Dr Alok Sharma Stem cells | Stem cell therapy | NeuroGen

A stem cell is an undifferentiated cell of a living organism. It has the potential to proliferate or regenerate, repair the organ or tissue after an injury as well as give birth to more differentiated cells. A term that can be associated with the potential of stem cells is "plasticity", which implies that a stem cell can be isolated from one tissue and convert itself into cells of different tissues. While there are several experienced doctors from all over the world, who have done extensive research in the field of regenerative medicine, Dr Alok Sharma has carved his niche ́ in the field of stem cells for neuroregenerative purposes. In India, Dr Alok Sharma, stem cells & incurable neurological disorders go hand-in-hand. 

Which stem cells does Dr Alok Sharma use?

 Dr Alok Sharma’s stem cell preference is adult autologous bone marrow derived, as it is one of the safest and most effective types of stem cells for neurological disorders. DrAlok Sharma’s stem cell therapy center at NeuroGen Brain & Spine Institute, uses the following protocol for treatment of incurable neurological disorders. The stem cell transplantation is divided into 3 simple and effective steps:

Bone Marrow Aspiration:

The bone marrow is a soft sponge like material that forms blood cells and is a rich source of adult stem cells for stem cell therapy. Dr Alok Sharma uses a thin bone marrow aspiration needle for the bone marrow extraction from the patient’s own hip bone, which is easily accessible. This extraction is done under local anaesthesia. After this, the patient is sent back to their room to rest for the next step.

Stem Cell Separation:

The bone marrow aspirate is then transferred to the stem cell laboratory for processing. Dr Alok Sharma’s stem cell laboratory is fully equipped GLP (Good Lab Practice) & GMP (Good Medical Practice) certified. The stem cell separation takes advantage of the differences in density between the varieties of cells found in the aspirate and the density gradient medium. The separation process takes around 3 to 5 hours.

Intrathecal Stem Cell Injection:

Once the BM MNCs are separated and purified in about 3-4 hours, the patient is taken back to the operation theatre, where Dr Alok Sharma administers stem cells intrathecally, i.e. into the fluid around the brain and spine, using a spinal needle. In certain cases, these stem cells are injected into the muscles (eg. Muscular Dystrophy patients - as assessed and recommended by the rehabilitation team) using a very thin needle. 

Dr Alok Sharma is considered as one of the best neurosurgeons in the world and has been recognised several times in both, Indian & International platforms. He has touched the lives of over 8500 individuals from over 65 countries, who suffer from various incurable neurological disorders. Dr Alok Sharma’s stem cell therapy can be done at his neurological hospital in India, NeuroGen Brain & Spine Institute. The stem cell transplantation is followed by extensive neurorehabilitation done by some of the best therapists in India. You can also contact Dr Alok Sharma for stem cell therapy here.

Nobel Prizes in Stem Cell Research

There are times in human history when quantum leaps occur in our thinking and approach towards the various issues we face as a race. The world of medicine and healthcare has witnessed one such landmark in the past decade. That is, the revolutionary field of cell therapy, which was awarded the prestigious Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in the year 2012. This Nobel Prize was awarded jointly to British scientist Sir John B. Gurdon and Japanese stem cell researcher Shinya Yamanaka for the discovery that mature cells can be reprogrammed to become pluripotent.

Nobel Prizes in Stem Cell Research

Dr E Thomas, 1990

Demonstration of stem cells in bone marrow

Sir Martin Evans, 2007

Isolation of embryonic stem cell in mice

John B Gurdon, 2012

Mature, specialized cells can be reprogrammed to become
immature cells capable of developing into all tissues of the body

Shinya Yamanaka, 2012

Mature, specialized cells can be reprogrammed to become
immature cells capable of developing into all tissues of the body

