Fixing The Heart With Stem Cells

CBS News Exclusive: Using A Heart's Own Stem Cells To Heal Itself

(CBS)  In a heart attack, the blood supply to part of the heart is shut off by a clot in a clogged artery - causing scarring of the heart muscle, which reduces the ability of the heart to pump.

The best that doctors have been able to do is to promptly open up the clogged artery and limit the damage with drugs.

But one day, there may be a way to get that damaged heart to grow its own brand-new muscle tissue. How? By using the patient's own cardiac stem cells.

This week doctors in Los Angeles have given a heart attack patient an infusion of stem cells grown from his own heart muscle.

It's a first, as CBS News correspondent Bill Whitaker reports.

It was mid-May when 39-year-old Ken Milles was blindsided by a serious heart attack - and the doctor's bad news.

Milles said, "When he told me that there was permanent damage and that the duration of my life was reduced - that freaked me out."

Especially since the construction company employee has a wife and two teen-aged boys.

So he volunteered be one of 24 recent heart attack patients in a cutting-edge clinical trial at the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute - becoming the first person ever to get an infusion of his own heart stem cells.

"We seek to actually reverse the injury that has been caused by the heart attack, by re-growing new heart muscle to at least partially replace the scar that's formed," says Dr. Eduardo Marban of Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute.

Doctors are using stem cells, the body's master cells, because they can transform into different kinds of tissue.

Marban says, "These cells that we're putting in come from the heart itself, and are predestined to generate heart muscle and blood vessels."

Other types of stem cells, like bone marrow, have been studied for heart repair, but with mixed results. Animal studies indicate heart stem cells do a better job. The problem is: the heart has so few stem cells that researchers have to grow more.

Using local anesthesia, doctors first send a catheter with little pincers to snip out bits of healthy heart tissue. They're sent to the laboratory where they're coaxed to manufacture as many as 25,000,000 stem cells.

In a trailblazing procedure new cells grow spontaneously from the specimens eventually forming into clusters called "cardio-spheres" that can even start beating in the dish. In 4 to 6 weeks, there are millions of stem cells.

A few days ago, doctors went back up an artery to deposit Ken Milles's own laboratory-grown stem and support cells into the damaged area of his heart -- hoping it'll repair itself and pump more blood.

"If this works, it's gonna help so many people. It's gonna change everything," said Milles.

In 6 months, doctors will know if Ken's heart has begun to repair itself. Clinical trials should be completed in three to four years.



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For More about Cedars-Sinai, Click here

[webexperts]

wow..!! That?s really amazing.. Recreating your own heart would be a dream for people like us who are facing a heart problem. And reading this post was like seeing dream come true. This will bring a new life to those who are deadly suffering from heart diseases. I was found to be having a calcium deposit in my coronary arteries. I need to have my advance diagnostic scans due reassure whether something really deadly is waiting for me. Though it was some dreadful going on in my life, but I never felt any kind of discomfort in Elitehealth.com advanced diagnostic facility. http://www.elitehealth.com/advanced_diagnostic_testing.php. They were having some of the latest diagnostic equipments and non invasive techniques which made me feel safe. Their medical office in Los Angeles was more than what I had expected with some latest diagnostic techniques which help makes earth a better place to live. The amount of damage that has already being done to my heart can be restored. This will give me a new meaning to my life.

[ibzjem]

We have to learn a little bit about adult stem cells and a big scary word - transdifferentiation. Adult stem cells, which exist in many tissues throughout your body, have specific jobs to perform for the human body to continue to function. Hematopoietic (blood) stem cells make all the red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets you need to as they are continuously lost or degenerating as part of their natural life span. Stem cells in your gut continuously replace the lining of your intestines as it wears down from the harsh process of breaking down food. There are stem cells that have been isolated from most tissues that function as a repair and maintenance pool of cells to keep our organs functional. Not all organs have a ready pool of stem cells, and most stem cell populations, with the notable exception of blood stem cells, are hard to harvest without risking injury to the host.

