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Stem Cell Investig. 2019; 6: 19.
1Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran;
2Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran;
2Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran;
3Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
1Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran;
2Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran;
3Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
Contributions: (I) Conception and design: E Fathi, R Farahzadi; (II) Administrative support: E Fathi, R Farahzadi; (III) Provision of study materials or patients: None; (IV) Collection and assembly of data: R Farahzadi, N Rajabzadeh; (V) Data analysis and interpretation: All authors; (VI) Manuscript writing: All authors; (VII) Final approval of manuscript: All authors.
#These authors contributed equally to this work.
Received 2018 Nov 11; Accepted 2019 Mar 17.
Recent developments in the stem cell biology provided new hopes in treatment of diseases and disorders that yet cannot be treated. Stem cells have the potential to differentiate into various cell types in the body during age. These provide new cells for the body as it grows, and replace specialized cells that are damaged. Since mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be easily harvested from the adipose tissue and can also be cultured and expanded in vitro they have become a good target for tissue regeneration. These cells have been widespread used for cell transplantation in animals and also for clinical trials in humans. The purpose of this review is to provide a summary of our current knowledge regarding the important and types of isolated stem cells from different sources of animal models such as horse, pig, goat, dog, rabbit, cat, rat, mice etc. In this regard, due to the widespread use and lot of attention of MSCs, in this review, we will elaborate on use of MSCs in veterinary medicine as well as in regenerative medicine. Based on the studies in this field, MSCs found wide application in treatment of diseases, such as heart failure, wound healing, tooth regeneration etc.
Keywords: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), animal model, cell-based therapy, regenerative medicine
Stem cells are one of the main cells of the human body that have ability to grow more than 200 types of body cells (1). Stem cells, as non-specialized cells, can be transformed into highly specialized cells in the body (2). In the other words, Stem cells are undifferentiated cells with self-renewal potential, differentiation into several types of cells and excessive proliferation (3). In the past, it was believed that stem cells can only differentiate into mature cells of the same organ. Today, there are many evidences to show that stem cells can differentiate into the other types of cell as well as ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm. The numbers of stem cells are different in the tissues such as bone marrow, liver, heart, kidney, and etc. (3,4). Over the past 20 years, much attention has been paid to stem cell biology. Therefore, there was a profound increase in the understanding of its characteristics and the therapeutic potential for its application (5). Today, the utilization of these cells in experimental research and cell therapy represents in such disorders including hematological, skin regeneration and heart disease in both human and veterinary medicine (6).The history of stem cells dates back to the 1960s, when Friedenstein and colleagues isolated, cultured and differentiated to osteogenic cell lineage of bone marrow-derived cells from guinea pigs (7). This project created a new perspective on stem cell research. In the following, other researchers discovered that the bone marrow contains fibroblast-like cells with congenic potential in vitro, which were capable of forming colonies (CFU-F) (8). For over 60 years, transplantation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) has been the major curative therapy for several genetic and hematological disorders (9). Almost in 1963, Till and McCulloch described a single progenitor cell type in the bone marrow which expand clonally and give rise to all lineages of hematopoietic cells. This research represented the first characterization of the HSCs (10). Also, the identification of mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) in 1981 revolutionized the study of developmental biology, and mice are now used extensively as one of the best option to study stem cell biology in mammals (11). Nevertheless, their application a model, have limitations in the regenerative medicine. But this model, relatively inexpensive and can be easily manipulated genetically (12). Failure to obtain a satisfactory result in the selection of many mouse models, to recapitulate particular human disease phenotypes, has forced researchers to investigate other animal species to be more probably predictive of humans (13). For this purpose, to study the genetic diseases, the pig has been currently determined as one the best option of a large animal model (14).
Stem cells, based on their differentiation ability, are classified into different cell types, including totipotent, pluripotent, multipotent, or unipotent. Also, another classification of these cells are based on the evolutionary stages, including embryonic, fetal, infant or umbilical cord blood and adult stem cells (15). shows an overview of stem cells classifications based on differentiation potency.
