Today, Dr. Dedomenico has introduced reviewing people’s genetic blueprint in every department in the medical complex, so that their care can be personalized not only for today, but for 30, 40 or 50 years from now. Genetics are a part of 20/20 LifeStyles, My Best 10, cosmetic dermatology, Anti-Aging, nutritional dietitians, personal training, psychology, psychiatry, aesthetician (facials), salon (hair and nails), physical therapy, podiatry, orthopedics and plastic surgery.
Presently, two pilot studies funded by Dr. Dedomenico are underway. 20/20 LifeStyles is presently researching new and innovative ways to stop excessive weight gain during pregnancy as well as weight gain after an injury. These are two of the main causes of relapse and weight gain. Preliminary findings show that interfacing with dietitians, exercise physiologists and a psychologist can help pregnant women return to normal weight within 2-6 weeks after delivery. People who are unable to work and whose injuries require physical therapy for recovery are interfaced with these same professionals. Early findings in that program show good results in weight loss for overweight patients, and that all patients gain muscle, positive attitude, confidence and return to work sooner than non-treated individuals. Final results on both pilot studies are due in late 2018.
In 2001, Dr. Sauvage and Dr. Dedomenico had pre-eminent vascular biology researcher Tom Wright, PhD join The Hope, where he began a 5-year research project to “grow” a living heart – though unfortunately, Dr. Wright’s research was unable to produce a replacement heart.
In 2003, Dr. Dedomenico first noticed how the metabolic disorder of inflammation known as osteoarthritis was becoming an epidemic. And today, it’s gotten worse. Currently, in the United States, 700,000 joint replacements occur every year. By 2025, the Government says two million joint replacements will be needed unless we find a way to intervene.
Dr. Dedomenico knew that by understanding genetics, doctors could create personalized exercise programs, so the small group of people with genetic markers showing they were prone to osteoarthritis wouldn’t do the wrong exercises or sports. By avoiding these harmful activities, people could avoid damage to the joints, which later in life would result in osteoarthritis. This alone could slow the need for joint replacement.
While Dr. Dedomenico had always hoped that stem cells could be used in heart disease to grow heart muscle, he also knew that stem cell research was another means to combat osteoarthritis.
In seeking answers, Dr. Dedomenico decided further research was needed. He joined Dr. Wayne McIlwraith of Colorado State University in 2005 to investigate ways to control the osteoarthritis epidemic. Dr. Dedomenico and Dr. McIlwraith began studying the ability of
stem cells to stop osteoarthritis when it first starts, accelerate healing after any surgery, re-growing tendons and someday growing hearts or heart muscle. Their work was done mostly in PEGASUShorses, especially thoroughbreds. Dr. Dedomenico still does this work in Redmond at Pegasus Thoroughbred Training and Rehabilitation Center, which he had built 12 years ago. The facility treats injured horses with stem cells and incorporates operating rooms, hyperbaric chamber, swimming pool, underwater treadmill, multiple diagnostic equipment, and a 5/8-mile poly track with a special non-slip surface. It has a staff of 15 for rehabilitation, training and care of the horses. No horses are sacrificed. In fact, all horses return to the race track to continue racing. Dr. Dedomenico and Dr. McIlwraith have concluded that stem cells can stop osteoarthritis if given at the first signs of the disorder, can grow new tendons (which they have been doing for 8 years), and will accelerate the healing process when handled and given correctly.
While others have tried stem cell therapy to repair damaged hearts without much success, Dr. Dedomenico says the time is coming to take what we have learned in animals to humans in the orthopedic area and eventually in the cardiovascular area to grow heart muscle.