Reduced cellularity of bone marrow in multiple sclerosis with decreased MSC expansion potential and premature ageing in vitro.

Background: Autologous bone-marrow-derived cells are currently employed in clinical studies of cell-based therapy in multiple sclerosis (MS) although the bone marrow microenvironment and marrow-derived cells isolated from patients with MS have not been extensively characterised.

Objectives: To examine the bone marrow microenvironment and assess the proliferative potential of multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in progressive MS.

Methods: Comparative phenotypic analysis of bone marrow and marrow-derived MSCs isolated from patients with progressive MS and control subjects was undertaken.

Human bone marrow processing using a new continuous-flow cell separation device.

Background: Processing of bone marrow (BM) is often required to remove incompatible red blood cells (RBCs) or to reduce the volume before transplantation or cryopreservation. We have evaluated the Spectra Optia apheresis system to determine its effectiveness in volume reduction and RBC depletion of human BM before transplantation.

Study Design And Methods: BM from 30 donations (28 allogeneic and two autologous) were processed using the Spectra Optia over a 12-month period.

Assessment of bone marrow-derived Cellular Therapy in progressive Multiple Sclerosis (ACTiMuS): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

Background: We have recently completed an evaluation of the safety and feasibility of intravenous delivery of autologous bone marrow in patients with progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). The possibility of repair was suggested by improvement in the neurophysiological secondary outcome measure seen in all participants. The current study will examine the efficacy of intravenous delivery of autologous marrow in progressive MS.

Repeat infusion of autologous bone marrow cells in multiple sclerosis: protocol for a phase I extension study (SIAMMS-II).

Introduction: The 'Study of Intravenous Autologous Marrow in Multiple Sclerosis (SIAMMS)' trial was a safety and feasibility study which examined the effect of intravenous infusion of autologous bone marrow without myeloablative therapy. This trial was well tolerated and improvement was noted in the global evoked potential (GEP)--a neurophysiological secondary outcome measure recording speed of conduction in central nervous system pathways. The efficacy of intravenous delivery of autologous marrow in progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) will be examined in the phase II study the 'Assessment of Bone Marrow-Derived Cellular Therapy in Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (ACTiMuS; NCT01815632)'.

A journey from basic stem cell discovery to clinical application: the case of adventitial progenitor cells.

Ischemia is a leading cause of death in the western world. Regenerative medicine aims to improve healing of ischemic injury by complementing pharmacologic/interventional treatments. Navigating regenerative therapies from 'bench-to-bedside' is a multistep time-consuming process, balancing cell expansion, purity, safety and efficacy while complying with regulatory guidelines.

Storage time affects umbilical cord blood viability.

Background: Cryopreserved umbilical cord blood (CB) is increasingly used as a cell source to reconstitute marrow in hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients. Delays in cryopreservation may adversely affect cell viability, thereby reducing their potential for engraftment after transplantation.

Study Design And Methods: The impact of delayed cryopreservation for up to 3 days on the viability of both CD45+ and CD34+ cell populations in 28 CB donations with volumes of 58.

Directed sibling cord blood banking for transplantation: the 10-year experience in the national blood service in England.

Umbilical cord blood (UCB) is an important source of hematopoietic stem cells for transplantation. Although UCB is often collected from unrelated donors, directed umbilical cord blood (DCB) from sibling donors also provides an important source of UCB for transplantation. This report summarizes the experience in collection, testing, storage, and transplantation of DCB units by the National Blood Service for England and North Wales over 10 years.