by Shoot To Thrill Media | Oct 23, 2025 | Lupus
Medical Review: Dr. Gerald Mastaw, MD – Board-Certified Physician
Last Updated: October 2025
What Is Lupus?
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect nearly any organ in the body.
When the immune system, which normally protects against infection, starts attacking healthy tissues, widespread inflammation and tissue damage can occur.
The most common form is Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).
Because lupus can look different from person to person, symptoms may range from mild fatigue to severe organ involvement.
Common Symptoms Include:
- Joint or muscle pain
- Fatigue or “flu-like” malaise
- Butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks or nose
- Sensitivity to sunlight
- Fever, hair loss, or mouth ulcers
- In more advanced cases, kidney, heart, lung, or nervous-system inflammation
People often experience flares, periods when symptoms worsen, followed by times of remission when symptoms ease.
Traditional Treatment Options
Current lupus care focuses on reducing inflammation, controlling symptoms, and preventing organ damage.
Common approaches include:
- Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) for pain and swelling
- Corticosteroids to control flares
- Immunosuppressants (e.g., azathioprine, mycophenolate, cyclophosphamide)
- Biologic therapies targeting specific immune pathways (such as belimumab or anifrolumab)
- Lifestyle management: stress reduction, sun protection, and gentle exercise
While these therapies can help many patients, some continue to experience flares or medication side effects, and complete disease control may remain challenging.
How Regenerative Medicine Could Help
Regenerative medicine introduces a new perspective for patients living with autoimmune conditions like lupus.
Rather than simply suppressing the immune system, umbilical-cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UCT-MSCs) aim to rebalance it.
Potential Benefits of UCT-MSCs in Lupus:
- Calm overactive immune responses by reducing inflammatory cytokines
- Encourage regulatory immune cells, helping restore balance instead of total suppression
- Release trophic and anti-inflammatory factors that aid in tissue repair
- Potentially reduce disease flares and support long-term stability
In research settings, UCT-MSCs have been shown to be well-tolerated, and some studies suggest they can improve disease activity and quality of life in patients with moderate to severe lupus.
Important:
MSC-based regenerative therapies for lupus are investigational and not FDA-approved.
They are being studied as adjunctive options for patients who have not responded fully to conventional care.
Recent Clinical Studies of Regenerative Stem Cell Therapy for Lupus
2025 – Double-Blind RCT Using MSC Secretome
Title: Umbilical Cord MSC-Derived Secretome as a Potential Treatment for SLE: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
Journal: Stem Cell Research & Therapy – Full Text
Summary:
Twenty-nine women with active lupus received weekly injections of MSC-secretome (the bioactive solution produced by MSCs) or placebo for six weeks.
Patients receiving MSC-secretome had significant reductions in lupus disease activity scores and improved immune markers such as complement C3 and lower inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α).
The treatment was safe and well-tolerated, with no severe adverse events.
2025 – Meta-Analysis Across Autoimmune Diseases (Including Lupus)
Title: Efficacy and Safety of MSC Transplantation in Autoimmune and Rheumatic Diseases
Journal: Stem Cell Research & Therapy – Full Text
Summary:
This large review analyzed 42 randomized trials (2,183 patients).
In lupus subgroups, MSC therapy significantly lowered SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) scores (SMD ≈ –2.32, p=0.0003).
No increase in adverse events was found versus controls.
Researchers concluded MSC therapy is safe and shows measurable improvement in lupus disease activity.
2024 – Phase 1 Dose-Escalation Trial in France
Title: Allogeneic UC-MSC Therapy for Refractory Lupus: A Phase 1 Study
Journal: PubMed Central – Full Text
Summary:
Eight patients with severe, treatment-resistant lupus received escalating doses of UC-MSCs (2–4 million cells/kg).
Treatment was well-tolerated, with only mild transient infusion reactions in two participants.
Over a year of follow-up, disease activity stabilized or improved, supporting safety even at higher doses.
2022 – Phase 1 UC-MSC Trial for Refractory SLE
Title: Safety, Immunologic Effects, and Clinical Response of UC-MSCs in SLE
Journal: Frontiers in Immunology – Full Text
Summary:
Six patients with active lupus unresponsive to medication received a single UC-MSC infusion (1×10⁶ cells/kg).
By 24 weeks, 83% achieved the lupus responder endpoint (SRI-4), showing reduced disease activity and normalization of B-cell profiles.
