement, an adrenaline driven helter-skelter of sound and energy that ears and thoughts quickly bask in. The accompanying press release to the album calls it a rollercoaster ride of beautiful chaos and that about says it all... Wrapped In Plastic (is) a release you need to spend time with to reap all its strengths and qualities. BLiNDNESS definitely rewards such focus though with an encounter which leaves ears ringing, bodies sweaty, and satisfaction bloated.

BLINDNESS 101: A BRIEF INTRO TO A TRIO YOU DESPERATELY NEED TO BE LISTENING TO Although the UKs BLiNDNESS technically formed in 2008, their debut full-length, WRAPPED iN PLASTiC, isnt set to hit shelves until July 24th although the album is well worth the wait BLiNDNESS is comprised of Beth Rettig, Emma Quick, and Debbie Smith (of Curve, Echobelly, and Snowpony fame), a trio whose sonic output is reflective of many of the 1990s greatest musical movements, from straight-ahead alt rock to shoegaze and electronic rock, with notable hints of industrial and grunge, but while always maintaining an aesthetic that puts their songwriting (which seems largely indebted to post-punk) center stage. The band...have an upcoming album launch show on July 26th at Londons Nambucca and, although they have no current plans to play this side of the Atlantic, in a recent chat with Beth Rettig, she reveals to me that thats something that (they) could get quite excited about...

Band of the Month - July - Blindness As the country bakes in current heat wave, we thought wed bring you one of the coolest bands to come out of scorching London, Blindness. The trio are set to release their fervently anticipated debut LP, which is already heralding critical acclaim and rightly so too. Two of the band, Beth Rettig and Debbie Smith, answer our questions...

Tracks of the Month (May 2015) Blindness - Sunday Morning from Wrapped In Plastic album. "The debut album from Blindness has been a long, long time coming, but having heard the whole thing a few times now (a review is nearly complete, I promise!), it delivers on the promise that this band have had for ages now. The pick of the album for me is this track, like a few on the album a long-time part of their live repertoire. Rather than the squalling guitar effects and bitter, furious vocals that are their perhaps more regular sound, this song has a more languid air that befits the title, a near trip-hop-esque beat and the fuzzy, remorseful feel of the morning after that follows a long, long night. The album Wrapped In Plastic is released 24-July."

THE MAGNIFICENT 7 Week 22 No. 5 Humming Song by BLINDNESS Multilayered, dark electro turmoil from London

Wrapped in Plastic wraps its smooth electro legs around you with an impulsive sexual ferocity. Like a mind blowing encounter with a mysterious woman you met a day ago that has to abruptly leave to catch her flight home. She obviously didn't tell you her secret and you're too caught up in the stranglehold-high to even care. Dark erotic melodies and grinding disco-dark waves drag you into a turbulent sea of lust, euphoria, and sultry contemplation on the latest full-length from the band known as BLiNDNESS. Hesitant sordid fragments of feedback and sonic six string scratches breathe heavy within these mood altering alterations of modern song. Kicking and playfully screaming from start to finish, the seductive and wary vocals of Beth Rettig pull you into the sweet ruptured noise. She hones a twisted tone that combines Sleeper and The Stranglers into a steamy design of volatile unhinged harmony... a feverish nine-song sleepwalk into the darkest pleasures of an endless summer night.

The trio of Beth Rettig, Emma Quick, and Debbie Smith (guitarist for Curve, Echobelly, and Snowpony) take the sideways-side-walking paths established by the UKs leather & distortion clad indie upstarts deeper into the melting pot marshes of melted & boiled media fabrics that informs todays rebels. The video for Confessions presents Beth, Debbie, and Emma performing about in a linen covered (or maybe its plastic?) space, where Blindness sheds some views into dealing with matters whilst feeling broke down. Without a sign of surrendering to fleeting feelings, and asserting themselves; Blindness takes on a slew of different expressive poses to show serious sides, the aches of being addled with anxiety, and more to make for dramatic shots to match the gruelling grate of guitar gears.

Featuring Beth Rettig (vocals, programming), Emma Quick (bass) and Debbie Smith (guitar), best known as being the guitarist in Curve, Echobelly and Snowpony, the London-based trio Blindness formed in 2008. And since the bands formation, theyve developed a reputation for a darkly seductive sound thats been influenced by The Jesus and Mary Chain, My Bloody Valentine and PJ Harvey. As youll hear on their latest single, Confessions off their forthcoming album, Wrapped in Plastic, the song consists of explosive blasts of propulsive drumming, power chords played through layers upon layers of distortion and feedback paired with Rettigs come hither vocals and as a result, the trio have received quite a bit of attention across their native London; but I suspect that with the release of Wrapped in Plastic, youll start hearing more about the British trio, as they put a subtle yet new spin on a familiar and beloved sound.

I first encountered London Blindness about 12 months ago and was blown away by their music... Their sound takes a walk on the darker side of chillwave with an electro-pop sheen. They recycle Garbage (sorry current resist) with more than a hint of one of guitarist Debbie Smith's former bands Curve. The awesome 'Broken' is a slab of dirty, sleazy, dark robotic pop. 'Confessions' is more Curvey with a beat so big it could cause an earthquake. There are none so blind than those that will not see the brilliance of Blindness.

...The music is spacious, urgent and dark with the last track reminiscent of how Joy Division would have sounded had PJ Harvey been at the Helm..

Thanks to a friend for the headsup on this lot - a seemingly London-based band who, by their own admission, channel Kate Bush, My Bloody Valentine, Curve and Nine Inch Nails, and remarkably really do end up sounding like a mashup of the four. It has a shoegazey vibe to it, particularly in the barely intelligible vocals, the buzzing guitars, and the dense production. But crucially they haven't forgotten the tunes, particularly in the fantastic title track. They are playing live in London twice this month, and I perhaps ought to make a beeline for at least one of the gigs - I suspect we are going to be hearing a lot more about this lot in the coming months.

A Model Of Control

...Fans of Curve MBV, Lush, NIN and the JAMC will no doubt be impressed by the throbbing beast of a song that is Confessions fusing loops, beats with searing guitar to devastating effect.

Tonight I only have time for one band. And I choose...Blindness. Blindness layer their songs in shuddering sheets of effect-laden guitar-noise, the sweeping guitar-tides break on the rocks of the beat. Programming and real drums, working together in an unholy alliance, slap down a rhythm that doesn't mess about. The basslines go striding relentlessly through the sonic surf as if they're wearing wading boots. There's a pop sensibility at work in the songwriting, too. The band don't just do noise. Vocalist Beth Rettig strikes surrealist vogueing shapes in a dress that looks like it's had a bite taken out of it by a passing shark (what is it with me and my sea similies today?) and sings in a glassy croon that goes from soothing to scary in the space of a chorus. As the set progresses, the scariness levels increase until she reaches some sort of overload and collapses on stage, lying there unmoving as the music convulses around her...

No messing around here, heavily Nine Inch Nails influenced electro-pop that is lean and polished. The thundering title track sounds like giant factory machinery that just happens to be creating music, howling and whistling with feedback, a constant for most of the EP that never sounds gratuitous. Confessions is a fine EP that manages to be comprehensive and varied within the confines of its three tracks... Its hard to find fault with this.

Creatures of the night behold Blindness for they are playing your tune. Hailing from the Big Smoke, theyve got that grindhouse electro pop feel that seems right at home after midnight. The title track of this EP - Confessions strafes you with ripped up riffs and droning loops that drill their way into your daylight starved brain. Crank the volume up a bit more and it all makes sense. Well sort of. Were talking a sort of madness here - the hormonal insanity of a broke down girl. Twisted and compelling and surely no stranger to the dangers of the dance floor, Beth Rettigs vocals exude the necessary torment. Broken goes all robotic but manages to sound vaguely mystical with the vocals drifting high above you over the kind of distorted psyched out guitar that makes you think of a half speed drug induced trance... One more for the soundtrack of your own personal urban wasteland

I love this Do you remember Curve? Well Blindness will certainly help you remember them and also have their own dark wave, brooding, ominous female vocal. Very urgent, very strong and powerful and its one of those ones that creeps up on you and pops a hood over your head and wrestles you to the ground and forces you to keep listening to it, which makes it sound like some sort of musical stalker... Another great track

Vibrant rich silky alternative darkwave pop with an electronic edge and a healthy touch of Curve/ Nine Inch Nails/Jesus & Mary Chain to gently propel it all along. Girl-voiced lushness, exquisite warmth, seductive dark wave electro pop and rising temperatures from the London based (four) piece. Beth Rettig on vocals, Debbie Smith (ex Curve/Echobelly) on guitar, Kendra Frost on bass.

