The Complete Guide to Stem Cells and Peptides | Dr. Adeel Kahn

Intro (0s)

• Aging is increasingly being viewed as a disease, with accelerated aging becoming more common due to environmental factors. Starting interventions at a younger age can improve metabolic health, aid recovery, and provide subjective benefits such as increased energy. (0s)
• Understanding the cellular mechanisms behind aging allows for objective measurement of cellular aging, which is beneficial for young athletes to assess the impact of intense training on their bodies. (18s)
• Stem cells are defined as cells that can self-renew and differentiate into specialized tissue, meaning they can repair or regenerate tissue and transform into new tissue. (42s)
• There are different types of stem cells, with varying abilities to differentiate into different types of tissue. Some stem cells can turn into all types of tissue, while others are limited to only a few types. (1m4s)

Types of Stem Cells (1m19s)

• Totipotent stem cells have the ability to differentiate into any cell type, similar to a zygote. (1m20s)
• Embryonic stem cells, derived from embryonic tissue, can turn into most tissue types but pose a cancer risk due to uncontrolled proliferation. They are controversial due to their origin from aborted fetuses. (1m34s)
• Maeno stem cells, also known as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), are the most commonly used due to their accessibility from sources like fat, bone marrow, and umbilical cord tissue. They are multipotent, meaning they can differentiate into specific cell types like fat, cartilage, and bone, but not all cell lineages. They face challenges such as limited differentiation potential and low survival rates in the body. (2m16s)
• Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are created by reprogramming somatic cells using Yamanaka factors, which earned a Nobel Prize in 2014. These cells mimic embryonic stem cells but have a risk of tumorigenicity, which has hindered their clinical application. (3m37s)

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Reasons to Opt for Stem Cell Treatment (6m47s)

• Stem cell treatments are commonly sought for chronic pain, osteoarthritis, degenerative diseases, and musculoskeletal issues, such as shoulder and hip problems. (6m48s)
• Autoimmune and chronic inflammatory conditions are also frequent reasons for seeking stem cell therapy. These conditions are prevalent due to environmental factors, and current medical treatments often involve immunosuppressants like Methotrexate and Humira. Stem cells offer an immunomodulatory effect, potentially reprogramming immune cells. (7m10s)
• Stem cells are used in addressing aging, which is considered a degenerative process and a complex chronic disease. They assist in mitophagy, mitochondrial repair, and DNA transfer, and help in reducing inflammation by reprogramming cells from a pro-inflammatory to an anti-inflammatory state. (8m7s)
• Stem cells can improve body composition by restoring function to dysfunctional fat cells, enhancing cellular metabolism, and aiding in conditions like obesity. They are often combined with peptides to support cellular mechanisms, making it easier for individuals to lose fat and address metabolic conditions like insulin resistance. This process is referred to as metabolic reprogramming. (8m44s)

Do Stem Cells Know Where to Go in the Body? (10m33s)

• A subpopulation of stem cells known as mu cells, or multi-lineage differentiating stress enduring cells, have been identified as significant in regenerative medicine due to their pluripotent nature and ability to survive harsh environments. (10m34s)
• Mu cells are naturally occurring in the body and can be found in sources like umbilical cord blood, fat, and bone marrow. They possess a unique homing mechanism that allows them to migrate to damaged tissues, which release chemokines signaling for help. (11m16s)
• These cells can perform phagocytosis, a process where they engulf damaged cell fragments and transform into new cells, as demonstrated in studies where mu cells repaired heart tissue after a heart attack by turning into new cardiomyocytes. (11m47s)
• Research, including phase two human clinical trials, has shown that mu cells can potentially treat neurological conditions such as stroke and ALS by generating new neurons and addressing underlying dysfunctions like neural inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction. (12m30s)
• In the context of athletic performance, mu cells may aid in recovery from muscular damage due to workouts, as they respond to chemokine signals from tissue damage. Intravenous infusions of stem cells are used by athletes to enhance recovery, although they are considered drug doping by some sports organizations. (13m12s)

Stem Cells for Younger Populations & Aging (14m34s)

