Background

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Tremendous advances have been made in recent years in understanding some of the key molecular mechanisms that influences aging, healthspan and lifespan. It has been shown that higher numbers of adult stem cells in the blood correlate to a longer lifespan and a lower prevalence of any chronic disease, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and osteoporosis. A similar pattern involving telomeres has recently been discovered: the longer the telomeres, the longer the healthy lifespan of the person (1).
We propose using both of these biomarkers as end-points in our quest to better understand the biochemical mechanism of aging.
What is not known is the intricate interconnected pathways among adult (hemopoietic) stem cell levels; length of telomeres; cellular nutritional state (too high or too low levels); and the body's level of toxic burden (Fig.1).
Fig. 1. Categories of molecular alterations that occur during the ageing process. These processes are not necessarily temporal or sequential, but are concurrent and lead to cumulative damage and ageing. ROS stands for Reactive Oxygen Species (free radicals) (2)

Overwhelming scientific evidence confirms that suboptimal vitamin status is associated with disease processes and the overall poor condition of one's health. Low levels of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants have been shown to suppress immune function and contribute to chronic degenerative processes (3).
It is to be expected, that Research Participant's elevated stem cells and lengthened telomeres will result in better healthspan and lifespan. Our ultimate goal is the life-long maintenance of the highest possible level of healthy hemopoietic stem cells and the longest telomeres in research participants.

Hypothesis

We are motivated by the hypothesis that a cellular detoxification, coupled with high quality nutritional interventions, will change the cellular microenvironment to enable robust and efficient stem cell self-renewal and the lengthening of telomeres. We believe that a better understanding of the interrelationship between the two key biological markers: the elevation of stem cells and the lengthening of the telomeres, will establish a novel approach in anti-aging medicine.
Our hypothesis includes the following:
- there is a direct association between elevated mercury or lead and shorter telomeres;
- appropriate levels of zinc and selenium (and other beneficial minerals) are prerequisites for elevated number of stem cells in the blood;
- a balanced amino acid profile is needed for longer telomeres;
- low levels of vitamin Bs are linked to a low level of stem cells;
- higher waist to hip ratio predicts shorter telomeres and consequently, reduction in abdominal fat increases telomere length;
and the list goes on.
It is clear that we need a large number of data to generate the statistically significant relationships.

Study Design

Non-Randomized, Open Label, Uncontrolled, Double Group Assignment, Efficacy Study
Primary Outcome Measures: elevated adult (hemopoietic) stem cells in peripheral blood and lengthened telomeres in white blood cells
Estimated Enrollment: thousands from around the world (open to accept new study participants; first participants were enrolled in April, 2010 and the enrollment continues now)
Estimated Study Completion Date: first phase: six month, and then open ended
Estimated Primary Completion Date: analyzed and presented in 2011 for the first group of six month long Research Participants
Location: global, the limiting factor is the speed of couriers used since the blood sample for the Stem Cell Test should arrive to the laboratory in Toronto, Canada within 48 hours of the blood drawn.

Goals

It's our understanding that we are the first investigators to study the dynamic interrelations among stem cells, telomeres, nutrients and toxins in human subjects. New, exciting research opportunities are now possible with the commercial availability of telomere testing (2009), micronutrient testing and stem cell testing (2010).
Together with many like-minded doctors and Research Participants we will generate a sufficiently large number of data to give us an unparalleled insight into the as yet unknown toxic and nutritional biochemical events driving the senescence relationships.

It's our goal to turn back the clock for the Research Participants in measurable and documented ways. We offer the first and only Anti-Aging Protocol that offers multifaceted biochemical interventions with measurable outcomes.
A recent study (January, 2010) of 608 individuals reported for the very first time the actual lengthening of telomeres over five years in 23% of individuals – for reasons not known at this time (4). This study raises the possibility that telomeric aging may be reversed and gave us extra momentum to forge ahead with our study.
We believe that this Stem Cell and Telomere Study has the potential to create a paradigm shift in our understanding of so far elusive new factors that will have unique implications for modulation of human lifespan and alleviation of diseases of ageing via the activation of relevant pathways.

Eligible Research Participants

Participation in research is voluntary.
The number of Research Participants is limited due to the limited number of subsidized high quality food supplements on the below-wholesale price points.
Doctors and health care professionals can sign up their patients. Furthermore, those who are already participating in the study could invite others to join.
If at a given time, we are not able to accept more Research Participants, due to the limited number of subsidized supplements, individuals could still sign up for a waiting list to keep their priority listing.

