1. What is Stem Cell?
Stem cells and other human mature cells are different. Known as universal cells or unspecified cells, they will differentiate into specific mature cells when they are given a specific and appropriate conditions. In human, stem cells can differentiate during embryonic stage to form different tissues and organs. For human beings after birth, stem cells still exists in the organs where their functions are to repair or replace damaged or diseased affected tissues and organs.
2. What are the characteristics of stem cell?
Stem cells have the following versatile characteristic:
- have the ability to migrate.
- has the ability to transplant at the organs or tissues.
- a copy (clones) capabilities.
- proliferative capability can be induced under the influence of acidic cells (cytokines)
3. What is the potential of embryonic stem cells?
The performance of human embryonic stem cells has been shown to be fully functional, widespread and potent. Ukraine’s National Medical University Stem Cell Treatment Centre through its 18 years of clinical experience confirmed that human embryonic stem cell treatment effect are very broad including the ability to treat various chronic disease, anti-aging and also to enhance the human body’s physiological function.
4. How are the stem cells used in Ukraine’s Stem Cell Center being prepared?
- High quality embryos were obtained under the safety and legitimacy from the gynaecological department in the specified regulation time.
- Prepare to culture the embryonic cells.
- Stored in sterile containers. Rigorous testing on the safeness and viability of embryonic cell suspensions.
- Stored in the low temperature of -196ºC liquid nitrogen freezer.
- Defrost before used and measured again for its survivability and safety.
5. How are the embryonic stem cells stored in the clinic?
The embryonic stem cells or tissues are stored in liquid nitrogen container at the temperature of -196°C
6. Who is eligible for stem cell therapy?
Stem cell therapy has a wide range of applications; it can be use by those who are seeking for anti-aging treatment, enhance overall physical functions, prevent diseases, and improve recovery from diseases.
7. What is the efficacy of stem cell therapy?
Ukraine’s Stem Cell Center has 16 years and 6000 cases of clinical experience. Below is a tracking report of the effects observed on patients’ post- treatment:
1.) Improved physical functions - a few hours to 1-4 weeks post-transplantation
2.) Improved of mental state - a few hours to 5-6 months post-transplantation
3.) Improved quality of life - 1st week to 5-6 months post-transplantation
4.) Improved of health condition - 1st week to 8th week post-transplantation
5.) Improvement on damage tissues and organs – within one month
6.) Improvement on depression and frustration – after 3-6 months
7.) Elimination of anxiety and increased emotional stability – after 3-6 months
8.) Increased awareness – after 3-6 months
9.) Increased memory capacity – after 3-6 months
10.) Improved sleep quality – after 3-6 months
11.) Improved social relationships – after 3-6 months
12.) Improved interests – after 3-6 months
13.) Rejuvenated appearance and improved skin condition – 1st week to 8th week
8. How long will the effects of the treatment last?
According to clinical experience, the effects of ESCT treatment may last from a few months to a few years. The effects will increase 1-2 months after ESCT. Long-term effects can be observed within 6-8 months, 2-3 years after ESCT. Depending on the patient’s fitness and conditions, in some cases, the effects may last for a lifetime. Generally, it is suggested that patients with disease should return for treatment after 1-2 years. Meanwhile, people who want diseases prevention and anti-aging can return for treatment after 2-5 years.
9. Do I have to go to Ukraine’s Stem Cell Center for the embryonic stem cell therapy?
Yes. The embryonic stem cell suspensions used by Ukraine’s Stem Cell Center are from the selection of the best stem cell which had wide range of capability and most effective for treating diseases. Ukraine’s Stem Cell Center is approved by the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, and protected under the legislation. Since 1994, the clinic has 16 years of clinical experience and 6000 medical cases and academic records. Currently, human embryonic stem cells transplantation can be performed legally by Ukraine’s Stem Cell Center, which is an affiliated centre of Ukraine’s National Medical University.
10. Are there many types of stem cell therapy?
Stem cell therapies that are currently available include:
- Adult bone marrow stem cell transplantation
- Adult peripheral blood stem cell transplantation
- Cord blood stem cell transplantation
- Human embryonic stem cell transplantation
- Animal embryonic stem cell transplantation
The president of Ukraine’s Stem Cell Center, Professor Alexander Smikodub, had observed through clinical experience that human embryonic stem cells have the widest applications for different types of diseases, while other stem cells can be used for certain specific diseases only.