However, while these cells are great at doing their job, the issue with adult stem cell research is, can they do another stem cell's job? That is, instead of making just blood, could a hematopoietic stem cell make, say, an insulin secreting pancreatic cell? The answer, despite some initial promising results around 2001, is no. While hematopoietic stem cells may be able to make some other mesenchyme or connective tissue cells from the mesodermal germ layer, it doesn't appear that we can make such adult stem cells transdifferentiate - or make a type of cell from another embryonic germ layer. This ability is what is meant by totipotency. The ability to differentiate not just into one of the three major tissue types (mesoderm, ectoderm and endoderm), but all three of them. Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent.

[howardamin]

Check out http://billymayes.blogspot.com/ for his last interview it is sad

[John_Merritt]

Hey Samjia:

1.) First, I don't want to walk hand in hand with you, because guys like you scare me senseless because of your belief in that 'you are all that'. I have met guys like you throughout all the years i worked in healthcare and in the drive to 'become all things to themselves' have somehow lost or losing their way in being responsible in all things to all people. Everyone, not just the 'rich and chosen'. You and I both know what I am talking about.

2.) You sure use the word 'fear' alot in your message. Fear is not even in my vocabulary. I fear no man or no thing on this planet. So quit projecting your own beliefs on me. You see, I fear nothing because I 'believe' in God and the life hereafter. However you fear there is no God and there is nothing left for you. Hence you fear dying. I welcome it!

3.) Interferon and HIV drugs are meant to support and bolster the immune system.

4.) The moment we are born, we start dying slowly but surely. Ask any scientist (sans you) and they will tell you. Example: we start losing our baby fat or teeth (dying) and we start growing adult teeth and adipose.

5.) I have read many formularies and indications and contraindications regarding the benefits and adverse effects of medicines and drugs. The truth be known if more people would start reading the same, they would become more holistic in their approach to living; because these benefits of the pharmaceuticals can help but they also can damage beyond belief. You should know that, you are a physician.

6.) We are killing the very things that we will need to sustain life in the future. Like waterways, plant life and animal life, the air we breathe, and the support systems that we will need to take us into the future. Hence, I support stem cell research but I don't believe we can do it effectively in the time we need.

7.) The 'chicken before the egg' is not a statement of confusion. Once again you are projecting. It is a statement of fact that stem cell perfection cannot be done if we don't have life support systems to get us where we need to go. In your philosophy you want man to live forever, a noble goal, but when you have accomplished it; the planet will not be fit for any man, woman or child to live on. Hence the chicken before the egg analogy is perfect verbiage.

8.) I was trying to extend a hand in friendship by offering to sit down with you over a cup of java. I take it, you don't like coffee. So my invitation still stands, except we can drink tea if you want.

Good luck to you brother in your endeavors. I hope you find what you are looking for in this life. May God Bless you and your family and keep you safe from the harms of this world.

Your friend, John

[erasmus111]

by slownewsday_05 June 29, 2009 9:49 PM PDT

by erasmus111 June 30, 2009 12:19 AM PDT

Sooooo, I see you are using the "repy to comment" now. You like it? Doesn't it take more time? I mean the longer you post a comment there, you have to go all the way back up to the original comment to be able to click on the "reply to comment", right?


I just realized that it wasn't you that I had been talking to about this. : )

[erasmus111]

by slownewsday_05 June 29, 2009 9:49 PM PDT


Sooooo, I see you are using the "repy to comment" now. You like it? Doesn't it take more time? I mean the longer you post a comment there, you have to go all the way back up to the original comment to be able to click on the "reply to comment", right?

[madpostman]

I'm just wondering what could be done for severe arthritis of the shoulder, due to trauma. My last option is to have a shoulder replacement, which would involve plastic, of which, I'm not real fond of. I have 11 pins in my shoulder(anchor's really) to keep my shoulder stabilized. I have severe pain issues as a result of a ergonomic injury that resulted in me having not one, but, two operations on my shoulder, The last one repaired a torn bicep muscle as well. So, I have very little use of my left arm. Quite frankly, I'm tired of popping pills(narcotics) because of the permanent pain issues. And yeah, it does get depressing. Being in constant pain changes your whole outlook on life, your demeanor especially. I would be happy just to have my life back before I got injured and I'm going on 10 years now like this.

