Osteoarthritis can make everyday movements difficult, limiting mobility and causing persistent joint pain. If you have been relying on pain medications or considering surgery, there is another option. At Stemedix, we offer regenerative medicine treatments that address joint damage at the source, helping you regain function without invasive procedures.
Through therapies like stem cell and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, regenerative medicine promotes natural healing by stimulating tissue repair and reducing inflammation. Unlike traditional treatments that only manage symptoms, these therapies work to restore cartilage and improve joint function over time.
For those seeking regenerative medicine in Saint Petersburg, FL, Stemedix offers advanced, full-service, patient-focused care tailored to each individual’s needs. From airport and appointment transportation to providing wheelchairs, walkers, and shower chairs, Stemedix guarantees a comfortable and supported experience throughout your treatment journey. Our team of experts develops personalized treatment plans designed to help you stay active and avoid surgery.
Osteoarthritis and Its Impact on Joint Health
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive joint disease that causes cartilage deterioration, leading to pain, stiffness, and mobility issues. It is the most common type of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide. It develops as the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones begins to wear down. Over time, this deterioration leads to increased friction between bones, causing pain, stiffness, and inflammation. The condition primarily affects joints that bear the most weight, such as the knees, hips, and spine. However, it can also impact the hands and other areas, making even simple movements uncomfortable.
Although aging plays a role in its progression, osteoarthritis is not just a condition that affects older adults. Joint injuries, repetitive stress, obesity, and genetic factors can contribute to early onset and severity. Many individuals begin to notice symptoms when stiffness becomes more persistent, and activities that were once effortless start to feel more challenging. Without intervention, the condition can continue to worsen, affecting overall mobility and quality of life.
How Osteoarthritis Affects Joint Function and Mobility
Joints rely on smooth cartilage surfaces for pain-free movement. As osteoarthritis progresses, cartilage breaks down, exposing the underlying bone. This increases friction during movement, triggering inflammation and pain. Swelling and stiffness can make it difficult to bend, straighten, or bear weight.
As osteoarthritis advances, bone spurs can form around the joint, restricting motion and adding to discomfort. Fluid accumulation within the joint capsule contributes to swelling, further limiting movement. In severe cases, the cartilage loss becomes so pronounced that bones grind directly against each other, resulting in chronic pain and mobility impairments.
The impact of osteoarthritis extends to daily activities. Tasks like walking, climbing stairs, or standing for long periods become increasingly difficult. Individuals may also experience weakness or instability, increasing the risk of falls or further injury, which can substantially affect independence and overall well-being.
For those struggling with osteoarthritis, finding effective treatment options is essential. At Stemedix, we provide regenerative medicine treatments designed to support natural joint repair, helping individuals regain function and reduce pain without relying solely on medications or surgery.
The Role of Regenerative Medicine in Osteoarthritis Treatment
Regenerative medicine is an approach that utilizes the body’s natural healing mechanisms to repair and restore damaged tissues. This includes stem cell therapy and specialty cells, which can replace and rebuild cartilage, reduce inflammation, and improve joint function, which help regenerate cartilage, reduce inflammation, and improve joint function.
How Stem Cell Therapy Can Aid in Joint Repair
Stem cell therapy introduces specialized cells into the affected joint to help repair and regenerate damaged tissue. These cells are typically sourced either from the patient’s own bone marrow or adipose (fat) tissue, or from carefully screened donor tissue, depending on the treatment approach. Once introduced into the joint, they interact with the surrounding environment to promote healing. Studies suggest that stem cells, especially chondrocytes (Cartilage Cells) and their respective exosomes can contribute to cartilage regeneration, slow the progression of osteoarthritis, and improve overall joint function.
One of the main benefits of stem cell therapy is its ability to address joint degeneration at a cellular level. Unlike pain medications or corticosteroid injections, which only provide temporary symptom relief, stem cells work to support the restoration of tissue over time. Many individuals who undergo stem cell therapy report gradual improvements in pain levels, joint flexibility, and overall mobility. While results vary, research continues to explore how stem cell treatments can enhance long-term joint health.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) Therapy: A Complementary Treatment
PRP therapy is another regenerative medicine treatment that can support joint healing. This therapy involves drawing a small sample of the patient’s blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets, and injecting the enriched plasma into the affected joint. Platelets contain growth factors that stimulate tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and enhance the body’s natural healing processes.