No serious side effects occurred.
The trial concluded UC-MSC infusion was safe and associated with meaningful clinical improvement.
Could This Be the Right Option for You?
You may wish to explore regenerative options if you:
- Have systemic or cutaneous lupus that remains active despite standard therapy
- Experience recurrent flares or medication intolerance
- Want to learn about immune-modulating, research-based alternatives that may complement current care
At Stemedix, we focus on patient-centered regenerative medicine backed by emerging clinical evidence. Our team reviews your medical history, current treatment, and goals to determine whether regenerative medicine approaches could be a safe adjunctive path forward.
Medical Disclaimer
This page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
Stem cell and secretome-based treatments for lupus are not FDA-approved, and outcomes vary by individual.
Always consult a licensed rheumatologist or qualified healthcare provider before making treatment decisions.
References
- Al-Shaer A. et al. Umbilical Cord MSC-Derived Secretome in SLE. Stem Cell Res Ther., 2025. Full Text
- Chen Y. et al. MSC Therapy in Autoimmune and Rheumatic Diseases: Meta-Analysis. Stem Cell Res Ther., 2025. Full Text
- Dubois M. et al. Allogeneic UC-MSC Treatment for SLE: Phase 1 Trial. PubMed, 2024. Full Text
- He L. et al. Safety and Immune Response of UC-MSCs in Refractory SLE. Front Immunol., 2022. Full Text
by Shoot To Thrill Media | Oct 23, 2025 | Knee Injuries
Medical Review: Dr. Gerald Mastaw, MD – Board-Certified Physician
Last Updated: October 2025
Why Knee Pain Happens
Your knee joint is one of the body’s most complex and hard-working joints — where your thighbone (femur), shinbone (tibia), and kneecap (patella) meet, supported by strong ligaments, tendons, and cartilage.
Because it absorbs so much pressure during daily movement, it’s also one of the most commonly injured joints.
Common Knee Problems Include:
- Ligament injuries such as ACL, MCL, or PCL tears
- Meniscus tears (cartilage cushion damage)
- Cartilage degeneration or osteoarthritis
- Tendon strains or partial tears
- Fractures or post-surgical pain
Typical Causes
- Sudden impact or twisting during sports
- Repetitive stress from daily activity
- Gradual wear-and-tear with age
- Falls, trauma, or prior surgery
When your knee is injured or inflamed, symptoms can include:
- Sharp or aching pain
- Swelling and stiffness
- Locking, catching, or popping
- Weakness or instability
- Pain that worsens with walking, stairs, or sitting
Traditional Treatment Options
Conventional treatments are designed to reduce pain and inflammation, allowing the body to heal naturally or prepare for surgery if needed.
First-Line Treatments Often Include:
- Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation (RICE)
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Physical therapy and strengthening exercises
- Knee braces or sleeves for joint support
- Activity modification and weight management
Surgical Options (for Severe Damage):
- Arthroscopy to remove or repair damaged tissue
- Ligament reconstruction (ACL, MCL, or meniscus repair)
- Cartilage restoration procedures
- Partial or total knee replacement
While effective, these procedures can involve long recovery times and may not fully restore natural joint tissue.
Regenerative Medicine: A New Approach to Knee Repair
Rather than simply managing symptoms, regenerative medicine focuses on stimulating your body’s own healing processes.
The goal is to repair and restore damaged tissues, not just mask pain.
1. Stem Cell Therapy
- Uses the body’s own repair cells, or donor umbilical cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UCT-MSCs), to promote regeneration.
- Cells are processed under sterile, compliant conditions and injected directly into the knee.
- May help repair cartilage, tendons, and ligaments while reducing inflammation.
2. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
- Uses concentrated platelets and growth factors from your own blood.
- Delivered directly into the joint or injury site.
- Supports natural healing, inflammation control, and tissue remodeling.
Reported Benefits (Based on Clinical Studies):
- Reduced pain and swelling
- Improved flexibility and joint movement
- Enhanced recovery time after injury
- Minimally invasive, with little to no downtime
- May help delay or avoid knee replacement
Note: Stem cell and PRP therapies are not yet FDA-approved for knee osteoarthritis or injury. They remain investigational, but growing clinical evidence supports their safety and potential efficacy.