11. Are stem cells being sold in ampoules?
No. Human embryonic stem cells can only survive under certain conditions; they cannot be packed in ampoules or shipped through regular transportation to be sold in the market.
12. What are the diseases that can be treated by stem cell therapy? Is it effective?
The effects of human embryonic stem cells have been proven to be multi-functional and powerful. Under the guidance of Dr. Alexander Smikodub, the doctors at National Medical University of Ukraine have developed treatments for the following diseases:
· Cancer
· Malnutrition and degenerative diseases
· Autoimmune diseases
· Nervous system diseases
· Anaemia by different causes
· Diabetes
· Connective tissue diseases
· Aging
· Mental and physical disorders
13. Will there be any problems with transplant rejection?
Histocompatibility has always been regarded as stumbling-block of transplantology, causing rejection of transplanted organs, bone marrow and cord blood stem cells, etc., thus requiring special measures aimed at suppression of the recipient's immune system. With fetal stem cell transplantation, it is possible to avoid any side effects related to histocompatibility and ensure engraftment and proliferation of the administered cells, as well as their functioning in the body for many months and even years without immunosuppression.
14. Can stem cell therapy enhance overall physical functions in addition to treating diseases?
Yes. After the embryonic stem cell transplantation, two effects can be confirmed:
I. Stem cells will concentrate on repairing the targeted lesion
II. Improvement in overall body system
Related body systems include: mental and emotional system, physical activity, immune system and cardiovascular system. The recipient’s internal organs will automatically adjust and balance themselves to achieve better functions.
15. Is stem cell therapy limited to the treatment of early stage cancer?
No. ESCT is applicable for the treatment of cancer at any stages.
ESCT can:
- Help anemic patients & patients who are weak to increase a patient’s tolerance towards tumor removal operation and chemotherapy, and accelerate recovery
- Reduce the side effects of chemotherapy
- Restore anti-cancer immunity (including the increase of N-K Cells)
- Improve hematopoetic functions
- Improve physical functions and reduce weakness
- Improve psycho-emotional status
- Improve quality of life, prolong life, prevent cancer, and cancer recurrence
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16. Is stem cell therapy effective for diabetes treatment?
Yes. Ukraine’s Stem Cell Center has developed a ESCT based method for diabetes treatment. This method can result in the decrease of blood sugar level and reduce the dose of exogenous insulin by 50-70%. More than 10 years of clinical experience have proven that this method is effective for the treatment of diabetes type I and II. Other effects include:
- Normalization of immune system
- Normalization of haematological indices
- Reduce manifestation of micro- and macroangiopathy and trophic disturbances
- Reduce the symptoms of malnutrition
- Improve physical condition and restore energy
- Relieve sickness and achieve deeper remission
- Reduce complications
- Improve quality of life and increase life expectancy
ESTC is applicable to all stages of diabetes. It is most effective in the treatment of early stage diabetes, and can prevent the condition from worsening.
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17. Is embryonic stem cell therapy beneficial for a 70-year-old person who is in good health?
The number of stem cells in a 70-year-old person has been reduced to the ratio of one stem cell per one million cells. This implies that there are insufficient stem cells to repair lesions or damaged tissues, which will result in disease and aging. If ESCT treatment is introduce at this period to replenish the stem cells, it is possible to increase life expectancy, rejuvenate health and treat a wider range of diseases.
18. Is embryonic stem cell therapy beneficial for patient with heart disease and has undergone angioplasty?
Patients with cardiovascular disease must pay attention to the prevention, monitoring and control of cardiovascular condition under the instruction of their cardiovascular specialist. Patients also need to maintain their blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar level within the normal range. In addition to these protection measures, embryonic stem cell transplantation can help patients to enhance their physical condition, cardiovascular functions, immune system, reduce complications and improve their emotional condition, sleep quality, memory capacity and appetite.
19. Is embryonic stem cell treatment beneficial for patients with sensitive skin?
According to our clinical experience, after receiving treatment, patients with sensitive skin will have less breakouts, reduce dependence on drugs, and experience enhancement and improvement in overall physical functions, including hematopoietic system, immune system, digestive system, nervous system, musculoskeletal system, and skin condition.
