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1. What is a stem cell?
A stem cell is
a cell that has the ability to duplicate itself endlessly and to
become cells of virtually any organ and tissue of the body.
Embryonic stem cells are cells extracted from the blastula, the
very early embryo, that have an exceptional ability to duplicate
in vitro, that is in a test tube, and to become cells of almost
any tissue. Adult stem cells are cells found in an organism
after birth. Until very recently, the capability of adult stem
cells have been historically believed to be limited to becoming
blood cells, bone and connective tissue. But recent development
over the past 5 years have revealed that adult stem cells have
capabilities similar to embryonic stem cells.
2. What is the Stem Cell Theory of Renewal?
The Stem Cell
Theory of Renewal proposes that stem cells are naturally
released by the bone marrow and travel via the bloodstream
toward cells in need. When an organ is subjected to a challenge,
this organ releases compounds that trigger the release of stem
cells from the bone marrow. The organ also releases compound
that attracts stem cells to this organ. The released stem cells
then follow the concentration gradient of these compounds and
leave to blood circulation to migrate in the organ where they
proliferate and differentiate into cells of this organ.
3. Why do we hear much in the news about
embryonic stem cells and very little about adult stem cells?
The first human
embryonic stem cells were grown in vitro, in a petri dish, in
the mid 1990s. Rapidly, scientists were successful at growing
them for many generations and to trigger their differentiation
into virtually any kind of cells, i.e. brain cells, heart cells,
liver cells, bone cells, pancreatic cells, etc. When scientists
tried growing adult stem cells, the endeavor was met with less
success, as adult stem cells were difficult to grow in vitro for
more than a few generations. This led to the idea that embryonic
stem cells have more potential than adult stem cells. In
addition, the ethical concerns linked to the use of embryonic
stem cells has led to a disproportion representation of
embryonic stem cells in the media. But recent developments over
the past 2-3 years have established that adult stem cells have
capabilities comparable to embryonic stem cells in the human
body, not in the test tube. Many studies have shown that simply
releasing stem cell from the bone marrow can lead to optimal
health
4. What is the effect of StemEnhance?
StemEnhance™ is
a blend of two compounds extracted from the aquatic botanical
Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA). One extract, which contains an
L-selectin ligand, supports the release of stem cells (CD34+
cells) from the bone marrow. The other extract, a
polysaccharide-rich fraction named Migratose™, may support the
migration of stem cells out of the blood into tissues.
5. What is the science behind StemEnhance?
The effect of
StemEnhance™ on stem cells was tested in a triple-blind study.
In brief, volunteers rested for one hour before the first blood
sample, which established the baseline level in the number of
circulating stem cells. After the first blood samples,
volunteers were given StemEnhance™ or placebo. Thereafter, blood
samples were taken at 30, 60 and 120 minutes after taking the
consumables. The number of circulating stem cells was quantified
by analyzing the blood samples using Fluorescence-Activated Cell
Sorting (FACS). Consumption of StemEnhance™ triggered a
significant 25% increase in the number of circulating stem
cells.
6. What is the recommended dose?
One gram of
StemEnhance™ triggers a significant 25-35% increase in the
number of circulating stem cells. The effect lasts for a few
hours. The recommended dosage is therefore 2 capsules once or
twice day, at least 6 hours apart.
7. Can StemEnhance deplete the bone marrow?
Do we have a finite number of stem cells?
No, StemEnhance™
will not deplete the bone marrow. The bone marrow constantly
produces stem cells for the entire life of an individual. Stem
cells released by the bone marrow are responsible for the
constant renewal of red blood cells and lymphocytes (immune
cells). A 25-30% increase in the number of circulating stem
cells is well within physiological range and does not constitute
stress on the bona marrow environment. The amount of active bone
marrow amounts to about 2,600 g (5.7 lbs), with about 1.3
trillion marrow cells. A 25-30% increase in the number of
circulating stem cells triggered by the consumption of 1 gram of
StemEnhance™ corresponds to approximately 3 million cells, which
is 0.0003% of the stem cells present in the bone marrow
8. What happens to stem cells if they do
not reach a tissue?
Stem cells
released from the bone marrow that do not reach a tissue simply
home back to the bone marrow after some time
9. Can stem cells lead to aberrations such
as cancer?
Only embryonic
stem cells have been associated with the development of aberrant
growth. Stem cells present in specialized tissues such as the
intestinal mucosa may also play a role in the development of
aberrant growth. But stem cells released from the bone have not
been associated with such problems.