Recent Clinical Studies on Regenerative Therapies for Knee Conditions
2025 – UC-MSC Exosomes Reduce Inflammation and Support Cartilage Repair
Title: Injection of Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cell Exosomes for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis
Journal: PMC – Full Text
Summary:
Patients with knee osteoarthritis received intra-articular injections of umbilical cord-derived MSC exosomes (healing vesicles).
All participants tolerated treatment well with no major side effects. MRI scans and clinical scores showed less inflammation and improved cartilage quality, confirming that UC-MSC exosomes safely support cartilage regeneration.
2025 – PRP Combined with HA Reduces Bone Inflammation
Title: Clinical Efficacy of PRP and Hyaluronic Acid vs. HA Alone for Knee Osteoarthritis
Journal: MDPI – Journal of Clinical Medicine – Full Text
Summary:
In this Singapore trial (58 knees), patients received either HA alone or HA + PRP.
Both improved pain and function, but the PRP+HA group had less bone marrow inflammation on MRI at 12 months, suggesting enhanced joint protection and tissue stability with PRP supplementation.
2025 – Umbilical Cord Stem Cell Injection Outperforms Steroid Treatment
Title: Efficacy of a Single Dose of Cryopreserved UC-MSCs vs. Corticosteroid Injection for Knee OA
Journal: PubMed – Full Text
Summary:
Thirty patients were randomized to receive either a single UC-MSC injection (CellistemOA) or a steroid injection.
After one year, the UC-MSC group had greater improvements in pain, stiffness, and mobility, with no adverse events.
Researchers concluded that UC-MSC therapy was both safe and superior to corticosteroids for symptom relief in knee OA.
2024 – HA + Growth Hormone + Stem Cells Improve Function
Title: Evaluating Synergistic Effects of HA, UC-MSCs, and Growth Hormones in Knee Osteoarthritis
Journal: MDPI – Biomedicines – Full Text
Summary:
Fifty-one patients were treated with different combinations of HA, UC-MSCs, and growth hormone.
All groups reported significant pain and function improvement (WOMAC and VAS scores) at 12 months, with no major safety issues.
Although cartilage regrowth on MRI was limited, the combined regenerative therapy safely improved mobility and comfort.
2023 – PRP Meta-Analysis Confirms Pain Reduction
Title: Efficacy and Safety of PRP for Osteoarthritis: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Journal: Frontiers in Medicine – Full Text
Summary:
Across 24 randomized trials (1,344 patients), PRP significantly reduced pain and improved knee function compared to other non-surgical treatments.
The authors concluded that PRP therapy “can safely and effectively improve functional activity in patients with knee OA.”
2023 – Repeated UC-MSC Injections Improve Function
Title: Repeated Intra-Articular Injections of Umbilical Cord MSCs for Knee Osteoarthritis: Phase I Trial
Journal: PMC – Full Text
Summary:
Fourteen patients received weekly UC-MSC knee injections for four weeks.
All participants reported significant pain reduction (VAS: 6.0 → 3.5) and better function (WOMAC: 26.0 → 8.5) with no serious adverse effects.
Researchers found that repeated UC-MSC therapy was safe, well-tolerated, and led to consistent improvements across all subjects.
Could Regenerative Therapy Be Right for You?
Regenerative medicine may be worth considering if you:
- Have chronic knee pain unrelieved by standard care
- Are managing osteoarthritis, meniscus tears, or ligament injuries
- Want to delay or avoid joint replacement
- Prefer a non-surgical, biologic approach to healing
Best Candidates Often Have:
- Realistic expectations and a willingness to follow rehab protocols
- Stable general health
- Commitment to maintaining post-treatment mobility and joint care
At Stemedix, our clinicians develop customized regenerative care plans that may include PRP, MSCs, or combined therapies, all grounded in scientific research and delivered under physician supervision.
Medical Disclaimer
This page is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
Stem cell and PRP therapies are investigational and not FDA-approved for knee pain or osteoarthritis.
Outcomes vary between individuals. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before undergoing treatment.
References
- Wu J. et al. UC-MSC Exosomes for Knee OA. PMC., 2025. Full Text
- Tan S. et al. PRP + HA vs. HA for Knee OA. J Clin Med., 2025. Full Text
- Medina R. et al. Cryopreserved UC-MSCs vs. Steroid for Knee OA. PubMed., 2025. Full Text
- Rahman A. et al. HA + UC-MSCs + GH in Knee OA. Biomedicines., 2024. Full Text
- Zhang Y. et al. PRP for Osteoarthritis: Systematic Review. Front Med., 2023. Full Text
- Lee H. et al. Repeated UC-MSC Injections for Knee OA. PMC., 2023. Full Text
by Shoot To Thrill Media | Oct 22, 2025 | Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Medical Review: Dr. Gerald Mastaw, MD – Board-Certified Physician
Last Updated: October 2025
Understanding IBD
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the digestive tract.