For osteoarthritis patients, PRP therapy can help manage pain and improve function by promoting cartilage repair. When used in combination with stem cell therapy, PRP may enhance the effects of treatment by creating an environment that supports regeneration. Some individuals experience noticeable improvements in joint comfort and mobility after a series of PRP injections, making it a valuable option for those seeking alternatives to surgery.
At Stemedix, we provide regenerative medicine treatments designed to support joint repair and improve quality of life. By offering stem cell therapy and PRP therapy, we help individuals take a proactive approach to osteoarthritis management, reducing pain and enhancing mobility without the need for invasive procedures.
Benefits of Regenerative Medicine for Osteoarthritis
Regenerative medicine treatments provide several benefits for osteoarthritis patients looking for a non-surgical solution:
Non-Surgical Treatment with Minimal Recovery Time
Regenerative medicine treatments offer a non-invasive approach to managing osteoarthritis. Unlike joint replacement surgery, which requires extensive incisions, hospital stays, and long recovery periods, regenerative therapies involve targeted injections. This means patients experience minimal discomfort during the procedure and can return to their normal activities much sooner. Most individuals can resume daily routines within days, making it a practical option for those who want to avoid the risks and downtime associated with surgery.
Because these treatments do not require general anesthesia or large incisions, the risk of complications is lower compared to surgical interventions. Many patients choose regenerative medicine to maintain an active lifestyle while managing osteoarthritis symptoms effectively.
Promoting Natural Healing and Tissue Regeneration
Traditional osteoarthritis treatments, such as pain medications and steroid injections, primarily focus on symptom relief. While they may reduce discomfort temporarily, they do not contribute to long-term joint health. Regenerative medicine takes a different approach by supporting the body’s natural ability to heal itself.
Stem cell therapy and PRP therapy introduce healing elements directly into the affected joint, encouraging the repair of damaged cartilage and tissues. Stem cells can develop into various types of cells needed for joint repair, while PRP provides growth factors that stimulate tissue regeneration. Over time, these therapies may help slow osteoarthritis progression, preserving joint function and mobility for longer.
Reducing Pain and Inflammation
Inflammation is one of the primary drivers of osteoarthritis pain. As the cartilage wears down and bones begin to rub together, the body responds with increased inflammation, leading to swelling, stiffness, and discomfort. Regenerative medicine treatments target this underlying inflammation rather than simply masking pain.
By introducing stem cells and PRP into the affected joint, these treatments help regulate the inflammatory response. This can lead to sustained pain relief and improved joint function over time. Many individuals report noticeable reductions in pain and stiffness, allowing them to engage in physical activities with greater ease.
At Stemedix, we specialize in regenerative medicine treatments that help individuals manage osteoarthritis without relying on invasive procedures. By offering innovative stem cell therapies that promote healing, reduce inflammation, and restore function, we provide a path to long-term joint health and improved mobility.
Is Regenerative Medicine the Right Treatment for You?
Regenerative medicine is an effective treatment option for individuals with mild to moderate osteoarthritis who are seeking a non-surgical alternative to managing their condition. If you have joint pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility that have not responded well to traditional treatments, regenerative therapies may be an excellent choice.
This approach is especially suited for people who wish to avoid the risks, recovery time, and complications associated with joint replacement surgery. If you are looking to regain function, reduce pain, and maintain mobility without the need for invasive procedures, regenerative medicine may be the solution for you.
What to Expect During the Treatment Process
The process for regenerative medicine treatments typically involves injecting stem cells, specialty cells, or even platelet-rich plasma into the affected joint. The procedure is minimally invasive, usually performed in an outpatient setting, and involves very little discomfort.
Before the injection, your healthcare provider will make sure that the area is numbed to minimize any discomfort during the procedure. The stem cells, or PRP, are then injected directly into the affected joint. While the treatment itself is relatively quick, it may take several weeks for noticeable improvements to appear. Over the following months, the benefits of the therapy continue to unfold, helping to promote tissue regeneration, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain.
