Growing New Arteries - Brains, Legs and maybe even Erections

Its been known for a while now that cytokine stimulated stem cells typically used in bone marrow transplantation can be harnessed for vascular regeneration. This particular capacity has been demonstrated in the heart and also in diabetic patients with peripheral vascular disease (PVD). However, due to poor circulation in the area of interest, stem cells need to be "transplanted" from the source of stem cells to the site of the problem.

This latest article mentions the use of GCSF in the regeneration of blood vessels in patients with vascular disease. Citing the administration of this cytokine as a "new treatment", a farmer by the name of Tom Reynolds who was 77 years of age had poor circulation and leg pain. Concerned and afraid about possible gangene infection and limb amputation, Mr. Reynolds tried GCSF injections.

Administered by Dr. Arshed Quyyumi, a cardiologist, Mr. Reynolds has since experienced improved circulation and less pain.


Extracted from emedicine.com:

"Vascular disease may manifest acutely when thrombi, emboli, or acute trauma compromises perfusion. Thromboses are often of an atheromatous nature and occur in the lower extremities more frequently than in the upper extremities. Multiple factors predispose patients for thrombosis. These factors include sepsis, hypotension, low cardiac output, aneurysms, aortic dissection, bypass grafts, and underlying atherosclerotic narrowing of the arterial lumen.

Emboli, the most common cause of sudden ischemia, usually are of cardiac origin (80%); they also can originate from proximal atheroma, tumor, or foreign objects. Emboli tend to lodge at artery bifurcations or in areas where vessels abruptly narrow. The femoral artery bifurcation is the most common site (43%), followed by the iliac arteries (18%), the aorta (15%), and the popliteal arteries (15%)."

I learned from a renown urologist in Malaysia that erectile dysfunction is one of the most common indicators of heart disease and vessel occlusion (small vessel involvement). Diabetics often are unable to enjoy intimacies because of this physical obstruction in blood vessels. I wonder if the doctors will follow up on other aspects of Mr. Reynold's quality of life...? :) That would be an interesting anecdote indeed.