Mount Sinai Researchers Succeed in Programming Blood Forming Stem Cells

New York, NY (PRWEB) June 13, 2013

By transferring four genes into mouse fibroblast cells, researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have produced cells that resemble hematopoietic stem cells, which produce millions of new blood cells in the human body every day. These findings provide a platform for future development of patient-specific stem/progenitor cells, and more differentiated blood products, for cell-replacement therapy.

The study, titled, Induction of a Hemogenic Program in Mouse Fibroblasts, was published online in CELL STEM CELL on June 13. Mount Sinai researchers screened a panel of 18 genetic factors for inducing blood-forming activity and identified a combination of four transcription factors, Gata2, Gfi1b, cFos, and Etv6 as sufficient to generate blood vessel precursor cells with the subsequent appearance of hematopoietic cells. The precursor cells express a human CD34 reporter, Sca1 and Prominin1 within a global endothelial transcription program.

The cells that we grew in a petri dish are identical in gene expression to those found in the mouse embryo and could eventually generate colonies of mature blood cells, said the first author of the study, Carlos Filipe Pereira, PhD, Postdoctoral Fellow of Developmental and Regenerative Biology at the Icahn School of Medicine.

Other leaders of the research team that screened the genetic factors to find the right combination included Kateri Moore, DVM, Associate Professor of Developmental and Regenerative Biology at the Icahn School and Ihor R. Lemischka, PhD, Professor of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Pharmacology and Systems Therapeutics and Director of The Black Family Stem Cell Institute at The Mount Sinai Medical Center.

The combination of gene factors that we used was not composed entirely of the most obvious or expected proteins, said Dr. Lemischka. Many investigators have been trying to grow hematopoietic stem cells from embryonic stem cells, but this process has been problematic. Instead, we used mature mouse fibroblasts, picked the right combination of proteins, and it worked.

This discovery is just the beginning of something new and exciting and can hopefully be used to identify a treatment for blood disorders, said Dennis S. Charney, MD, Anne and Joel Ehrenkranz Dean of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs at The Mount Sinai Medical Center.

According to Dr. Pereira, there is a critical shortage of suitable donors for blood stem cell transplants. Donors are currently necessary to meet the needs of patients suffering from blood diseases such as leukemia, aplastic anemia, lymphomas, multiple myeloma and immune deficiency disorders. Programming of hematopoietic stem cells represents an exciting alternative, said Pereira.

Dr. Lemischka and I have been working together for over 20 years in the fields of hematopoiesis and stem cell biology, said Dr. Moore, senior author of the study. It is truly exciting to be able to grow these blood forming cells in a culture dish and learn so much from them. We have already started applying this new approach to human cells and anticipate similar success.

Mount Sinai Innovation Partners is managing the intellectual property for this cell replacement technology on behalf of the Mount Sinai researchers and is actively engaged with commercial collaboration opportunities.

About Mount Sinai Innovation Partners

Mount Sinai Innovation Partners (Mount Sinai IP), as part of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, facilitates the transfer of discovery from the laboratory to the marketplace, acting as the interface with commercial entities.

Mount Sinai IP is responsible for the full spectrum of commercialization activities required to bring the Icahn School of Medicines inventions to life. These activities include evaluating, patenting, marketing, and licensing new technologies, while also negotiating agreements for sponsored research, material transfer, and confidentiality. Blue Mountain Technologies is an IP program to enhance distribution of, and product development based on, Mount Sinais growing portfolio of novel reagents, diagnostics, and therapeutics. For more information on Mount Sinai IP, visit: http://www.mountsinai.org/innovation

About the Black Family Stem Cell Institute

The Black Family Stem Cell Institute is Mount Sinais foundation for both basic and disease-oriented research on embryonic and adult stem cells. The therapeutic use of stem cells is a promising area of medicine for the decades ahead and researchers are examining why stem cells function in certain types of niches, microenvironments, and pockets of activity. Investigators are working to break the code in stem cell communication by determining how stem cells signal one another and other cells. The new knowledge that will result from this research holds the promise of diagnostic and therapeutic breakthroughs.