About Cell Therapy
Regenerative medicine is a game ­changing and rapidly evolving field of modern medicine. It is focused at repair, restoration and replacement of damaged tissues by a safe and effective administration of living cells either in solitude or in combination with specially engineered materials. Regenerative medicine itself isn’t new; the first bone marrow and organ transplants were carried out decades ago. Technological advances in developmental and cell biology, immunology, and other fields have ushered in a new era of therapeutic strategies to refine existing regenerative therapies and develop novel ones. These therapies are beneficial for a multitude of disorders that today, are beyond repair. This includes neurological disorders like autism, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spinal cord injury, brain stroke, traumatic brain injury, etc. Current research in the field of regenerative medicine utilize stem cells to create functional tissues to regenerate damaged or injured organs and tissues.

Cell therapy for Autism | Autism Spectrum Disorders

Autism is now a widespread neurodevelopmental condition, that often severely impairs a child’s social, cognitive & physical aspects of growth. Over 70 million individuals all across the world have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Of the treatment options available, cell therapy for Autism is considered as one of the most potential forms of treatment. Globally renowned Indian neurosurgeon, Dr. Alok Sharma has also published the world’s first publication that establishes a positive correlation of cell therapy with Autism.

The publication, “Autologous Bone Marrow Mononuclear Cell Therapy for Autism: An Open Label Proof of Concept Study” was published in the Stem Cells International Volume 2013, Article ID 623875. It proves how stem cells have a beneficial role in improving the neuroplasticity of autistic brain. In the last decade, Dr Alok Sharma has successfully treated over 1800 cases of Autism with cell therapy in India. The improvements that have been observed at Dr Alok Sharma’s hospital, NeuroGen Brain & Spine Institute, in India, after cell therapy for autism, are better eye contact, reduced hyperactivity, better conceptual understanding, improved speech & communication, etc.

Dr Alok Sharma has been the recipient of over 15 awards, including the “Best Stem Cell Research Hospital in India” at the hands of Dr.Anupriya Patel, Hon’ble Minister of Healthcare & Family Welfare, Government of India in November 2018. He has also written over 16 books on the benefits of cell therapy for various neurological disorders. This includes two books that help parents & caregivers of Autism individuals, in the best ways they can do to help their autistic child get a better quality of life. Download the books on Autism by Dr Alok Sharma.

What are Stem cells | Stem Cell Therapy | Autism Hospital in India

Neurological disorders have always carried a certain stigma of being permanent & life changing. Conventional medical treatments have always suggested that brain & spine injuries, neurodegenerative disorders or neurodevelopmental disorders such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy, motor neuron disease, autism, parkinson’s, etc. do not have any substantial treatments available. This opinion tends to shatter the lives of individuals and families of such patients, more than the disorder itself. However, in the recent years, extensive studies on the potential of regenerative medicine, such as stem cell therapy, has shown a vast scope of improvement for such patients.

The research on stem cell therapy is currently being conducted globally, however, one hospital in India, lead by internationally renowned top neurosurgeon, Dr Alok Sharma, has published the most publications on cell therapy in neurological disorders. The only hospital in India to have the largest number of patients treated with cell therapy, NeuroGen Brain & Spine Institute, Mumbai, has published 95 articles in both Indian & International Journals. Dr Alok Sharma has also authored 15 books on the benefits & scope of cell therapy in neurological disorders.


What are Stem cells?
Stem cells are the most basic cells in the human body. They are responsible for the make of all tissues & organs in the living organism. In humans, these stem cells are abundantly available even after birth, in the bone marrow, fat tissue, etc. Stem cells can also be obtained either before birth (embryonic - not advised) or at the time of birth ( umbilical).

The inherent property of all stem cells is reproduction & repair. They are capable of developing into specialised cells once injected within the tissue. Adult stem cells are those cells which are easily available in the body after birth. When these cells are taken from a donor, they are known as allogeneic, and when they’re taken from the patient’s own body, these cells are referred to as autologous.

