Abstract: A method of treating neurodegenerative diseases using hUCB plasma is presented herein. hUCB plasma attenuated the hyperactive response (Group III) and potentiated the normal response in Group I ALS patients, but did not alter that of the non-responders to PHA (Group II). The elevated activity of caspase 3/7 observed in the MNCs from ALS patients was significantly reduced by hUCB plasma treatment. The ability of hUCB plasma to modulate the mitogen cell response and reduce caspase activity suggest that the use of hUCB plasma alone, or with stem cells, may prove useful as a therapeutic in ALS patients. hUCB plasma was shown to increase therapeutic efficacy of MNCs as well as decrease apoptosis of MNCs. The cytokine profile of hUCB plasma supports its usefulness as a sole therapeutic as well as an additive to MNCs.

Abstract: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by degeneration of motor neurons in the spinal cord and brain. Increasing evidence shows autoimmune mechanisms likely promote disease progression. Human umbilical cord blood (hUCB) derived plasma is rich in cytokines and growth factors that are required for growth and survival of cells during hematopoiesis. hUCB plasma attenuated the hyperactive response (Group III) and potentiated the normal response in Group I ALS patients, but did not alter that of the non-responders to PHA (Group II). The elevated activity of caspase 3/7 observed in the MNCs from ALS patients was significantly reduced by hUCB plasma treatment. The ability of hUCB plasma to modulate the mitogen cell response and reduce caspase activity suggest that the use of hUCB plasma alone, or with stem cells, may prove useful as a therapeutic in ALS patients.

Abstract: Blood brain barrier (BBB) permeabilizers, such as mannitol, can facilitate the entry of stem cells from the periphery to the stroke brain. It is unknown whether BBB permeation in the chronic stage of the disease still facilitates the entry of stem cells from the periphery to the injured brain. Evidence herein shows BBB permeation in the chronic stage of stroke assisted in the entry of stem cells from the periphery to the stroke brain. Stroke models treated with human umbilical cord stem cells (hUCBC) only (2 million viable cells), mannitol or a combination. Results revealed that hUCBC alone or combined with mannitol displayed significant behavioral and histological deficits compared to control animals, with the HUCBC-mannitol combined treatment showing improvements over hUCBC only treatments in brain cell survival in the peri-infarct area. BBB permeation in chronic stroke also lowers the effective stem cell dose necessary to improve functional outcomes.

Abstract: A method of treating neurodegenerative diseases using hUCB plasma is presented herein. hUCB plasma attenuated the hyperactive response (Group III) and potentiated the normal response in Group I ALS patients, but did not alter that of the non-responders to PHA (Group II). The elevated activity of caspase 3/7 observed in the MNCs from ALS patients was significantly reduced by hUCB plasma treatment. The ability of hUCB plasma to modulate the mitogen cell response and reduce caspase activity suggest that the use of hUCB plasma alone, or with stem cells, may prove useful as a therapeutic in ALS patients. hUCB plasma was shown to increase therapeutic efficacy of MNCs as well as decrease apoptosis of MNCs. The cytokine profile of hUCB plasma supports its usefulness as a sole therapeutic as well as an additive to MNCs.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions and methods for treatment of ischemic diseases and conditions, particularly myocardial, CNS/brain and limb ischemia. More particularly, the present invention provides methods of treating disorders by administering monocytes obtained from blood, including umbilical cord blood, peripheral blood, or bone marrow to an individual in need of treatment, wherein the drug is administered to the individual at a time point specifically determined to provide therapeutic efficacy. In one embodiment, the cells are for injection into ischemic myocardium for the treatment of angina.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition includes a therapeutically effective amount of exo-S-mecamylamine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, substantially free of exo-R-mecamylamine in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Preferably the amount is about 0.5 mg to about 20 mg. Medical conditions are treated by administering a therapeutically effective amount of exo-S-mecamylamine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, substantially free of its exo-R-mecamylamine, said amount being sufficient to ameliorate the medical condition.

Abstract: A combined therapy of human umbilical cord blood cells (hUCB) and G-CSF at the acute stage of TBI was tested as a therapeutic for progressive secondary effects of chronic TBI. Rats were treated with saline carrier, or therapeutic in carrier as follows; G-CSF, hUCB, or hUCB and G-CSF, 7-days after TBI. Eight weeks later, behavioral testing was performed and brains harvested to analyze hippocampal cell loss, neuroinflammatory response, and neurogenesis. Results revealed that the monotherapies partially suppressed neuroinflammation and reduced hippocampal cell loss. However, combined therapy of hUCB and G-CSF robustly dampened neuroinflammation, while enhancing endogenous neurogenesis and reducing hippocampal cell loss. Vigorous and long-lasting recovery of motor function accompanied the combined therapy, which was either moderately or short-lived in the monotherapy conditions.