An overview of the stem cell classification. Totipotency: after fertilization, embryonic stem cells (ESCs) maintain the ability to form all three germ layers as well as extra-embryonic tissues or placental cells and are termed as totipotent. Pluripotency: these more specialized cells of the blastocyst stage maintain the ability to self-renew and differentiate into the three germ layers and down many lineages but do not form extra-embryonic tissues or placental cells. Multipotency: adult or somatic stem cells are undifferentiated cells found in postnatal tissues. These specialized cells are considered to be multipotent; with very limited ability to self-renew and are committed to lineage species.
Toti-potent cells have the potential for development to any type of cell found in the organism. In the other hand, the capacity of these cells to develop into the three primary germ cell layers of the embryo and into extra-embryonic tissues such as the placenta is remarkable (15).
The pluripotent stem cells are kind of stem cells with the potential for development to approximately all cell types. These cells contain ESCs and cells that are isolated from the mesoderm, endoderm and ectoderm germ layers that are organized in the beginning period of ESC differentiation (15).
The multipotent stem cells have less proliferative potential than the previous two groups and have ability to produce a variety of cells which limited to a germinal layer [such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)] or just a specific cell line (such as HSCs). Adult stem cells are also often in this group. In the word, these cells have the ability to differentiate into a closely related family of cells (15).
Despite the increasing interest in totipotent and pluripotent stem cells, unipotent stem cells have not received the most attention in research. A unipotent stem cell is a cell that can create cells with only one lineage differentiation. Muscle stem cells are one of the example of this type of cell (15). The word uni is derivative from the Latin word unus meaning one. In adult tissues in comparison with other types of stem cells, these cells have the lowest differentiation potential. The unipotent stem cells could create one cell type, in the other word, these cells do not have the self-renewal property. Furthermore, despite their limited differentiation potential, these cells are still candidates for treatment of various diseases (16).
ESCs are self-renewing cells that derived from the inner cell mass of a blastocyst and give rise to all cells during human development. It is mentioned that these cells, including human embryonic cells, could be used as suitable, promising source for cell transplantation and regenerative medicine because of their unique ability to give rise to all somatic cell lineages (17). In the other words, ESCs, pluripotent cells that can differentiate to form the specialized of the various cell types of the body (18). Also, ESCs capture the imagination because they are immortal and have an almost unlimited developmental potential. Due to the ethical limitation on embryo sampling and culture, these cells are used less in research (19).
HSCs are multipotent cells that give rise to blood cells through the process of hematopoiesis (20). These cells reside in the bone marrow and replenish all adult hematopoietic lineages throughout the lifetime of the human and animal (21). Also, these cells can replenish missing or damaged components of the hematopoietic and immunologic system and can withstand freezing for many years (22).The mammalian hematopoietic system containing more than ten different mature cell types that HSCs are one of the most important members of this. The ability to self-renew and multi-potency is another specific feature of these cells (23).
Adult stem cells, as undifferentiated cells, are found in numerous tissues of the body after embryonic development. These cells multiple by cell division to regenerate damaged tissues (24). Recent studies have been shown that adult stem cells may have the ability to differentiate into cell types from various germ layers. For example, bone marrow stem cells which is derived from mesoderm, can differentiate into cell lineage derived mesoderm and endoderm such as into lung, liver, GI tract, skin, etc. (25). Another example of adult stem cells is neural stem cells (NSCs), which is derived from ectoderm and can be differentiate into another lineage such as mesoderm and endoderm (26). Therapeutic potential of adult stem cells in cell therapy and regenerative medicine has been proven (27).
