The Role of Anti-Inflammatory Properties of MSCs in Diabetes Management with Stem Cell Therapy

The Role of Anti-Inflammatory Properties of MSCs in Diabetes Management with Stem Cell Therapy

Managing diabetes involves more than controlling blood sugar; it requires addressing underlying factors that affect your body’s ability to function. At Stemedix, we focus on regenerative approaches that target inflammation, a key factor that can influence insulin resistance and metabolic health. Stem cell treatments utilize mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which have anti-inflammatory properties that may support cellular repair and improve tissue function. These therapies are tailored for patients who already have a medical diagnosis, allowing us to develop individualized care plans using your existing medical records. 

By reducing inflammatory activity, MSC-based therapies can create an environment that supports healthier glucose regulation and overall metabolic balance. If you are seeking stem cell therapy in Saint Petersburg, FL, our team works with you to design a patient-focused plan, helping you navigate the process with support, guidance, and a treatment approach built around your needs.

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The Connection Between Inflammation and Diabetes

Inflammation plays a major role in how your body processes sugar and responds to insulin. By looking at the ways chronic inflammation affects cells, you can see why therapies targeting inflammation may have an impact on diabetes management.

How Chronic Inflammation Affects Blood Sugar Regulation

Chronic inflammation disrupts the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar. When your body experiences persistent inflammatory activity, the signals that normally tell your cells to absorb and process glucose become impaired. This interference can lead to higher blood sugar levels over time. Research shows that people with type 2 diabetes often exhibit elevated markers of inflammation, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), compared to individuals without diabetes. These markers indicate that ongoing inflammation can contribute to difficulty controlling glucose, even when dietary and lifestyle measures are followed.

The Impact of Inflammatory Cytokines on Insulin Resistance

Inflammatory cytokines directly influence insulin sensitivity. Specific molecules, including TNF-alpha and IL-6, can reduce the ability of cells to respond to insulin. This reduced responsiveness may result in elevated blood sugar and can make managing your diabetes more challenging, as your body struggles to process glucose effectively.

Why Managing Inflammation Matters in Diabetes Care

Reducing inflammation supports metabolic stability. When inflammatory activity decreases, your cells can respond to insulin more effectively. This helps maintain steadier blood sugar levels and supports better overall cellular function, giving your body a stronger foundation to manage diabetes over time. 

What Are Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs)?

Mesenchymal stem cells, or MSCs, are a unique type of cell with the ability to support your body’s natural repair processes. By studying how these cells interact with tissues and the immune system, you can see why they are an important part of regenerative therapy.

Sources and Biological Characteristics of MSCs

MSCs are multipotent stem cells that originate from bone marrow, adipose tissue, and umbilical cord. You may not know that these cells can develop into different tissue types, such as bone, cartilage, or fat. Their versatility allows them to contribute to tissue regeneration and help maintain immune balance throughout the body. These properties make MSCs a focus of research and application in regenerative medicine.

Mechanisms That Support Tissue Repair and Cellular Communication

MSCs facilitate healing through cell signaling. They communicate with nearby cells by releasing small packages of proteins and other molecules, known as exosomes. These signals encourage tissue repair and guide immune responses, helping cells work together to maintain a stable and healthy environment. This process creates a setting where your tissues can recover more effectively from chronic inflammation or cellular stress.

The Anti-Inflammatory Behavior of MSCs Explained

MSCs reduce inflammatory activity in affected tissues. Their secretions can suppress molecules that trigger inflammation, allowing your immune system to operate without causing unnecessary damage. By lowering inflammatory signals, MSCs help tissues heal more efficiently and create an environment that supports overall cellular health.

The Role of MSCs in Modulating Inflammation for Diabetes Management

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) offer a way to address one of the underlying challenges in diabetes: persistent inflammation. By interacting directly with the body’s immune system and damaged tissues, these cells can help reduce inflammatory activity and support your body’s natural processes.

Reducing Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines

MSCs lower pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. They work by releasing molecules that interfere with the activity of inflammatory compounds such as TNF-alpha and IL-6. By calming these inflammatory signals, MSCs create an environment where your cells respond more effectively to insulin. This effect can help reduce the strain on your metabolic system and limit complications associated with prolonged inflammation. Over time, patients may notice improved blood sugar regulation and a decrease in inflammation-related stress on the body’s organs.

