by admin | Nov 26, 2021 | Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Stem Cell Research, Stem Cell Therapy
When it comes to their potential for biomedical applications, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) continue to garner support and attention from the global scientific community. Isolated from a variety of sources, including bone marrow, adipose tissue, and umbilical cord tissue, MSCs demonstrate multipotent differentiation in vitro. In other words, they are tissues that are able to develop into more than one type of cell.
Considering MSCs ability to expand into osteogenic, chondrogenic, adipogenic, and myogenic cells for the purposes of repair and recovery, they continue to attract attention for treating a wide variety of conditions, including inflammatory lung and musculoskeletal disorders, multiple sclerosis (MS), and Crohn’s disease (CD).
As part of this review, Markov et al. provide a brief overview of MSC sources, migration process, and unique immunomodulatory attribute’s mechanisms while also focusing on the current findings pertaining to the immunoregulatory plasticity of MSCs and how that contributes to the regulation of immune response to elicit the desired therapeutic outcomes in patients suffering from immune-mediated/immune-dysregulating diseases.
Interestingly, the ability of MSCs to exhibit anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties has proven beneficial in clinical trials exploring therapeutic treatments of a number of immune-mediated disorders, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and MS. Specifically, the findings of these clinical trials provide evidence that MSCs replace injured tissues while also serving as a source of growth factors and regenerative molecules. These findings also demonstrate that specific differential molecular mechanisms, when correctly identified, appear to be able to adjust the potential of MSCs in the regeneration of damaged tissue.
This review also explores the immunomodulatory properties of MSCs. Specifically, MSCs have been found to modify immunological reactions in several ways, including T cell suppression and induction of macrophages shift from M1 to M2, making MSCs an emerging therapeutic treatment option to a number of immune-mediated disorders including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), MS, OA, RA, and CD.
Despite the observed benefits of MSCs in treating these immune-mediated disorders, the authors call for additional large-scale studies over prolonged periods of evaluation before fully utilizing MSCs in clinical applications.
Given their ability to differentiate into a wide variety of cells, their immunomodulatory competence, and lower ethical concerns, Markov et al. conclude that MSCs have good reason to be considered a viable therapeutic option for the treatment of a wide range of immune-mediated disorders.
While animal studies continue to provide evidence of the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of administration of MSCs in immunological disorder, the authors point out that potential of MSCs have not yet been fully realized through human clinical outcomes. Considering this, the authors call for further investigation and study to better understand how recruiting MSCs can improve migration and homing following transplantation.
Finally, the authors point out that enriching MSC culture, choosing appropriate induction factors, and exploring new ways to promote MSCs homing post-transplantation when accompanied by further exploration of optimal MSC dose and route will further improve therapeutic outcomes in patients with immune-mediated diseases.
Source: (2021, March 18). Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells as a valuable source for the … – NCBI. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7971361/
by Stemedix | Nov 22, 2021 | Stem Cell Therapy, Osteoarthritis
The hip joint is one of the largest in the human body. It can bear up to five times a person’s body weight and allows us to stand, walk, run and enjoy an active life. Changes in the hip’s function can be life-changing, making it difficult to perform normal activities. Osteoarthritis in the hip can be extremely painful and threaten a person’s mobility. The inflammation caused by osteoarthritis in the hip joint can cause pain to spread to the low back, pelvic area, and legs. Not only does it make standing and walking uncomfortable, but hip pain can also make it uncomfortable to sit for more than a few minutes at a time. Here we will talk about Stem Cell Therapy for hips.
How Does Stem Cell Therapy Help Hip Arthritis Pain?
Surgery is often considered to be the best solution for hip pain, but it comes with many downsides. The risks involved with a surgical procedure, including long recovery times, can leave some patients looking for a different solution.
Stem cell therapy offers a solution that has the potential to provide pain and symptom management with fewer and more minor risks. Downtime and recovery are minimal.