For the first time in the late 1990s, CSCs were identified by John Dick in acute myeloid diseases. CSCs are cancerous cells that found within tumors or hematological cancers. Also, these cells have the characteristics of normal stem cells and can also give rise to all cell types found in a particular cancer sample (28). There is an increasing evidence supporting the CSCs hypothesis. Normal stem cells in an adult living creature are responsible for the repair and regeneration of damaged as well as aged tissues (29). Many investigations have reported that the capability of a tumor to propagate and proliferate relies on a small cellular subpopulation characterized by stem-like properties, named CSCs (30).
Embryonic connective tissue contains so-called mesenchymes, from which with very close interactions of endoderm and ectoderm all other connective and hematopoietic tissues originate, Whereas, MSCs do not differentiate into hematopoietic cell (31). In 1924, Alexander A. Maxi mow used comprehensive histological detection to identify a singular type of precursor cell within mesenchyme that develops into various types of blood cells (32). In general, MSCs are type of cells with potential of multi-lineage differentiation and self-renewal, which exist in many different kinds of tissues and organs such as adipose tissue, bone marrow, skin, peripheral blood, fallopian tube, cord blood, liver and lung et al. (4,5). Today, stem cells are used for different applications. In addition to using these cells in human therapy such as cell transplantation, cell engraftment etc. The use of stem cells in veterinary medicine has also been considered. The purpose of this review is to provide a summary of our current knowledge regarding the important and types of isolated stem cells from different sources of animal models such as horse, pig, goat, dog, rabbit, cat, rat, mice etc. In this regard, due to the widespread use and lot of attention of MSCs, in this review, we will elaborate on use of MSCs in veterinary medicine.
The isolation method, maintenance and culture condition of MSCs differs from the different tissues, these methods as well as characterization of MSCs described as (36). MSCs could be isolated from the various tissues such as adipose tissue, bone marrow, umbilical cord, amniotic fluid etc. (37).
Diagram for adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cell isolation (3).
Diagram for bone marrow-derived MSCs isolation (33). MSC, mesenchymal stem cell.
Diagram for umbilical cord-derived MSCs isolation (34). MSC, mesenchymal stem cell.
Diagram for isolation of amniotic fluid stem cells (AFSCs) (35).
Diagram for MSCs characterization (35). MSC, mesenchymal stem cell.
The diversity of stem cell or MSCs sources and a wide aspect of potential applications of these cells cause to challenge for selecting an appropriate cell type for cell therapy (38). Various diseases in animals have been treated by cell-based therapy. However, there are immunity concerns regarding cell therapy using stem cells. Improving animal models and selecting suitable methods for engraftment and transplantation could help address these subjects, facilitating eventual use of stem cells in the clinic. Therefore, for this purpose, in this section of this review, we provide an overview of the current as well as previous studies for future development of animal models to facilitate the utilization of stem cells in regenerative medicine (14). Significant progress has been made in stem cells-based regenerative medicine, which enables researchers to treat those diseases which cannot be cured by conventional medicines. The unlimited self-renewal and multi-lineage differentiation potential to other types of cells causes stem cells to be frontier in regenerative medicine (24). More researches in regenerative medicine have been focused on human cells including embryonic as well as adult stem cells or maybe somatic cells. Today there are versions of embryo-derived stem cells that have been reprogrammed from adult cells under the title of pluripotent cells (39). Stem cell therapy has been developed in the last decade. Nevertheless, obstacles including unwanted side effects due to the migration of transplanted cells as well as poor cell survival have remained unresolved. In order to overcome these problems, cell therapy has been introduced using biocompatible and biodegradable biomaterials to reduce cell loss and long-term in vitro retention of stem cells.
Currently in clinical trials, these biomaterials are widely used in drug and cell-delivery systems, regenerative medicine and tissue engineering in which to prevent the long-term survival of foreign substances in the body the release of cells are controlled (40).
