Expert opinion on biological therapy
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Since their isolation and characterization nearly a decade ago, adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) have become one of the most popular adult stem cell populations for research in soft tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications. Compared with other stem cell sources, ASCs offer several advantages including an abundant autologous source, minor invasive harvesting (liposuction), significant proliferative capacity in culture and multi-lineage potential. Numerous preclinical studies have been pursued, with early clinical data appearing in the literature. ⋯ Although standardization of ASC harvesting and processing techniques, as well as long-term results of existing clinical studies, remains to be addressed, the known biological properties of ASCs suggest a potential role in enhancing fat graft retention and facilitating minimally invasive reconstructive treatments. While clinical applications are being reported, well controlled clinical studies are needed to demonstrate safety and efficacy.
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Expert Opin Biol Ther · Jan 2012
ReviewBenralizumab--a humanized mAb to IL-5Rα with enhanced antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity--a novel approach for the treatment of asthma.
Benralizumab is a monoclonal antibody that binds the α subunit of the receptor to IL-5. As IL-5 is implicated in disease states that are mediated by eosinophils, benralizumab is an attractive option for use in the management of asthma. As a result of enhanced antibody-directed cell cytotoxicity, it has enhanced eosinophil-depleting activity as compared with neutralizing monoclonal antibody directed against IL-5. ⋯ Our review indicates that although further investigation is necessary to demonstrate clinical benefit, benralizumab remains a promising treatment modality.
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Prosthetic replacements, autologous tissue transfer and allografts have so far failed to offer functional solutions for the treatment of long circumferential tracheal defects and loss of a functioning larynx. Interest has therefore turned increasingly to the field of tissue-engineering which applies the principles and methods of bioengineering, material science, cell transplantation and life sciences in an effort to develop in vitro biological substitutes able to restore, maintain or improve tissue and organ function. ⋯ The replacement of active movement, as would be necessary to replace an entire larynx introduces another order of magnitude of complexity, although progress in this area is starting to bear fruit. In addition, the stem cell field is advancing rapidly, opening new avenues for this type of therapy.
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Expert Opin Biol Ther · Dec 2011
Review Meta AnalysisAdditive value of adult bone-marrow-derived cell transplantation to conventional revascularization in chronic ischemic heart disease: a systemic review and meta-analysis.
Whether adult bone marrow (BM)-derived cells (BMCs) transplantation benefits patients with chronic ischemic heart disease (IHD) remains controversial. This systemic and meta-analysis study aimed to assess the potential therapeutic effects of BMCs transplantation with revascularization in chronic IHD. ⋯ Selected-BMCs transplantation through myocardial injection after surgical revascularization may benefit patients with chronic IHD and severely impaired LV function. Due to the limitation of patient number, RCT with larger sample size and long follow-up are required for future research.