A monster beat, layered squalls of guitar, and a vocal at once rueful and exultant - 'It was the best I could do in the state I was in,' sings Beth Rettig on 'Confessions', as the guitar ties itself in frayed knots and the bassline strides nonchalantly past in its big boots. Blindness match dirty technology with a big rock racket, and in 'Confessions' - a song about emerging bloodied but unbowed from some unspecified trauma - they've created an anthem that grabs both regret and triumph by the scruff of their necks and sets them marching... 'Broken' is all grinding bass and eruptions of volcanic guitar - that's Debbie Smith on guitar, ex-Curve, and her sheets of noise are instantly recognisable. 'No One Counts' is a bit of a ballad, but it's no shrinking violet. It's got a stuttering machine-beat, that untrammelled six-string overdrive, and plenty of the band's dirty cool. Dirt and coolness? Yes, that's the stuff we like.

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Blindness | ReverbNation

Mission Statement

The urgent mission of the Foundation Fighting Blindness is to drive the research that will provide preventions, treatments and cures for people affected by retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration, Usher syndrome, and the entire spectrum of retinal degenerative diseases.

Strategic Research Planning Report: A Summary

In keeping with its mission, and to ensure it has a focused and clinically relevant research program, the Foundation Fighting Blindness uses a strategic planning process to develop recommendations regarding long-term research goals. Held every four to five years, the most recent strategic planning meeting occurred in late 2008. A summary of the final outcomes from this effort and their implications for the next four to five years is presented here.

Since its founding in 1971, the Foundation Fighting Blindness has been dedicated to funding innovative research to find preventions, treatments, and cures for inherited retinal degenerative diseases that lead to blindness and affect more than 10 million people in the United States.

FFB currently funds over 134 research studies, 71 prominent research institutions and eye hospitals worldwide, including 15 dedicated research centers. In order to achieve our mission, we fund pioneering research in a comprehensive program that includes: cell biology, drug delivery, clinical & pre-clinical study, genetics, gene therapy, retinal cell transplantation, retinal implants and pharmaceutical and nutritional therapies.

In addition, FFB has established the Foundation Fighting Blindness Clinical Research Institute (FFB CRI) as a non-profit support subsidiary. FFB CRIs mission is to expedite the translation of fundamental research into clinical trials for inherited retinal degenerative diseases, and, ultimately to accelerate the availability of patient therapies. FFB CRI also fosters collaborations among the scientific, clinical, governmental, pharmaceutical, and financial communities.

Finally, FFBs mission includes public health education. We provide information on retinal degenerative diseases to all who request it, in order to increase knowledge and awareness of these diseases.

The Foundation Fighting Blindness is led by a governing board of up to 25 directors, who are elected by a board of national trustees numbering nearly 100.

FFB depends on its trustees and a nationwide volunteer fundraising network comprised of over 50 chapters to raise more than $33 million annually to fund its research initiatives. The organizations professional staff provides management and administrative support, both from our national office in Columbia, Maryland, and our eight regional offices located throughout the United States.

FOUNDATION FIGHTING BLINDNESS 7168 Columbia Gateway Drive, Suite 100 Columbia, MD 21046 PH: 1-800-683-5555

http://www.FightBlindness.org

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What We Do | blindness.org

The global eye health action plan 20142019 aims to reduce avoidable visual impairment as a global public health problem and to secure access to rehabilitation services for the visually impaired. This should be achieved by expanding current efforts by Member States, the WHO Secretariat and international partners, improved coordination, efficient monitoring, focusing the use of resources towards the most cost-effective interventions, and developing innovative approaches to prevent and cure eye diseases.

Blindness is the inability to see. The leading causes of chronic blindness include cataract, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, corneal opacities, diabetic retinopathy and eye conditions in children (e.g. caused by vitamin A deficiency). Age-related blindness is increasing throughout the world, as is blindness due to uncontrolled diabetes. On the other hand, blindness caused by infection is decreasing, as a result of public health action. Three-quarters of all blindness can be prevented or treated.

The magnitude of visual impairment and blindness and their causes have been estimated, globally and by WHO region from recent data. For countries without data estimates were based on newly developed model. Globally the number of people of all ages visually impaired is estimated to be 285 million, of whom 39 million are blind. People 50 years and older are 82% of all blind. The major causes of visual impairment are uncorrected refractive errors (43%) and cataract (33%); the first cause of blindness is cataract (51%). Visual impairment in 2010 is a major global health issue: the preventable causes are as high as 80% of the total global burden.

Visual impairment often limits peoples ability to perform everyday tasks and affects their quality of life. Blindness, the most severe form of visual impairment, reduces peoples ability to move about unaided unless properly trained.

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Prevention of Blindness and Visual Impairment - WHO

The standard Hebrew term for a blind person is (Heb. ) (ivver; Ex. 4:11; et al.), a noun in the form used for bodily defects. The abstract form is (ivvaron, "blindness"; Deut. 28:28; Zech. 12:4). The word (sanverim; Gen. 19:11; II Kings 6:18), sometimes incorrectly translated "blindness," means a blinding light causing (possibly temporary) loss of vision (E.A. Speiser). Eyes which cannot see are described by the verbs ("be dim"; Gen. 27:1; et al.), ("be fixed," "still"; I Sam. 4:15; I Kings 14:4), ("be darkened"; Lam. 5:17; et al.), ("be heavy"; Gen. 48:10), and and ("be smeared over;" Isa. 6:10, 32:3; 44:18; et al.). Genesis 29:17 describes Leah's eyes as rakkot, but whether this means "tender" or "weak" is moot.

Blindness was widespread in the ancient Near East. Preventive techniques included the application of hygienic ointments, especially kohl, and surgical operations (cf. The Code of Hammurapi, 21520 in Pritchard, Texts, 175). (There is no evidence that the biblical injunction against eating pork was intended or understood to prevent trichinosis or other diseases which cause blindness.) Biblical cases include Isaac (Gen. 27:1), Jacob (Gen. 48:10), Eli (I Sam. 3:2; 4:15), and Ahijah the Shilonite (I Kings 14:4), all of whose eyesight failed in old age. (Deut. 34:7 makes a point of reporting that Moses' eyesight had not failed in old age.) Both Isaac and Jacob in their blindness reversed the status of a younger and an older descendant in blessing them (Gen. 27 (cf. 29:236); 48:819).

Aside from old age, natural causes of blindness are not mentioned in the Bible. In a few passages blindness is mentioned as a punishment inflicted by God: it is threatened for Israel's violation of the covenant (Deut. 28:2829; M. Weinfeld takes this passage metaphorically; see below) and for the "negligent shepherd" of Zechariah 11:1517; Proverbs (30:17) warns that the eye which is disrespectful to parents will be plucked out by birds of prey (cf. The Code of Hammurapi, 193, in Pritchard, Texts, 175). Theologically speaking, all cases of blindness are attributed to God (Ex. 4:11), just as the restoration of sight is credited to Him (Ps. 146:8). However, outside of the specific cases mentioned, blindness in general is nowhere stated to be a punishment for sin. In a few passages God strikes His servants' assailants with blinding flashes (Gen. 19:11; II Kings 6:1820) or permanent blindness (Zech. 12:4; Ps. 69:24) in order to protect His servants.

As a punishment inflicted by human agency one finds the penalty of "an eye for an eye" in the talion formula (Ex. 21:24; Lev. 24:20; Deut. 19:21), although it is debated whether this was ever carried out literally in Israel (cf. The Code of Hammurapi, 1969, where the relation of the law to actual practice is similarly uncertain). Samson and King Zedekiah were blinded, respectively, by the Philistines and Nebuchadnezzar (Judg. 16:21; II Kings 25:7; Jer. 39:7; 52:11). Nahash the Ammonite demanded the putting out of the right eye of all the people of Jabesh-Gilead as a condition for sparing the city (I Sam. 11:2). Several passages speak of the eyes being "spent" or "pining away" from tears and grief. The verb used is usually ("Be spent"); the context makes it clear that soreness rather than blindness is meant (e.g., Lev. 26:16; Deut. 28:65; Jer. 14:6; Lam. 2:11; 4:17; cf. also , Ps. 6:8, "be spent," "waste away").

Blind persons are naturally helpless in many ways (cf. II Sam. 5:6; Isa. 35:56; Jer. 31:7, which invoke the blind, the lame, and the mute as representative examples of helplessness) and subject to exploitation (Deut. 28:29). Biblical ethics warned against exploiting them (Lev. 19:14; Deut. 27:18; Job 29:15).

As a physical defect blindness disqualified priests from sacrificing or approaching the altar (Lev. 21:1723) and rendered sacrificial animals unacceptable (Lev. 22:2122; Deut. 15:21; Mal. 1:8). Some have taken the enigmatic saying "the blind and the lame shall not come into the house" (II Sam. 5:8) to indicate that at one time these were forbidden entranceto temples.