Promoting Cellular Healing and Immune Balance

MSCs contribute to tissue repair and immune regulation. These stem cells release substances that encourage damaged tissues to regenerate and help coordinate immune responses so they do not become overactive. For you, this means your body receives support to restore cell function, reduce tissue damage caused by inflammation, and maintain a better balance between immune activity and repair processes. This support can help strengthen your overall health and improve how your body manages metabolic stress.

Supporting Pancreatic Function and Insulin Sensitivity

MSCs support pancreatic cells and enhance insulin response. By lowering inflammation around pancreatic tissue, these stem cells allow beta cells to work more effectively, which can improve insulin production. At the same time, other tissues in your body may become more responsive to insulin signals, helping to maintain more stable blood sugar levels. This approach gives you the opportunity to manage diabetes more proactively through therapies designed to target inflammation at the cellular level.

Stemedix provides personalized MSC-based therapy options to help manage inflammation and support cellular function in diabetes. By focusing on pro-inflammatory cytokines, tissue repair, and pancreatic health, our team can create tailored plans that address your specific needs while guiding you throughout the treatment process.

Ethical and Responsible Application of Regenerative Medicine

Regenerative medicine offers new possibilities for supporting health, but it is important to approach these treatments with clarity and transparency. You should be aware of how therapies are conducted and the role you play in the process.

Transparency About Experimental Status

Stem cell therapy is an experimental procedure. You will be informed about the research-based nature of each treatment, including the range of outcomes that have been observed in studies. This transparency allows you to engage in the therapy fully aware of its exploratory status and what it involves. Being informed about the experimental aspects of regenerative medicine helps you participate confidently in your care plan.

Collaboration Between Patients and Board-Certified Providers

Board-certified physicians guide all therapies. You work directly with experienced providers who review your medical records and collaborate with you to develop a treatment plan that aligns with your diagnosed condition. This partnership means your input is considered at every stage, and the therapy is tailored specifically for your needs.

Importance of Medical Oversight and Proper Documentation

Medical oversight and accurate documentation support patient safety. The team regularly reviews your records, tracks progress, and maintains thorough documentation throughout your treatment. This process helps track outcomes and adjust therapies when necessary, maintaining the integrity of your care.

At Stemedix, we apply regenerative medicine ethically by keeping you informed, collaborating closely with board-certified providers, and maintaining careful medical oversight. This approach ensures your therapy is delivered responsibly and professionally.

An image featuring an older woman checking her blood sugar with a meter and two smaller inset photos of hands performing glucose tests.

Why Patients Choose Stemedix in Saint Petersburg, FL

You want a care team that focuses on your individual needs and provides treatments that are personalized for your condition. At Stemedix, the approach to regenerative medicine combines expertise, attention, and support to guide you through every step of the process.

Expertise in Regenerative Therapies for Chronic Conditions

We specialize in MSC-based regenerative medicine. Our team works with patients managing chronic, autoimmune, orthopedic, and neurodegenerative conditions. Each therapy is grounded in ongoing research, giving you access to methods that aim to reduce inflammation and support the body’s natural repair mechanisms. By focusing solely on regenerative medicine, we bring experience and precision to every treatment plan.

Personalized Treatment Planning and Dedicated Support

Each patient receives individualized care. Your Care Coordinator walks you through the treatment process, explains the role of MSCs, and answers questions about therapy options. The plan is built around your existing medical records, allowing your care to adapt to your health profile without repeating procedures or tests unnecessarily. This personalized approach gives you clarity about the therapy steps and helps you stay actively engaged in your care.

Patient Comfort and Accessibility Services

Patient comfort and support are prioritized. From arranging ground transportation and accommodations to providing mobility aids such as wheelchairs and walkers, every detail is considered to reduce stress during your treatment. We provide advanced stem cell treatment in Saint Petersburg, FL, for patients who want focused regenerative care combined with supportive services, making it easier to attend appointments and follow through with therapies effectively.

Take the Next Step Toward Improved Wellness 

If you are interested in exploring stem cell therapy in Saint Petersburg, FL, contact Stemedix to start your journey toward personalized regenerative care. Our team of Care Coordinators can review your medical records, answer your questions, and guide you through the consultation and evaluation process. You can reach us by phone at (727) 456-8968 or via email at yourjourney@stemedix.com to request an information packet and learn more about how our MSC-based stem cell treatments may support your health needs.