The two primary types are:
- Crohn’s disease: Inflammation can appear anywhere in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, often in patchy segments.
- Ulcerative colitis: Involves continuous inflammation of the colon and rectum.
Common Symptoms
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Frequent or urgent bowel movements
- Diarrhea (sometimes with blood)
- Fatigue and weight changes
- Cycles of flares (active inflammation) and remission (calmer periods)
Triggers can vary from person to person, stress, infections, or dietary sensitivities often play a role.
IBD is not the same as IBS.
Unlike irritable bowel syndrome, IBD causes visible inflammation and tissue damage to the intestinal lining.
Diagnosis
IBD is diagnosed through:
- Colonoscopy and biopsy to confirm inflammation
- Imaging (CT, MRI, or capsule studies) to assess the extent of disease
- Stool and blood tests (e.g., calprotectin, CRP) to monitor inflammation and response to therapy
How IBD Is Treated Today
Current management focuses on controlling inflammation, relieving symptoms, and preventing flares.
Conventional Treatment Options
- Medications: Aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, immunomodulators, biologics (anti-TNF, anti-integrin, anti-IL-23), or newer oral JAK inhibitors.
- Lifestyle and nutrition: Gentle diet adjustments during flares, hydration, stress management, and smoking cessation (especially important in Crohn’s).
- Procedures and surgery: Reserved for complications such as strictures, fistulas, or severe disease unresponsive to medication.
- Ongoing monitoring: Colonoscopies and lab work guide treatment and watch for recurrence or precancerous changes.
These therapies can be life-changing, but many patients still experience persistent inflammation or side effects that limit long-term control.
Where Regenerative Medicine May Help
Regenerative medicine seeks to calm the immune system, reduce inflammation, and promote repair of the damaged gut lining, addressing the root cause of IBD rather than just symptoms.
Umbilical Cord Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (UCT-MSCs)
What they are: Cells isolated from donated umbilical cord tissue after healthy, full-term births.
Why they’re being studied:
- Modulate overactive immune responses
- Release anti-inflammatory growth factors and cytokines
- Encourage the development of regulatory immune cells
- Support repair and regeneration of intestinal tissues
How they’re administered:
- Most studies use IV infusions to deliver MSCs systemically.
- In select Crohn’s cases, cells are placed locally around perianal fistulas to promote healing.
What to expect:
- Protocols vary by trial but generally involve a series of infusions followed by routine monitoring.
- Studies report good tolerability, with minimal adverse effects.
Important:
UCT-MSC therapy for Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis is investigational and not FDA-approved.
It is considered a research-based or adjunctive option for patients who have not fully responded to standard treatments.
Recent Clinical Studies on Regenerative Medicine for IBD
2025 – Meta-Analysis on MSC Therapy for Perianal Crohn’s Disease
Title: Efficacy of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Based Therapies in Perianal Fistulizing Crohn’s Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Journal: Stem Cell Research & Therapy – Full Text
Summary:
A 2025 review of 25 studies (596 patients) found MSC therapy significantly improved fistula healing rates.
By 6 months, 58% achieved remission (complete closure and no abscess on MRI), a major improvement over placebo.
Benefits persisted up to 12 months, and no serious safety concerns were reported.
Researchers concluded MSC therapy is effective and well-tolerated for refractory perianal Crohn’s disease.
2024 – UC-MSC Infusions for Ulcerative Colitis
Title: Safety and Potential Efficacy of Expanded Umbilical Cord-Derived MSCs in Ulcerative Colitis
Journal: PubMed Central – Full Text
Summary:
Six adults with active UC received three IV infusions of UC-MSCs (100 million cells each).
No serious adverse events occurred over two years of follow-up.
Three of five patients achieved complete clinical remission (Mayo score 0) and discontinued all medications.
The authors concluded UC-MSC therapy may safely induce long-term remission in select ulcerative colitis patients.