Today, the incidence and prevalence of heart failure in human societies is a major and increasing problem that unfortunately has a poor prognosis. For decades, MSCs have been used for cardiovascular regenerative therapy as one of the potential therapeutic agents (41). Dhein et al. [2006] found that autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) transplantation improves cardiac function in non-ischemic cardiomyopathy in a rabbit model. In one study, Davies et al. [2010] reported that transplantation of cord blood stem cells in ovine model of heart failure, enhanced the function of heart through improvement of right ventricular mass, both systolic and diastolic right heart function (42). In another study, Nagaya et al. [2005] found that MSCs dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), possibly by inducing angiogenesis and preventing cardial fibrosis. MSCs have a tremendous beneficial effect in cell transplantation including in differentiating cardiomyocytes, vascular endothelial cells, and providing anti-apoptotic as well angiogenic mediators (43). Roura et al. [2015] shown that umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells (UCBMSCs) are envisioned as attractive therapeutic candidates against human disorders progressing with vascular deficit (44). Ammar et al., [2015] compared BMSCs with adipose tissue-derived MSCs (ADSCs). It was demonstrated that both BMSCs and ADSCs were equally effective in mitigating doxorubicin-induced cardiac dysfunction through decreasing collagen deposition and promoting angiogenesis (45).
There are many advantages of small animal models usage in cardiovascular research compared with large animal models. Small model of animals has a short life span, which allow the researchers to follow the natural history of the disease at an accelerated pace. Some advantages and disadvantages are listed in (46).
Despite of the small animal model, large animal models are suitable models for studies of human diseases. Some advantages and disadvantages of using large animal models in a study protocol planning was elaborated in (47).
Chronic wound is one of the most common problem and causes significant distress to patients (48). Among the types of tissues that stem cells derived it, dental tissuederived MSCs provide good sources of cytokines and growth factors that promote wound healing. The results of previous studies showed that stem cells derived deciduous teeth of the horse might be a novel approach for wound care and might be applied in clinical treatment of non-healing wounds (49). However, the treatment with stem cells derived deciduous teeth needs more research to understand the underlying mechanisms of effective growth factors which contribute to the wound healing processes (50). This preliminary investigation suggests that deciduous teeth-derived stem cells have the potential to promote wound healing in rabbit excisional wound models (49). In the another study, Lin et al. [2013] worked on the mouse animal model and showed that ADSCs present a potentially viable matrix for full-thickness defect wound healing (51).
Many studies have been done on dental reconstruction with MSCs. In one study, Khorsand et al. [2013] reported that dental pulp-derived stem cells (DPSCs) could promote periodontal regeneration in canine model. Also, it was shown that canine DPSCs were successfully isolated and had the rapid proliferation and multi-lineage differentiation capacity (52). Other application of dental-derived stem cells is shown in .
Diagram for application of dental stem cell in dentistry/regenerative medicine (53).
As noted above, stem cells have different therapeutic applications and self-renewal capability. These cells can also differentiate into the different cell types. There is now a great hope that stem cells can be used to treat diseases such as Alzheimer, Parkinson and other serious diseases. In stem cell-based therapy, ESCs are essentially targeted to differentiate into functional neural cells. Today, a specific category of stem cells called induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells are being used and tested to generate functional dopamine neurons for treating Parkinson's disease of a rat animal model. In addition, NSC as well as MSCs are being used in neurodegenerative disorder therapies for Alzheimers disease, Parkinsons disease, and stroke (54). Previous studies have shown that BMSCs could reduce brain amyloid deposition and accelerate the activation of microglia in an acutely induced Alzheimers disease in mouse animal model. Lee et al. [2009] reported that BMSCs can increase the number of activated microglia, which effective therapeutic vehicle to reduce A deposits in AD patients (55). In confirmation of previous study, Liu et al. [2015] showed that transplantation of BMSCs in brain of mouse model of Alzheimers disease cause to decrease in amyloid beta deposition, increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels and improvements in social recognition (56). In addition of BMSCs, NSCs have been proposed as tools for treating neurodegeneration disease because of their capability to create an appropriate cell types which transplanted. kerud et al. [2001] demonstrated that NSCs efficiently express high level of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) in vivo, suggesting a use of these cells in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinsons disease (57). In the following, Venkataramana et al. [2010] transplanted BMSCs into the sub lateral ventricular zones of seven Parkinsons disease patients and reported encouraging results (58).