Harnessing MSC-Derived Exosomes for Stem Cell Therapy for Diabetes

Harnessing MSC-Derived Exosomes for Stem Cell Therapy for Diabetes

Managing diabetes and its complications can be challenging, but new approaches in regenerative medicine are providing options worth exploring. At Stemedix, we offer personalized therapies that focus on supporting your body’s natural repair mechanisms. One area of growing interest is the use of MSC-derived exosomes in stem cell treatments. These tiny cellular messengers can influence how cells communicate and respond to damage, potentially benefiting those living with diabetes.

Our team works directly with your existing medical records to design therapies tailored to your condition, including specialized protocols for nerve-related complications. For individuals dealing with neuropathy, our programs incorporate stem cell therapy for diabetic neuropathy, which aims to support nerve function and improve quality of life. Through our patient-centered approach, we provide access to advanced regenerative medicine solutions for diabetes while offering guidance and care throughout your treatment journey.

The Role of MSC-Derived Exosomes in Regenerative Medicine

Cells in your body are constantly communicating to maintain balance and respond to stress, injury, or disease. Some cells release specific signals that influence how surrounding tissues react, and this process can be especially important for conditions like diabetes. By understanding these natural communication pathways, therapies can be designed to support tissue repair and improve overall cellular function.

Close-up of a foot highlighted in red showing neuropathy discomfort. STEMEDIX uses MSC-derived exosomes to support nerve repair and cellular communication for daily comfort.

What Are Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs)?

Mesenchymal stem cells are multipotent cells capable of developing into multiple tissue types. These cells are often collected from bone marrow, adipose tissue, or umbilical cord tissue. One of the key features of MSCs is their ability to produce factors that support tissue repair and regeneration. Among these factors are exosomes, small vesicles that carry proteins, lipids, and genetic material. These exosomes interact with nearby cells, helping them respond to stress or damage.

In therapies aimed at metabolic conditions, including stem cell therapy for diabetes, MSCs provide foundational support for regenerative processes. They create an environment in which cells can recover more effectively and function with improved coordination. This cellular-level support is a critical component of patient-centered regenerative care.

How Exosomes Support Cellular Communication and Repair

Exosomes are tiny vesicles that transmit signals between cells. They carry instructions that guide how cells respond to inflammation and tissue stress. By facilitating communication among cells, exosomes help coordinate repair and maintain tissue health. In the context of regenerative therapy, exosomes are one of the primary ways stem cell treatment for diabetes may deliver its benefits. They work directly at the cellular level, helping tissues adapt and recover in response to challenges posed by metabolic disease.

At Stemedix, we focus on leveraging MSCs and their exosomes to develop personalized therapy plans tailored to your medical profile. This approach allows us to address specific concerns, including nerve-related complications, through stem cell therapy for diabetic neuropathy, while providing care designed to support overall tissue function and wellness.

Exploring the Connection Between Exosomes and Diabetes Care

Diabetes affects many aspects of how your body functions at the cellular level. Understanding these changes helps you see how regenerative therapies can provide supportive benefits and contribute to the overall management of the condition. By examining the cellular effects, it becomes clearer why therapies such as MSC-derived exosome treatments are being explored for patients living with diabetes.

The Impact of Diabetes on Cellular Function

Diabetes interferes with the body’s ability to manage blood sugar and maintain healthy cellular function. When blood glucose levels remain high over time, the cells that produce insulin may struggle to work efficiently. Blood vessel health can be compromised, and nerve function may decline, leading to symptoms such as tingling, numbness, pain, and slower wound healing. Fatigue often occurs because your cells are not receiving energy efficiently. These effects create a complex environment in your body, affecting multiple systems simultaneously. Interventions such as stem cell therapy for diabetic neuropathy aim to provide targeted support to nerve tissue and improve cellular communication, helping cells respond more effectively to stress and injury.