2024 – UC-MSC Therapy for Crohn’s Disease Ulcers
Title: Researchers Investigate Use of Umbilical Cord Stem Cells for Crohn’s Disease
Location: Shanghai Clinical Pilot Study – Read Article
Summary:
Seventeen Crohn’s patients unresponsive to other treatments received local and IV UC-MSC therapy.
After 24 weeks, 47% showed major endoscopic improvement and 18% achieved full mucosal healing.
Inflammation markers dropped, and all patients entered clinical remission with no serious adverse effects.
Researchers found UC-MSC therapy helped restore intestinal lining integrity and immune balance.
Could Regenerative Therapy Be an Option for You?
You may wish to explore regenerative medicine if you:
- Have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis that isn’t fully controlled with medications
- Experience frequent flares or medication side effects
- Want an adjunctive option focused on calming inflammation and promoting healing
At Stemedix, we focus on evidence-based regenerative care designed to complement, not replace, conventional treatment.
Our team will review your medical history, current therapies, and goals to determine whether regenerative therapy could fit within your comprehensive IBD management plan.
Medical Disclaimer
This page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
Stem cell therapy for inflammatory bowel disease is not FDA-approved, and individual results may vary.
Always consult a gastroenterologist or qualified healthcare provider before pursuing new treatments.
References
- Zhang L. et al. Efficacy of MSC-Based Therapies in Perianal Crohn’s Disease: A Systematic Review. Stem Cell Res Ther., 2025. Full Text
- Naser R. et al. Expanded UC-Derived MSCs in Ulcerative Colitis. PubMed Central., 2024. Full Text
- Li J. et al. Umbilical Cord Stem Cells for Crohn’s Disease. Shanghai Clinical Pilot., 2024. Full Text
by Shoot To Thrill Media | Oct 22, 2025 | Hip Pain
Medical Review: Dr. Gerald Mastaw, MD – Board-Certified Physician
Last Updated: October 2025
What Is Hip Pain and Why Does It Happen?
The hip joint is one of the body’s largest weight-bearing structures, a ball-and-socket design built to handle movement, rotation, and constant pressure.
When injury, inflammation, or degeneration affects this area, even simple activities such as walking, sitting, or standing can become painful.
Common Causes of Hip Pain
- Osteoarthritis or cartilage wear-and-tear
- Tendonitis or bursitis from overuse
- Hip labral tears or impingement (FAI)
- Muscle or ligament strains
- Post-surgical or traumatic injuries
Typical Symptoms
- Deep aching or stiffness in the groin or outer hip
- Pain that worsens with movement or prolonged sitting
- Clicking, catching, or instability
- Sharp or radiating pain down the thigh
- Decreased flexibility and weakness
Whether the pain is sudden or chronic, hip dysfunction can limit mobility and impact overall quality of life.
Conventional Treatment Approaches
Traditional care focuses on symptom control and preserving joint function.
Standard Therapies May Include:
- Physical therapy, stretching, and low-impact exercise
- Anti-inflammatory or pain-relieving medications
- Corticosteroid injections for short-term relief
- Weight-management or posture correction
- Assistive devices such as canes or braces
For more advanced degeneration, orthopedic procedures may be recommended:
- Arthroscopic repair for labral tears or impingement
- Hip resurfacing or total hip replacement surgery
While these methods can improve symptoms, they often come with downtime, surgical risk, and limited regenerative benefit.
Regenerative Medicine: A Natural Approach to Hip Repair
Regenerative medicine focuses on restoring tissue health and joint function by activating the body’s own repair mechanisms.
For hip-related conditions, the two leading biologic options are:
- Stem Cell Therapy using umbilical-cord-derived or bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that may help repair cartilage, tendons, and soft tissue.
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) a concentrated solution of a patient’s own platelets that release natural growth factors to support healing.
Potential Benefits of Regenerative Therapies
- Decrease inflammation within the joint capsule
- Stimulate repair of cartilage and connective tissue
- Improve mobility, flexibility, and joint stability
- Support pain relief without surgery
- Delay or possibly prevent the need for joint replacement
Note: Stem cell and PRP therapies for hip pain are not yet FDA-approved and remain investigational, but multiple peer-reviewed studies support their safety and therapeutic potential.