There are two levels of participation
1) Stem Cell Research Participants (SRP), and
2) Stem Cell & Telomere Research Participants (STRP), where more tests are done, such as the extra Telomere Test and the Micronutrient Test. Individuals have free choice to join either the first or the second group. These two groups were formed to allow individuals to join the study for those who can't pay for the extra Telomere and Nutritional Test, yet, still desire to enjoy the many benefits of this study.

Research Participants should meet the following criteria:

1) they are able to collaborate with a nearby clinic where the blood samples are taken for the tests (1ml blood for the stem cell test). There is a minimal chance of discomfort at the site the blood is drawn, such as bruise, swelling or infection;
2) they are able to send/courier the blood sample for the Stem Cell Test to Toronto, Canada within 48 hours from the time the blood is drawn;
3) they are able to buy the supplements;
4) they deem themselves able to take the Research Protocol's food supplements every day;
5) they are able to pay for the tests;
6) they are not hospitalized or do not require the daily care of a doctor;
7) anybody with a medical condition should ask their doctor if they could participate in this study.
All of the Research Participants will be regularly informed by email if changes are made to the study, such as a new test becomes available, or any new information should be shared or (partial or full) results of the study becomes available,.

Financing and Benefits

This study is self-financed by Research Participants, by StemExperts.com Inc. and supported by donations. We welcome any financial or other support for the success of this study. Research Participants not only benefit from the savings in getting access to the high-end supplements for below-wholesale price, but they have the chance to gain unique insights into their cellular health, toxic load, nutritional imbalances and biological age. There is no known alternative anti-aging protocol that would provide a similar high-end supplement regime with an abundant of beneficial ingredients, coupled with the key anti-aging bio-marker tests.

Free Supplements

We recognize that the costs associated with taking part in this research study can be prohibitive for some. Therefore, we implemented a support program when Research Participants receive US$25.00 'Research Credit' into their store account whenever they successfully invite a new Research Participant. This credit will be applied six months after the new Research Participant completed the first, six months long study. The credit is considered to be a discount and can be accumulated and used against the buying of supplements now or in the future but has no cash value. The credit is not transferable to others (but naturally, the food supplements, received against any credit, can be given to others, even for the enrollment of a new Research Participant).

Research Protocol – Six Months Long

The Study starts with the collection of base-line data (hair test and blood tests), before the food supplements are taken, and finishes six months later with the second set of tests. A six month time-frame was selected since it's a reasonable long time to measure the many improvements our holistic anti-aging protocol yields.
Timeline:

1 Stem Cell Research Participants (SRP) sign up to join the study and fill out a
- 'Health Profile' (see below)

2 Send back the Consent Form
(see at the end)

3 measure their waist to hip ratio and their weight

4 A collaborating doctor draw the blood for the tests;

• Stem Cell Test for all participants
• Telomere Test for Stem and Telomere Research Participants only (due to the higher
  costs of the Telomere Test)
• MicroNutrient Test for Stem & Telomere Research Participants only (due to the
  higher costs of the MicroNutrient Test)

5 A small amount of hair is collected (less then a half inch in length, close to the scalp, from the very back of the head) and submitted either by the doctor or by the Research Participants for "Toxic Element Hair Analysis" (for all participants) at the beginning of the study, at day one, and at the end of the six months.

6 Once the blood sample is sent to the lab for the Stem Cell Test, Research Participants start taking the StemDetox food supplement (www.stemdetox.com) from day one for two months.

7 At the end of the two months long detoxification period, Research Participants switch over to take StemEssentials, StemGlyco and StemSupreme. StemEssentials provides a daily high quality multi-vitamin, multi-mineral, anti-oxidant, balanced amino acid and omega3 supplement package. StemGlyco provides the key glyconutrients necessary for optimal immune function and cell-to-cell communication. StemSupreme supports the natural production and release of stem cells from the bone marrow. This is the first and only stem cell boosting supplement that, together with StemEssentials, provides the building blocks for the formation of new stem cells (instead of only pushing the bone marrow for more stem cells that might lead to a weakened and depleted bone marrow).

8 Once the six months study period is over, again a Stem Cell Test and a Hair Test are done for everybody. In addition to these tests, an extra Telomere Test and the MicroNutrient Test are peformed for Stem Cell & Telomere Test Research Participants.