Blindness is used with several metaphoric meanings in the Bible. Frequently it refers to the lack of intellectual or moral understanding (Isa. 29:910, 18). Judges are warned that bribes, or gifts, blind the eyes of the discerning (Ex. 23:8; Deut. 16:19). Isaiah is told that his mission is to besmear the eyes of Israel so that it will not "see" and repent and be healed (6:10). In Isaiah 56:10 blindness refers to negligence, while in Numbers 16:14 putting out the eyes is usually taken to mean deceiving. The

The Hebrew Braille system adopted universally in the 1950s.

helplessness and exploitability of the blind made blindness a natural metaphor for oppression and injustice in Deuteronomy 28:2829 and Isaiah 59:910 (cf. Lam. 4:14; M. Weinfeld has noted that the association of blindness and darkness with oppression in these passages also reflects the Mesopotamian association of the sun-god with justice (cf. a related association in II Sam. 23:34; Hos. 6:5b; Zeph. 3:5)). A related metaphor is the use of blindness to describe those who dwell in the darkness of prison or captivity (Isa. 42:7, 1619; 43:8; 49:9; 61:1; cf. Ps. 146:78; this use has roots in Mesopotamian royal inscriptions).

[Jeffrey Howard Tigay]

The unusually large number of talmudic sages who were blind probably reflects the wide prevalence of this disability in ancient times. In addition to Bava b. Buta, who was blinded by Herod (BB 4a), mention may be made of Nahum of Gimzo (Ta'an. 21a), Dosa b. Harkinas (Yev. 16a), and R. Joseph and R. Sheshet in Babylon (BK 87a), as well as a number of anonymous blind scholars (cf. ag. 5b; tj Pe'ah, end). Matya b. Heresh is said to have deliberately blinded himself to avoid temptation, but his sight was subsequently restored by the angel Raphael (Tan. B., ed. Buber, addition to xukkat). The talmudic name for a blind man is suma (ag. 1:1; Meg. 4:6), but the euphemism sagi nahor ("with excess of light") is often used (Ber. 58a.; TJ Pe'ah end; and especially Lev. R. 34:13 "the suma whom we call sagi nahor").

Unlike the deaf-mute, who is regarded in Jewish law as subnormal, the blind person is regarded as fully normal, and most of the legal and religious restrictions placed upon him are due to the limitations caused by his physical disability. The statement (Ned. 64b) based on Lamentations 3:6 "He hath made me to dwell in darkness as those that have been long dead" that "the blind man is regarded as dead," is of purely homiletic interest and has no practical application. In the second century R. Judah expressed the opinion that a blind man was exempt from all religious obligations, and as late as the time of the blind Babylonian amora Joseph (fourth century) the halakhah had not yet been determined (see his moving statement in bk 87a), but it was subsequently decided against his view. Even the statement of R. Judah that a person blind from birth cannot recite the Shema, since the first of the two introductory blessings is for the daily renewal of light (Meg. 4:6; TB Meg. 24a), was later amended since he enjoys the benefit of light (Rosh, resp. 4:21); the law that a blind man could not be called up to the reading of the Torah, since the passage must be read from the scroll (O 53:14), was abolished with the institution of the ba'al kore, who reads the passage for those called up (Taz. to O 141:1). The ruling of Jair ayyim Bacharach (avvot Ya'ir 176) that if there were a person more suitable, a blind person should not conduct the service is an individual opinion and Yehudai Gaon, who himself was blind, gives a contrary opinion (J. Mueller, Mafte'a li-Teshuvot ha-Ge'onim (1891), 67).

Similarly, although it was laid down that a totally blind person may not act as a judge, it is stated that when R. Johananheard of a blind man acting as judge he did not forbid it (Sanh. 34b, cf. M 7:2; for instances in the Middle Ages see Pahad Yiak S.V. Suma). Even as late as the time of Joseph Caro in the 16th century, it was laid down that a blind person is forbidden to act as a shoet only "in the first instance"; the total prohibition was enacted later (YD 1:9 and commentaries). A special case was the exemption of a blind person from the duty of going up to Jerusalem on the Pilgrim Festivals. The special nature of this law, which is derived from the homiletical interpretation of a word, is seen in the fact that it applied even to a person blind in only one eye (ag. 1:1, and TB ag. 2a).

During the Middle Ages, blinding was imposed by some battei din as a form of extrajudicial punishment and was condoned by contemporary rabbis (Assaf in bibl. nos. 97, 98, 135). Blindness was said to be caused by bloodletting at unfavorable times and by the machinations of demons (see Zimmels in bibl., pp. 88 and 153).

The question has been raised in recent times as to the permissibility of removing the cornea of a deceased person and grafting it on a blind person to restore his sight. Halakhic opinion is almost unanimously in favor, and in a responsum I.J. Unterman added the consideration that the danger to the life of a blind person through accidents is such that it can be regarded as a special case of pikku'a nefesh (see *Autopsy ).

[Louis Isaac Rabinowitz]

The Jewish blind have been traditionally assisted by regular communal and voluntary agencies and associations, as well as special institutions. In the United States the New York Guild for the Jewish Blind, founded around 1908, had a home for aged blind, has offered integrated services to the visually handicapped, and has initiated a nonsegregated living plan for the blind. In the United Kingdom the central agency was the Jewish Blind (now Jewish Blind and Disabled) Society in London, founded in 1819. By 1970 it was caring for the needs of over 1,500 Jewish blind. It maintained a number of residential and holiday facilities, day centers in provincial cities, and the Burr Center for Personal Development which offered various courses for the blind and disabled.

The special conditions in Israel as a country of immigration created the problem that the proportion of blind persons of working age in the state was three times higher than in Anglo-Saxon countries (1956). Much has been done to alleviate this position, while the blind person is as far as possible not treated as a social case. He is, however, exempted from paying income tax. Special placement officers facilitate his employment. In 1956 the proportion of blind to ordinary residents was estimated at approximately 2.5 per 1,000; 87% of them had immigrated after 1948. Over 85% were born in countries of Asia and Africa where in many cases the blind were not cared for or enabled to work. There was a comparatively high proportion of married women or widows due to marriage of blind girls to elderly men. The Jewish Institute for the Blind in Jerusalem, founded in 1902, cared for the majority of blind children in the country. It included a kindergarten, elementary school where subjects were taught in braille, and boarding facilities for 6090 pupils attending regular secondary school. It also had a vocational school, industrial training shop, a braille printing press, and two houses for mentally or physically handicapped blind adults.

Other agencies and associations for help of the blind in Israel included Migdal Or, the American Israeli Lighthouse Rehabilitation Center for the Blind in Haifa (Kiryat ayyim), which gave casework reorientation, special training and courses, and has developed home industries for blind who are physically incapacitated. The Women's League for Israel of New York assisted joint projects with the Ministry of Social Welfare for rehabilitation of blind girls and women, and maintained a sheltered workshop, Orah, and a bookbindery, Malben, which in 1951 took over Kefar Uriel, a village for the blind established in 1950 by the Jewish Agency for blind immigrants; in 1962 it had 63 families (about 350 persons). Heads of families were employed in four workshops. The Israel Foundation for Guide Dogs for the Blind in Haifa was established around 1950. A Central Library for the Blind, established in 1952 in Netanya, had over 5,000 volumes in braille and a talking book library.

The Association for the Blind and Prevention of Blindness, founded in 1953, had branches in nine centers. The National Council for the Blind, established in 1958 for coordinating, research, and planning, was represented on the World Council for the Blind. Voluntary agencies giving assistance from abroad include Hilfe fuer Blinde in Switzerland and Aide aux Aveugles Israliens in France. Training for non-Jewish blind has also been given by the Saint Vincent Roman Catholic hostel in Jerusalem, and at handicraft centers established in Nazareth and Shefaram. Isolated Arab villages have been visited by home teachers.

There is no statutory registration of blindness anywhere in the world. All comparative statistics on the incidence and causes of blindness are therefore largely speculative, and this applies in particular to statistics on blindness in Jews, for whom data are usually lacking in whatever national statistics are available. Comparative studies are thus impossible, and little more than some generalizations can be advanced.

The incidence and causes of blindness in most parts of the world are determined essentially by environmental factors. Jews, as a widely dispersed community, therefore suffer from the locally prevailing environmental causes of blindness. In this respect, if the incidence of blindness in a particular Jewish community is different from that in the general population, it will merely reflect the differences found in the various social groupings of the population at large. Thus it occurs in all countries where trachoma is endemic. The disease is more prevalent in rural areas, ill provided with sanitation and health services, than in the more developed urban centers with their populations relatively well housed and well served medically. The high incidence of trachoma in Oriental Jews who immigrated to Israel reflects country of origin and social level, rather than their Jewishness.