Recent Clinical Studies: Regenerative Medicine for Hip Pain
2025 – PRP Outperforms Hyaluronic Acid for Hip Osteoarthritis
Title: Comparative Efficacy of PRP Injection vs. Ultrasound-Guided Hyaluronic Acid Injection in Hip OA Rehabilitation
Journal: PMC – Full Text
Summary:
In this 150-patient study, participants receiving ultrasound-guided PRP injections experienced greater improvements in pain (VAS), stiffness, and function (WOMAC, Harris Hip Scores) than those treated with standard hyaluronic acid.
The PRP group saw statistically significant reductions in pain and disability, confirming PRP’s advantage in managing hip osteoarthritis symptoms.
2024 – Wharton’s Jelly Allograft Reduces Hip OA Pain
Title: Retrospective Evaluation of Cryopreserved Human Umbilical Cord Tissue Allografts in Hip Osteoarthritis
Journal: MDPI – Journal of Clinical Medicine – Full Text
Summary:
Sixty-nine patients with hip osteoarthritis received Wharton’s Jelly (umbilical-cord-derived extracellular matrix) injections.
Within 90 days, pain levels dropped by ~31%; after a second injection, scores improved by ~45%.
Over 78% of patients reported meaningful pain relief, with no major adverse events.
The study concluded that cord-derived biologic injections are safe and may significantly improve comfort and hip function.
2022 – Cord-Derived PRP Provides Faster Relief Than Autologous PRP
Title: Umbilical Cord PRP vs. Autologous PRP for Hip Osteoarthritis
Journal: MDPI – Journal of Clinical Medicine – Full Text
Summary:
One hundred patients with hip OA received either umbilical-cord-derived PRP (C-PRP) or autologous PRP (A-PRP) over three weekly sessions.
Both groups improved, but C-PRP produced faster and greater pain relief at two months and better hip function at one year — especially in early-stage arthritis (Tönnis I–II).
No serious side effects were observed, supporting cord-derived PRP as a safe, effective biologic option for early hip degeneration.
Is Regenerative Care Right for Your Hip Pain?
Regenerative therapy may be a good option if:
- You have mild-to-moderate hip arthritis or injury
- You’ve tried conventional treatments without lasting relief
- You wish to stay active and avoid surgery
- You prefer a natural, biologic approach to joint healing
At Stemedix, our team evaluates your history, imaging, and goals to determine whether PRP or stem-cell-based regenerative therapy could complement your current orthopedic care plan.
Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Stem cell and PRP therapies are investigational and not FDA-approved for hip pain.
Individual outcomes vary. Always consult a licensed medical provider before pursuing any new treatment.
References
- Patel M. et al. PRP vs Hyaluronic Acid in Hip OA Rehabilitation. PMC, 2025. Full Text
- Cazzato G. et al. Wharton’s Jelly Allograft in Hip Osteoarthritis. J Clin Med., 2024. Full Text
- Ricci E. et al. Cord PRP vs Autologous PRP for Hip OA. J Clin Med., 2022. Full Text
by Shoot To Thrill Media | Oct 22, 2025 | Crohn’s Disease
Medical Review: Dr. Gerald Mastaw, MD – Board-Certified Physician
Last Updated: October 2025
What Is Crohn’s Disease?
Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes ongoing inflammation anywhere along the gastrointestinal (GI) tract — most often the small intestine and the beginning of the large intestine.
This inflammation can lead to pain, fatigue, and poor nutrient absorption.
Common Symptoms
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Persistent diarrhea or urgent bowel movements
- Unintended weight loss
- Fatigue or low energy
- Fever during flare-ups
- Nutritional deficiencies from poor absorption
Possible Risk Factors
- Family history of IBD
- Overactive or misdirected immune response
- Environmental triggers such as diet, stress, or smoking
Crohn’s symptoms often cycle between flare-ups and remission, which can make long-term management challenging.
Conventional Approaches to Treatment
While there’s currently no cure, standard care focuses on controlling inflammation and preventing complications.
Medications
- Corticosteroids – to quickly reduce inflammation during flare-ups
- Immunosuppressants – to calm the immune system
- Biologic agents – to block inflammatory pathways (e.g., anti-TNF drugs)
Lifestyle & Nutrition
- Identifying and avoiding food triggers
- Eating smaller, more frequent meals
- Staying hydrated and supplementing nutrients as needed
Surgery
- Removing severely damaged intestinal segments
- Treating strictures, abscesses, or fistulas
- Typically reserved for patients who don’t respond to medication
Even with the best care, many patients experience relapses or side effects that affect quality of life — leading some to explore regenerative approaches.