Longitudinal Study

At the successful completion of the six months long Stem Cell and Telomere Study, we invite Research Participants to go on without interruption and take part in our Longitudinal Study where we identify some of the key factors of stem cell levels, telomere trajectory, nutritional imbalances and toxic load in a large cohort of research participants.
Participants in the Longitudinal Study would be entitled to receive the supplements for the same subsidized, below-wholesale price, but only if they stay in the study. The savings will be larger than the costs of the yearly follow up tests (Stem Cell, Hair Test, plus Telomere and MicroNutrient Tests). It's expected that the data generated from these tests revolutionize our understanding of aging and many factors that play a role in the shaping our healthspan and lifespan.

Click here for detailed protocol

Health Profile

The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Health-Related Quality-of-Life 14-Item Measure is used for generating a health profile for Research Participants. This same questionnaire with 14 questions is used after six month and yearly to track in a standardized and scientifically acceptable way the progress made by Research Participants.
http://www.cdc.gov/hrqol/hrqol14_measure.htm
Research Participants are asked to fill out this questionnaire at www.StemExperts.com

Suggested Lifestyle Changes

Throughout the study the following lifestyle changes are suggested
1) drink plenty of clean pure water and avoid all sodas and fruit juices (and sugar)
2) limit your exposure to toxins
3) take daily a high quality probiotic, acquired from the cooler of your local health food store. Even if originally we planned to do so, we decided not to supply probiotics as a part of the protocol since we're unable to ensure the constant low temperature-chain (from the probiotic manufacturer to your fridge) that can only ensure the highest quality probiotics.
4) consume healthy fat, use coconut oil for frying and olive oil for salads, discard the rest
5) eat plenty of raw food, preferably over 50%
6) exercise regularly
7) get plenty of good sleep
8) go out to nature regularly, also to reduce your stress level

Logistics: Test Collection and Affiliated Laboratories

Laboratories in the US

SpectraCell Laboratories (www.spectracell.com) is the designated lab to do the MicroNutrient Tests.
One can search by Zip Code or State a "Draw Site" or a "Clinician" at:
www.spectracell.com/find-a-draw-site/

Laboratories in Canada

Rocky Mountain Analytical (www.rmalab.com) is the designated lab to do the Toxic Hair Tests for everybody.
Stem Cell Test ( StemCellCount.com )
Repeat Diagnostics (www.repeatdiagnostics.com) is the designated lab to do the Telomere Tests.

 

Highest Quality, Honesty, and Transparency

There is no doublespeak here. We are not politicians! We tell you as it is. We want you to succeed with your healthspan and lifespan goals. Our program is simple and transparent. We are independent and we have no hidden motivations or alliances. Even if StemExperts.com Inc. is a small company by any standard, we do the work out of passion and full with vision and care. Our very first volunteers were our family members. We had no problem recruiting them since we knew that the whole protocol is so safe that our loved ones gain a lot by simply going through the steps. We welcome you into our ever growing 'stem cell family' if you join us.

Confidentiality

StemExperts.com Inc. is dedicated to safeguarding research participants' privacy and the confidentiality of all participants' information. For this reason, test results are only released to the ordering physician and the research participants. Research participant information is only utilized internally as a part of the research study and as required by law.
We prefer if Research Participants use only their initials or a pseudo name (or nickname) whenever a biological sample (blood or hair) is collected for a test – to further increase the confidentiality of the participants. Research participants' test records, electronic and hard copy, will be maintained under a strict policy of confidentiality according to US HIPAA guidelines and Canadian Confidentiality guidelines.
Only research investigators and their authorized agents will have access to the data collected before its published.
Research Participants have a choice of not answering a question related to the study or may refuse to participate or may withdraw at any time.

Disclaimer

There is no known harm associated with participation in this study, besides the discomfort of the blood draw or an unexpected interaction between a drug and an ingredient in the food supplement products that could lead to unforeseen harmful consequences. Don't join the study if you are allergic to any of the ingredient in the food supplements.
Due to the nature of any medical research, such as this Global Stem Cell and Telomere Study, StemExperts.com Inc., its associates, employees, and partners can not predict any outcome or promise any changes in the overall health or lifespan of Research Participants. While every effort will be made to maintain predictability and stability, StemExperts.com Inc. retains the rights to increase or decrease at any time the level of the 'Research Credit' or the price of the food supplements or the tests. Some of the reasons include major currency exchange shift, unexpected cost increase or decrease of key ingredients in products or changes in the costs of tests, and for any other unexpected reasons.
StemExperts.com Inc. retains the rights to include or exclude Research Participants for any reasons, to protect the integrity and success of this study.

Click here for detailed protocol