How MSC-Derived Exosomes May Support Pancreatic Health and Insulin Response

MSC-derived exosomes may help support pancreatic cell function and reduce inflammation. These microscopic vesicles carry proteins, lipids, and genetic material that act as messages between cells. A study demonstrated that MSC-derived exosomes improved pancreatic islet viability and enhanced insulin secretion in diabetic models by modulating inflammatory pathways and promoting cellular repair. By delivering these signals, exosomes can improve tissue conditions and promote healthier communication among cells. This activity may help pancreatic cells respond more effectively to challenges, supporting insulin production and better regulation of blood sugar. This biological signaling is an important component of stem cell solutions for diabetes and therapies designed to support long-term management of the condition, offering patients potential relief from complications related to both glucose control and nerve health.

Stem Cell Therapy for Diabetes: A Closer Look

Stem cell therapy offers a way to explore additional support for your body’s natural repair processes. By focusing on regenerative signals, this therapy aims to complement the care you already receive for diabetes.

Regenerative Mechanisms and Potential Benefits

Stem cell therapy supports the body’s natural repair mechanisms. The treatment uses MSC-derived products that interact with cells to help regulate communication and promote tissue balance. You may notice improvements in energy levels or faster recovery from wounds. Some patients also report a reduction in neuropathic discomfort, which can make daily activities more manageable. While responses differ from person to person, these therapies are grouped under stem cell treatment for diabetes, offering options for those seeking additional support in managing their condition.

At Stemedix, our approach focuses on reviewing your existing medical records and developing a personalized therapy plan tailored to your needs, helping you explore regenerative treatments safely and with guidance from experienced providers.

Stem Cell Therapy for Diabetic Neuropathy

Stem cell therapy may help manage nerve-related symptoms associated with diabetes. Exosomes, released by MSCs, carry signals that can support damaged nerve tissue and improve cellular communication. Clinical studies have shown that stem cell therapy can significantly improve nerve conduction and sensory function in diabetic neuropathy patients, supporting its potential to maintain nerve function and reduce discomfort. If you experience numbness, tingling, or weakness in your extremities, this therapy may help maintain nerve function and reduce discomfort.

Through careful evaluation and personalized care, we provide access to stem cell therapy for diabetic neuropathy, helping patients address nerve complications while maintaining a focus on comfort and practical support throughout the treatment journey.

The Stemedix Approach to Personalized Regenerative Medicine

Personalized care is at the heart of effective regenerative therapy. Each treatment plan is built around your medical history and individual needs, allowing you to feel supported throughout the process.

Individualized Treatment Design Based on Existing Medical Records

We customize treatments using patients’ existing medical documentation. You provide your current medical records, such as bloodwork, imaging studies, and MRI reports, and the team carefully reviews them to determine which therapy options may be appropriate. If any of your records are outdated, we can help gather updated information by coordinating with your healthcare providers through a signed medical release. This process allows you to move forward with a plan that reflects your specific health status. Board-certified providers then create a therapy plan designed around your needs, offering a tailored approach to stem cell therapy for diabetes and related conditions.

A Full-Service Experience in Saint Petersburg, FL

We provide support services throughout treatment to keep patients comfortable. From arranging transportation and hotel accommodations to providing mobility aids like wheelchairs or walkers, the team works to make your visit as smooth as possible. A dedicated Care Coordinator stays with you through every step, offering guidance and assistance so you always know what to expect. This attentive support extends to therapies for stem cell solutions for diabetes, giving you a coordinated and patient-focused experience.

Microscopic view of cells/exosomes. STEMEDIX explains MSC-derived exosomes enhance pancreatic function, repair nerve tissue, reduce cellular inflammation, and improve communication.

Advancing Patient Care Through Responsible Innovation

Progress in regenerative medicine is built on careful study and patient-centered practice. You can explore therapies that use MSC-derived exosomes while being confident that your care follows ethical standards and current scientific guidance.

Research and Clinical Ethics in Regenerative Medicine

Regenerative medicine at Stemedix is conducted under strict ethical and safety standards. MSC-derived exosome therapies are considered experimental and are not approved by the FDA. This means you are participating in treatments that are still being studied, with ongoing clinical data shaping their development. Each step in the process is designed to protect your well-being while exploring potential benefits. Our approach prioritizes transparency, and you will receive clear explanations of how these therapies could work and what they aim to support in your health journey. The team evaluates research findings carefully, balancing innovation with safety so you can consider these options confidently.