At Stemedix, we specialize in providing personalized regenerative medicine treatments tailored to your unique needs. If you’re considering this option for osteoarthritis, our experienced team can help guide you through the process, ensuring that you receive the best care and support throughout your treatment journey.
Regenerative Medicine vs. Traditional Joint Replacement Surgery
Joint replacement surgery becomes necessary when osteoarthritis has progressed to a point where the damage to the joint is severe and non-surgical treatments no longer provide relief. In these cases, the cartilage has deteriorated, causing bones to rub against each other, resulting in debilitating pain and limited movement. When conservative treatments like medication, physical therapy, and injections fail to alleviate symptoms, joint replacement may be the only remaining option. This procedure involves removing the damaged cartilage and bone and replacing it with an artificial joint.
However, joint replacement surgery comes with risks, including infection, blood clots, and a lengthy recovery period. For many patients, the idea of undergoing surgery and spending months recovering is stressful.
Advantages of Regenerative Medicine Over Surgery
Regenerative medicine offers a compelling alternative to joint replacement by addressing joint deterioration early in the process. By harnessing the body’s natural healing abilities, regenerative treatments like stem cell therapy and PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy target the root causes of joint pain and inflammation.
One of the most notable benefits of regenerative medicine is the shorter recovery time compared to surgery. Since regenerative treatments involve injections rather than incisions, patients typically experience less pain and minimal downtime and can return to their daily activities much faster. Additionally, regenerative medicine carries fewer risks, as it’s a non-invasive procedure that doesn’t require general anesthesia or long hospital stays.
Another significant advantage is that regenerative treatments may help delay or even prevent the need for joint replacement altogether. By stimulating tissue regeneration, regenerative medicine can slow the progression of osteoarthritis and preserve joint function.
Cost Considerations: Regenerative Medicine vs. Joint Replacement
While joint replacement surgery can cost tens of thousands of dollars, regenerative medicine treatments tend to be more affordable. Surgery often requires extensive post-operative care, including physical therapy and follow-up visits, which can add up in costs. Additionally, joint replacement surgery typically involves a long recovery period, where additional medical expenses may arise.
On the other hand, regenerative medicine offers a cost-effective alternative. Since the procedures are minimally invasive, they generally don’t require the same level of post-treatment care and rehabilitation. By avoiding the need for surgery, patients can save money in the long term, while also potentially experiencing better outcomes without the extensive recovery times.
At Stemedix, we provide advanced regenerative medicine treatments tailored to your needs, offering an affordable, non-surgical alternative that may help you avoid joint replacement surgery. Our team of experienced providers is here to guide you through your treatment options and help you make the best decision for your joint health.
Stemedix: Your Partner in Regenerative Medicine for Osteoarthritis
At Stemedix, we specialize in offering advanced regenerative medicine in Saint Petersburg, FL, designed to provide relief from osteoarthritis and restore joint function. Our clinic is known for its commitment to providing the highest level of care, using innovative treatments like stem cell therapy, specialty cells, and PRP (plat-r-p) therapy. These treatments are tailored to help manage pain, reduce inflammation, and regenerate damaged tissues, ultimately improving mobility and quality of life.
We understand that each patient’s needs are unique, which is why we focus on personalized care and treatment options. Whether you’re looking to delay surgery or improve your joint function, Stemedix is dedicated to helping you achieve your goals with effective, non-surgical alternatives.
How Stemedix Tailors Treatments for Osteoarthritis Patients
At Stemedix, we take a personalized approach to every case of osteoarthritis. Our medical team works closely with each patient to design a customized treatment plan that suits their specific condition. We don’t believe in a generalized approach—our regenerative medicine treatments are based on evidence-based practices that are aimed at providing the most effective results for your joint health.
Whether it’s stem cell therapy to regenerate damaged cartilage or PRP therapy to reduce inflammation and promote healing, we combine these treatments to maximize joint restoration and pain relief. Our goal is to enhance your mobility and quality of life while avoiding the need for invasive surgeries.
Patient-Centered Care at Stemedix
At Stemedix, based in Saint Petersburg, FL, patient care is at the heart of everything we do. From the moment you walk through our doors, you’ll experience a welcoming and supportive environment. We understand that going through osteoarthritis treatment options can be overwhelming, which is why we assign dedicated care coordinators to guide you every step of the way.