Studies show that it is possible to reprogram adult skin cells into cells that are very similar to embryonic stem cells. Once stem cells can be grown and differentiated in a controlled way to replace degenerated cells and repair tissues, medical science may then be able to diagnose and cure many intractable diseases at their earliest stages, such as type 1 diabetes, Parkinsons disease, various cardiovascular diseases, liver disease, and cancer.

For more information, visit http://icahn.mssm.edu/research/institutes/black-family-stem-cell-institute/about-us.

About the Cellular Therapy Laboratory

The new Cellular Therapy Laboratory completes phase one of a three part reconstruction project which includes a new Blood Bank as well as a new HLA Laboratory. The Cellular Therapy Laboratory is responsible for the processing, cryopreservation and storage of hematopoietic cellular products used in the treatment of leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkins disease, multiple myeloma and selected solid tumors. Our laboratory provides assistance with the infusion of cellular therapy products for both inpatients and outpatients undergoing autologous and/or allogeneic transplantation.

The new Class 10,000 environmentally controlled processing facility includes an anteroom and two processing suites equipped with Class 100 biological safety cabinets. This expansion will enable our laboratory to meet the growing demands of Mount Sinais Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplantation Program which performs over 170 transplants a year. In addition, the laboratory also performs processing in support of clinical trials using cellular products for treatment of non-hematologic diseases.

Our laboratory is accredited by the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT), the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB), the College of American Pathologists (CAP), and the Clinical Laboratories Improvement Amendment (CLIA). We are registered with and inspected by the State of New York Department of Health and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

About The Mount Sinai Medical Center

The Mount Sinai Medical Center encompasses both The Mount Sinai Hospital and Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Established in 1968, the Icahn School of Medicine is one of the leading medical schools in the United States, and is noted for innovation in education, biomedical research, clinical care delivery, and local and global community service. It has more than 3,400 faculty in 32 departments and 14 research institutes, and ranks among the top 20 medical schools both in National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding and by U.S. News & World Report.

The Mount Sinai Hospital, founded in 1852, is a 1,171-bed tertiary- and quaternary-care teaching facility and one of the nation's oldest, largest and most-respected voluntary hospitals. In 2012, U.S. News & World Report ranked The Mount Sinai Hospital 14th on i

Research Confirms 21-Day Cleanse Program Promotes Healthy Weight Loss while Reducing Cholesterol and Blood Pressure Levels

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) April 08, 2013

Beachbody

Lower Blood Pressure In 4 Weeks Without Prescription Drugs: Dr Janet on Radio

Philadelphia, PA (PRWEB) April 20, 2013

Many of us do not know what our blood pressure reading is or how we can bring down our blood pressure to normal levels. Nutritionist and Award-Winning Author of "Cholesterol Down," Dr Janet Brill will guide listeners on what a normal blood pressure is and discuss the findings of her upcoming book "Blood Pressure Down: The 10-step program to lower your blood pressure in 4 weeks-without prescription drugs" in a series of radio shows starting with BlogTalkRadios Grilliant Ideas Radio Show w/ Grilliant's Foodie Friends on April 20th at 9:00 am EST.

High blood pressure can be lowered and prevented quickly and safelywithout the side effects of many blood pressure medications in ten simple and delicious steps through a unique plan that harnesses the power of the lifestyle changes, reveals the latest book by renowned dietitian Janet Brill PhD, RDN, LDN, CSSD.

Dr Janet, an expert in the field of health and cardiovascular disease prevention and lifestyle nutrition, will discuss the problems and solutions related to high blood pressure next with Cathy Blythe, Co-host, KFOR Morning Radio Show, Lincoln Nebraska, on Monday May 6th at 10:10am (Eastern time).

Dr Janet will also help listeners get valuable tips on how to lower blood pressure levels and maintain a healthy lifestyle on the Dr. Alvin Augustus Jones Radio Show, WJFK-AM-CBS Radio Sports Washington, D.C. WNEW-FM-News 99.1, WCBQ-WHNC-AM-The Paradise Network, Raleigh on May 7th at 11:15am (Eastern time).