[rbstrcklnd]

by slownewsday_05

Get your facts straight. Bush allowed a limited number of embryonic stem cells for Federal funding. This story is about adult stem cells as are all the successful stories. No one has a problem with stem cell research. It's embryonic stem cells.

[barbara2c]

The problem with pointing fingers is that it really isn't accomplishing a thing. Millions of us with terminal diseases are dying in this country just like Farrah Fawcett. The FDA needs a complete overhaul and we need to be able to try any treatment that we want, including experimental stem cell treatment. Instead, we are being hung out to die while the FDA cozies up to Big Pharma and they try to figure out how to get a piece of our own stem cells. You can help make change by joining American Stem Cell Therapy Association (ASCTA)at www.safestemcells.org From that site you can find out how to contact the FDA and what the real issues are.
Barbara/Stem Cell Pioneers

[aubfmet]

--- hoping -- if it works -- in 6 months we'll know . Is this news?

[kesac4650]

Bush put absolutely no limits on stem cell research. He put absolutely no limits on embryonic stem cell research. He did put limits on government grants. Obama has put almost identical limits on go9vernment grants for embryonic stemk cell research.
Scientists have proven that adult stem cells will do everything that embryonic stem cells will. So it became a moot point. Still some people whime and throw rocks, and distort the facts.
The fact is that absolutely nothing has impeded stem cell research.

[pepperwood2]

Fixing The Heart With Stem Cells - CBS News Exclusive: Using A Heart's Own Stem Cells To Heal Itself.

All I can say about this is that I hope that Michael Fox is following this Story while he is BO'S & Pelosi's Liberal Poster Child for Federal Funded Embryonic Stem Cell Research. So Sad! $$$$$$$$ talks, it don't sing & dance & it don't walk. A lot of Embryonic Researchers should get rich if they play the Madoff Game Plan.

[Samjia]

Bunch of bunk.

[Slrman]

Do you think Bush will ever admit he was wrong about impeding stem cell research? But he would never admit he was wrong about anything. That's really the mark of stubborn stupidity.

Already researchers have learned that embryonic stem cells are not the only, or even the best, source. If the radical religious reich hadn't been adamant about forcing their insanity upon the rational rest of us, we could be much further along in many areas. Stem cell research is only of of them.

[chengkeqi]

I am a chinese Enlish learner.Read the CBS news is a very helpful methord to improve my english skill,Thank you! I will try harder!

[John_Merritt]

Hey Samjia:

Good post. Liked your responses. I do take you are a physician so I will respond accordingly. Esophagus and tracheas implantions are great ways to start with stem cell. Liver and pancreas look promising, but correct me if I am wrong. I can live without a liver, and I can live without an esophagus and trachea, I can live without a pancreas. (Of course all of these may only be for a short period of time.) However I cannot live without a heart or brain, as much as we would like to think we can. And as much as we have demonstrated by the lack of heart and brains currently running so many of our systems.

However, our responsibility (ability to respond) is sorely missing because we have not been able to demonstrate, even remotely that we are capable of acting responsible in any sciences or systems currently in place. What makes you think the medical/scientific community can altogether change this mindset?

Many advances being made in all areas of this wonderful science fields and that I applaud. However we have so many things going on that by the time we are able to perfect these sciences, our global planetary system will have collapsed because we abused those systems much like people have abused their systems leading to stem cell research to repair the damaged areas in our body.

However we cannot at this point even begin replicate or duplicate the very life support systems that foster human growth. And if this is not accomplished within the next 30 years, everything done in stem cell research will be a moot point, because life systems will not be able to provide and support those things that will foster human growth. Am I going to fast?