Our care coordinators make sure that you have all the information you need to make well informed decisions about your treatment. They work closely with you to schedule appointments, answer questions, and monitor your progress throughout the healing process. We prioritize your comfort, convenience, and well-being, ensuring that your experience is smooth and stress-free, from consultation to recovery.
Explore Regenerative Medicine as a Viable Osteoarthritis Treatment Option at Stemedix
Regenerative medicine offers a valuable treatment option for individuals experiencing osteoarthritis in Saint Petersburg, FL. Unlike conventional methods that focus solely on symptom management, regenerative therapies such as stem cell therapy and PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy work to restore joint health by promoting natural healing. These treatments support tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and encourage cartilage regeneration, which can enhance mobility and long-term joint function.
Stemedix specializes in regenerative medicine in Saint Petersburg, FL, providing a non-surgical alternative for those seeking relief from osteoarthritis. By leveraging innovative therapies, Stemedix helps patients regain mobility and improve their quality of life without the risks and extended recovery associated with surgery.
If you are looking for an advanced, non-invasive approach to managing osteoarthritis, Stemedix is here to help. Contact us today at (727) 456-8968 or email yourjourney@stemedix.com to learn more about how regenerative medicine can support your joint health.
Your body is generally very good at telling what’s a foreign invader, like a virus or bacteria, and what’s not — but sometimes, it gets it wrong.
If you have an autoimmune disease, your immune system has begun to associate parts of your body, like your skin or joints, as foreign. When this occurs, the body releases antibodies that attack those healthy cells.
Essentially, your immune system overreacts. That’s what leads to autoimmune diseases. There are many of these kinds of illnesses, but some are much more common than others.
1. Rheumatoid Arthritis: Attacking Your Joints
Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease in which your immune system attacks the joints throughout your body. It attacks the joints on both sides of your body and leads to uncontrolled inflammation that damages cartilage. The joints can begin to deform, and your bones can even erode.
You can experience symptoms like:
Pain, stiffness, and swelling in joints
Fatigue
Fever
Weakness
With rheumatoid arthritis, you can have periods of remission when you have few to no symptoms, but these are followed by flare-ups.
2. Type One Diabetes: Targeting Insulin-Producing Cells
Your pancreas produces a hormone called insulin, which regulates your blood sugar levels. If you have type one diabetes, your immune system attacks the cells in your pancreas that produce insulin. You can experience symptoms like:
Extreme thirst
Fatigue
Blurred vision
Frequent urination
Weight loss
Vaginal yeast infections
Slow healing of sores and cuts
Type one diabetes has a strong genetic component, and there may be certain environmental factors, like viruses or toxins, that can also trigger the disease if you have a predisposition.
3. Multiple Sclerosis: Damaging Myelin Sheaths
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that damages the coating that surrounds nerve cells. These are called myelin sheaths, and if they’re damaged, the transmission speed of messages between your brain and your spinal cord can be delayed.
You can experience symptoms like:
Muscle weakness
Numbness
Changes to your vision
Loss of balance
Mood changes
Trouble with cognitive function
You can experience remission periods in which you may not have any symptoms.
4. Psoriasis: Leading Skin Cells to Multiple Too Quickly
Usually, skin cells grow and then die off and shed. Psoriasis causes cells to multiply too rapidly, leading to the formation of patches. People who have lighter skin tones can have patches that appear red with white plaque scales, while on darker skin tones, the patches can appear purple or dark brown with gray scales.
It can cause symptoms like:
Raised areas of thick skin
Rashes
Flaky or scaly plaque
There are a few types of psoriasis, with some appearing in your skin folds and some even causing pus-filled bumps.
5. Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Swelling in the Intestinal Wall
Inflammatory bowel disease causes the lining of the intestinal wall to swell. Different parts of your gastrointestinal tract are affected depending on where the inflammation is located.
Symptoms include:
Abdominal pain
Anemia
Malnutrition
Weight loss
Rectal bleeding
Fecal incontinence
One type of inflammatory bowel disease is Crohn’s disease, which can cause inflammation anywhere along the tract, from your mouth to your anus. Ulcerative colitis, however, affects the lining of the large intestine and rectum. Microscopic colitis causes inflammation that can only be seen via a microscope.
