409. Keeping Death at Bay | Dr. Adeel Khan | The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast

Intro

In this episode of “The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast,” Dr. Jordan Peterson interviews Dr. Adeel Khan, a young Canadian physician who specializes in regenerative medicine. They discuss the potential of regenerative medical treatments for chronic health problems and the challenges faced in adopting these innovative therapies.

Main Takeaways

Regenerative Medicine for Chronic Health Problems

• Regenerative medical treatments show promise for depression, chronic pain, and degenerative diseases like osteoarthritis, multiple sclerosis, and fibromyalgia.
• Traditional treatments for chronic pain, such as cortisone, opioids, and surgery, may not always be effective, leading to a gap in patient care.
• Regenerative medicine uses stem cells, PRP, and exosomes to repair tissue back to its previous state, offering an alternative to traditional treatments.

Ultrasound-Guided Regenerative Medicine

• Ultrasound allows for both diagnosis and intervention by guiding the needle directly into the damaged area.
• Dr. Khan successfully treated chronic pain in a patient with osteoarthritis using ultrasound-guided regenerative medicine.

Pioneers in Regenerative Medicine

• Dr. Anthony Galea, a renowned physician, pioneered diagnostic dynamic ultrasound for injuries in athletes like Tiger Woods and Alex Rodriguez.
• Dr. Galea’s mentorship and expertise enabled Dr. Khan to translate his knowledge into treating his own patients.

The Potential of Stem Cells and Exosomes

• Stem cells can come from various sources such as umbilical cord, bone marrow, amniotic fluid, and fat.
• Exosomes, used for treating injuries, work like stem cells to repair and rebuild tissue.
• Exosomes signal the body to start healing and regenerative pathways, encouraging cells to repair themselves.

Challenges and Future of Regenerative Medicine

• Training artificial intelligence (AI) to distinguish tears and guide physicians in musculoskeletal injuries is a challenge.
• Regenerative medicine is advancing towards gene and cell therapies for chronic diseases like autoimmune conditions and cancer.
• There is a lag in the adoption of cell therapies in the United States compared to Japan due to regulatory hurdles.

Summary

Regenerative Medicine for Chronic Health Problems

Dr. Adeel Khan discusses the potential of regenerative medicine in addressing chronic health problems such as depression, chronic pain, and degenerative diseases. Traditional treatments often fall short, leaving a gap in patient care. Regenerative medicine offers an alternative approach using stem cells, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and exosomes to repair tissue and alleviate symptoms.

Ultrasound-Guided Regenerative Medicine

Dr. Khan highlights the benefits of ultrasound-guided regenerative medicine, which allows for precise diagnosis and intervention. By using ultrasound to guide the needle directly into the damaged area, he successfully treated chronic pain in a patient with osteoarthritis. This technique offers a targeted and effective approach to regenerative medicine.

Pioneers in Regenerative Medicine

Dr. Anthony Galea’s pioneering work in diagnostic dynamic ultrasound for athletes’ injuries influenced Dr. Khan’s approach to regenerative medicine. Dr. Galea’s mentorship and expertise enabled Dr. Khan to apply these techniques in treating his own patients. Their collaboration showcases the importance of mentorship and knowledge sharing in advancing medical practices.

The Potential of Stem Cells and Exosomes

Stem cells sourced from various tissues, such as umbilical cord, bone marrow, amniotic fluid, and fat, hold promise in regenerative medicine. These undifferentiated cells can differentiate into various tissue types, aiding in tissue repair. Exosomes, which work similarly to stem cells, signal the body to initiate healing and regenerative pathways, promoting tissue repair without the risk of cell growth.

Challenges and Future of Regenerative Medicine

Training AI to distinguish tears and guide physicians in musculoskeletal injuries presents a challenge in regenerative medicine. However, the field is advancing towards gene and cell therapies for chronic diseases like autoimmune conditions and cancer. While Japan has embraced cell therapies for over a decade, the United States faces regulatory hurdles in their adoption. Overcoming these challenges will pave the way for more accessible and effective regenerative medicine treatments.

Conclusion

Dr. Adeel Khan’s expertise in regenerative medicine sheds light on the potential of this innovative approach in addressing chronic health problems. By utilizing stem cells, PRP, and exosomes, regenerative medicine offers an alternative to traditional treatments that may fall short. While challenges exist in training AI and navigating regulatory hurdles, the future of regenerative medicine holds promise for improved patient care and outcomes.