What Patients Can Expect from a Stemedix Consultation

Consultations involve reviewing eligibility and therapy options based on existing records. You will provide your current medical documentation, such as lab work, imaging, or MRI results. We do not diagnose conditions or conduct physical examinations, but your records are carefully reviewed by board-certified providers who determine which therapies may be suitable for your condition. The team explains potential outcomes and walks you through each step of the treatment process. Patients exploring stem cell treatment for diabetes receive dedicated guidance and support, so they know exactly what to expect.

Begin Your Journey with Stemedix

If you are exploring stem cell solutions for diabetes, Stemedix is ready to guide you through every step of the process. Contact our team in Saint Petersburg, FL, to discuss your medical records and learn about personalized treatment options. Reach us by phone at (727) 456-8968 or email yourjourney@stemedix.com to start your consultation and receive dedicated support from our experienced Care Coordinators and board-certified providers.

Innovations in Pulmonary Care: How MSCs Could Transform IPF Treatment

Innovations in Pulmonary Care: How MSCs Could Transform IPF Treatment

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive lung disease that causes irreversible damage to the alveoli and leads to pulmonary interstitial fibrosis. Patients with IPF often experience severe difficulty breathing, which can result in respiratory failure and death. The disease is challenging to diagnose, has a high mortality rate, and a median survival of only three to five years after diagnosis, which is worse than many forms of cancer. 

Current treatments primarily focus on supportive care, such as lung transplantation, mechanical ventilation, and oxygen therapy. Drugs like pirfenidone and nintedanib can slow disease progression but do not repair damaged lung tissue. For this reason, researchers are exploring the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as a potential new therapy for IPF. MSCs are multipotent stem cells capable of self-renewal, differentiation, and secreting a variety of factors that may reduce inflammation, promote tissue repair, and regulate immune responses.

As part of this review, Li et al. summarize recent studies on MSCs in reducing lung inflammation and fibrosis, highlighting their potential mechanisms, such as migration and differentiation, secretion of soluble factors and extracellular vesicles, and regulation of endogenous repair processes.

Pathological Changes in IPF

The main pathological features of IPF include widespread alveolar damage, excessive proliferation of fibroblasts, and deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Fibroblastic foci, areas of active fibroblast and myofibroblast accumulation, are a hallmark of the disease and strongly correlate with patient outcomes. Fibroblasts in these foci arise from three primary mechanisms: proliferation of resident fibroblasts, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and bone marrow-derived fibrocytes.

Resident fibroblasts proliferate and differentiate into myofibroblasts under the influence of factors like transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). Myofibroblasts produce collagen and other ECM proteins, which contribute to tissue stiffness and fibrosis. EMT occurs when alveolar epithelial cells lose epithelial markers and acquire mesenchymal traits, becoming fibroblast-like cells that contribute to ECM deposition. TGF-β is a key driver of EMT, acting through pathways such as Ras/ERK/MAPK signaling. Endothelial cells can also undergo a similar transition, producing collagen and contributing to fibrosis. Bone marrow-derived fibrocytes, circulating in the blood, migrate to damaged lung tissue and differentiate into fibroblasts. Their accumulation is linked to poor prognosis and is guided by chemokine signaling pathways like CXCL12/CXCR4 and CCL3/CCR5.

Properties of Mesenchymal Stem Cells

MSCs, first discovered in 1968, are multipotent cells that can differentiate into bone, cartilage, and fat. They can be sourced from bone marrow, adipose tissue, and umbilical cord blood, and are identified by fibroblast-like shape, plastic adherence, and surface markers (CD44, CD29, CD90) while lacking hematopoietic markers (CD45). 

MSCs have low immunogenicity, can modulate the immune system, and support tissue repair. Transplantation in animal models of lung injury shows promise with minimal side effects, but human safety and efficacy remain uncertain due to species differences and small clinical trials. Potential risks include tumor formation and unwanted angiogenesis, especially in immunocompromised patients. 

Mobilizing endogenous MSCs is also being studied, as these cells can migrate to injured tissue, secrete reparative factors, and aid repair, with agents like G-CSF enhancing mobilization, though outcomes vary.

Mechanisms of MSC Therapy in Pulmonary Fibrosis

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) help repair lung injury through multiple, interconnected mechanisms: migration to injury sites, differentiation, secretion of bioactive factors, immune modulation, and regulation of lung defenses.