The human body is fortified with specialized cells named MSCs, which has the ability to self-renew and differentiate into various cell types including, adipocyte, osteocyte, chondrocyte, neurons etc. In addition to mentioned properties, these cells can be easily isolated, safely transplanted to injured sites and have the immune regulatory properties. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies in animal models have successfully demonstrated the potential of MSCs for various diseases; however, the clinical outcomes are not very encouraging. Based on the studies in the field of stem cells, MSCs find wide application in treatment of diseases, such as heart failure, wound healing, tooth regeneration and etc. In addition, these cells are particularly important in the treatment of the sub-branch neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer and Parkinson.
The authors wish to thank staff of the Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
Funding: The project described was supported by Grant Number IR.TBZMED.REC.1396.1218 from the Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
Ethical Statement: The authors are accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
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Interested in integrative medicine? Read the following excerpt from the Mayo Clinic Guide to Integrative Medicine.
People who take an active role in their health care experience better health and improved healing. Its a commonsense concept thats been gaining scientific support for several years now.
As studies continue to reveal the important role the mind plays in healing and in fighting disease, a transformation is taking place in hospitals and clinics across the country. Doctors, in partnership with their patients, are turning to practices once considered alternative as they attempt to treat the whole person mind and spirit, as well as body. This type of approach is known today as integrative medicine.
Integrative medicine describes an evolution taking place in many health care institutions. This evolution is due in part to a shift in the medical industry as health care professionals focus on wellness as well as on treating disease. This shift offers a new opportunity for integrative therapies.
Integrative medicine is the practice of using conventional medicine alongside evidence-based complementary treatments. The idea behind integrative medicine is not to replace conventional medicine, but to find ways to complement existing treatments.
For example, taking a prescribed medication may not be enough to bring your blood pressure level into a healthy range, but adding meditation to your daily wellness routine may give you the boost you need and prevent you from needing to take a second medication.
Integrative medicine isnt just about fixing things when theyre broken; its about keeping things from breaking in the first place. And in many cases, it means bringing new therapies and approaches to the table, such as meditation, mindfulness and tai chi. Sometimes, integrative approaches help lead people into a complete lifestyle of wellness.
What are some of the most promising practices in integrative medicine? Heres a list of 10 treatments that you might consider for your own health and wellness:
A number of surveys focused on the use of integrative medicine by adults in the United States suggest that more than a third of Americans are already using these practices as part of their health care.
These surveys demonstrate that although the United States has the most advanced medical technology in the world, Americans are turning to integrative treatments and there are several reasons for this trend. Here are three of the top reasons why more and more people are exploring integrative medicine.
One reason integrative medicine is popular is that people in general are taking a greater, more active role in their own health care. People are more aware of health issues and are more open to trying different treatment approaches.
Internet access is also helping to fuel this trend by playing a significant role in improving patient education. Two decades ago, consumers had little access to research or reliable medical information. Today, clinical trials and pharmaceutical developments are more widely available for public knowledge.
For example, people who have arthritis can find a good deal of information about it online. They may find research showing that glucosamine, for example, helps with joint pain and doesnt appear to have a lot of risks associated with it. With this information in hand, they feel empowered to ask their doctors if glucosamine might work with their current treatment plans.
A second reason for the wider acceptance of integrative treatments is the influence of the baby boomer generation. This generation is open to a variety of treatments as it explores ways to age well. In addition, baby boomers are often dealing with several medical issues, from weight control to joint pain, high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol. Not everyone wants to start with medication; many prefer to try complementary methods first.
A third reason for the growth, interest and use of integrative therapies is the degree of chronic stress in the American lifestyle. Workplace stress, long commutes, relationship issues and financial worries are just some of the concerns that make up a long list of stressors.