About BLOOD PRESSURE DOWN

BLOOD PRESSURE DOWN: The 10-Step Plan to Lower Your Blood Pressure in 4 WeeksWithout Prescription Drugs (Three Rivers Press; May 7th, 2013) by Dr Janet, unveils ten, simple delicious steps to harness the power of the lifestyle changes, including elements of the DASH diet, proven to be the most effective medicine for hypertension: blood pressure power foods like bananas, yogurt, soy, and dark chocolate, as well as exercise and stress reduction.

To be published on May 7th, BLOOD PRESSURE DOWN will arrive just in time for National High Blood Pressure Education Month and is the perfect guide for anyone who has been diagnosed with high blood pressure, feels they may be at risk, or is simply looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The book can be pre-ordered now.

Speaking about the book, Jennifer H Mieres, MD, FACC, FASNC, FAHA, Professor of Cardiology & Population Health, Hofstra North Shore, LIJ School of Medicine, says, "A simple, holistic and achievable 10 step plan that is highly effective in reaching the ideal blood pressure in 4 weeks. Maintaining optimal blood pressure is critical in preventing heart disease and stroke."

Backed by solid research, Brill cuts through the medical jargon to explain how and why each step in her program works. The Blood Pressure Down plan is both thorough and accessible, including many convenient checklists, charts, meal plans, and over fifty delicious heart-healthy recipes that make incorporating each step into a heart-healthy lifestyle easy, practical, and never overwhelming.

Cardiovascular disease is Americas leading cause of death. Every thirty nine seconds, we lose another American to a fatal heart attack or stroke, and yet, despite the fact that the largest risk factor for cardiovascular deathhigh blood pressureis both reversible and preventable, seventy-eight million adult Americans continue to suffer from this life-threatening condition, and another two million will be diagnosed over the next year.

Perhaps even more alarming, fifty-six percent of those already diagnosed with this potentially fatal affliction still do not have their blood pressure under control, with many deterred by the frustrating side effects of medications.

The good news? Lifestyle changes can be just as effective as prescription drugs in reversing and preventing hypertension. In fact, the government-endorsed Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet was rated the #1 Best Diet Overall by the U.S. News & World Report.

About Dr Janet Brill

Janet Bond Brill (http://www.drjanet.com) is an award winning author, nutritionist and Go Red Spokesperson. She is a nationally recognized expert in the field of health, wellness and cardiovascular disease prevention and is frequently sought after by the media as a trusted source of nutrition and fitness information.

"There is no medicine more powerful or supplement more effective in promoting health and longevity than the combination of good nutrition with daily exercise," says Dr Janet, Nutrition & Fitness Expert, Writer, Speaker, Spokesperson, Consultant, Educator, Blogger, wife and mother of three.

Dr. Janet is the author of three books:

hCGTreatments / Diet Doc hCG Diets & Weight Loss Plans Now Lower the Risk of High Blood Pressure Through Weight Loss Diets that Reduce Hormones Associated with Obesity

Buffalo, NY (PRWEB) April 25, 2013

The number one goal of Diet Docs new and improved prescription hCG weight loss diets is to rid clients of potential risks associated with being overweight or obese, including high blood pressure and heart disease. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to permanent disability, poor quality of life, or even a fatal heart attack.

Published in the scientific journal, Cell Metabolism, researchers isolated a protein in brain cells that, when activated by small molecules and hormones associated with obesity and cardiovascular disease, lead to potentially deadly increases in blood pressure. Leptin, the hormone associated with obesity, circulates at levels proportional to body fat and signals to the brain that the body has had enough to eat.

Diet Docs hCG weight loss diets were designed to target unnecessary and often embarrassing excess fat stores, improving each patients overall quality of life and lowering health risks associated with being overweight or obese. Diet Doc employs the best professionally trained dietary experts to create these unique hCG diet plans, individually tailored around each patients specific health factors. Diet Doc physicians, nutritionists and nurses all work together to ensure safe and effective results for each patient, based on each patients individual health needs, resulting in fast weight loss and a healthier long-term future.