Stem cells are considered to be the body’s raw materials. They are the cells from which everything in the human body is made—including other cells. Stem cell therapy is the practice of introducing stem cells into areas of injury for possible tissue regeneration and pain management focus for many conditions.
Stem cell therapy can often also be used in conjunction with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to treat osteoarthritis.
Stem cell therapy may be helpful if the following apply to you:
- Regular physical activities are painful
- You have trouble walking or standing for an extended time
- Managing stairs has become difficult
- Your sleep is disturbed due to hip pain
- It is hard to get up from a chair
Stem cell therapy offers a potential therapy to decrease or eliminate the cause of osteoarthritis in the hip so that you can return to daily activities without pain.
How Does Stem Cell Therapy Work?
Osteoarthritis is most commonly caused by wear and tear of the body’s joints. All bones have cartilage at their ends to provide a protective cushion as the bones move to perform everyday functions. With time and use, the cartilage can wear away, leaving joints unprotected. The pressure caused by bone-on-bone interaction causes inflammation that can lead to osteoarthritis pain.
Stem cell therapy has the ability to encourage new cartilage to grow. The renewal of healthy levels of cushioning makes it possible to move the hip joints without pain.
Is Stem Cell Therapy Right for You?
If you’re suffering from pain related to hip osteoarthritis and have tried other therapies without success, stem cell therapy for hips may help. Patients can explore this option to see if they are a candidate with no obligation. Contact a Care Coordinator today to learn more.
by admin | Nov 12, 2021 | Stem Cell Therapy, COPD, Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Stem Cell Research
Characterized by chronic inflammation that obstructs normal airflow from the lungs, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects an estimated 65 million people and remains the third leading cause of death worldwide. Caused by prolonged exposure to gasses or other harmful particulates, and especially cigarette smoke, COPD is typically characterized by breathing difficulty, cough, mucus (sputum) production, and wheezing[1].
While there are many different forms of COPD, the two most common are emphysema and chronic bronchitis; unfortunately, these two often occur simultaneously and significantly exacerbate the effects of COPD. With the number of people living with COPD expected to increase by 30% over the next decade, the disease is projected to remain among the leading causes of preventable illnesses and deaths for the foreseeable future.
There isn’t a known treatment or cure for COPD, rather a series of physical and chemical treatments designed to ease symptoms and slow progression of the disease; some current treatment includes bronchodilators, oral and inhaled steroids, antibiotics, oxygen therapy, and surgeries including lung transplantation and bullectomy. To date, these treatments have demonstrated limited success and are often associated with several severe adverse effects.
Recent research has shown mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to be an effective therapeutic option for treating inflammation and autoimmune diseases, making them a promising therapeutic treatment option for COPD.
In this pilot clinical study, Le Thi Bich et al. evaluated the safety and efficacy of umbilical cord-derived (UC) MSCs for treating COPD. This pilot clinical study included participants who were 40-80 years old and diagnosed with moderate to severe COPD (stage C or D per the Global Initiative for Chronic Lung Disease). Using UC-MSCs cultured and expanded using the UC-SCI technology, Le Thi Bich et al. administered MSCs intravenously to participants as an intervention for assessment of therapeutic treatment for COPD.
After administering UC-MSCs on day 0, participants were evaluated for safety and efficacy at months 1, 3, and 6. At the end of month 6, researchers concluded that UC-MSC transplantation significantly improved some important outcomes of COPD, including mMCR, CAT, and number of exacerbations. While not statistically significant, the authors credit these improvements to an observed downregulation in inflammation.
While there have been several studies evaluating the potential of MSCs as therapies for several diseases, Le Thi Bich et al. ‘s study is the first clinical trial to use US-MSCs as a treatment for COPD.
The authors conclude that the UC-MSC transplantation occurring in this pilot study significantly improved the quality of life and clinical conditions of COPD patients, most likely a result of the strong immunomodulation capacity of the UC-MSCs – especially when compared to findings of other studies using bone-marrow MSCs.