6. Lupus: Causing Inflammation Throughout Your Body
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that causes your immune system to attack your entire body. Common symptoms include:
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Swollen glands
Hair loss
Fever
Rashes
Blood clots
Confusion
There are a few types of lupus, including lupus that only affects your skin and medication-induced lupus.
7. Graves’ Disease: Overworking Your Thyroid
This type of immune disease attacks your thyroid gland, leading it to produce too many hormones. This can lead you to experience symptoms like:
Fast heartbeat
Unintentional weight loss
Goiter
Heat intolerance
Some people who have this condition can experience symptoms that affect the skin or eyes.
8. Addison’s Disease: Impacting the Adrenal Glands
Addison’s disease is a chronic condition in which your adrenal glands don’t produce enough cortisol and aldosterone. Cortisol is a hormone that helps your body respond to stress while also helping you maintain blood pressure, heart function, and more. Aldosterone is a hormone that controls your body’s sodium and potassium levels.
You can experience symptoms like:
Nausea
Vomiting
Abdominal pain
Patches of dark skin
Fatigue that gets progressively worse
Loss of appetite
Dehydration
Some people also experience low blood sugar levels with the disease.
9. Sjögren’s Disease: Causing Dry Eyes and Mouth
This illness occurs when your immune system attacks the glands that create moisture in your mouth, eyes, and other parts of your body. There is primary Sjögren’s disease, which occurs on its own, and secondary Sjögren’s disease, which happens when another condition triggers the disease.
You can experience symptoms like:
Dry nose and frequent nosebleeds
Vaginal dryness
Dry and itchy eyes
Dry throat
Some people also experience muscle pain, swollen lymph nodes, and even trouble swallowing.
10. Celiac Disease: Attacking the GI Tract
People who have Celiac disease can’t have gluten, which is a protein found in rye, wheat, and other grain products. If you have this disease, your immune system reacts to any gluten it finds in the small intestine, leading to inflammation. You can experience symptoms like:
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Abdominal bleeding
Constipation
Because your immune system attacks your gut if you eat gluten, it doesn’t allow you to receive the nutrients you need. People may experience nutritional deficiencies that can cause many other symptoms.
Managing Autoimmune Diseases with Regenerative Medicine
Most autoimmune conditions can be managed. One of the most promising options, especially when combined with other treatments, is regenerative medicine.
Regenerative medicine options like stem cell therapy harness your body’s natural healing mechanisms. They can help reduce inflammation, which plays a huge role in most autoimmune diseases. With less inflammation, blood circulation improves, bringing more nutrients and oxygen to the affected areas.
To determine whether regenerative medicine is a good choice to help manage your autoimmune conditions, consult with your doctor.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease. When you have RA, your immune system targets the tissues that line your joints, leading to pain and mobility issues.
It’s a chronic condition that can worsen as time passes. However, it does respond well to lifestyle changes and other types of therapies. If you’d like to find natural remedies to help you manage the pain that RA causes, read on to learn more about the most effective options.
Exercise: Easing Pain with Movement
It can be tough to think about moving and being active when you’re dealing with RA pain, but exercise can help. In particular, exercise can reduce your chances of muscle wasting, which is a concern for those with RA. Muscle wasting can in turn worsen fatigue, leading to a cycle of inactivity that only exacerbates the symptoms of the condition.
Strengthening your muscles can help diminish pain by making them better able to support your joints. This helps improve flexibility and joint movement. Regular physical activity can also keep the cartilage in your joints lubricated, reducing stiffness and pain.
You don’t have to go for strenuous exercise to get the benefits you want. Consider beginning with easier stretching exercises and progressing to more intensive options as you get stronger. You can also try balancing exercises to help prevent falls, as well as swimming or walking to keep your heart healthy.
Acupuncture: Trying Traditional Chinese Medicine
Acupuncture has been in practice for thousands of years, making it one of the oldest forms of pain relief. It uses long and very thin needles to stimulate energy along your body using what are called meridian points. Acupuncture is based on the belief that your body needs to have a balanced qi (energy) to function at its best, and that’s what the needles help you achieve.