In the more highly developed countries, infections and other environmental causes of blindness are steadily declining, and most cases of blindness are now due to affections seen in the elderly (such as "senile" cataract and "senile" macular degeneration) or in the middle-aged (such as glaucoma and, to a lesser extent, myopic atrophy, uveitis, and diabetic retinopathy). These are all "constitutional" diseases, and clinical experience in Western Europe and the United States has brought out a greater incidence of three of these affections in Jews: myopia, diabetic retinopathy, and Tay-Sachs disease, a rare lethal disorder. Although adequate statistics are lacking, this clinical experience is probably well-founded and would be readily explained by the fact that these three affections are all genetically determined, generally by recessive or by polygenic inheritance. Although there is no such thing as a Jewish gene pool, it is true that inbred groups Quakers no less than Jews and royal families no less than village communities have many features and genes in common. These are readily perpetuated under the prevailing conditions: a recessive mutant gene is much more likely to spread in a closed community than elsewhere. (The gene for Tay-Sachs disease probably originated as such a mutant in a Jewish family in White Russia during the last century, and by emigration, carriers have spread it into the Jewish communities of Great Britain and the United States.) Contrary to early beliefs, the affection is not exclusively Jewish, for it is seen in other ethnic groups as well. These occasional cases do not add substantially to the instances of hereditary blindness in Jews, and it is a moot point whether the greater incidence of blindness from high myopia and diabetic retinopathy in Western Jews adds to that load. The numbers involved would be relatively slight, and compensating deficiencies in other hereditary causes are theoretically possible; actual data are lacking, however.

See section on Braille in *Alphabet, Hebrew .

[Arnold Sorsby]

Gordon, in: Archives of Ophthalmology, 9 (1933), 751ff.; E.A. Speiser, Genesis (1964), 139 (on Gen. 19:11); idem, in: JCS, 6 (1952), 81ff. (esp., 89 n. 52); Harrison, in: IDB, 1 (1962), 4489; M.Z. Segal, Sifrei Shemu'el (1964), 260, 262 (on II Sam. 5:6, 8); Weinfeld, in: Biblica, 46 (1965), 4201; Paul, in: JAOS, 88 (1968), 182; H.J. Zimmels, Magicians, Theologians and Doctors (1952), 461 notes; S. Assaf, Ha-Onshin Aarei atimat ha-Talmud (1922), 97 98, 135.

Source: Encyclopaedia Judaica. 2008 The Gale Group. All Rights Reserved.

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Blindness | Jewish Virtual Library

Regenerative Medical Group (RMG)provides the opportunity for every appropriate patient to benefit from stem cells. Many innovative procedures at RMG continue to increase in popularity. This is because at RMG we focus on patient satisfaction and optimal outcomes. Our therapies are individualized. Since we have hundreds of patient with successful results we have been able to identify patterns of where stem cells make NEW cells. This is one of our advantages in helping you! We use the most optimal stem cells for each patient. Usually we strive for pluri-potential cells because these stem cells can differentiate into whatever your body needs. We strive to create the most powerful stem solution as well. Most powerful means we determine not only the number of stem cells but also the percent that are alive and the percent purity for each type of stem cell. Notice the diagram and realize we have the ability to create the best solution for you.

Your own adult stem cells or tissue-specific stem cells harvest from:

There are three types of adult stem cells in the human body. The first type of stem cell turns into blood components, with a second destined to become lining of the endometrium. The third, and most important for musculoskeletal regenerative medicine, are mesenchymal stem cells. They have been used in animal models to regenerate cartilage and in human models to regenerate bone (Centeno et al, 2008).

Injection Indications As with other types of regenerative medicine, stem cell injections work better for some cases than for others. There have only been small studies so far looking at bone marrow derived stem cell injections in humans. In a 2011 study out of the Beijing Institute of Technology, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were shown to have an excellent potential for cartilage production in animals (Li et al, 2011). A recent study in canines showed that bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were effective in repairing bone defects (Kang et al, 2013). With the positive results seen in animals, the treatments have been introduced for humans. TeleHealth Medical Group offers stem cell injections for many conditions, including:

Spinal arthritis of neck and back Extremity arthritis including shoulder, hip, knee, and ankle arthritis Sacroiliac joint arthritis Rotator cuff tendonitis and tears Achilles tendonitis Degenerative Disc Disease Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow) Medial Epicondylitis (Golfers Elbow) Ligament Sprains Muscle Strains Hair Loss Peripheral Arterial Disease

How are these injections different from cortisone shots? Bone marrow derived stem cell injections have the goal of making NEW CELLS wear there was damaged tissue which provides pain relief. Cortisone injections simply provide anti-inflammatory medicine to reduce pain, but no regenerative cells or growth factors that lead to repair or new cells. Here is a great example of a stem cell treatment for a rotator cuff tear. Normally a tear would need a surgical procedure for repair. However, as you can see the stem cell therapy for the rotator cuff tear allowed it to heal without surgery by making NEW CELLS!

Stem cell infusions are offered for these conditions:

What Are My Options? Regenerative Medical Group offers several treatment opportunities and most are partially covered by insurance. Contact us today to restore balance to your life with innovative treatments.

Link:
Stem Cell Therapy - Regenerative Medical Group

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Developing wisdom teeth have many adult stem cells. They share some of the same characteristics as embryonic stem cells, but:

Because wisdom teeth stem cells are adult, the ethical, religious, and political issues associated with using embryonic stem cells are avoided.

Having your own banked stem cells is like having a back-up insurance policy. They are on hand when:

Adult stem cells are unique cells that maintain, after birth, the ability to multiply and to differentiate into other types of cells and tissues. Present in small numbers in almost all adult tissues, they heal damage caused by illness, injury and normal aging. Some adult tissues, including developing wisdom teeth, contain a large number of a special type of stem cells, called mesenchymal stem cells.

Stem cells are found in immature pulp (dental papilla) inside developing wisdom teeth and in the soft-tissue sac (follicle) covering its crown. The pulps of deciduous (baby) teeth and periodontal ligament (PL) also contain stem cells but they are fewer in number. Dental stem cells are derived directly from the developmental cells, which form teeth.

Yes! Bruce A. Fraser, D.D.S., M.S. and Gregory C. Michaels, D.D.S., M.S. merely need to place your freshly removed wisdom teeth into vials containing a preservative solution and ship them over-night to Biodontos FDA-certified tissue bank. Trained technicians at the tissue bank isolate the cells and perform the rest of the banking process.

Yes! Each tooth usually provides a million or more stem cells, four teeth supply 4 million or more. With modern laboratory technology, the number of stem cells can be multiplied (expanded) numerous times. The potential number of stem cells is significantly greater than the number found in banked cord-blood, for example.

Any time! Your dentist, physician or other medical specialist can request your cells whenever you have a condition that will benefit from their use. Currently, stem cells are being used to treat many medical problems and are being assessed in numerous clinical trials. More uses will be established in the coming years. Upon arrival at our tissue bank, we assess your stem cells for viability. Cells that are not viable cannot be banked. We will notify you through your surgeon. Viable stem cells are cryogenically preserved and can be banked (stored) indefinitely.

No. Banked stem cells are stored for their donors own (autologous) use. They can only be used by someone else for example, another family member if you specifically authorize it and if tissue matching tests confirm they are a suitable recipient.

Stem cells regenerate and produced specialized type cells. Stem cells heal and restore skin, bones, cartilage, muscles, nerves and other tissues. Contemporary medicine currently deems many diseases untreatable, but with the help of stem cells these diseases can, in fact, be treated. Some of these diseases are:

We recommend that you discuss your desire to harvest and bank your dental stem cells with Drs. Fraser and Michaels at your consultation appointment. They will review the entire procedure and explain the enrollment process, discuss banking fees and payment options, and provide answers to many of your questions.