How can Stem Cells help in neurological disorders?
The earlier belief was that once damaged, the brain & nerve cells, could not replicate or repair, posing any nerve injury as permanent. The use of stem cells for cell therapy completely changes this. Stem cells, when injected into the spinal fluid, in patients with neurological disorders, travel to the brain & seat themselves in the damaged areas of the brain & spine, while, enabling the release of factors that help reduce inflammation & improve blood supply. As a result, these cells repair the injury, the results of which are manifested clinically.

Watch this video to learn more about stem cell therapy for neurological disorders.

At NeuroGen Brain & Spine Institute, once the stem cells are injected within the spinal fluid, the patient is made to undergo thorough & intense rehabilitation, to allow stimulation of these cells within the brain. In cases such as Muscular Dystrophy or Spinal muscular atrophy, these stem cells are also injected within certain muscle points so that they can carry out the healing within the muscles & make up for the degenerated cells.

Lion - Health & Wellness Awards

-TBWA\India and the Neurogen Brain and Spine Institute’s entry One Mindful Mind won a Bronze Lion in the Health & Wellness Lions category.

The same entry also won a Bronze Lion in the Print and Publishing Lions category. The entry is a print toolkit for children aged 7–15 that helps parents turn into counsellors to help them deal with anxiety, depression, and stress


Design Lions
Two entries from Indian agencies were shortlisted in the design category. Both the entries were from TBWA\India Mumbai. Their ‘One Mindful Mind’ campaign for Neurogen Brain and Spine Institute was selected in the ‘Promotion Item design’ and ‘Books’ subheads.

Print and Publishing
Seven entries from India were selected in this category. McCANN Mumbai’s ‘Cure 1’ and ‘Cure 2’ campaign for Mindopeners’ counselling for depression were selected in the Healthcare subhead, DDB Mudra Mumbai’s ‘Young Man’, ‘Old Man’ and ‘Kid’ campaigns for Khalsa Aid were selected in the ‘Not for Profit’ subhead, and TBWA\India Mumbai ‘One Mindful Mind’ campaign for Neurogen Brain and Spine Institute was selected in the ‘Adapted Print’ and ‘Commercial Publications’ subhead.

“Times Health Excellence” Award for 2018–19 for “Excellence in services in Stem Cell Therapy”

“Times Health Excellence” Award for 2018–19 for “Excellence in services in Stem Cell Therapy”

I feel so grateful and honoured to share this news! In another recognition of the wonderful and outstanding work that everyone in the NeuroGen BSI family does on a day to day basis, we were awarded the “Times Health Excellence” Award for 2018–19 for “Excellence in services in Stem Cell Therapy”. It was also a special honour to receive this award from India’s seniormost and highly respected Oncologists, the legendary Dr. Suresh Advani.

Facebook : NeuroGen BSI

Our real award of course comes from the grateful acknowledgment that we get from our happy patients and their families. The work we do is difficult and challenging which is why it is so hard and takes “Concentration of will and energy of the soul to do”. Yes, our work is physically, emotionally and mentally demanding yet the improvements that we see in our patients make all these efforts worthwhile. Elsewhere everyone earns money and acquires positions but very few other people get to experience the miraculous joy of seeing a CP patient walk or a child with autism talk. We are blessed that we have been given this unique opportunity to make a difference to the lives of children and adults who have nowhere else to go and no other treatment options. To quote a few (partially edited) lines from Frank Sinatra’s “The impossible dream”:-

“To dream the impossible dream

To right the unrightable wrong

To try when your arms are too weary

To reach the unreachable star

This is my quest, to follow that star

No matter how hopeless, no matter how far”

A big thank you to everyone. God Bless!!

Stem Cell Therapy for Autism and Other Neurological Disorders

 This webinar on Stem Cell Therapy for Autism and Other Neurological Disorders has been conducted by Dr Alok Sharma, he is a renowned and respected Neurosurgeon, Neuroscientist and Professor across the world in medicine with an extensive surgical expertise & experience in the areas of Neurosurgery, Neuroscience and Stem cells.

