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What are Mesenchymal Stem Cells?

Mesenchymal stem cells are adult stem cells isolated from different sources that can differentiate into other types of cells. In humans, these sources include; bone marrow, fat (adipose tissue), umbilical cord tissue (Wharton’s Jelly) or amniotic fluid (the fluid surrounding a fetus).

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), or stromal stem cells, can differentiate into many different types of cells within the body, including:

• Bone cells
•  Cartilage
•  Muscle cells
•  Neural cells
• Skin cells
• Corneal cells

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We all have Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs).  MSCs are primarily found in the bone marrow of every person and remain dormant until called upon to promote healing within the body. They age as we age, and their number and effectiveness decreases over the years. 

The medical community has known of the existence of MSCs since the late 19th century. However, it has only been with recent advancements that physicians have been able to activate and supplement these cells to treat a variety of conditions.

Where are mesenchymal stem cells sourced?

For years, researchers believed that mesenchymal stem cells only existed within bone marrow. However, research has found that there are a variety of sources for MSCs, including umbilical cord tissue, body fat, molar teeth, and amniotic fluid. 

The cells derived from cord tissue, more specifically Wharton’s Jelly, are the youngest and most primitive MSCs available. With the majority of umbilical cords simply discarded after childbirth, this source is both non-harmful and readily available.  

The young nature of these cells allows enormous potential for them to transform into whatever type of cell is necessary within the body. Youthful cells also tend to replicate at a faster rate, and MSCs have the ability not only to differentiate into other cell types but multiply to increase their healing effect on the body. 

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Researchers have also found that a stem cell’s potency is tied to its age, therefore making cord tissue MSCs some of the most capable cells around.

In contrast, treatments that utilize MSCs from a patient’s fat (adipose) sample have shown weak or unreliable responses. In general, a stem cell is only as good as its source, and if the cells come from an older individual, no amount of expansion will increase their potency.

Stem cell numbers and effectiveness begin to decrease as we age exponentially. For example, stem cells from a person in their twenties are not nearly as high quality as the brand new cells sourced from cord tissue. Although treatment is available with any source for MSCs, patients risk little to no results from using lower quality stem cells.

What are mesenchymal stem cells used for?

By sourcing mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from donated cord tissue and expanding them to higher numbers, the medical community has created the ability to supplement a person’s stem cell count through transplantation with younger, highly competent cells. 

Mesenchymal stem cells are immunopriviledged

MSCs have shown the ability to avoid a negative response from a person’s immune system, allowing the cells to be transplanted in a wide range of people without fear of rejection. These transplants vastly increase the body’s natural healing abilities and have potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive responses. 

Mesenchymal stem cells can treat a variety of conditions

To date, MSCs have been used to treat many autoimmune diseases, with studies conducted on use for Crohn’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Lupus, COPD, Parkinson’s, and more.

While MSCs do not provide a cure for these conditions, the premise is allowing the body to heal itself well enough to mitigate the symptoms of the conditions for long periods. In many cases, this alone allows for a substantial increase in quality of life for patients.

Mesenchymal stem cells have little adverse side effects

Very few adverse effects have been found, with the main drawback being the need for repetitive treatments to maintain high stem cell numbers in the body. Without repeat treatments, the cells will eventually become used to the point that a patient’s healing ability will return to normal over a few years. However, patient reports have shown the effects of quality treatment lasting approximately 5-10 years.

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References:

(1) Ullah, I., Subbarao, R. B., & Rho, G. J. (2015, April 28). Human mesenchymal stem cells - current trends and future prospective. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4413017/.