For those with RA, acupuncture appears to:
Lower various chemicals in the body that lead to inflammation
Ease emotional issues the disease can cause, such as depression and anxiety
Increase blood flow to the treatment areas, bringing more nutrients and oxygen
In turn, those extra nutrients and oxygen help make cartilage and other tissues healthier and stronger.
Heat and Cold: Alternating Temperatures for Relief
Heat and cold are both helpful in easing the pain that RA can cause. Heat can increase blood flow to the treatment area, helping to relax muscles while easing joint pain. It is often particularly helpful to use heat in the morning, right before you start your daily activities.
You can choose for your heat therapy to be moist or dry. Some options include:
Heat pads
Dry saunas
Steam saunas
Warm and damp compresses
Hot shower or bath
A hot wax (paraffin) bath if you have pain in your hands or feet
You always want to ensure that neither the baths nor compresses are too hot since you don’t want to damage your skin.
Cold therapy is also helpful, especially when dealing with acute pain and flare-ups. This therapy can constrict blood flow to the joints, which helps reduce inflammation while also slowing down the pain signals your joints send to your brain. It can reduce the accumulation of fluids in the joints as well.
Cold therapy is simple; there are many cold packs available, or you can make your own. Limit cold therapy to about 20 minutes a few times a day.
Turmeric: Adding the Spice to Your Diet
Turmeric is a spice belonging to the ginger family. It’s originally from Indonesia and India and features prominently in traditional medicine from those regions.
The curcumin in the spice can block proteins that cause inflammation and can work as well as NSAIDs at easing pain. Curcumin is able to help ease symptoms of immune diseases like RA as well as inflammatory bowel disease. It can help decrease morning stiffness and joint swelling.
If you’d like to try turmeric for RA, you can find it in supplements, teas, and the spice itself.
Capsaicin Gels and Creams: Harnessing the Chili Pepper’s Heat
Gels and creams made from capsaicin — the reason chili peppers are hot — can also help relieve RA pain.
When you apply it to your skin, this chemical creates a tingling or mild burning sensation. It works by reducing substance P, which plays a role in sending pain signals to the brain. This substance is also involved in activating inflammatory reactions in your joints.
Don’t use capsaicin substances with heat pads since doing so can increase the burning sensation to a painful level. Instead, you should use these gels by applying them to the affected area two to three times a day.
Deep Breathing: Achieving Relaxation Through Breath
When you start taking deep and steady breaths, it triggers a relaxation response throughout your body that not only relaxes your muscles but also deactivates your stress receptors. As you breathe deeply, you’re also getting more oxygen into your muscles, helping with relaxation.
One way to do deep breathing is to take a slow and steady breath through your nose while keeping your mouth closed. Doing a few of these throughout the day can make a difference.
Massage Therapy: Easing Pain Out of the Muscles
Massage therapy has the potential to relieve stress and release the tension that RA can cause. It can improve circulation, allowing more oxygen to flow throughout your body and helping to reduce inflammation. Having less tension in your muscles encourages you to stay active, which can help alleviate RA symptoms.
With the many types of massage therapies out there, you can choose the one that you feel most comfortable with. If you have any skin irritations or find that certain essential oils make your RA symptoms worse, let the massage therapist know so they can avoid them.
Stem cell therapy is an alternative option involving stem cells to repair, replace, or regenerate damaged cells and tissues in the body.
It involves using stem cells, often derived from the patient’s own body (autologous stem cells) to reduce inflammation, improve joint function, and help repair tissue damage associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Getting Help for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a complex condition. However, by turning to medications as well as natural remedies, you can get the relief you need. You don’t have to go through daily discomfort when there are options available.
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have demonstrated the ability to differentiate into a number of different cells; they also demonstrate immunomodulatory properties that have great potential for use as a stem cell-based therapeutic treatment option and for the treatment of autoimmune diseases – including rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
RA is a chronic and debilitating inflammatory disorder that not only affects the joints, muscles, and tendons, but also damages a number of other body systems, including the eyes, skin, lungs, heart, and blood vessels[1]. It is estimated that roughly 1.5 million Americans are afflicted by RA. While the exact cause of RA is not yet fully understood, the condition is one of over 80 known autoimmune diseases occurring as a result of the immune system mistakenly attacking the body’s own healthy tissue.