MSCs are guided to damaged lung areas by chemokines such as stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) and interleukin-8 (CXCL8). Once at the injury site, they can differentiate into type II alveolar epithelial cells, supporting tissue repair. This differentiation is influenced by Wnt signaling pathways, though in some cases, MSCs may become fibroblast-like cells, which could worsen fibrosis.

A key part of MSC therapy is the secretome, a collection of soluble factors. Growth factors like KGF, HGF, EGF, Ang-1, and VEGF restore alveolar and endothelial function, maintain lung barrier integrity, and reduce fluid buildup. Anti-inflammatory molecules such as IL-1ra, IL-10, PGE2, and TSG-6 help control inflammation and promote repair. MSCs also encourage macrophages to shift from a pro-inflammatory (M1) to an anti-inflammatory (M2) state, aiding recovery. Early administration during acute inflammation provides the most benefit.

MSCs exert immunomodulatory effects by secreting chemokines, adhesion molecules, and regulatory factors like nitric oxide (NO) and indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), which suppress T-cell activity. They influence B cells and support regulatory T cells to maintain immune balance. MSCs can also secrete TGF-β, which can either aid healing or promote fibrosis depending on context and timing.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes and microvesicles, are another way MSCs deliver therapeutic benefits. They carry proteins, RNAs, and other molecules that reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair. EV-based therapy may offer many of the benefits of MSCs while minimizing risks associated with cell transplantation.

Finally, MSCs regulate molecules involved in oxidative stress, inflammation, and tissue repair. They decrease pro-fibrotic and inflammatory signals like matrix metalloproteinases and TGF-β1 while increasing antioxidant enzymes and repair-promoting proteins such as FoxM1, stanniocalcin, and Miro1, all of which protect lung tissue and combat fibrosis.

Advancing MSC Therapy for Pulmonary Fibrosis

Mesenchymal stem cell therapy represents a promising approach for treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Its benefits involve multiple mechanisms, including homing to injured tissue, differentiation, secretion of growth factors and cytokines, immunomodulation, and enhancement of endogenous lung defenses. MSCs are most effective when administered early in the inflammatory phase of lung injury, highlighting the importance of timing. Despite encouraging preclinical and early clinical results, safety and efficacy in humans remain under investigation, and some contradictory findings underscore the complexity of MSC therapy.

Li et al. conclude that future research should focus on optimizing MSC mobilization, improving therapeutic efficacy, exploring the role of microRNAs, and advancing clinical trials to establish MSC-based therapies as viable treatments for IPF.

Source: Li X, Yue S, Luo Z. Mesenchymal stem cells in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Oncotarget. 2017 May 23;8(60):102600-102616. doi: 10.18632/oncotarget.18126. PMID: 29254275; PMCID: PMC5731985.

Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (MSCs) for Knee Osteoarthritis

Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (MSCs) for Knee Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and occurs as a result of the protective cartilage, found on the ends of the bones, degenerates over time. While OA can occur in any joint, it is most commonly found to occur in the hands, hips, spine, and knee.

An estimated 365 million people worldwide are currently living with some form of knee OA. Although there have been improvements in conventional treatment methods that have shown some benefit, there is no therapy or drug that can prevent or treat the development of OA in the knee.

Recent phase I/II trials using mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) derived from bone marrow (BM) and adipose tissue have demonstrated the feasibility, safety, and clinical and structural improvements in focal or diffuse disease.

Considering the findings of these phase I/II trials, Orrego et al. conducted this study to better assess the safety and efficacy of the intra-articular injection of single or repeated umbilical cord-derived (UC) MSCs in knee OA.

The target population of this study was individuals between the ages of 40-65 with symptomatic knee pain for at least 3 months with grade 1-3 Kellgren-Lawrence radiographic changes in the targeted knee, without meniscus rupture.  

The authors divided participants of this study into three specific groups, a control group which received intra-articular knee injections of hyaluronic acid (HA) at baseline and 6 months; the MCS-2 group, which received UC-MSCs at baseline and 6 months; and the MSC-1 group, who received UC-MSCs at baseline followed by placebo injection at 6 months. 

At the conclusion of this study’s 12 months follow-up period, Orrego et al. found that the group with repeated UC-MSC intra-articular injections, or MCS-2, experienced significant clinical changes in total WOMAC, pain component, and VAS when compared with the control group. The authors also found that only patients in the MSC groups experienced significant amelioration of pain and disability at 6 and 12 months. The authors also reported no safety signals were detected in the experimental groups as compared with the HA controls. 