The immune system can be bolstered and enhanced by various inclusions of medications, serums and physiologic additives, correct? However we chasing the bag (or chicken before the egg) because we are trying to heal the organ or system of the very things that are destroying it, instead of finding cures and ways to destroy or prevent the etiologies of those things that contribute to erosion, necrosis and decay.

If you want to continue this debate, we can do it offline over a cup of coffee and would thoroughtly enjoy talking with you. Have a great evening.

[Samjia]

Yes I thought it was quite succinct and to the point. I rather am surprised mr john -on your statement:

our responsibility (ability to respond) is sorely missing because we have not been able to demonstrate, even remotely that we are capable of acting responsible in any sciences or systems

I gather that you are in fear of what science may discover or are you in fear of the possibility that someone -someday maybe able to clone you?
Is it the fear of success or the fear of fear that is stopping you from believing that science can cure disease with stem cell therapy. Do you know that dogs can get stem cell therapy and have for the last 8 years but people were unable to in the USA? Successfully thousands of dogs are now walking around without arthritis.

I also note that you site the word "abusing or abused the system?" and our global collapse because we abused what systems?

The whole world will not cave because of stem cell research John, just the world of drugs and the prolonging of diseases. They do not foster human health and growth but rather they foster slow death.

Name one medication as you site in your comment that enhances the immune system? Have you read the pages of side effects on any given drug pamphlet. It is a must read and I highly recommend it.

I see in your last paragraph that confusion has set in and after the chicken and the egg you kind of lost yourself in fear again. John we are trying to "cure diseases" not the symptoms of disease like drugs do.

The "contributions of erosion, necrosis and decay" are drugs John, like chemotherapy drugs which are designer destroyers of the immune system. You see cancer treatments today are based on the theory (and it is only a theory) that if you kill the immune system entirely you also kill off all the cancer cells, but by the way -that kills off the patient also. This process destroys the ability of the cancer patient to fight off another bout of cancer so the majority of them die.

Rather than work "with the Immune System" which is the body's own natural defense mechanism which stem cells are a part of - ( I like this part) rather than work "with the body" ...science has worked against it in the past.

We are turning the corner, turning the page and turning it around John, because if you keep doing the same thing -your going to keep getting the same lousy results - like death.

I like the idea of working with my body - building up the immune system, making it stronger, enhancing my bodies ability to fight off diseases - hey and by the way, it reduces healthcare costs. But who wants to reduce those costs too and make the population healthier, certainly not a goal is it?

I don't do coffee, nite nite. I doubt I will have the time to take you by the hand into the future-but you can prepare by reading up more on the positive side of SC research-it does work and I hope one day to have the treatments myself.

[armyoftwelve]

by indivthinker June 29, 2009 5:25 PM PDT
Try taking a bioethics class and you might actually learn something. Just because you have the capability to manipulate life does not make it the moral or ethical thing to do, especially when you have to destroy other human life to do it.

EXACTLY!!! Unfortunately, that point is lost on some posters, especially the one you were responding to.
This country NEVER impeded stem cell research! President Bush had his shortcomings but stem cell research wasn't one of them. Can anyone cite ONE major breakthrough using embryonic stem cells--even from the federally funded lines??? Nope, because there haven't been any. If embryonic stem cells were so promising private labs would have come up with SOMETHING over the past 8 years.

The only thing driving policy in the Obama regime is the need to throw red meat to the President's electoral base. Why bother with ethics when you can satisfy pro-abortion nutjobs?

[tautomer]

Similarly, we have no idea how much better of the world might be had YOUR ESCs been harvested, slowdude. Think of all those Special Ed dollars we would have saved!

[mollybenz]

Ken Milles is not the first person to get stem cells as I, along with about 100 others, got them into my heart muscle in 2/27/07 at Shans Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida. It was a double blind stem cell research program conducted by Baxter Healthcare. I had cronic angina and now hardly ever have angina pain. I can now walk 2 miles or more, bike and I work out on weights at a gym 2 days per week. I am 76 and can do more that most my age and many years younger. Stem cells have definitely worked for me.