20. Is embryonic stem cell therapy suitable for patient who in the past had experienced stroke leading to coma but is now recovering, and is currently learning to walk but still having difficulty speaking?
As long as the patient can withstand 12 hours of air travel, it is advised that the patient receive embryonic stem cell transplantation as soon as possible. Although it is over the prime-time for treatment, embryonic stem cell transplantation can still help to a certain extent with the recovery process, including the acceleration of the recovery of damaged nerves, and enhancement of overall physical functions, sleep quality, appetite and quality of life.
21. What are the effects of embryonic stem cell therapy on patients with high blood pressure?
After the embryonic stem cell transplantation, two effects can be confirmed:
I. Stem cells will concentrate on repairing the targeted lesion
II. Improvement in overall body system
Related body systems include: mental and emotional system, physical activity, immune system and cardiovascular system. As recipient’s internal organs will automatically adjust and balance themselves to achieve better functions, blood pressure will also return to normal level. However, it is recommended that patients continue to receive regular examinations, care and treatment from their cardiovascular specialists.
22. What is the source of the stem cells used in Ukraine’s Stem Cell Center?
We use 3–8 weeks old embryonic stem cells donated legally from healthy donor and subjected to multiple safety testing. The donor would undergo several different health examinations and DNA examination to ensure there would not be any problems of infection or hereditary disease. During these period, embryonic stem cells still preserve their pluripotent properties (ability to differentiate into cells of different germ layers: mesenchymal, ecto- and endodermal) and are the most effective in treating different diseases and conditions.
23. What is the advantage of embryonic stem cells in comparison with other types of stem cells (adult, cord blood, animal cells)?
1. Embryonic stem cells (ESC) have the highest proliferative potential (ability to multiply).
2. Administration of these cells (embryonic stem cells of 3 to 8 weeks) helps to avoid histocompatibility problems as they have yet to develop immunity function.
3. Embryonic stem cells (ESC) still preserve the ability to multiply (until week 9)
4. Using embryonic stem cells of this period of time (3 to 8 weeks) would avoid any probability of uncontrolled growth.
24. Are there adverse side effects related to ESC treatment?
Indications and contraindications for administration of ESC were worked out by the professionals of Ukraine’s Stem Cell Center. So far, no adverse side effects were reported after ESC administration.
25. How long is the time needed for 1 course of ESC treatment?
Average duration of ESC treatment course varies from 2 to 5 days and depends on the diagnosis of the illness and complications or concomitant diseases of patients. Therefore a comprehensive examination will be done before treatment in order to inform the patient about the time needed for treatment.
26. How soon is it possible to see the effect after treatment?
Post-transplantation effects develop in 2 stages:
Stage I (suspensional) – development of effects several hours after transplantation of embryonic stem cells (ESC). These includes improvement of general condition, less fatigue, better workability, better appetite and lower body temperature. This improvement is most strongly observed in patients with severe or advanced diseases. It is also obvious in psychofunctional changes with the decreased in somatic depression, improved emotional state and cognitive processes.
Stage II (cell stage) begins 1–2 months after transplantation. During this stage, stem cells have already reached the old and damaged tissues or organs to continue repairing and help improve illness including stabilization of hematopoiesis, improvement of immunity, inhibition of progression, lesser degree of dystrophy of different organs and systems including brain, liver, kidney, skin, bowel, cartilages, bones, heart, vessels etc., improvement in inflammation, increased Karnofsky’s Index, and life quality improvement. These effects took place after 15–40 days.are associated with cytokine cascade (formation of biologically active substances – cytokines, cytokinines) taking place after 15–40 days.
27. What are similarities and differences between fetal and adult stem cells?
1.) Adult stem cells exist in the human body in many tissues but are the amount is very low.
2.) Adult stem cells lack the versatile differentiation ability as compared to embryonic stem cell.
3.) Embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells are the same where there are no worries about rejection problem and no need to use immunosuppressive agents.
28. What are the differences between embryonic stem cells of the type from the body and embryonic stem cells from in vitro test tube?