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Stem Cells From Wisdom Teeth - Dental Implants Gahanna

Feature NHGRI & ASHG seek policy fellowship applicants

NHGRI and the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) are now accepting applications for the 2016 Genetics & Public Policy Fellowship. The application period is now open until April 25, 2016. See: The Genetics & Public Policy Fellowship

The use of human subjects in the field of genomics raises a number of key policy considerations that are being addressed at NHGRI and elsewhere. Learn more about his important topic with a new fact sheet from the Policy and Program Analysis Branch. Read more

Cristina Kapusti, M.S., has been named chief of the Policy and Program Analysis Branch (PPAB) at the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI). In her new role, she will oversee policy activities and evaluation as well as program reporting and assessment to support institute priorities. PPAB is a part of the Division of Policy, Communications and Education (DPCE), whose mission is to promote the understanding and application of genomic knowledge to advance human health and society. Read more

NIH has issued a position statement on the use of public or private cloud systems for storing and analyzing controlled-access genomic data under the NIH Genomic Data Sharing (GDS) Policy. Read the Position Statement

Last Updated: January 26, 2016

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Issues in Genetics - Genome.gov

Finding humor in dental stem cell collection and storage

Yes, the search included looking for frozen peas or sausage by KAREN DAVIS , RDH, BSDH As I listened to a presentation by Provia Labs about the potential to use dental stem cells from extracted teeth to treat various medical conditions, I got a bit teary eyed. My daughter, Madeline, has Crohn's disease, and she was scheduled to have her wisdom teeth extracted. My heart raced as I watched a video about advances in the field of stem cell research for many conditions, including Crohn's disease. The idea of preserving Madeline's dental stem cells from extracted wisdom teeth through the Store-A-Tooth company resonated with me. I didn't know a lot about dental stem cell research at that point, but I knew I didn't want to miss an opportunity should future research provide a pathway to a cure. I contacted the company to learn more about dental stem cell preservation and banking, and made arrangements for Madeline's extracted wisdom teeth not to end up in the trash. The Store-A-Tooth website by Provia Labs is a great resource to learn more about dental stem cells and ongoing research, and it answered my questions about getting the extracted teeth to the lab. The process almost seemed too easy. However, I managed to complicate things, which at this point I can only laugh about. My first wrong step was in not listening to my daughter, who repeatedly tried to convince me that she really wanted to be put to sleep for her extractions. Upon reviewing her X-rays and consulting with the dentist, I was convinced these would be simple extractions that could be handled with a mild tranquilizer and nitrous oxide. We orchestrated the extraction date immediately following completion of her college semester, and before she was to leave town 10 days later for a wedding. All arrangements with Provia Labs had been made, and they explained that a box would be shipped to me with the Store-A-Tooth container necessary to ship the extracted teeth to the company. They provided cool packs that I needed to freeze the night before her extractions so that the wisdom teeth could be placed in a secure container for transport. This was to help preserve the integrity of the dental stem cells inside the pulp of the wisdom teeth. I was arriving back in town the night before her appointment, and I felt confident that once I was home I would be able to unpack the box and freeze the cold packs so that I could carry them to the office for the extraction procedure. However, I forgot. It didn't occur to me that I had completely forgotten my role until 10 minutes before we were to leave for the dental office. Madeline was already groggy from the tranquilizer she had taken, and I transformed into a panicked dental hygienist mom. I searched my freezer for frozen peas, frozen sausage, anything that could keep the dental stem cells cool enough to ship them to Store-A-Tooth. In route to the dental office I received a calm phone call from Store-A-Tooth wanting to know if I had any questions before the procedure. I was relieved to hear her voice and confessed my mistake about the cold packs. She reassured me that I would have plenty of time to freeze the packs at the dental office since the courier pick-up was a few hours after the extractions. My daughter proceeded to the treatment room to undergo nitrous oxide while I slipped the cold packs into the freezer. It wasn't too long before the dentist emerged with what I thought must have been the fastest extractions in history, but he informed me that strangely enough, the tranquilizer coupled with my daughter's high anxiety and lack of sleep the night before created a situation in which she had become combative when they tried to give her an injection. Oh my. He recommended we reschedule the extractions with an oral surgeon and IV sedation. I should have listened to my daughter! I removed the cold packs from the freezer while Madeline inhaled oxygen, and I analyzed my calendar in an attempt to find another time to squeeze in her extractions before she attended the wedding. I remembered what she told me: "Mom, I don't want to look like a chipmunk at the wedding." Almost miraculously, I found an opening that day with an oral surgeon we trusted, so I filled out the registration forms online and gathered up my daughter to drive her to the next office. Before walking out the door, I remembered the cold packs that I had removed from the freezer after the failed extraction attempt. I grabbed the unfrozen cold packs and my daughter, and I called Store-A-Tooth on the way to the next office to ask them to change the courier pick-up to the oral surgeon's office. Unfazed, they got the new address for pick-up, reassured me that I could freeze the cold packs at the new office during the extractions, and that by the time the courier came, they would be cold enough to safely transport the wisdom teeth, preserving the precious stem cells. While waiting for my daughter during her extractions, it occurred to me that in my haste and panic that morning, I had inadvertently discarded the customized shipping box from Store-A-Tooth to return the container holding the wisdom teeth, cold packs, and Styrofoam container. I checked my watch. The timely recycling service had surely come and retrieved all trash, including the customized items I had thoughtlessly discarded. I knew Madeline would be finishing her procedure within minutes, and I didn't have time to go shopping for a shipping box, so I did what most stressed out dental hygienist moms would do I called her dad. I instructed him to get to the nearest FedEx office immediately to buy a shipping box and bring it to us ASAP. While I was listening to the assistant give careful postop instructions, her dad called to inform me that the first place he went to didn't have the right size boxes, but with my encouragement he broke speed limits to the next FedEx office, and just as groggy Madeline was being wheeled out to my car, her dad pulled up with five box choices. The next day, I received a call from Store-A-Tooth that the teeth had arrived sufficiently cooled, and that the team would begin the process of extracting the dental stem cells from the pulp and cryogenically freezing them in safe storage until they may be needed. I was relieved that all of my mistakes did not spoil the opportunity to bank Madeline's stem cells, and that the company was well prepared to handle consumer errors. I was fortunate to learn about the service. But patients need to learn about it from their dental professionals. Presently the majority of extracted wisdom teeth and primary teeth are discarded. Take a few moments to visit the website at http://www.storeatooth.com , and be sure to visit the page that lists current dental stem cell research. As dental professionals, we have a huge opportunity and even obligation to be the liaison between emerging dental research and clinical application for our patients. Who knows what the future holds for dental stem cells, but based upon the speed at which research is taking place, the future looks promising. RDH Karen Davis , RDH, BSDH, is the founder of Cutting Edge Concepts, an international continuing education company. She practices dental hygiene in Dallas, and is an independent consultant to the Philips Corporation. She can be reached at Karen@Karendavis.net . Here are a few facts related to dental stem cells Stem cells come from two sources embryonic cells from embryos, and adult stem cells from bone marrow, umbilical cord blood, dental pulp, and adipose tissue. Even though there are niches of dental stem cells present in periodontal ligaments and in apical papilla, those easiest to retrieve and bank are found in exfoliating primary teeth, teeth extracted for orthodontic reasons, and extracted wisdom teeth. Patient education about the ability to bank stem cells is essential prior to extraction. The distinctive difference between stem cells compared to other cells of the body is the capacity to develop into many different cell types, and under certain conditions can be induced to become a tissue-specific or an organ-specific cell. Regenerative medicine is the term used to describe the emerging field of using stem cells to repair, replace, or enhance biological function lost to injury, disease, congenital abnormalities, or aging. Adult stem cells from bone marrow have been used clinically for over 50 years and provide a valuable pathway for researching, understanding, and using dental stem cells for various functions. Cryopreservation is the process of using very low temperatures, typically around -300 degrees, to store cells for future use. In human clinical studies, dental stem cells have demonstrated the ability to regenerate alveolar bone. In animal studies, dental stem cells have shown the potential to repair damaged corneas, treat liver disease, repair myocardial infarction, treat muscular dystrophy and spinal cord injury, regenerate damaged pulp, reconstruct craniofacial defects, engineer new teeth, and treat diabetes. More RDH Articles Past RDH Issues

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Free education, online tools, and dedicated support make it easier for dental professionals to provide dental stem cell preservation option to patients.

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Dental Stem Cell Articles - DentistryIQ

BMC Cell Biology201011:29

DOI: 10.1186/1471-2121-11-29

Cselenyk et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.2010

Received: 2September2009

Accepted: 20April2010

Published: 20April2010

Bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are promising candidates for cell based therapies in myocardial infarction. However, the exact underlying cellular mechanisms are still not fully understood. Our aim was to explore the possible role of direct cell-to-cell interaction between ischemic H9c2 cardiomyoblasts and normal MSCs. Using an in vitro ischemia model of 150 minutes of oxygen glucose deprivation we investigated cell viability and cell interactions with confocal microscopy and flow cytometry.

Our model revealed that adding normal MSCs to the ischemic cell population significantly decreased the ratio of dead H9c2 cells (H9c2 only: 0.85 0.086 vs. H9c2+MSCs: 0.16 0.035). This effect was dependent on direct cell-to-cell contact since co-cultivation with MSCs cultured in cell inserts did not exert the same beneficial effect (ratio of dead H9c2 cells: 0.90 0.055). Confocal microscopy revealed that cardiomyoblasts and MSCs frequently formed 200-500 nm wide intercellular connections and cell fusion rarely occurred between these cells.

Based on these results we hypothesize that mesenchymal stem cells may reduce the number of dead cardiomyoblasts after ischemic damage via direct cell-to-cell interactions and intercellular tubular connections may play an important role in these processes.

