BackgroundMesenchymal stem cells derived from human umbilical cord (hUC-MSCs) have immunomodulatory properties that are of interest to treat novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Leng et al. recently reported that hUC-MSCs derived from one donor negatively expressed Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2), a key protein for viral infection along with Transmembrane Serine Protease 2 (TMPRSS2). The purpose of this study was to quantify the expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in hUC-MSCs lots derived from multiple donors using molecular-based techniques in order to demonstrate their inability to be a host to SARS-CoV-2.MethodsExpression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 was analyzed in 24 lots of hUC-MSCs derived from Wharton's jelly via quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), Western Blot, immunofluorescence and flow cytometry using 24 different donors.ResultshUC-MSCs had significantly lower ACE2 (p = 0.002) and TMPRSS2 (p = 0.008) expression compared with human lung tissue homogenates in Western blot analyses. Little to no expression of ACE2 was observed in hUC-MSC by qPCR, and they were not observable with immunofluorescence in hUC-MSCs cell membranes. A negative ACE2 and TMPRSS2 population percentage of 95.3% ± 15.55 was obtained for hUC-MSCs via flow cytometry, with only 4.6% ACE2 and 29.5% TMPRSS2 observable positive populations.ConclusionsWe have demonstrated negative expression of ACE2 and low expression of TMPRSS2 in 24 lots of hUC-MSCs. This has crucial implications for the design of future therapeutic options for COVID-19, since hUC-MSCs would have the ability to “dodge” viral infection to exert their immunomodulatory effects.

Abstract Mesenchymal stem cells derived from human umbilical cord (hUC-MSCs) have immunomodulatory properties that are of interest to treat novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Leng et al. recently reported that hUC-MSCs derived from one donor negatively expressed Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2), a key protein for viral infection along with Transmembrane Serine Protease 2 (TMPRSS2). In this report, the expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 was analyzed in 24 lots of hUC-MSCs derived from 24 different donors via quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), Western Blot, immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. hUC-MSCs had significantly lower ACE2 (p=0.002) and TMPRSS2 (p=0.008) expression compared with human lung tissue homogenates in Western blot analyses. Little to no expression of ACE2 or TMPRSS2 was observed in hUC-MSC by qPCR, and they were not observable with immunofluorescence in hUC-MSCs cell membranes. A double negative ACE2 and TMPRSS2 population percentage of 94.30% ±15.55 was obtained for hUC-MSCs via flow cytometry, with only 0.011% ACE2 and 10.91% TMPRSS2 observable positive populations. We have demonstrated negative expression of ACE2 and low expression of TMPRSS2 in 24 lots of hUC-MSCs. This has crucial implications for the design of future therapeutic options for COVID-19, since hUC-MSCs would have the ability to “dodge” viral infection to exert their immunomodulatory effects.

BackgroundChronic inflammation is a predisposing factor to numerous degenerative diseases including cancer, heart failure and Alzheimer’s disease. Infla-Kine is a natural supplement comprised of a proprietary blend of Lactobacillus fermentum extract, burdock seed (arctigenin), zinc, alpha lipoic acid, papaya enzyme and an enhanced absorption bio-curcumin complex (BCM-95®).MethodsInfla-Kine was administered twice daily to 24 health volunteers for 4 weeks. Quantitative RT-PCR was used to assess mRNA transcripts of IL-1b, IL8, IL-6, NF-κB, and TNF-α from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). C reactive protein (CRP) was measured from serum. Additionally, quality of life questionnaires were employed to assess general feeling of well-being. Assessments were made before treatment and at conclusion of treatment (4 weeks).ResultsAs compared to pre-treatment, after 4 weeks, a statistically significant reduction of IL8, IL-6, NF-κB, and TNF-α transcripts was observed in PBMC. Furthermore, reduction of IL-1b transcript and serum CRP was observed but did not reach statistical significance. Quality of life improvements were most prevalent in muscle and joint pains.ConclusionsOverall, our data demonstrate that twice daily administration of Infla-Kine for 4 weeks reduces inflammatory markers and quality of life in healthy volunteers.

In mid November the biopharma industry was shocked by the announcement from Geron that they were ending work on embryonic stem cell research and therapy. For more than 10 years the public image of all stem cell research has been equated with embryonic stem cells. Unfortunately, a fundamentally important medical and financial fact was being ignored: embryonic stem cell therapy is extremely immature. In parallel to efforts in embryonic stem cell research and development, scientists and physicians in the field of adult stem cells realized that the natural role of adult stem cells in the body is to promote healing and to act like endogenous "repair cells" and, as a result, numerous companies have entered the field of adult stem cell therapy with the goal of expanding numbers of adult stem cells for administration to patients with various conditions. In contrast to embryonic stem cells, which are extremely expensive and potentially dangerous, adult cell cells are inexpensive and have an excellent safety record when used in humans. Many studies are now showing that adult stem cells are practical, patient-applicable, therapeutics that are very close to being available for incorporation into the practice of medicine. These events signal the entrance of the field of stem cells into a new era: an era where hype and misinformation no longer triumph over economic and medical realities.

Background. Elevated serum total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) are risk factors for atherosclerosis and ischemic heart disease. Adult growth hormone deficiency (AGHD) is associated with elevated TC and TG. Many treatment protocols for AGHD use relatively high doses of growth hormone (GH) given at low frequency, which is associated with increased incidences of edema, joint pains, and carpal tunnel syndrome. We have treated > 2200 patients using a low-dose high frequency (LDHF) dosing regimen of GH which results in similar beneficial subjective responses, and fewer of the side-effects associated with the higher-dosage treatment at a substantial cost savings. Clinically, in addition to increased insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), we observed lower TG and TC levels and no elevation of prostate specific antigen levels in treated patients. Methods. A retrospective analysis of IGF-I, TG, TC, and PSA data from our patient population was performed to test our hypothesis that positive objective responses of IGF-I, TG, and TC occur and that elevation of PSA does not occur in response to LDHF dosing regimen of GH. The mean duration of treatment of the analyzed data ranged from 181 to 259 days. Results. The mean plasma IGF-I level rose significantly (p<.00001) to a level 37% greater than baseline with treatment. TC and TG decreased significantly (p<.001) in those patients with elevated baseline values, and did not change significantly in those with normal baseline values. PSA concentrations decreased non-significantly during treatment, and few cases of edema, joint pain, or carpal tunnel were reported. Conclusions. Treatment of AGHD using the LDHF dosing regimen of GH resulted in significant increases in IGF-I, significant reductions in TC and TG levels in patients with elevated baseline values, no increase in PSA concentrations, and fewer side effects than other dosing regimens.