Current treatment of RA primarily involves the use of steroids and antirheumatic drugs used primarily to manage associated symptoms of the condition, rather than treat the condition itself. These drugs are also commonly associated with a number of unwanted side effects with users often developing resistance to the medication after prolonged use.
Considering the relative ineffectiveness of drugs designed to treat RA and RA-associated symptoms, scientists have turned to investigate the use of MSC-based therapy as a potential treatment for RA.
As part of this investigation, Sarsenova et al. examined both conventional and modern RA treatment approaches, including MSC-based therapy, by examining the connection between these stem cells and the innate and adaptive immune systems. This review also evaluates recent preclinical and clinical approaches to enhancing the immunoregulatory properties of MSCs.
Through a number of in vitro studies, researchers have realized that MSCs have the ability to inhibit the proliferation of effector memory T cells which, in turn, prevents the proliferation of inflammatory cytokine production. Additionally, these studies have also demonstrated that MSCs are able to modulate functions of the innate immune system by inducting the inflammatory process and activating the adaptive immune system.
Preclinical studies have demonstrated the ability of MSCs to suppress inflammation both through interactions with cells of the immune system and through paracrine mechanisms. This has been demonstrated to be very important as cells of the innate immune system have been shown to have an important role in both the development and progression of RA.
While a number of clinical studies evaluating the effectiveness of MSC-based therapies for the treatment of RA were still ongoing at the time of publication, the nine completed studies primarily demonstrated that using MSCs for the treatment of RA is safe, well tolerated in both the short and long-term, and provides clinical improvements in RA patients.
Despite the many positive and promising outcomes observed through these clinical trials, the authors of this review also point out some limitations associated with the treatment of RA with MSCs. These limitations include many of the referenced studies lacking a placebo control, low enrollment in some studies, and a lack of optimal protocol (for both MSC sourcing and route of administration) for RA treatment with MSCs.
Considering these limitations, Sarsenova et al. point out the need for more well-defined and effective therapeutic windows for the treatment of RA with MSCs, including MSC priming to promote an anti-inflammatory phenotype, in a future study as a way to better understand the perceived benefits of a stem-cell therapy for the treatment of RA and other autoimmune diseases.
The chronic inflammatory disorder rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects the joint lining, causing painful swelling. Since there is not yet a permanent cure for the condition, the treatment goal is to put a patient’s RA into remission, where the symptoms are well controlled.
RA remission is more complicated than it seems, and there are many vital facts to know if you have RA.
1. Remission Doesn’t Mean “Without Symptoms”
The Arthritis Foundation defines remission as having limited symptoms of the condition. Since this definition can be subjective, researchers have developed criteria to use in clinical trials. These remission criteria include:
Only one or fewer swollen joints
Only one or fewer tender joints
The patient assesses arthritis activity as a one or less on a 0–10 scale
A blood test evaluating inflammation shows little to no inflammation
If any of these criteria aren’t met, a patient is not in remission.
2. Remission Can Last for Any Length of Time
Some patients with RA experience remission for a few weeks, and others for a year or longer. There is no guarantee that remission will last for a specific duration.
3. Early Treatment Increases Odds of Remission
While RA symptoms need to persist for six weeks for a doctor to diagnose the condition, the sooner the inflammation is controlled, the better your chances of achieving remission. Since inflammation from RA can cause long-term changes in the joints, patients need aggressive treatment to get the condition under control.
4. Following Your Treatment Plan Is Essential
Staying active, eating healthy, taking your medication as prescribed, and maintaining your scheduled doctor’s appointments to evaluate your health and adjust any dosages as needed is the best way to achieve remission.
5. Tapering Medication Requires Your Doctor
While some patients may be able to cut back on their medication while their RA is in remission, for others, that will cause a relapse. Medication adjustments require your doctor’s guidance to maintain control over your symptoms.
6. Relapses Are Unavoidable
Unfortunately, almost all patients who go into RA remission experience a relapse at some point. If you’ve experienced a flare-up after remission, schedule an appointment with your physician immediately so you can make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disorder that causes your immune system to mistakenly attack its own tissue and specifically affects the lining of the joints, resulting in painful swelling, bone erosion, and eventually permanent joint deformity.