Cardiovascular diseases represent an enormous medical and social burden [1, 2] and the pathophysiology of most of these diseases, such as myocardial infarction or heart failure, involves death of cardiac myocytes leading to a loss of functional tissue. Cell based therapies are commonly believed to be the next generation of therapies for replacing such lost tissue [35]. Several in vivo animal and human studies have found that implantation of various cell types, typically bone marrow derived stem cells, into damaged myocardium improved cardiac performance. Also where the experimental protocol allowed, surviving grafted cells were detected in the myocardium [6, 7], suggesting that grafting is an effective treatment of acute myocardial infarction [8]. However, the extent of the beneficial effect, the optimal cell type and number, the best method of administration, and the mechanism of action need to be further evaluated [9].

One important issue is the exact mechanism of action, in other words, the interaction between graft and host. Paracrine factors, transdifferentiation and cell fusion are the three generally accepted hypotheses explaining the beneficial effects of stem cell grafting. Paracrine factors through various effects, such as increased angiogenesis or modulation of postinfarct remodeling, may represent an important aspect of the benefits [10, 11]. On the other hand, several studies have found that co-culture of cardiomyocytes with pluripotent stem cells resulted in transdifferentiation of these cells into cardiomyocytes, which raised the hope that in vitro cultured tissue blocks can later be used for cardiac repair [12, 13]. However, although it is possible to construct a tissue in vitro this does not mean that its building blocks will perform similarly when implanted in vivo [14]. Indeed, recent investigations found difficult to reproduce transdifferentiation and that bone marrow derived cells generate cardiomyocytes not by transdifferentiation but rather through cell fusion [15, 16]. Alvarez-Dolado et al demonstrated that bone marrow derived cells fused with cardiomyocytes [17], but the importance of cell fusion events was questioned by an other investigation [18]. Even in studies which found morphologically adequate new cardiomyocytes, the volume of this newly formed tissue seemed to be inadequate to account for the functional benefits. Other hypotheses have also emerged to resolve the apparent controversy among the clinical findings and the cell culture studies, such as the most recently proposed partial cell fusion through direct cell-to-cell interactions. This novel intercellular communication route depends on short cell-to-cell interactions, during which the two connected cells exchange membrane and organelle parts such as mitochondria or other cytoplasmatic components [19]. Recently, it was reported that cardiomyocytes and human mesenchymal stem cells appear to communicate through small diameter nanotubes, and mitochondria can migrate from MSCs to cardiomyocytes [20]. However, the physiological purpose of this constantly changing nanotubular network and its possible role during ischemic conditions is unclear. We hypothesized that stem cells and post-ischemic cardiomyoblasts interact with each other via this novel mechanism and that this mechanism may play a role in the beneficial effect of stem cell transplantation.

The aim of our study was to examine the possibility of rescuing ischemically damaged H9c2 cardiomyoblasts from cell death by adding mesenchymal stem cells to the cultures after ischemia. Furthermore we investigated the importance of direct cell-to-cell interactions during co-cultivation of these cells.

H9c2 rat cardiomyoblasts were obtained from ATCC (Wesel, Germany) and expanded in high glucose (4.5 g/L) DMEM containing 10% fetal bovine serum, 4 mM L-glutamine, 100 U/ml penicillin and 100 g/ml streptomycin. Mouse mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were harvested from the femur of C57Bl/6 mice. Isolation and primary culture was performed according to Tropel's method with small alterations [21]. Briefly, animals were anaesthetized with pentobarbital (ip, 50 mg/kg, Nembutal, Ovation, Deerfield, IL, USA), lower limbs were removed and femurs were cleaned of tissue. Bone marrow was collected by flushing femurs with low glucose DMEM containing 10% fetal bovine serum, 2 mM L-glutamine, 100 U/ml penicillin and 100 g/ml streptomycin. Cells were centrifuged at 1200 rpm and plated in a T75 flask. After 4-5 days, non-adherent cells were removed by washing twice with PBS and adherent cells were then cultured in low glucose DMEM complete medium. Characterization of the cultured MSCs showed that these cells were strongly positive for the specific surface antigen Sca-1 and negative for differentiation markers of other cell lineages (CD34, CD3, CD45R/B220, CD11b, 6G, and TER-119) and were able to differentiate into the osteoblast and adipocyte lineages in vitro, verifying the MSC phenotype [22]. Cell culture media was replaced every 2-3 days thereafter. All investigations conformed to the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH Publication No. 85-23, Revised 1985), and were approved by the local ethics committee.

Ischemia-reperfusion was simulated in vitro by performing oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD) on H9c2 cell cultures. Cells were incubated in glucose-free DMEM in an atmosphere of 0.5% O2 and 99.5% N2 for 150 minutes. This procedure was performed on the stage of the confocal microscope (PECON incubation system, Erbach-Bach, Germany) allowing the observation of the cells during OGD. To evaluate cell viability we used calcein-AM (excitation/emission 494/517 nm) to identify live cells, and ethidium-homodimer (excitation/emission 528/617 nm) to stain dead or damaged cells [23].

H9c2 cells and MSCs were labeled before co-cultivation with Vybrant DiO (excitation/emission: 488/501 nm) and DiD (excitation/emission: 633/665 nm) (Molecular Probes, USA) membrane dyes in a dilution of 1:200 according to the manufacturer's description for 30 minutes at 37C. The DiO-labeled H9c2 cells were plated in 12 well-plates at a density of 30,000 cells/well in 2 ml culture medium. Cells were subjected to 150 min OGD, then the medium was changed and 20,000 DiD-labeled MSCs/well were added to the damaged H9c2 cells 30 minutes after the end of OGD either directly or in cell culture inserts (0.4 m pore size, Becton Dickinson, NJ, USA). H9c2 cells not receiving MSCs after OGD were used as controls. Cells were cultivated for a further 24 hours, then labeled with the dead cell stain ethidium homodimer (4 M, 30 minutes, and 37C), then investigated either with confocal microscopy (Zeiss LSM 510 META, Carl Zeiss, Jena, Germany) or with flow cytometry (BD FACSCalibur, Becton Dickinson, NJ, USA).

Time lapse video microscopy was performed during and after in vitro ischemia to investigate morphological changes and possible interactions among the cells over time (1 picture/3 minutes). The H9c2 cardiomyoblasts and MSCs were co-cultured on 42 mm coverslips and stained with Vybrant DiO and DiD, respectively. In experiments to observe mitochondria, all cells were stained after OGD with MitoTracker Red (Molecular Probes, USA) in a dilution of 1:2000 for 10 minutes at 37C according to the manufacturer's description. Flow cytometric measurements were performed on single cell suspensions of trypsinized (0.05% trypsin-EDTA) cell cultures 24 hours after OGD and on normal cell cultures (control) using BD FACSCalibur. DiO-labeled H9c2 cells were identified and gated. Fluorescence data were collected using logarithmic amplification until 10,000 counts were reached.

The evaluation of confocal images for live and dead cells selected by morphology and fluorescence was performed with ImageJ software (National Institutes of Health, USA). In case of co-cultures, MSCs were distinguished from H9c2 cells due to their Vybrant DiD cell labeling. The ratio of dead cells was evaluated in 4 independent fields of view (objective 10) for each culture in a blind fashion. The evaluation of flow cytometry files was carried out using BD CellQuest Pro (Becton Dickinson, NJ, USA). Statistical analysis of data was carried out using one-way analysis of variance with Tukey's multiple comparison post hoc test. Data are expressed as mean SEM.

The optimal duration of OGD to induce cell damage was 150 minutes (Figure

and additional file

: video1.mov). This result is based on microscopic observations of morphological changes in the cell shape and on ethidium homodimer staining which determined whether a particular cell was dying. Flow cytometric analysis was also used to determine that the selected time interval was sufficient to injure the majority of the cardiomyoblasts (Figure

).

Ischemia model on cardiomyoblasts. (A) Follow up of OGD on cardiomyoblasts. Cells were stained with calcein-AM (ex/em 494/517 nm) for live cells (green) and ethidium homodimer (ex/em 528/617 nm) for dead cells (red). (B) Flow cytometry analysis of control and ischemic cardiomyoblasts labeled with ethidium homodimer after OGD. The green curve represents the control cardiomyoblasts and the red shows the ischemic cardiomyoblasts. The complete rightward shift of the red curve based on these representative data indicates that OGD increased the number of dead cells nearly maximally.

Experiments showed that 4-6 hours was not adequate for the added MSCs to attach to the surface of the 12-well plates and exert their effect, 48 hours produced a culture overgrown by cardiomyoblasts and MSCs (data not shown). Therefore, the time point for microscopic evaluation and flow cytometry analysis subsequent to addition to MSCs was determined to be 24 hours.