10. Why has StemTech HealthSciences elected
to use the Network Marketing distribution channel?
The Stem Cell
Theory of Renewal constitutes a new paradigm in health sciences.
Likewise, StemEnhance™ is the first product in a novel category
of revolutionary products called “stem cells enhancers.” Stem
cell enhancers are product that supports stem cell functions in
the body. Given the novel nature of both the concept and the
product, a significant effort of education is required to help
people become aware of this new technology. The power of
networking offers a unique opportunity to generate awareness and
educate people about this new paradigm. Furthermore, the Network
Marketing channel offers unique opportunities for people to
develop home-based businesses and create greater financial
freedom.
11. Why may StemEnhance be contraindicated
for people on anticoagulant therapy?
One gram of
StemEnhance contains roughly half of the recommended daily
allowance in vitamin K. Vitamin K is an essential nutrient
playing an important role in the process of blood coagulation.
However, when one experiences cardiovascular problems,
oftentimes doctors will elect to put a one of anticoagulant
therapy in order to prevent blood clot and make it easier for
the heart to pump blood through the body. Since vitamin K
promotes blood coagulation, it is customary to tell people to
avoid vitamin K while being on anticoagulant therapy. This being
said, it is not so much the presence of vitamin K in the diet as
much as the consistency in the daily intake. Therefore, the best
approach is to discuss with your doctor about your desire to
take StemEnhance, that it contains vitamin K, and the
anticoagulant prescription can be adjusted through careful
monitoring of your condition by your doctor.
12. Can Stem Enhance be taken with other
drugs?
As far as we
have studied and researched, the only possible interaction is
with antidepressant medications, as StemEnhance contains
phenylethylamine (PEA), a compound naturally produced by the
brain that affect dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. PEA
is known for its effect on mood elevation and mental energy.
Intereactions with antidepressant medications have not been
reported, but the possibility exists. People should consult
their doctor before taking StemEnhance if they are on
antidepressant medication.
13. Response to Mr. Stephen Barrett of MLM
Watch.org and the National Council Against Health Fraud
Recently,
people conducting an Internet search on “stem cell enhancer”
were surprised to find an article by Stephen Barrett already
raising doubts about StemEnhance and stem cell enhancers. We
welcome this opportunity to provide you with further information
on StemEnhance. Barrett provides a relatively good background
history of StemEnhance and StemTech HealthSciences (STHS).
However he makes an inaccurate rapprochement between STHS and
Cell Tech. STHS nor Desert Lake Technologies has NEVER been
involved in any lawsuit about false claims. The work done by
STHS and DLT is based on science, it is completely independent
from Cell Tech, and all of our claims are solidly backed by
science. Barrett also claims that blue-green algae based
products might contain dangerous toxins. (See below for reports
on microcystin and neurotoxicity) There is no excuse at this
point in time, nearly a decade after the industry has developed
a stringent quality control program, to still repeat such
irrelevant allegations. Whereas infection of beef by E.coli is
still responsible for more than 20,000 intoxications and nearly
500 deaths every year, whereas aflatoxin in corn, peanuts, milk
products, spices and other foodstuff have been responsible for
several deaths, and whereas shellfish toxins are still
responsible for several deaths every year, blue-green algae has
been linked to no ill effect. Like any other food ingredient, if
potential contaminants like heavy metals, pesticides, and
shellfish toxins are present in quantity below levels
established as safe, then the product is deemed safe. Stating
that blue-green algae may be dangerous is akin to stating that
eating a shrimp cocktail or a hamburger at your favorite
restaurant is dangerous. Such a statement reflects a lack of
scientific background and knowledge, or deceptive intent.
Barrett states that before taking any product, it is advisable
to know whether it has been proven safe and effective for its
intended purpose(s), and that with respect to StemEnhance, the
following questions would have to be answered.
14. What evidence shows that taking
StemEnhance will improve anyone's health?
Numerous
studies performed by various scientific teams throughout the
world, including the National Institute of Health[1] have
clearly established that the higher the levels of circulating
stem cells the better the ability of the body to maintain
optimal health. A recent publication in the New England Journal
of Medicine[2] reported that the level of stem cells in the
blood was one of the best indicators of cardiovascular health.