Although medications can effectively treat short-term stress, they can become just as damaging and even as life-threatening as stress itself is when taken long term. Integrative medicine, on the other hand, offers several effective, evidence-based approaches to dealing with stress that dont involve medication. Many otherwise healthy people are learning to manage the stress in their lives successfully by using complementary methods such as yoga, meditation, massage and guided imagery.
Considering that many healthy people are engaging in integrative practices, it isnt surprising to find out that theyre turning to these treatments in times of illness, as well. Here are just a few ways integrative medicine is used to help people cope with medical conditions:
Conventional Western medicine doesnt have cures for everything. Many people who have arthritis, back pain, neck pain, fibromyalgia and anxiety look to integrative treatments to help them manage these often-chronic conditions without the need for medications that may have serious side effects or that may be addictive.
As interest in integrative medicine continues to grow, so does the research in this field. Researchers are studying these approaches in an effort to separate evidence-based, effective therapies from those that dont show effectiveness or may be risky. In the process, this research is helping to identify many genuinely beneficial treatments. In essence, both consumer interest and scientific research have led to further review of these therapies within modern medicine.
As evidence showing the safety and efficacy of many of these therapies grows, physicians are starting to integrate aspects of complementary medicine into conventional medical care. Ultimately, this is what has led to the current term integrative medicine.
If youre interested in improving your health, many integrative medicine practices can help. Not only can they speed your recovery from illness or surgery, but they can also help you cope with a chronic condition. In addition, complementary practices such as meditation and yoga can work to keep you healthy and may actually prevent many diseases.
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Mayo Clinic Guide to Integrative Medicine
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A holistic approach to integrative medicine - Mayo Clinic Press
Integrative medicine combines conventional and complementary approaches to healthcare treatment to provide optimal health for the whole person. It coordinates conventional medicine with nutritional, psychological, and physical approaches to improve the overall health of the mind and body and address all effects of illness.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), chronic disease affects around 6 in 10 people Trusted Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Governmental authority Go to source in the United States.
Disease can affect individuals beyond just the physiological effects it causes. However, conventional medicine may not always address all aspects of health during treatment.
Integrative medicine is gaining popularity as a method of treating acute and chronic health conditions. It seeks to improve all adverse effects of ill-health and treat the whole person comprehensively, beyond just the symptoms of their illness, using all appropriate methods.
Read on to learn more about integrative medicine, including its purpose, treatment types, benefits, and risks. This article also covers how to find a practitioner.
Integrative medicine is a person-focused approach to the treatment of illness. It seeks to improve a persons overall health and wellness physiologically, spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and environmentally.
To do this, integrative medicine combines conventional medicinal and complementary practices that are evidence-based to create a comprehensive treatment plan that the individual can take an active role in. These treatment plans aim to address the body and mind as a whole, improving health conditions Trusted Source National Cancer Institute Governmental authority Go to source and quality of life from the root cause.
In addition to conventional medicine, integrative medicine may make use of approaches including nutritional, psychological, physical, and combined therapies.
Many different approaches to medicine exist. Integrative medicine intends to combine these different approaches holistically to provide optimal outcomes.
Common types of medicinal care include:
Integrative medicine relies on a combination of these conventional and complementary approaches to improve conditions.
Further approaches of medicine can constitute either complementary or alternative medicine, depending on their use, and integrative medicine may make use of some of their principles. These include:
Integrative medicine can involve Trusted Source National Cancer Institute Governmental authority Go to source a group of trained clinicians working together. Some deliver conventional medical care, while others provide complementary therapies.
An integrative medicine doctor will work with your primary doctor to recommend complementary therapies and develop a personalized plan that may aid your healing.
For example, for someone undergoing treatment for cancer, an integrative medicine doctor may work with an oncologist to recommend complementary therapies to help ease the symptoms and manage the side effects of treatment. In this case, they may recommend acupuncture to help with pain or nausea.