The authors also conclude that the systemic administration of UC-SC appears safe and, although treatment efficacy was not significantly different between those with different stages of COPD, those with stage D COPD did exhibit stronger medical response after UC-MSC transplantation than the medical response observed in patients with stage C COPD.
The observed results of Le Thi Bich’s pilot study provide an important and significant basis for further clinical study of the potential of MSCs in patients with COPD.
Source: “Allogeneic umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell … – NCBI.” 13 Feb. 2020, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7020576/.
[1] “COPD – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic.” 15 Apr. 2020, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/copd/symptoms-causes/syc-20353679. Accessed 1 Dec. 2021.
by Stemedix | Nov 8, 2021 | Athletic Injury, Stem Cell Therapy
Participation in recreational athletics is a great way to get moving and stay in good physical condition. However, injuries can sometimes occur. You may have even experienced an injury yourself. Traditionally, physicians rely on the time-tested RICE method for treating common sports injuries. RICE or rest, ice, compression, and elevation are designed to alleviate inflammation and avoid aggravating the injury. When paired with an over-the-counter oral anti-inflammatory, you can achieve a fair amount of relief for most mild conditions. However, there are some alternatives available that might expedite your healing process so that you can get back to your favorite activities faster. Below, we have outlined five such treatments for common sports-related injuries.
1. Chiropractic Care for Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow is an extremely common sports-related injury that affects the elbow joint. When suffering from this condition, you may experience reduced grip strength, tenderness, and reduced range of motion.
While visiting a chiropractor may not be the first thought that crosses your mind when suffering from Tennis elbow, these providers often offer several therapies in addition to traditional spinal adjustments. These treatments may include electrical stimulation of the muscle, ultrasound therapy, and site-specific massages.
2. Yoga for Hip Strains
Hip strains are another one of the extremely common sports-related injuries. If you have ever suffered a hip strain, you know that this ailment can sideline you for weeks.
Yoga therapy is a good way of working on your flexibility while also alleviating muscle tightness. A few weeks of yoga guided by an experienced practitioner may help you bounce back faster from a hip strain.
3. Cupping for Muscle Soreness
Cupping is an age-old therapy that might help alleviate muscle soreness and tightness. During the treatment, a cotton ball is set ablaze inside a silicone or glass cup. The therapist will remove the cotton ball and then place the cup face down on your skin. The heat causes the cup to adhere to the surface of the skin.
Each cup is left in place for a few minutes. The cups will produce a circular bruising pattern, which is a normal part of the treatment.
4. Acupuncture for Calf Strains
Acupuncture or dry needling is frequently used to treat calf strains. During the treatment, the acupuncturist will insert thin needles into specific trigger points surrounding the affected muscle. This is supposed to stimulate the body’s natural healing capabilities.
5. Stem Cell Therapy for Rotator Cuff Injuries
Rotator cuff injuries are particularly concerning for athletes as this ailment typically requires surgical intervention or a lengthy physical therapy regimen. Fortunately, stem cell therapy has the potential to treat rotator cuff injuries. Stem cell therapy is a far less invasive option than surgery, and this treatment can stimulate the body’s natural healing capabilities. Stem cells also combat inflammation and repair damaged tissues. Patients may be able to delay the need for surgery or avoid it altogether and in some cases, can be a helpful in the recovery process. Contact us today and speak with a care coordinator to schedule a free assessment.
by admin | Nov 5, 2021 | Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Adipose, Stem Cell Research, Stem Cell Therapy
The immunosuppressive ability of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) coupled with their potential to serve important therapeutic roles in a wide range of immune disorders have resulted in a significant increase in the number of clinical studies examining the role of cellular therapy in a wide range of applications.
Of particular interest is MSCs’ ability to migrate towards inflamed environments, produce anti-inflammatory cytokines, and their ability to conceal themselves from the natural immune system.
As part of this review, Mishra et al. address the immunomodulatory properties and immunosuppressive actions of MSCs. The authors also summarize various responses of MSCs in treating a number of immune disorders, including inflammatory diseases, metabolic disorders, and diabetes.