Abstract: Administration of human umbilical cord blood cells (HUCBC) or HUCBC-derived plasma is used to treat amyloid-based diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, and type-II diabetes. Modulating inflammatory reactions by infusing HUCBC resulted in a marked reduction of amyloid plaques and immune-associated cellular damage. HUCBC infusion also significantly reduced cerebral amyloid angiopathy in mice models. These effects were associated with suppression of the CD40-CD40L interaction and a reduction in surface expressed CD-40 was observed on immune cells. Further, A? phagocytic activity was increased and soluble and insoluble A? protein levels were modulated by treatment. HUCBC-infused sera also significantly increased phagocytosis of A?1-42 peptide and inhibited immune cell CD40 expression and reduced cerebral amyloid angiopathy.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition includes a therapeutically effective amount of exo-S-mecamylamine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, substantially free of exo-R-mecamylamine in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Preferably the amount is about 0.5 mg to about 20 mg. Medical conditions are treated by administering a therapeutically effective amount of exo-S-mecamylamine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, substantially free of its exo-R-mecamylamine, said amount being sufficient to ameliorate the medical condition.

Abstract: Administration of human umbilical cord blood cells (HUCBC) or HUCBC-derived plasma is used to treat amyloid-based diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, cerebral amyloid antigopathy, and type-II diabetes. Modulating inflammatory reactions by infusing HUCBC resulted in a marked reduction of amyloid plaques and immune-associated cellular damage. HUCBC infusion also significantly reduced cerebral amyloid angiopathy in mice models. These effects were associated with suppression of the CD40-CD40L interaction and a reduction in surface expressed CD-40 was observed on immune cells. Further, A? phagocytic activity was increased and soluble and insoluble A? protein levels were modulated by treatment. HUCBC-infused sera also significantly increased phagocytosis of A?1-42 peptide and inhibited immune cell CD40 expression and reduced cerebral amyloid angiopathy.

Abstract: The present invention provides fusion peptides, compositions, methods and kits for treating, reducing the risk of, lessening the severity of, preventing, or delaying the onset of amyloid-related disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease and HIV associated neurocognitive impairment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of umbilical cord blood cells from a donor or patient to provide neural cells which may be used in transplantation. The isolated cells according to the present invention may be used to effect autologous and allogeneic transplantation and repair of neural tissue, in particular, tissue of the brain and spinal cord and to treat neurodegenerative diseases of the brain and spinal cord.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of umbilical cord blood cells from a donor or patient to provide neural cells which may be used in transplantation. The isolated cells according to the present invention may be used to effect autologous and allogeneic transplantation and repair of neural tissue, in particular, tissue of the brain and spinal cord and to treat neurodegenerative diseases of the brain and spinal cord.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition includes a therapeutically effective amount of exo-S-mecamylamine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, substantially free of exo-R-mecamylamine in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Preferably the amount is about 0.5 mg to about 20 mg. Medical conditions are treated by administering a therapeutically effective amount of exo-S-mecamylamine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, substantially free of its exo-R-mecamylamine, said amount being sufficient to ameliorate the medical condition.

Abstract: Human umbilical cord blood-derived monocytes that markedly promote A? clearance through heterodimerization of sAPP? with A? and resultant sAPP? production for prevention or treatment of Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders (including stroke and TBI). It was discovered that multiple low-dose infusions of human umbilical cord blood cells (HUCBCs) ameliorate cognitive impairments and reduce A?-associated neuropathology in PSAPP transgenic mice, which markedly promotes amyloid precursor protein (APP) ?-cleavage and resultant sAPP? production for pharmaceutical purposes, in particular for treating or slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: Blood brain barrier (BBB) permeabilizers, such as mannitol, can facilitate the entry of stem cells from the periphery to the stroke brain. It is unknown whether BBB permeation in the chronic stage of the disease still facilitates the entry of stem cells from the periphery to the injured brain. Evidence herein shows BBB permeation in the chronic stage of stroke assisted in the entry of stem cells from the periphery to the stroke brain. Stroke models treated with human umbilical cord stem cells (hUCBC) only (2 million viable cells), mannitol or a combination. Results revealed that hUCBC alone or combined with mannitol displayed significant behavioral and histological deficits compared to control animals, with the HUCBC-mannitol combined treatment showing improvements over hUCBC only treatments in brain cell survival in the peri-infarct area. BBB permeation in chronic stroke also lowers the effective stem cell dose necessary to improve functional outcomes.

Abstract: The present invention provides fusion peptides, compositions, methods and kits for treating, reducing the risk of, lessening the severity of, preventing, or delaying the onset of amyloid-related disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease and HIV associated neurocognitive impairment.

Abstract: Administration of human umbilical cord blood cells (HUCBC) or HUCBC-derived plasma is used to treat amyloid-based diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, cerebral amyloid antigopathy, and type-II diabetes. Modulating inflammatory reactions by infusing HUCBC resulted in a marked reduction of amyloid plaques and immune-associated cellular damage. HUCBC infusion also significantly reduced cerebral amyloid angiopathy in mice models. These effects were associated with suppression of the CD40-CD40L interaction and a reduction in surface expressed CD-40 was observed on immune cells. Further, A? phagocytic activity was increased and soluble and insoluble A? protein levels were modulated by treatment. HUCBC-infused sera also significantly increased phagocytosis of A?1-42 peptide and inhibited immune cell CD40 expression and reduced cerebral amyloid angiopathy.