• Stem cell therapy can be beneficial for younger populations as a preventative measure against diseases and accelerated aging, which is becoming more common due to environmental factors. (14m35s)
• Starting stem cell therapy at a younger age can improve metabolic health, aid in recovery, and provide subjective benefits such as increased energy. (15m14s)
• There are now objective ways to measure the effects of interventions on aging, such as cellular aging tests that assess biological noise and genotoxicity, which is the accumulation of DNA damage over time. (15m30s)
• A specific test developed by a group from Harvard, known as Generation Lab, measures the variance and errors in gene expression over time, providing a tool to evaluate the impact of interventions on the speed of aging. (15m47s)
• Unlike traditional linear regression-based aging tests, this new technology accounts for the nonlinear nature of aging, offering more accurate assessments of biological age. (16m42s)
• The test can be repeated frequently, such as monthly, to monitor the progression of aging and the effectiveness of interventions. (17m12s)
• Athletes, despite their physical activity, may experience accelerated aging due to the damage caused by intense training, and stem cell therapy, along with regular antioxidants, can help mitigate this damage. (17m54s)

How to Improve Your Aging Process (18m12s)

• The unitary theory of aging suggests that aging is primarily due to mitochondrial dysfunction, as mitochondria are not only energy powerhouses but also sensors that regulate various cellular processes. (18m40s)
• Mitochondrial dysfunction leads to oxidative stress, which results in the production of free radicals that damage cell membranes, proteins, mitochondrial DNA, and nuclear DNA, ultimately affecting cellular integrity and gene expression. (19m13s)
• To maintain mitochondrial health, it is recommended to consume antioxidants with every meal, such as blueberries, pomegranate, or dark chocolate, especially when eating foods that produce pro-oxidant signals like barbecued meat. (20m11s)
• Supplements may not always be beneficial due to unclear effects and potential harm, as seen with vitamin E studies, which often do not use naturally occurring forms. (20m40s)
• Peptides, such as SS31, are favored for their ability to stabilize cell membranes and support cellular metabolism, particularly by aiding cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane. (21m3s)
• Regular cycling is recommended for athletes, as it is beneficial for performance. (21m18s)
• The consumption of antioxidants in isolation differs from consuming them within whole foods, which may offer additional, currently immeasurable benefits. (21m27s)
• Cooking foods at high temperatures can lead to the formation of harmful compounds such as heterocyclic amines, which can be a concern when consuming red meat. (22m15s)
• Using oils with high boiling points, like avocado oil, is advised for cooking at high temperatures to avoid the production of free radicals, unlike olive oil, which is not suitable for high heat. (22m41s)

Pre & Post Stem Cell Treatment (23m20s)

• A specific protocol is recommended before and after stem cell treatment to optimize the microenvironment for the new cells, as this environment affects their ability to function effectively. (23m25s)
• Prior to treatment, it is advised to maintain a healthy lifestyle and consume minimally processed foods to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which can hinder the cells' performance. (23m52s)
• Supplements and peptides such as urolithin A, SS31, TB4, and IL10, which have anti-inflammatory properties, are recommended to prepare the body for the new cells. (24m14s)
• Post-treatment, similar principles apply, with the use of peptides like ipal, intes moral, and growth hormone peptides to enhance stem cell survival and functionality. (24m33s)
• It is important to avoid physical stress or trauma, especially in areas where stem cells have been administered, such as joints or the spine, to ensure optimal recovery and cell integration. (24m59s)

How Stress Influences the Success of Treatment (25m8s)

• Stressful environments and situations can negatively impact the effectiveness of treatments, including those involving stem cells. The concept of "set and setting," known from mood therapies, suggests that the emotional and environmental context can influence treatment outcomes. (25m10s)
• High-stress lifestyles and unresolved trauma can lead to dysregulation of the nervous system and cortisol levels, which may result in less favorable outcomes for treatments involving stem cells. (26m7s)
• Stress and anxiety are known to cause neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, which can adversely affect cells over time, creating an unfavorable microenvironment for stem cell treatments. (26m30s)
• Optimizing the environment is crucial for the success of treatments. For instance, avoiding alcohol after treatment is recommended because alcohol is a neurotoxin that diverts the body's focus from healing and regeneration. (27m1s)

Where to Find More of Dr. Khan (27m16s)

• Dr. Adeel Khan can be found online at the website Eterna, which is spelled as "eta.health" without the "l" in "Eternal." (27m21s)
• The website offers information on various services related to performance and weight loss, among other topics. (27m30s)
• A free consultation is available through the website to determine if the services offered may be beneficial. (27m33s)