Regenerative Medicine

WHAT ARE STEM CELLS?

Stem cells are cells that have the potential to repair tissue and promote whole-body anti-inflammatory effect. Of the many different types of stem cells, Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) are the most biologically active stem cell with the ability to self-renew. Mesenchymal stem cells are multipotent stem cells that can self-renew and differentiate into different cell types. In other words, mesenchymal stem cells can become a variety of different cell types including; adipose tissue, cartilage, muscle, tendon/ligament, bone, neurons, and hepatocytes. MSCs have been shown to have many effects many effects on different tissues throughout the human body. Mesenchymal stem cells do this by influencing tissue repair via paracrine effects (cell signaling in order to change the behavior of existing cells) or direct cell-to-cell contact.

WHAT ARE Exosomes?

Exosomes are an extracellular vesicle secreted by MSCs that contain constituents proteins, growth factors, mRNA, and microRNA. They are taken up by cells rapidly and have more immediate action. Exosomes are the

Cellular Effects of Stem Cells / Exosomes

  • Anti-Inflammatory

  • Increased neurological connections / neurogenesis

  • Angiogenesis/new blood vessel formation

  • Reduced cell death/apoptosis

  • Immune cell modulation

  • Anti-fibrotic

Can Stem Cells Treat Disease?

The therapeutic uses of stem cells as a potential therapy for a variety of diseases is being extensively researched. The number of human research trials conducted with Mesenchymal Stem Cells has increased exponentially over the past decade. Stem cells have a unique, intrinsic property that attracts them to inflammation in the body. Studies have shown that stem cells can regenerate damaged or diseased tissues, reduce inflammation and modulate the immune system promoting better health and quality of life. However, MSCs are only FDA approved for the treatment of certain medical conditions or are under new drug investigation.

Ongoing Research trials using Mesenchymal Stem Cells:

  • Auto-Immune diseases: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA),

  • Age-Related Macular Degeneration,

  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD),

  • Diabetes,

  • Liver Disease

  • Myocardial Infarctions (Heart Attacks)

  • Osteoarthritis (OA)

  • Neurological Disease: Parkinson’s Disease (PD), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Huntington's Disease (HD)

  • Pediatric Leukodystrophies (LDs)

How are stem cells / Exosomes administered?

There are three common routes of administration: intravenous, subcutaneous, or intra-articular (joint). For rare some neurological disorders, stem cell injection within spinal cord have been used.

How are Stem Cells /Exosomes Screened / Matched?

All human cellular product must be screened for HIV, HTLV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Syphilis,CMV and bacterial contamination/endotoxins. Adult Stem Cells (MSCs) and Exosomes do not exhibit cells surface receptors, which cause rejection. Thus there is no need for donor matching, unlike bone marrow transplants. MSCs from umbilical cords are from donated cords and not embryonic (fetal) tissue. Use of this tissue poses low ethical concern and umbilical cord tissue is differentiated enough that it does not have the potential to become a tumor, unlike embryonic tissue.