Embryonic stem cells from the body originate from the embryos in the embryonic period of 5 – 8 weeks. The treatment center will choose and isolate the stem cells (ectoderm, mesoderm, endoderm) in the lab and preserved it using liquid nitrogen under the condition of -196°C and will be thawed accordingly to the needs of the different organs system and transplanted into the human body. During this period, the embryonic stem cells will not have uncontrolled abnormal growth phenomenon.
As for the embryonic stem cells from in vitro test tube, they are from the early embryonic stage (5-8 days) of the embryo sac and will be cultured further in the test tube
29. How are embryonic stem cells different from cord blood cells?
1. Proliferative potential of cord blood cells is lower than that of embryonic stem cells.
2. Cord blood cells are polypotent, not pluripotent.
3. Cord blood stem cells express histocompatibility antigens, therefore there might be rejection after transplantation and due to this immunosuppressant need to be used in order to ensure their compatibility.
30. What is the potential of embryonic stem cells?
Stem cell is a science of the method used for treatment of the diseases and conditions resulting in cell count reduction, therefore this method is indicated for a large number of diseases characterized by cell and tissue damage, dystrophy, hypo- and atrophy.
16 years of research and clinical practice showed efficacy of fetal stem cells in treatment of the most severe human diseases including but not limited to multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, stroke, traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, types 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus, myocardium diseases, heart failure, autoimmune and genetic diseases, blood diseases, eye diseases etc. Unique properties of stem cells allowing for creation of the new tissue to substitute for irreversibly damaged (as it was thought before) one ignited hope in many patients whose diseases were considered incurable. Fetal stem cells are exceptionally effective in anti-aging treatment.
31. Are there contraindications?
Ukraine Stem Cell Center professionals worked out indications and contraindications for stem cell treatment, and they depend on the disease.
The list of contraindications is quite limited, the main being as follows:
1) Exacerbated vasculitis: capillaritis, phlebitis, arteritis (TFSC is possible after at least three months of remission).
2) Acute thrombosis (treatment is possible not earlier than 3–6 months after exacerbation).
3) Acute hemophthalmia (after 3 months).
4) Expressed pulmonary hypertension secondary to vasculitis, thrombosis, pneumonia, development of acute or subacute pulmonary heart.
5) Myelocarcinosis, myelofibrosis.
6) Terminal stage of the disease (expressed intoxication, advanced metabolic dysfunctions and decompensation of internal organs).
7) Chronic infection lesions (preliminary treatment is required because administration of fetal stem cells might cause exacerbation).
8) Chronic viral infections (preliminary treatment is required).
9) Psychiatric diseases (risk of exacerbation).
There are also disease-related contraindications that can be found in the process of case report analysis.
32. Can embryonic stem cell therapy treat eye diseases?
We offer successful treatment for such diseases as diabetes-induced degenerative retinal diseases, retinitis pigmentosa, hemophthalmia, Best disease and other retinal dystrophies, eye injury, partial or full atrophy of optic nerve.
33. Is embryonic stem cell therapy suitable for the treatment of different diseases? Is the treatment standardized?
Ukraine’s Stem Cell Center is an affiliated centre of the National Medical University of Ukraine. Since 1994, it has accumulated 16 years of clinical experience and treated 6000 medical cases including menopausal syndrome, diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, sexual functional decline, joint disease, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, nervous system disease, brain and neurodegenerative disorders, blood diseases, intestinal diseases, cancer, tumours, etc. The treatment will be formulated differently according to each patient’s disease and condition.
34. How can I receive treatment in Ukraine’s Stem Cell Center?
Individuals who are interested in going to Ukraine for embryonic stem cell transplantation need go through the following procedures:
1. Submit medical reports, diagnosis, treatment and medical history to the Asian medical team
2. The Asian medical team will process and forward the relevant documents to Ukraine
3. Medical experts at Ukraine’s Stem Cell Center will review the individual’s case and formulate the treatment
4. Individual departs for Ukraine’s Stem Cell Center and go through medical examination and more specific tests
5. After the examination, individual will receive two embryonic stem cell transplantations.
6. After returning to home country, the Asian medical team will continue to monitor the individual’s condition and report to
Ukraine’s Stem Cell Center.