 

Websites are :

https://twitter.com/dralok_sharma

https://draloksharma.blogspot.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/draloksharma/

https://in.linkedin.com/in/dr-alok-sharma-463020105

http://draloksharma.in/

https://www.neurogenbsi.com/dr-alok-sharma/

https://medium.com/@draloksharma

World’s first scientific publication | Coffee table | NeuroGen Brain & Spine Institute

world’s first scientific publication

Dr.Alok Sharma (M.S, M.Ch.)

Director — NeuroGen Brain & Spine Institute, Navi Mumbai

NeuroGen Brain & Spine Institute in Navi Mumbai, India is an international center of excellence for neurological disorders which has been set up specifically to treat incurable neurological conditions through a combination of stem cell transplantation and comprehensive neurorehabilitation.

Founded on 17th December 2008, by a renowned Neurosurgeon, Neuroscientist and Professor Dr. Alok Sharma who brings with him extensive surgical expertise & experience in the areas of Neurosurgery, Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine. He is doing pioneering work in the field of Stem cell therapy for neurological disorders. He has over 25 years of experience in the field of Neurosurgery and has several awards and recognitions to his name. He has authored 15 books and has over 125 scientific papers published in various medical journals.

In the pediatric population NeuroGen has developed new treatment options for children with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Intellectual Disability etc which results in improvements of their mental states and helps integrate them back into normal living. The world’s first scientific publication on the role of cell therapy in autism has been published by NeuroGen Brain & Spine Institute in the prestigious journal Stem Cell International.

In adults NeuroGen helps in the improvement of paralysis in patients with spinal cord injury, brain stroke and head injury. In potentially fatal conditions like motor neuron disease, muscular dystrophy and other neurodegenerative disorders it offers lifesaving treatments.

Autism Spectrum Disorders

All these years it was believed that Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and other Neuro developmental disorders were incurable medical conditions. But recent research in India and other parts of the world have shown that through a combination of multi-disciplinary therapies, children with ASD can be treated and brought back to mainstream education and living.

A landmark publication from the NeuroGen Brain and Spine Institute (NGBSI), Navi Mumbai published in the “World journal of Nuclear Medicine” in 2018 has demonstrated for the first time which parts of the brain are functioning less in children with ASD.

We believe a combination of traditional therapies such as Occupational therapy, Speech therapy, Special Education, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Sensory Integration, NDT, Aquatic therapy, Dance and Art therapy when combined with Modern Technological Advancements such as Neuro-feedback, Hyperbaric oxygen therapy and Stem Cell Therapy can together relieve almost all the symptoms of ASD.

The world’s first scientific paper in a PubMed indexed International medical journal “Stem Cell International” showing the efficacy of Autologous Stem cell therapy in Autism was published by NeuroGen BSI. Subsequently NeuroGen has published 13 scientific papers on Stem cells in Autism and has a total 86 scientific publications on Stem cell therapy in various Neurological conditions.

The safety and clinical benefits of NeuroGen’s results are similar to the clinical results shown by Dukes university, USA in a scientific paper on Autologous Stem Cells in Autism in “Stem Cell Transitional Medicine” in the year 2017

NeuroGen BSI has treated over 7000 patients from over 60 different countries for other Neurological disorders such as Cerebral palsy, Intellectual disability, Muscular dystrophy, Spinal Cord Injury, Brain stroke and ALS.

With the availability of the Holistic treatment approach which combines conventional treatments with New Age Treatments such Stem Cell Therapy, it can now be said that Autism is no more an incurable Neurological Conditions.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Stem Cell Therapy in Neurological Disorders

Stem Cell Therapy in Neurological Disorders

Dr.Alok Sharma
M.S, M.Ch.
Director – NeuroGen Brain & Spine Institute, Navi Mumbai
Professor & Head –Department of Neurosurgery,
LTMG Hospital, Sion.
Consultant Neurosurgeon - Fortis Hospital, Mulund.