Elevating the number of stem cells in the blood has been shown
to improve health in many ways. [3-6] StemEnhance supports the
release of stem cells from the bone marrow and increases the
number of circulating stem cells by 25-30%, which is bound to
assist the body in maintaining optimal health. As Mr. Barrett
must know, given his claimed experience with the FDA, that we
cannot make any health claims linked to StemEnhance since it is
a dietary supplement and not a drug. Our claims are limited to
structure and function claims, which is what we have solidly
documented. StemEnhance supports the natural release of stem
cells from the bone marrow, thereby assisting the body in
maintaining optimal health. We would be delighted to publish the
single patient outcomes we have documented, but they could be
construed as inferred health claims. Nevertheless, clinical
studies are currently in progress involving specific organs and
system to further document the mechanics of stem cell
physiology, and these studies will be eventually published.
15. Has any study shown that people
improved their health as a result of taking it?
Numerous
empirical reports and testimonials testify to the health
benefits of taking StemEnhance. Many companies have been shut
down by the FDA because of inferred health claims linked to
documentation of improvements with various diseases. We intend
to maintain our message clearly within the boundaries of the
Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act, and let StemEnhance
speaks for itself. We would be delighted to provide Mr. Barrett
with a few bottles of StemEnhance so he can see the benefits on
his own health.
16. What evidence shows that StemEnhance is
safe for long-term use?
AFA, the raw
ingredient from which StemEnhance is derived, has been on the
marketplace for more than two decades with a very good track
record of safety. A safety study in mice determined that
consumption of the equivalent of up to 2,000 AFA capsules daily
led to no health problems at all. In fact, the authors claimed
that the mice receiving the highest dose of AFA were less
aggressive and looked healthier. StemEnhance is a 5:1
concentrate of AFA, and just like 5:1 concentrates of echinacea
or grape seed or ginkgo or wheat grass juice that are as safe as
the whole plant they are derived from, StemEnhance is as safe as
whole AFA. StemEnhance is to whole AFA what carrot juice is to a
whole carrot. The question may also refer to the safety of
increasing the number of circulating stem cells everyday by
25-30%. Here also the safety is unquestionable. The normal range
for the number of circulating stem cells is between 1.2 and 5.0
stem cells per µL of blood. An increase of 30% in the number of
circulating stem cells would at most mean an increase of 1.5
cells per µL, which is well within normal physiological range.
Looking at this from a different angle, Krause et al. [7]
reported that one single stem cell was enough to reconstitute
the entire hematopoietic (red blood cell) and immune systems. If
one single stem cell can do this, then the billions of stem
cells left in the bone marrow after taking StemEnhance can
maintain a healthy and strong bone marrow.
17. How can users be certain that long-term
use will not cause abnormal tissue growth?
The release of
stem cells from the bone marrow and their migration to tissues
is a natural process that happens everyday. StemEnhance simply
supports that natural process and tips the balance toward health
everyday. StemEnhance does not do anything that the body does
not already do everyday. So far, no instances of cancer or any
similar problem have ever been observed when using in vivo
natural release of stem cells from the bone marrow. Abnormal
cellular growth has only been seen when manipulating stem cells
in test tubes.
18. For whom is the product advisable?
Since
StemEnhance supports the natural release of stem cells from the
bone marrow, which is turn travel throughout the body to
maintain the health of various organs and tissues. StemEnhance
is the optimal daily support for the maintenance of optimal
health. It is for everyone interested in giving their body an
extra boost toward daily renewal of cells throughout the body.
It is for anyone interested in supporting his or her body’s
natural renewal system.
19. Who should not take it?
StemEnhance
naturally contains a significant amount of vitamin K. Therefore,
anyone taking anticoagulant medication should consult their
doctor in order to adjust the medication, if necessary.
StemEnhance could also be contraindicated for anyone having a
disease of the bone marrow, though this is solely speculative
and is not based on any observation of ill effect. AFA contains
phenylethylamine (PEA), known as the “molecule of love” or the
“molecule of joy”. PEA is a natural compound made by the brain
whenever one feels content, happy. Deficiency in PEA has been
linked to problems of concentration and low mood, and oral
intake of PEA has been shown to improve these conditions.