You should research your facts before presenting them.

John E. Benz
Goodlettsville, TN

[Samjia]

Dear Molly: That is a great post and I am happy to hear of your progress with the heart stem cell therapy and wish you much luck in the future. Adult stem cell therapy using one's own stem cells must be working for you and it will work for many thousands of people who are suffering from COPD, heart diseases, and many more.

[indivthinker]

"It's unthinkable that a modern soceity would willingly impede stem cell research.

Just another reason that Bush's attempted theocracy signaled the end of the Republican Party."
- by slownewsday_05 June 29, 2009 4:51 PM PDT

Try taking a bioethics class and you might actually learn something. Just because you have the capability to manipulate life does not make it the moral or ethical thing to do, especially when you have to destroy other human life to do it.

And before you call me a close-minded evangelical Christian, know that I graduated college with a degree in biology and now go to medical school, and I am a firm believer in evolution. I have spent hours and hours reflecting on bioethics, and I have probably given a lot more thought than someone like you who approves of anything so long as it is convenient to you and your beliefs. Give thought to that life which you are so easily willing to discard.

It is not acceptable to destroy innocent human life to postpone the death of other human life.

[tautomer]

This article wasn't referring to embryonic stem cells. Which life did you think was destroyed by this therapy using the "heart's own stem cells"?

[tautomer]

Stick to the article at hand.

[John_Merritt]

The more that you add to any surface might create a beneficial affect, but it also increases the overall tissue thickness where can create a greater burden to supply the oxygen and blood to that area over the long haul. It can cause a strain on the surrounding areas that require the same amount of oxygen and blood and increase or decrease the ventricular contractility, to name just a couple of things. Stem cell research is a great tool, but nothing beats preventative measures from the outset of life. Remember the area affected by stroke or heart attack is just a microcosm of the surrounding areas as well as the overall structure. sign me: not a physician but don't need to be one to make an opinion.

[Samjia]

To John:

I suppose your not a doctor because you obviously are not up on the research and successes of stem cell transplantation and regrown organs in other countries.

In November 2008 a 30 yr old Spanish woman regained a whole windpipe after having tuberculosis, which had left her without being able to breath. The researchers and doctors in Barcelona took her stem cells and grew a new trachea, and replaced hers successfully. Now the woman can actually go up a flight of stairs and go dancing. She did not need rejection drugs for the rest of her life. From the sound of your argument you do not believe the body can repair itself although we come equipped with stem cells from birth. I find it strangely revealing that in the United States -there is much backward thinking on stem cell therapy and many are trying to prevent such research. These stem cells if you read the article above are "master cells" they can repair or replace organs and tissue in the body and are called autologus (self-growing) for a reason. I would much rather have that woman dancing than in a bed on an oxygen tank for the rest of her life, remember she was only 30 years of age, that would be over 50 or 60 years of medical care if she lived that long. I am sure you would rather see her alive that dead wouldn't you John?

These new developments will unfortunately, leave some people kicking and screaming in disbelief at the possibilities and success stories that are occurring all over the world. It is a pity that Americans have to travel out of the country to get these treatments because of the hold that the pharmaceutical companies and the corruption at the FDA will not allow cures for diseases -they would much rather prolong disease for profits. As the other countries surpass the US in research and breakthroughs it is because they are not financially tied to drug companies overseas.

I would much rather have the treatments the woman from Spain had-than to take harmful drugs that do nothing but damage the immune system.

I have to say I enjoyed your comment though....it made me laugh and reminded me of the barbaric "good old days" where they carve out your heart after breaking open your rib cage and patch up your heart with plastic parts only to have to do them over and over again until you croke. Just ask David Letterman.

[skyk-2009]

Samjia, Well said and add to the the Cost to all of us keeping her under the kind of Medical Care that would be needed for that length of time. Some people in this nation simply are afraid of ANY change and ANYTHING they do not understand. That fear is fed for Profit by the Snake Oil Salesmen who run the American Taliban.