Confocal microscopy showed that cardiomyoblasts cultured alone displayed the same rounded and blebbed morphology immediately following as well as 24 hours after OGD (Figure

). Flow cytometry analysis showed that OGD significantly increased the cell death rate in this group as shown by the enhanced ethidium homodimer fluorescence intensity (median fluorescence from 19 to 65 units, Figure

). Figure

also shows that a portion of cells remained unstained with ethidium homodimer even after 150 minutes due to the variability of the model. When MSCs were added to post-ischemic cardiomyoblasts, the morphology of the damaged cells was similar to cells cultured in normal conditions without OGD (Figure

). In this group, flow cytometry analysis revealed that the deleterious results of ischemia were decreased (median fluorescence 24 versus 23 units, Figure

). To quantify the effect of added MSCs, confocal images were used. This approach revealed that the ratio of dead H9c2 cells to all H9c2 cells in the wells 24 hours after OGD was significantly higher when the cardiomyoblasts were cultured alone compared to when healthy MSCs were added to the cultures 30 minutes after OGD (0.85 0.086 vs. 0.16 0.035, respectively, p

and

). The absolute number of live H9c2 cells before and after OGD and the number of added MSCs after OGD was also investigated. Before OGD H9c2 cells were close to confluence (63,120 7,694) and there was little increase in cell numbers during the next 24 hours if the cells were left to grow without OGD (76,116 3,396). The number of viable cells 24 hours after OGD was very low when cultured alone or with MSCs in cell insert (1,757 1,081 and 990 608 respectively), but significantly increased (15,174 3,975) if MSCs were added directly. It can be assumed that the injured H9c2 cells were washed out during medium change so only a part of H9c2 cells remained in the wells (Figure

). We also examined the inserts with confocal microscopy to eliminate the possibility of decreased MSC viability on the cell culture inserts. MSCs were labeled with Vybrant DiD before seeding on the cell inserts. We found that Vybrant DiD labeled MSCs were attached to the surface of the inserts and showed normal cell morphology (Figure

). We also investigated whether any of the MSCs had contaminated the underlying H9c2 cardiomyoblast culture, but found no trace of MSCs among the H9c2 cells; therefore no direct cell-to-cell contact could be formed (data not shown).

Morphology and viability of H9c2 cells 24 hours after OGD. (A) DiO-labeled H9c2 cells without MSCs observed 24 hours after OGD were predominantly rounded up and stained with ethidium homodimer indicating cell death in progress. (B) Flow cytometry analysis of control and ischemic H9c2 cells cultured for 24 hours after OGD labeled with ethidium homodimer (ex/em 528/617 nm) showed that the number of dead H9c2 cells was elevated compared to the control group (median fluorescence from 19 to 65 units). (C) Co-cultivation of DiO-labeled H9c2 (ex/em 488/501 nm) cells and DiD-labeled MSCs (ex/em 633/665 nm) for 24 hours after OGD showed that the morphology of ischemically damaged cells were normal after 24 hours. (D) Flow cytometry analysis revealed that after co-cultivation of cells the number of dead H9c2 cells remained on the control level (median fluorescence 24 versus 23 units).

Co-cultivation of H9c2 cells with MSCs decreased cell death. (A) Experimental layouts after in vitro ischemia. (B) The ratio of dead H9c2 cells was significantly smaller when MSCs were added after OGD (0.85 0.086 vs. 0.16 0.035, n = 5), but MSCs added in cell culture inserts did not decrease significantly the ratio of dead H9c2 cells (0.90 0.055, n = 5). Data represent mean SEM. *p < 0.05 C+MSC vs. C and C+MSC vs. C+MSC ins. (C: H9c2 cells only; C+MSC: H9c2 cells and MSCs; C+MSC ins: H9c2 cells and MSCs in cell culture inserts) (C) Absolute number of live H9c2 cells before and after OGD shows that before OGD the H9c2 cells were close to confluence (63,120 7,694) and there was little increase in cell numbers during the next 24 hours if the cells were left to grow without OGD (76,116 3,396). 24 hours after OGD the number of viable cells was very low when cultured alone or with MSCs in cell insert (1,757 1,081 and 990 608 respectively), which was significantly increased (15,174 3,975) if MSCs added directly. (D) MSCs labeled with Vybrant DiD were growing on cell culture inserts in the same manner as under normal culture conditions after 24 hours of cultivation. Scale bar represents 100 m.

Development of intercellular connections, so-called nanotubes, between cardiomyoblasts and MSCs during the 24 hr period after OGD was frequently observed (Figure

). These nanotubes were long enough to span distances of several cell diameters, and their diameters were between 200 and 500 nm. MitoTracker Red staining revealed that these nanotubes connecting stem cells to cardiomyoblasts contained functionally active mitochondria (Figure

). Time lapse video microscopy did not reveal a specific direction for the movement of these mitochondria in the intercellular connections and the typical time frame for the formation of a nanotube was approximately 2 hours (Figure

and additional file

: video2.mov).

Formation of intercellular connections after OGD. (A) Nanotubular network formation was observed among DiO-labeled cardiomyoblasts (green) and DiD-labeled MSCs (red) after 24 hours of co-culture. (B) MitoTracker staining (red) revealed active mitochondria in the nanotubular network (yellow arrows). (C) Time lapse pictures of the formation of a nanotube between a DiO-labeled cardiomyoblast (green) and DiD-labeled stem cell (red).

Addition to the formation of intercellular communications, double labeled and double nuclei cells indicated that cell fusion events were present in the co-cultures. The typical time frame for a cell fusion was approximately 4 hours (Figure

and additional file

: video3.mov). To examine whether cell fusion occurs in normal, non-ischemic conditions among H9c2 cells and MSCs we co-cultured these cells without OGD and found that such phenomenon also occurs among healthy cells. Flow cytometry analysis showed beside 59.42% of DiO-labeled H9c2 cells and 30.1% of DiD-labeled MSCs also 8.14% of double labeled cells. However, according to the forward and side scatter plot the distribution demonstrates that most of the double labeled cells are the same size as H9c2 cells or MSCs, suggesting that these cells are picking up the other marker through direct cell-to-cell contact (Figure

and

).

Cell fusion of a H9c2 cell and a mesenchymal stem cell. The time lapse pictures demonstrate steps of the fusion of a H9c2 cell (green) and a mesenchymal stem cell (red). Fused cells with double nuclei exhibit a combined yellow staining.

Co-culture of H9c2 and stem cells in normal conditions. (A) Cardiomyoblasts (green) and MSCs (red) after one day co-cultivation. (B) A representative double labeled cell with double nuclei (nuclei were stained with Hoechst). (C) DiO-labeled cardiomyoblasts (green) and DiD-labeled MSCs (red) analyzed with flow cytometry after one day co-cultivation. We found three different cell populations: 59.42% of DiO-labeled H9c2 cells, 30.1% of DiD-labeled MSCs and 8.14% of double labeled cells. (D) The distribution according to the forward scatter plot demonstrates that several double labeled yellow cells are mostly the same size as the green H9c2 cells or the red MSCs disapproving complete cell fusion.

We also considered the possibility that MSCs may incorporate cell debris and thus acquire double labeling of fluorescent dyes. During the observations performed with time-lapse video microscopy we frequently saw that healthy cells contacted and moved around cell debris and apoptotic bodies in the culture dish, however, phagocytosis was not observed. The cells which contacted differentially stained cell debris did not pick up any fluorescent signal from the other, indicating that the double labeling of cells arose from a specific and controlled mechanism rather than cross-contamination. This is further strengthened by the observation that not all cell-to-cell connection resulted in dye transfer. (additional file 4: video4.mov).

We report that healthy mesenchymal stem cells are capable of rescuing post-ischemic cardiomyoblasts from cell death through a mechanism not yet implicated in the effects of stem cells after ischemic conditions. Thus, the beneficial effect of stem cell grafting may be based not only on improved neovascularisation and replacement of lost cells but on rescuing the damaged cells of the host as well.

The most likely explanation of the beneficial effects of MSC co-culture is that these cells improve the chances of the damaged H9c2 cells to restore their function and prevent later cell death. Ethidium homodimer has been shown to stain not only dead but damaged cells as well [23]. Thus, although most H9c2 cells were stained by ethidium homodimer after OGD (Figure 1B), many cells were probably only reversibly damaged. An alternative explanation of our results could be an increased replication of surviving H9c2 cells. However, the nearly ten-fold difference in the number of viable H9c2 cells between our experimental groups 24 hr after OGD (Figure 3C) and the normal doubling time of these cells make this possibility unlikely to explain the difference.

The used in vitro ischemia model demonstrates that the beneficial effects of MSC co-culture seem to be dependent on direct cell-to-cell connections and intercellular nanotubes.