With an estimated 1.5 million people in the U.S. living with RA, the disease affects nearly three times as many women as men. In addition to affecting the synovial joints and causing articular destruction and functional disability, an estimated 40% of those diagnosed with RA experience additional signs and symptoms that do not involve the joints; these affected areas often include most body systems and specifically the skin, eyes, lungs, nerves, heart, and blood vessels.
Multiple studies have demonstrated that bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells could be effective for treating a number of autoimmune diseases, including RA. However, little is known about the effectiveness of umbilical cord (UC)-MSCs as they relate to the treatment of autoimmune diseases, specifically RA.
Considering this, it comes as little surprise to learn that bone marrow MSCs (BM-MSCs) have been the most common source of MSCs used in the study of immunosuppression of autoimmune conditions. However, the collection of BM-MSCs requires aspiration, which is an invasive procedure. Additionally, the number of BM-MSCs and the differentiating potential of BM-MSCs both decrease significantly with age.
UC-MSCs, on the other hand, are collected using non-invasive procedures after birth and before the umbilical cord is discarded. Additionally, UC-MSCs have been well documented to possess properties of self-renewal and multipotent differentiation, making them a potential candidate for alternative sources of stem cells.
In this study, Liu et al. examined the suppressive effects of UC-MCSs on the proliferation, invasive behavior, and inflammatory responses of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) from patients with RA.
At the conclusion of this study, the authors offered a number of key findings about the effectiveness of UC-MSCs in this application, including:
US-MSCs inhibited proliferation of FLSs from RA patients
US-MSCs suppressed the invasive behavior and MMP expression of FLSs from RA patients
US-MSCs suppressed the inflammatory response of FLSs from RA patients
UC-MSCs induced hyporesponsiveness of T lymphocytes from RA patients
UC-MSCs induced Tregs from RA patients
UC-MSCs prevented tissue damage and reduced inflammatory responses in CIA
The authors conclude by indicating the evidence provided by this study indicates that UC-MSCS can exert a profound inhibitory effect on FLSs and T cells from RA patients and that they might be a therapeutic perspective in RA. Source: “Therapeutic potential of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem ….” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21080925/.
This website and its contents are not intended to treat, cure, diagnose, or prevent any disease. Stemedix, Inc. shall not be held liable for the medical claims made by patient testimonials or videos. They are not to be viewed as a guarantee for each individual. The efficacy for some products presented have not been confirmed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
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We'll send your FREE information packet that outlines our entire personalized, stress-free stem cell treatment process!
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Request Information Packet
We'll send your FREE information packet that outlines our entire personalized, stress-free stem cell treatment process!
Thanks for your interest!
Request Information Packet
We'll send your FREE information packet that outlines our entire personalized, stress-free stem cell treatment process!
Thanks for your interest!
Request Information Packet
We'll send your FREE information packet that outlines our entire personalized, stress-free stem cell treatment process!
Thanks for your interest!
Request Information Packet
We'll send your FREE information packet that outlines our entire personalized, stress-free stem cell treatment process!
Thanks for your interest!
Request Information Packet
We'll send your FREE information packet that outlines our entire personalized, stress-free stem cell treatment process!
Thanks for your interest!
Request Information Packet
We'll send your FREE information packet that outlines our entire personalized, stress-free stem cell treatment process!
Thanks for your interest!
Request Information Packet
We'll send your FREE information packet that outlines our entire personalized, stress-free stem cell treatment process!
Thanks for your interest!
Request Information Packet
We'll send your FREE information packet that outlines our entire personalized, stress-free stem cell treatment process!
Thanks for your interest!
Request Information Packet
We'll send your FREE information packet that outlines our entire personalized, stress-free stem cell treatment process!
Thanks for your interest!
Request Information Packet
We'll send your FREE information packet that outlines our entire personalized, stress-free stem cell treatment process!
Thanks for your interest!
Request Information Packet
We'll send your FREE information packet that outlines our entire personalized, stress-free stem cell treatment process!
St. Petersburg, Florida