35. Is embryonic stem cell therapy suitable for everyone? Is there any screening process?
Individual interested in getting stem cell therapy will need to submit his/her personal data, medical reports and the purpose of getting the therapy. The medical team of Ukraine’s Stem Cell Center will decide if the individual is suitable for the therapy or not.
36. To qualify for the embryonic stem cell therapy, do I need to provide official medical reports and detailed medical history?
Yes. You need to provide official medical reports and detailed medical history.
37. Embryonic stem cell therapy and anti-aging treatment.
Ukraine’s Stem Cell Center and Malaysia’s polypeptide nutrition therapy has its own unique position in the international medical field. The therapy focuses on the treatment and preservation of internal health in order to prevent aging. So far, the therapy has been very effective; after the treatment, patients experience improved immune systems, better physical functions, rejuvenated appearance, less infection or sickness and enhanced physical strength. Patients also enjoy better mental, emotional and sleep condition.
38. What is the treatment process at Ukraine’s Stem Cell Center?
For each treatment at Ukraine’s Stem Cell Center, the patient will receive two embryonic stem cell transplantations. The medical team of Ukraine’s Stem Cell Center will formulate the stem cell suspension and dosage according to each patient’s need and condition.
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39. What is the time interval and dosage of the treatment?
This will be determined by the medical team of Ukraine’s Stem Cell Center.
40. Can I bring back embryonic stem cell injections for my own use?
According the national law of Ukraine, embryonic stem cells are not allowed to be exported out of the country.
41. Can embryonic stem cell injections pass through airport security?
No.
42. Can you provide any injection apparatus and instructions for home-use?
No comment as we do not have such experience.
43. Can you provide images of the injection dosage, injection apparatus and packaging of embryonic stem cells?
No comment as we do not have such experience.
44.What are the physical examinations required before going for the treatment?
The patient is required to take a blood test. If the patient has any special conditions, he/she needs to submit hospitalized records, diagnosis reports, medical history and other test results such as X-ray, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, endoscopic, muscle strength test and electrocardiogram, ocular fundus examination, hearing test, urine test, bone density test, hormone level, tumor markets, serological examination etc.
45. What should the patient take note of before the treatment? Are there any food or activities restriction during the travel?
No, there is no restriction. Patient can still travel normally while receiving the treatment.
47. Is the treatment standardized or is it customized according to the condition and needs of each patient?
Ukraine’s Stem Cell Center will customize the treatment according to a patient’s gender, age and conditions. The clinic led by Dr. Alexander Smikodub has developed more than 200 methods of stem cell suspensions treatment. One example is the ESCT based method for diabetes treatment which results in pronounced hypoglycaemic effect including decrease of blood sugar level and allowing to reduce the dose of exogenous insulin by 50-70%.
48. How are embryonic stem cells produced? How do you ensure the safety of these biological agents?
Ukraine’s Stem Cell Center uses stem cells donated by legitimate and healthy donors, who are selected through rigorous screening process. Donors need to go through body checkups and DNA testing by multiple medical departments to ensure there are no concerns for infectious or genetic disease.
49. Is compatibility required for embryonic stem cell transplantation? Will there be transplant rejection?
Compatibility is not required. Embryonic stem cells are not rejected by the recipient due to the late expression of histocompatibility antigen (within 3-8 weeks time, HLA expressions are almost undetectable). Therefore, embryonic stem cell transplantation is more advantageous than the transplantation of adult stem cells, cord blood stem cells or animal stem cells.
50. Can the treatment result in teratomas or other tumors?
Teratomas can be caused only by early embryonic stem cells (in vitro) (1–2 weeks old). These cells are not yet “educated,” they do not have clear differentiation and morphogenesis program and are capable of uncontrolled growth. We use 5–8 weeks old cells that are differentiated, “educated” in germ layers, no longer capable of uncontrolled growth, and “know for sure” what cell or tissue type they should turn in.
Since 1994, Ukraine’s Stem Cell Center has treated 6000 medical cases and so far, no adverse side effects were reported after embryonic stem cell administration.
51. Does the patient need to take immunosuppressive drugs after the embryonic stem cell transplantation?
No.
52. Is there any agreement regarding the effects and safety of the stem cell therapy between the organization and the client? What is the content of the agreement?
Yes. Before accepting treatment, the patient needs to understand the procedures and effects of the treatment, and sign a consent agreement.