Considering these findings, the authors conclude that the use of MSCs produces anti-inflammatory properties in response to tissue damage or inflammation that demonstrates suppressive effects on the maturation of dendritic cells, macrophages, Natural Killer, and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes.  

While these results appear promising, the authors point out that even if all MSC trials report a good safety record and improvements in cartilage quality, the use of autologous cell therapy does come with some limitations. Among these limitations include a dramatic decline of bone precursor cells when these cells are derived from bone marrow. Studies have also shown reduced chondrogenic activity of MSCs in cultures obtained from individuals with advanced forms of OA. For these reasons, and considering the findings in this study, the authors highlight that allogeneic sources of MSCs have been shown to express superior clonogenicity, migration, and paracrine capacities. 

The authors conclude that the repeated UC-MSC dose strategy utilized in this study led to a favorable safety profile and improved clinical results for the treatment of long-term pain in knee OA patients.

Source: Jose Matas, Mario Orrego, Diego Amenabar, Catalina Infante, Rafael Tapia-Limonchi, Maria Ignacia Cadiz, Francisca Alcayaga-Miranda, Paz L. González, Emilio Muse, Maroun Khoury, Fernando E. Figueroa, Francisco Espinoza, Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (MSCs) for Knee Osteoarthritis: Repeated MSC Dosing Is Superior to a Single MSC Dose and to Hyaluronic Acid in a Controlled Randomized Phase I/II Trial, Stem Cells Translational Medicine, Volume 8, Issue 3, March 2019, Pages 215–224, https://doi.org/10.1002/sctm.18-0053

Mesenchymal Stem Cells and MSCs-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Immunomodulatory Effects in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Mesenchymal Stem Cells and MSCs-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Immunomodulatory Effects in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a common multisystemic autoimmune disease that often results in multi-organ damage when left untreated. Currently affecting over 1.5 million Americans, the etiology and pathogenesis of SLE continue to remain unclear. 

At present, glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants are the most prescribed course of therapeutic treatment and mostly as a way to manage and treat symptoms of SLE, not the cause itself. 

Considering that the etiology and pathogenesis of SLE are accompanied by immune disorders including abnormal proliferation, differentiation, and activation and dysfunction of T cells, and that mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) play important roles in the immunity process, researchers are increasingly turning their attention to MSCs and EVs as potential therapeutic treatment options for SLE.  

In this review, Yang et al. examine the immunomodulatory effects and related mechanisms of MSCs and EVs in SLE with hopes of better understanding SLE pathogenesis and guiding biological therapy. 

Examining the potential use of MSC and MSC-EVs in SLE treatment the authors found some studies have established that MSCs reduce adverse effects of immunosuppressive drugs and when combined have demonstrated distinct effects on T cell activation and bias.  

Additionally, Yang et al. report that MSCs are able to participate in the immune response in two distinct ways: paracrine effect and directly through cell-to-cell interaction. Since reconstruction of immune tolerance and tissue regeneration and repair are required parts of SLE treatment and since MSCs possess high self-renewal ability, rapid expansion in vitro and in vitro, and low immunogenicity, allogeneic MSC transplantation has demonstrated strong evidence for the therapeutic potential of MSC in SLE. 

Besides the ability to repair and regenerate tissue, MSCs, and MSC-EVs have strong anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, making them a potentially ideal treatment option as part of a therapeutic strategy for SLE. Considering that MSC-EVs have similar biological functions with MSCs, but are also considered cell-free, the authors point out that MSC-EVs could be the better choice for SLE treatment in the future.

Despite the potential of MSC and MSC-EVs, Yang et al. point out that genetic modification, metabolic recombination, and other priming of MSCs in vitro should be considered before MSC/MSC-EVs application for SLE treatment. The authors also recommend further clinical evaluation of the time of infusion, appropriate dosage, interval of treatment, and long-term safety of MSC/MSC-EVs in the treatment of SLE before any form of the combination is used as a treatment option.


Source: “Immunomodulatory Effect of MSCs and MSCs-Derived Extracellular ….” 16 Sep. 2021, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8481702/.

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