Dr. Dennis Lox Speaks at National Conference on Stem Cells
The conference held at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, detailed cutting-edge aspects of aging, inflammation and stem cells. Dr. Lox presented on our current knowledge of the science behind the degenerative cascade and the role that stem cells may provide in the spectrum of early and advanced degenerative osteoarthritis. Dr. Lox frequently speaks at the national and international level.
Degeneration is a complex cascade involving local, cellular and molecular levels of involvement. It is much more complicated than the previously accepted notion that it arises from wear and tear. Our current understanding reflects the inflammatory response that occurs as the result of genetics, mechanical overload, systemic inflammatory mediators and cell signaling within the joint. This complex array of signals that result in degeneration is basically an imbalance between repair and breakdown with the net effect being degeneration. This response is also known as catabolism involves the release of inflammatory chemical mediators which essentially signal the cartilage to dismantle or degrade. As the process continues cartilage cells known as chondrocytes become apoptotic or die. This loss of cartilage cells further impairs the ability of the joint to repair itself further propagating the degenerative cycle. Stem cells and regenerative therapies are utilized to send positive anabolic or build up messages to the joint to offset the negative breakdown signals.
If you’re in pain or had an injury and are looking for an alternative to surgery, contact us immediately at one of our locations. Our Main Medical Center located in Tampa Bay, Florida (727) 462-5582 or at Beverly Hills, California (310) 975-7033.