StemEnhance concentrates PEA at about 5mg/g. PEA is responsible
for the immediate feeling of well-being that one experiences
after taking StemEnhance. Because of the effect of PEA in the
brain, StemEnhance could be contraindicated for people suffering
from severe manic depression. Finally, Barrett states that “A
few studies—most of them done in laboratory animals—have shown
that circulating stem cells from bone marrow can develop into a
few other types of mature cells. As far as I know, however, no
study has demonstrated that increasing the number of circulating
cells is safe or makes people healthier.” This is certainly the
most eloquent expression of Barrett’s lack of expertise in this
field. Anyone interested to see if there are only “a few
studies” showing that circulating stem cells can develop into “a
few other cell types”, can simply do a search on Medline to see
the thousands of article on that topic. Or simply refer to the
study of Krause[7] in which bone marrow stem cells were seen to
become functional cells of the skin, liver, colon, intestine,
stomach, esophagus, kidney and lung. Bone marrow stem cells have
also been documented to become brain cells,[8] heart cells,[1]
muscle cells,[9] pancreatic cells[10]… virtually any cell type
in the body. As to the second statement that to Barrett’s
knowledge “no study has demonstrated that increasing the number
of circulating cells makes people healthier,” one only needs to
refer to the studies by Orlic at the NIH[1] and that of Werner
et al.[2] Barrett could have done a simple search at the NIH
library with the key words “circulating stem cells healing” (PubMed)
and he could have avoided misleading people as he did. I believe
it is important for the sake of ethics and public integrity to
end this discussion by putting these comments from Stephen
Barrett, as well as all other comments by him, into a bigger
context. Barrett is a retired psychiatrist who has not had many
positive comments about dietary supplements and over the years
have waged a little vendetta against anything that comes through
an Network Marketing. He would probably be against peanut butter
if they were sold through an MLM. His attacks against natural
approaches such as homeopathy and herbal medicine constituted a
rather eloquent display of his ignorance. He created the
so-called National Council Against Health Fraud, which
ironically is itself rather fraudulent and misleading, as it
does not represent any objective and expert council, it does not
represent any official national organization, and it provides
rather biased information. Barrett claims to have several links
with the FDA and a great expertise in FDA matter. We will let
Judge Fromholz of the California Superior Court Case shed some
light on Mr. Barrett. As stated by the Judge, Barrett’s motives
appear to be more linked to personal financial gain than
generous public education. Below is an excerpt from Judges
decision rendered against NCAHF 12/17/01 by Judge Framholz in
California Superior Court. You can read the complete transcript,
"A Judges View of the Quackbusters"
References:
[1] Orlic D,
Kajstura J, Chimenti S, Limana F, Jakoniuk I, Quaini F,
Nadal-Ginard B, Bodine DM, Leri A. & Piero Anversa. (2001)
Mobilized bone marrow cells repair the infracted heart,
improving function and survival. PNAS 98(18):10344–10349. [2]
Werner N, Kosiol S, Schiegl T, Ahlers P, Walenta K, Link A, Bohm
M, Nickenig G. (2005) Circulating endothelial progenitor cells
and cardiovascular outcomes. N Engl J Med. 8;353(10):999-1007.
[3] Bozlar M, Aslan B, Kalaci A, Baktiroglu L, Yanat AN, Tasci
A. (2005) Effects of human granulocyte-colony stimulating factor
on fracture healing in rats. Saudi Med J. 26(8):1250-4. [4] Kong
D, Melo LG, Gnecchi M, Zhang L, Mostoslavsky G, Liew CC, Pratt
RE, Dzau VJ. (2004) Cytokine-induced mobilization of circulating
endothelial progenitor cells enhances repair of injured
arteries. Circulation. 110(14):2039-46. [5] Eroglu E, Agalar F,
Altuntas I, Eroglu F. (2004) Effects of granulocyte-colony
stimulating factor on wound healing in a mouse model of burn
trauma. Tohoku J Exp Med. 204(1):11-6. [6] Tomoda H, Aoki N.
Bone marrow stimulation and left ventricular function in acute
myocardial infarction. Clin Cardiol. 2003 Oct;26(10):455-7. [7]
Krause DS, Theise ND, Collector MI, Henegariu O, Hwang S,
Gardner R, Neutzel S, Sharkis SJ. (2001) Multi-organ,
multi-lineage engraftment by a single bone marrow-derived stem
cell. Cell 105:369-77. [8] Eglitis MA and Mezey VA. (1997)
Hematopoietic cells differentiate into both microglia and
macroglia in the brains of adult mice. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.
USA Vol. 94, pp. 4080–4085. [9] Camargo FD, Green R, Capetenaki
Y, Jackson KA, and Goodell MA. (2003) Single hematopoietic stem
cells generate skeletal muscle through myeloid intermediates.
Nature 9(12):1520-27. [10] Ianus A, Holz GG, Theise ND, and
Hussain MA. (2003) In vivo derivation of glucosecompetent cells
from bone marrow without evidence of cell fusion. J. Clin.
Invest. 111:843-850.
