Adipose tissue-derived stem cells: a new approach to the treatment of Crohn's disease-associated perianal fistulae

Regenerative and translational medicine in COPD: hype and hope

COPD is a common, preventable and usually progressive disease associated with an enhanced chronic inflammatory response in the airways and lung, generally caused by exposure to noxious particles and gases. It is a treatable disease characterised by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation due to abnormalities in the airways and/or alveoli. COPD is currently the third leading cause of death worldwide, representing a serious public health problem and a high social and economic burden. Despite significant advances, effective clinical treatments have not yet been achieved. In this scenario, cell-based therapies have emerged as potentially promising therapeutic approaches. However, there are only a few published studies of cell-based therapies in human patients with COPD and a small number of ongoing clinical trials registered on clinicaltrials.gov Despite the advances and interesting results, numerous doubts and questions remain about efficacy, mechanisms of action, culture conditions, doses, timing, route of administration and conditions related to homing and engraftment of the infused cells. This article presents the state of the art of cell-based therapy in COPD. Clinical trials that have already been completed and with published results are discussed in detail. We also discuss the questions that remain unanswered about cell-based regenerative and translational medicine for COPD.

ECCO Guidelines on Therapeutics in Crohn's Disease: Surgical Treatment

This article is the second in a series of two publications relating to the European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation [ECCO] evidence-based consensus on the management of Crohn's disease. The first article covers medical management; the present article addresses surgical management, including preoperative aspects and drug management before surgery. It also provides technical advice for a variety of common clinical situations. Both articles together represent the evidence-based recommendations of the ECCO for Crohn's disease and an update of previous guidelines.