Nanotube formation has already been shown to occur among endothelial progenitor cells, cardiomyocytes [20, 24], immune cells and other lineages [25, 26]. The characterization of nanotubes revealed that these filaments contain actin and in some cases, microsomes or mitochondria [27]. We found that this phenomenon occurs frequently between cardiomyoblasts and mesenchymal stem cells. Stem cells failed to rescue post-ischemic cardiomyoblasts when intercellular connections were blocked by a physical barrier. These observations indicate that intercellular connections work toward the survival of cells both during and after ischemia, however, the underlying mechanisms may be slightly different.

One plausible mechanism for the rescuing effect is that transplanted cells improve regeneration through secreting paracrine factors [14, 2831]. However, results from our experiments with the plate insert show that paracrine factors secreted by the cells are probably too low in our system to have any beneficial effect on these severely damaged cells. This in vitro experimental setup allows the investigation of cell-to-cell contacts, however, it cannot rule out that paracrine effects play a significant role in a more physiological in vivo setting. The time frame of the experimental protocol is also important. In our experiments we added the cells at an early time point and terminated the experiment before significant differentiation can occur. During a later time point the effect of paracrine factors is probably much more important especially in the differentiation process as shown by several other authors [6, 11].

Cell fusion is another phenomenon which is frequently observed in co-culture studies and in some cases, in in vivo experiments as well [15, 32, 33]. Several studies have shown that cell fusion can result in transdifferentiation, thus offering an alternative mechanism by which grafted cells improve the infarcted myocardium. Using videomicroscopy we also found several double labeled, double nuclei cells indicative of cell fusion. However, cell fusion showed high variations among different culture and detection techniques, and therefore extensive cell fusion as an in vitro artefact cannot be ruled out [14, 34, 35]. During our investigations we only observed a few unquestionable cell fusions which cannot account for the rescue of the high number of damaged cardiomyoblasts [36].

We also found double labeled cells without double nuclei in the co-culture of cardiomyoblasts and stem cells after 24 hours. The double labeling of these cells may be the result of direct cell-to cell connections. During these periods of connection, cells are able to exchange membrane parts and Vybrant dye molecules can drift from one cell to another. Movement of dye molecules from one cell to another through gap junction connections is precluded because the lipophilic Vybrant dyes are high molecular weight stains and cannot permeate through gap junctions [34]. Driesen et al. [19] showed that low molecular weight tracers such as calcein-AM get from one cell to another through gap junctions, and high molecular weight tracers by partial cell fusion, thus the conclusion may be drawn that dye transfers after 24 hours in our experiment are most probably the results of direct cell-to-cell connections. Still, gap junctions may create an opportunity for grafted cells to interact with the host tissues [37, 38]. In the present experimental model most of cell-to-cell interactions were short-lived tubular connections, which formed a constantly changing web between the two investigated cell types.

Our experimental model was devised to investigate acute effects with high temporal and spatial resolution, therefore ruling out differentiation, which occurs over time. Moreover, an in vitro transplantation model in a cell culture system cannot mimic the 3-dimensional tissue where cell-to-cell connections are different. These circumstances obviously limit the conclusions drawn from our results. On the other hand, this experimental setting was necessary and favorable to investigate short-term cellular interactions.

The present study highlights that stem cell grafting may be beneficial through an acute, direct mechanism which saves damaged cardiomyoblasts. Novel grafting protocols can harness this effect, which raises the possibility that stem cells given early and locally can preserve heart tissue rather than simply help to replace what is already lost.

This work was supported by OTKA (Hungarian Scientific Research Fund) D45933, T049621, TT (Hungarian Science and Technology Foundation) A4/04 and Arg-17/2006, Bolyai, veges Fellowships and TMOP 4.2.2-08/1/KMR-2008-0004. We would like to thank Dr. Ferenc Uher for providing the mouse mesenchymal stem cells. We are grateful to Nancy Busija for copyediting the manuscript and we thank David Busija and Mrk Kollai for critically revising the manuscript.

Below are the links to the authors original submitted files for images.

ACS and ZSL conceived the study. ACS completed the majority of the confocal microscopy experiments, made the flow cytometry measurements, performed statistical analysis, and helped draft the manuscript. EP helped draft the manuscript and performed statistical analysis. EMH participated in the flow cytometer measurements. KL participated in the time lapse video microscopy experiments and helped draft the manuscript. In addition to collaborating on the conception of the study, ZSL participated in the study design, provided coordination among the researchers and experiments, and helped draft the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Institute of Human Physiology and Clinical Experimental Research, Semmelweis University

Cselenyk et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.2010

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This story is part of the American Cancer Societys Cutting-Edge Cancer Science series, which is exploring some of the most promising areas of cancer research in depth.

This is part 1 of a 3-part feature exploring what personalized medicine means for cancer patients. Part 2 covers where personalized cancer stands today and part 3 reviews personalized medicine for cancer prevention.

The type of cancer a person has and how it gets treated is no longer just about where in the body the cancer started, such as in the breast or lungs or the colon. More so now than ever, when doctors decide how to attack a cancer, they are arming themselves with a wealth of knowledge about the specific molecular and genetic makeup of their patients tumor.

Many researchers and cancer centers are already embracing this personalized approach to cancer care. Though still in early stages, this field of work is moving and improving at a rapid pace, and just got a boost from President Barack Obama, with his announcement of a $215 million investment to launch the Precision Medicine Initiative. The initiative aims to speed up progress toward personalized medicine for all.

Delivering on the promise of personalized medicine, though, is going to take a massive effort from not just researchers and doctors, but also from health insurers, pharmaceutical companies, and government agencies, among others.

Personalized vs. Precision Medicine

The terms personalized medicine and precision medicine are often used interchangeably. While experts are not in agreement as to whether the two terms mean the same thing, the definitions of personalized medicine and precision medicine seem to be merging. Even President Obama, in his remarks about the Precision Medicine Initiative, commingled the two: Precision medicine in some cases, people call it personalized medicine gives us one of the greatest opportunities for new medical breakthroughs that we have ever seen.

The meaning of the terms and source of the forthcoming breakthroughs is essentially the ability to tailor treatments, as well as prevention strategies, to the unique characteristics of each person.

The presidents initiative, and the terms themselves, extend beyond cancer, and are meant to encompass all health issues. Cancer, though, is a major focus of the Precision Medicine Initiative, especially its nearer-term goals.

Taking Steps Toward Personalized Medicine

A lot of work has already been done to make cancer care more personalized, partly because cancer is so complex that it has forced scientists to dig deep into the inner workings of human cells to figure out cancers causes.

Decades of advances in basic science, technology, therapeutics, and the understanding of the genetic causes of cancer have coalesced in recent years to make personalized cancer care possible.

What researchers have learned over time is that cancer can arise from any number of genetic malfunctions, and often is due to a combination of errors, that ultimately lead to the out-of-control cell growth that causes tumors to grow and spread.

This knowledge has allowed doctors to sometimes move cancer treatment from a broad-brush approach using radiation, surgery, and chemotherapy to wipe out cancer and taking out normal healthy cells in the process to a more targeted technique.

Targeted therapy took off in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with the advent of drugs that interfere with the essential functions of cancer cells in order to get them to die off such as by stopping cancer cells from dividing or keeping tumors from making the new blood vessels they need to grow.

Targeted drugs gave doctors the ability to start customizing treatments, to a certain degree, to the patient. But researchers discovered that like radiation and chemo targeted therapies arent one size fits all. Every patient has a unique set of factors driving their cancer. In other words, there are multiple targets in each patient that may need to be hit. This is where tumor profiling comes in.

Better Treatments, Fewer Side Effects

The idea of analyzing an individual patients tumor to determine what combination of drugs will work best is what personalized cancer care is all about. With this level of specificity also comes greater potential to decrease toxic side effects. The overall toxicity to patients should be reduced because you are more likely to use the best collection of drugs the first time around, says William Phelps, Ph.D., the director of preclinical and translational cancer research at the American Cancer Society.

When it comes to cancer, personalization can take several different forms currently. It might mean:

The ability to look at the genetic makeup of a persons tumor in a relatively quick and low-cost manner has been one of the most important contributors to progress in personalized cancer care. A major technological advance that has made my work possible was the tumbling down in cost and time of sequencing patients tumors, says Ross Cagan, Ph.D., director of the Mount Sinai Center for Personalized Cancer Therapeutics.

Lower cost, though, does not yet mean affordable for everyone.

Bottom Line

A 2011 National Research Council report on precision medicine explains why these advances matter, by contrasting breast cancer treatment today and 25 years ago. Twenty-five years ago, women had few treatment options basically hormone therapy or chemo, both of which could have significant side effects.

Today, many patients have treatment options based on the particular markers in their tumors. These patients can get better, more specific treatments, which might also have fewer side effects.

This is one of the major goals of personalized medicine give cancer patients the treatments that are most likely to work on their particular cancer with fewer harmful side effects.

READ PART 2: Personalized Cancer Care: Where it Stands Today

Originally posted here:
Personalized Medicine: Redefining Cancer and Its Treatment