Regenerative Medicine and Crohn’s Disease
Regenerative medicine, particularly using umbilical cord tissue–derived mesenchymal stem cells (UCT-MSCs), is being studied as a novel way to calm inflammation and support intestinal repair.
How MSC Therapy May Help
- Regulates overactive immune responses
- Reduces chronic inflammation in the intestinal wall
- Encourages tissue regeneration and mucosal healing
- Improves nutrient absorption by restoring gut lining integrity
- May lower dependence on steroids or immune-suppressing drugs
Preliminary research suggests that stem-cell-based therapy may lead to:
- Fewer flare-ups
- Improved intestinal healing on imaging and endoscopy
- Enhanced overall well-being and energy
⚠️ Note: MSC therapy for Crohn’s disease is investigational and not FDA-approved. However, clinical evidence continues to expand showing encouraging safety and efficacy results.
Recent Advances in Regenerative Medicine for Crohn’s Disease
2025 – Stem Cell Educator Therapy in Long-Term Crohn’s
Title: Clinical, Immunological, Radiographic, and Pathologic Improvements in a Patient with Long-Standing Crohn’s Disease After Receiving Stem Cell Educator Therapy
Date: July 28, 2025
Link: MDPI – International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Summary:
A 78-year-old patient with chronic Crohn’s received one treatment of Stem Cell Educator therapy using umbilical cord blood stem cells. Within weeks, bowel movements normalized and abdominal pain disappeared. Follow-up colonoscopies at 5 weeks and 6 months showed healed intestinal lining and no active inflammation. Blood tests confirmed major drops in inflammatory markers, and CT imaging revealed full mucosal recovery.
2025 – MSC Therapy for Perianal Fistulizing Crohn’s (Meta-Analysis)
Title: Efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell-based therapies in the treatment of perianal fistulizing Crohn’s disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Date: March 28, 2025
Link: Stem Cell Research & Therapy
Summary:
This review of 25 studies involving ~600 patients found that 58% of those treated with MSCs achieved complete fistula closure by 6 months — substantially higher than control groups. No increase in adverse events was noted, confirming strong safety and meaningful clinical improvement in a difficult-to-treat Crohn’s complication.
2024 – Comprehensive Review of Stem Cell Therapy for Crohn’s
Title: Safety and efficacy of stem cell therapy for Crohn’s disease: an umbrella review of systematic reviews
Date: September 30, 2024
Link: PubMed Central
Summary:
Researchers pooled 16 previous reviews of stem-cell-based therapy in Crohn’s disease. Results showed higher remission rates and improved fistula healing compared with conventional treatments. Importantly, MSC therapy did not increase infection or adverse event risks, suggesting it may be a reliable adjunctive treatment in complex cases.
2024 – Umbilical Cord MSCs in Moderate-to-Severe Crohn’s
Title: Therapeutic potential of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells in Crohn’s disease
Date: April 25, 2024
Link: News-Medical Summary / Research Report
Summary:
In a Chinese pilot study, patients with active Crohn’s unresponsive to standard therapy received local stem-cell injections during colonoscopy plus IV infusion. By 12 weeks, ~50% showed visible ulcer healing and some achieved complete mucosal repair. At 24 weeks, many reached clinical remission with no major side effects, suggesting MSC therapy may restore gut integrity safely.
Could Regenerative Medicine Be Right for You?
You may want to consider regenerative therapy if you:
- Experience frequent or severe flare-ups despite medication
- Struggle with side effects from steroids or biologics
- Want to explore non-surgical, restorative approaches
- Seek a therapy that focuses on repairing intestinal tissue, not just controlling symptoms
At Stemedix, our team carefully reviews your medical history and current therapies to determine if MSC-based regenerative treatment may complement your ongoing Crohn’s care.
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
Stem-cell and regenerative therapies for Crohn’s disease are investigational and not FDA-approved.
Results vary; consult a licensed medical professional before undergoing treatment.
References
- Clinical, immunological, and radiographic improvements after Stem Cell Educator therapy. Int J Mol Sci, 2025.
- MSC therapy for perianal fistulizing Crohn’s: meta-analysis. Stem Cell Res Ther, 2025.
- Umbrella review: safety and efficacy of stem cell therapy for Crohn’s. PubMed Central, 2024.
- Therapeutic potential of UC-MSCs in Crohn’s disease. News-Medical Report, 2024.
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