An integrative medicine doctor will make use of all therapeutic approaches appropriate for the person as informed by evidence of any potential benefits.
In a 2009 analysis, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health identified five main types Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source of complementary treatments. These are as follows:
Integrative medicine will combine one or more of these complementary therapies with conventional medical care to form a complete treatment plan that aims to improve your overall mental and physical health.
Your integrative medicine doctor can work with your primary doctor to determine which types of complementary therapies should be included in your treatment plan.
Individuals with varying conditions use methods Trusted Source National Cancer Institute Governmental authority Go to source of integrative medicine.
Although people who use integrative medicine commonly experience chronic conditions, the approach can be useful in treating many different health conditions. This can include treating acute disease and managing its associated symptoms.
Integrative medicine may be an effective option for helping treat the following symptoms and conditions:
If you believe that you could benefit from integrative medicine, your doctor can help you decide if it may be an option for you.
Researchers Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source suggest that biomedicine alone may not fully address all aspects of healing or treatment necessary to improve conditions which can cause distress beyond the physical.
Integrative medicine that combines conventional biomedicine with complementary therapies may thus offer additional benefits, though specific benefits will depend on your medical diagnosis, treatment plan, and chosen complementary therapies.
In a 2018 review Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source of integrative medicine, researchers who looked at several studies observed improvements in:
It is worth noting that some of these studies were uncontrolled and not definitive.
Although complementary therapies are not a substitute for conventional medicine, their combination in integrative medicine may bring some benefits.
There can be risks with any medical treatment, including the conventional medicine and complementary treatments used in integrative medicine.
Potential risks of integrative medicine can include Trusted Source National Cancer Institute Governmental authority Go to source:
However, there are steps that you can take to mitigate risk from integrative medicine practices, such as:
Your doctor can help determine whether or not a particular complementary therapy will affect your medical care.
The cost of your care will vary based on your diagnosis and individual treatment plan.
Insurance may not cover all complementary therapies, but some health insurance policies may cover Trusted Source American Cancer Society Highly respected international organization Go to source some of the costs of integrative medicine. This can include conventional medical treatments and some more common complementary methods, such as acupuncture and chiropractic therapy.
Contact your health insurance provider before starting treatments to find out which options it covers. It is important to understand which treatment costs you may be responsible for and what requirements your provider has so that you can plan accordingly.
The outlook for people undergoing integrative medicine treatments will vary based on their diagnosis and exposure to effective treatment options.
Integrative medicine can help improve Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source symptoms and quality of life for people. It may also reduce some of the problems associated with their health condition.
For the best results, it is important to discuss all of your options with your doctor and follow your treatment plan.
Medical doctors, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and other qualified medical professionals can provide conventional medicinal care and may also offer an integrative approach.
It is important to find conventional and complementary practitioners who will work together Trusted Source National Cancer Institute Governmental authority Go to source to ensure that you are getting the care you need and that it is appropriate and safe for you.
A variety of experts such as massage therapists, acupuncturists, and physical therapists
will also provide complementary therapies. Requirements for licensing can vary according to location, but when considering integrative medicine, it is important to investigate the safety and efficacy of a treatment to prevent negative outcomes.
You should also verify that your practitioners are trained and qualified in the treatment they offer.
When considering possible options, inform your doctor of your desire to follow an approach that focuses on integrative medicine, including any treatments you already use.
Your health insurance provider or local hospital may have additional recommendations for potential integrative medicine practitioners.
Integrative medicine is a person-focused approach that relies on both conventional medicine and complementary therapies to achieve whole-person health.
An integrative medicine doctor will work with your primary doctor to recommend complementary therapies that may ease the symptoms of your condition or possibly help treat it.
There are risks associated with all medical treatments, including integrative medicine. For this reason, it is important to work with a trained and qualified doctor to identify the therapeutic approaches that are safe and effective for you.
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Integrative Medicine: A Complete Guide and Comparison - Healthgrades