In a new study performed by researchers with the University of Iowa, the relationship between obesity, heart disease, and high blood pressure was explored at a deeper level to reveal the cause and effect between these potentially deadly issues. Previous studies have linked a portion of the brain responsible for maintaining normal body function, including functions such as blood pressure, with food intake and body mass but this new study isolates a specific protein within brain cells that responds directly to stimulation from molecules and hormones associated with obesity and cardiovascular disease.

It is common knowledge that being overweight increases the risk of high hypertension and physicians recommend diet plans to achieve significant weight loss and reduce the risk of potentially deadly hypertension. Kamal Rahmouni, a University of Iowa associate professor of pharmacology and internal medicine, and the senior study author for this project, demonstrated that leptin, a hormone produced by fat cells, activates this protein and causes increased nerve activity and a rise in blood pressure. Rahmouni reported, Given the importance of this protein for the control of blood pressure, any abnormality in its activity might explain the hypertension associated with certain conditions like obesity and cardiovascular disease." Diet plans that focus on weight loss as well as long-term lifestyle changes not only help patients achieve their initial health goals, but also help maintain a healthy weight in the future thereby reducing the risk for dangerous weight related health issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

Patients who follow the prescription hCG diet protocol, created specifically for every patient by Diet Doc, based on simple yet effective medical evaluation from leading health physicians, can anticipate fast weight loss in the most difficult and stubborn areas such as the stomach, thighs and hips. The procedure used to create these personalized hCG diet plans includes extensive medical evaluation and a consultation with a Diet Doc physician, either via telephone or Skype. After the initial consultation, the physician creates personalized diet plans specifically designed around the patients health history, age and lifestyle, among other individual factors. Each patient will next consult with a Diet Doc nutritionist to discuss calorie intake and specific foods appropriate for their hCG weight loss diet, based on how each patients body functions optimally. The companys nutritionist works closely with the evaluating physician to ensure maximum efficacy and cohesion with every patients body and long-term health goals. By following this simple yet effective formula, Diet Doc is confident that patients will successfully lose weight fast and rid themselves of potentially deadly health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and even type II diabetes.

Diet Doc Contact Information:

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Hypnotension responds to a new report that suggests alternative treatments may help cut blood pressure

(PRWEB UK) 2 May 2013

Alternative treatments like

University Finds that Lifting Weights May Lower Blood Sugar Levels, Suggesting that Supplements Like Prescopodene May Assist By Creating More Energetic Exercise Sessions

Australia (PRWEB) May 08, 2013

It has been a well-known fact that lifting weights builds muscles and strengthens bones. However, new research indicates that it also lowers blood glucose levels, meaning that all-natural weight loss supplements like Prescopodene may help keep blood sugar manageable by keeping a person energized through their regular exercise routines.

In an article published on April 7, 2013 by the University of Michigans News Service, they point to findings by Jiandie Lin, Associate Professor at the University of Michigans Medical School as changing the way that people have long thought about white muscles and the negative effect they have on diabetes.

The human body has several different types of muscles. Some are red, some are white and there are ones in between. People who engage in endurance-type activities, such as running, have more red muscles, whereas those who engage in more weight bearing exercises, like weight lifting, have more white ones.

To figure out if white muscle is harmful for diabetics, as it has long been believed, they searched for a protein that aids in the creation of white muscle. They found one called BAF60c. Then they used mice to see how it affected their endurance levels, and thus their ability to generate white muscle as they wanted to see if it impacted their blood sugar levels.

They found that the mice with the BAF606 protein ran less than mice that didnt have it. However, when they fed the protein-containing mice a high fat diet and they gained weight, they were more efficient at keeping their blood glucose levels stabilized than their non-protein counterparts.

This suggests that gaining muscle via strength training workouts may assist with blood sugar levels remaining more constant. Therefore, weight loss supplements like Prescopodene, which contain energy enhancing ingredients such as green tea and grape seed extract, may help give people the motivation to engage in the regular weight lifting routines they need for complete blood health.

About Prescopodene Nutritionals:

Prescopodene Nutritionals is helping people around the world lose weight, improve their health, and maximize their daily satisfaction. With a catalog of healthy living products that is winning awards and recognition, the company is delivering all-natural weight loss solutions to customers around the globe. Prescopodene Nutritionals is based in Australia and the USA and their CEO is Jack Smythe.