Immunomodulation has been identified as one of the primary functions of MSCs, autocrine and paracrine activities, and evasion of innate immunity. When it comes to immunomodulation, and depending on their specific environment, MSCs have been demonstrated to be either pro or anti-inflammatory.
In certain situations, and when exposed to low levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, MSCs have been shown to produce an enhanced immune response with neutrophils moving to the site of inflammation and acting mainly by phagocytosis. On the other hand, when part of the anti-inflammatory conditions, and especially in wounds, infections, and organ transplants, MSCs have successfully demonstrated the ability to suppress the immune response.
Research has demonstrated MSCs to have beneficial effects on many different disease models, including myocardial infarction, hepatic fibrosis, and cancer.
Interestingly, the authors of this review point out that, although adipose tissue is considered to be the preferred source of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells – specifically for its potential related to healing, tissue engineering, and hepatocellular carcinoma – the health of the adipose tissue appears to matter. Specifically, it appears that adipose tissue gathered from obese patients demonstrates the potential to be dysfunctional. Adipose tissue dysfunction resulting from overnutrition demonstrates an increase in serious LDL and VLDL which ultimately is thought to contribute to impaired multipotency of MSCs.
While Mishra et al. conclude that MSCs possess the potential for significant therapeutic benefits, they also call for future research with standardized and validated isolation and culture protocols with lineage differentiation and stimulation method to ease the animal and clinical studies. They also point out that in order to further understand the therapeutic potential of MSCS, additional study of cell modification, injection frequency, and dosages is required.
Source: “Identifying the Therapeutic Significance of Mesenchymal Stem Cells.” 6 May. 2020, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7291143/.
by Stemedix | Nov 1, 2021 | Stem Cell Therapy, Multiple Sclerosis, Stem Cell Research
In a recent study, researchers discovered a breakthrough against MS, stem cell therapy might be able to help individuals who have multiple sclerosis (MS). The study was conducted by Italian researchers and included a group of 210 MS patients suffering from aggressive cases of the neurodegenerative condition.
The study spanned over two decades, during which time participants received multiple stem cell transplants. Roughly 140 participants did not experience further degeneration ten years after starting stem cell therapy. The majority of the patients involved in the study were diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS, the most common type.
Are These Study Results Conclusive?
While the results from this groundbreaking study are promising, they cannot be considered “conclusive.” For instance, many researchers are still unsure which MS patients are most likely to benefit from stem cell therapy. More research is necessary to determine stem cell therapy’s overall effectiveness and identify other relevant factors.
In addition, this study is not considered a clinical trial. This is because stem cell therapy was not tested against traditional multiple sclerosis medications. All participants received stem cell therapy from different medical centers throughout Italy.
A more stringent clinical trial will reveal additional details about the efficacy of stem cell therapy for MS treatments. Additional research will help medical professionals identify who is best suited for stem cell therapy and when they should undergo this intervention. This research aims to determine if stem cells will stimulate the patient’s natural immune system so that it can begin functioning normally again. This could result is a breakthrough against MS!
How Stem Cells May Be Able to Help MS Sufferers
Human MSCs (mesenchymal stem cells) are adult stem cells found in various body tissues. This includes the bone marrow, adipose tissue, and umbilical cord tissues. MSCs have the potential to help patients suffering from a wide array of medical conditions, including MS.
Since stem cells serve as the building blocks for the immune system, this intervention could potentially stimulate natural healing. By injecting the patient with MSCs derived from bone marrow aspirate or adipose tissue, clinicians may be able to reduce the severity of symptoms. Stem cell therapy might be able to slow the progression of the condition, but these benefits are still undergoing research.
Patients suffering from MS and searching for a breakthrough against MS and an alternative treatment option may want to consider stem cell therapy, as the potential benefits greatly outweigh any risks associated with the treatment. If you would like to learn more, contact us today to speak with a care coordinator.
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