Dr. Alok Sharma is a renowned Neurosurgeon, Neuroscientist and Professor who brings with him extensive surgical expertise & experience in the areas of Neurosurgery, Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine. He is doing pioneering work in the field of Stem cell therapy for neurological disorders. He has over 25 years of experience in the field of Neurosurgery and has several awards and recognitions to his name. He has authored 15 books and has over 100 scientific papers published in various medical journals.

NeuroGen Brain & Spine Institute which is one of the country’s first dedicated centre for Cell Therapy and NeuroRehabilitation was founded by Dr Alok Sharma. It is focused on treating patients with incurable neurological conditions. Its innovative and pioneering cell therapy gives new lease of life to patients  with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation, Muscular Dystrophy, Spinal Cord Injury, Head Injury, Brain stroke and Other incurable neurological disorders. 

What is Stem Cell therapy and how does it help patients with incurable neurological disorders?

 
Stem cells are specialized cells that can convert into any type of tissue and they have the ability to reach and repair the damaged parts of our body. Stem cell therapy is a simple and effective treatment which is 100 % safe when autologous adult Stem cells are used. Statistics have shown that, after Stem cell therapy, over all 91% of patients with Autism have shown improvements in social relationships, emotional responses, speech, communication, behavior and hyperactivity. 96% of Stroke patients showed improved upper and lower limb activity, 82% of patients with Spinal Cord Injury showed better Muscle tone, trunk activity, balance and other activities of daily living. In Cerebral Palsy, 92% of treated patients showed improvement in oromoter/ speech, balance, upper limb and lower limb activity. In Muscular dystrophy, which is a progressive disease of the muscles, about 90% of the patients attain stabilization in their progression with improved function.


How do Stem cells work?

Stem cells work by releasing growth factors which have a regenerative effect on damaged tissue. They promote angiogenesis or increase in the blood supply of damaged tissue thereby helping in their repair process. They convert into the tissue/cell types in which they are implanted, thereby replacing non-functioning tissue.

What are the different types of Stem cells?
Allogenic Stem cells: These are the Stem cells taken from another person. For example embryonic Stem cells.
Autologous Stem cells: These are the Stem cells derived from the patient’s own body, such as bone marrow Stem cells from the hip bone. These are absolutely safe have no compatibility issue.

What conditions can be treated?
Several disease and injuries of the nervous system and musculoskeletal system that have no other treatment options can be potentially treated with Stem cell therapy. In children these include Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation, Muscular Dystrophy and in adults these includes Spinal Cord Injury, Brain Stroke, Motor Neuron Disease and Other Neurological Disorders.

How is the response to treatment assessed objectively?
Recent advances in modern imaging such as PET – CT scans/fMRI/high resolution MRIs’ have made it possible to assess changes in the brain, muscles and spinal cord. For eg.PET CT Scan of brain in children with autism shows that there are selective areas in the brain that are not functioning normally. Stem cell therapy has been shown to reverse this damage helping the child to maximize his level of independence.

 

What is the scientific basis of Stem Cell Therapy?
Extensive, ongoing research work published in various medical journals forms the basis of this therapy. This information can be found on www.Stemcellspublications.com, which has all the world literature as well as the 41 scientific articles and 9 books published by NeuroGen BSI. The first ever publication showing the safety and efficacy of Stem cell therapy in autism was published by NeuroGen BSI, showing the leadership of India in this field.

Contact: NeuroGen Brain & Spine Institute
Sector 40,Plot No 19,Opposite Rail Vihar,
Near Seawood Grand Central Station,
 Off Palm Beach Road, Nerul (W)
New Mumbai -400706.
Tel:022-41136565 /9920200400
Email- contact@neurogenbsi.com
Web: www.neurogenbsi.com