Research and Videos
There are hundreds of clinical trials completed and underway on various types of stem cells at ClinicalTrials.gov. Here, we provide a collection of various published studies, research and videos related to mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) along with information found in the results of these studies.
In reviewing this information, keep in mind that all sources of MSCs are not equivalent. Many studies on MSCs are MSCs derived from a patient's own bone marrow or fat tissue, not from the umbilical cord tissue from a live birth. Many experts believe that using stem cells from umbilical cord tissue is advantageous over a patient's own stem cells because they are from a much younger and healthier biological source. In such case, it's expected that umblical cord tissue derived MSCs will perform better than a patient's own stem cells, however, there is currently no research that we are aware of that that supports this expectation.
Stem Cell Therapy Studies
Osteoarthritis
Journal of Orthopaedic Translation: Role of MSCs in osteoarthritis treatment
"MSCs are a good candidate to meet the challenge in treating OA. They can repair the damaged tissues or provide immunomodulatory function to reduce inflammation in OA. Since OA is a degenerative joint disease likely involving the depletion of endogenous MSCs, and adult MSCs have the potential to differentiate into cells of chondrogenic lineage, investigation into MSC-based therapy should be supported for potential articular cartilage repair and regeneration."
Heart Disease and Ischemic Cardiomyopathy
Stem Cells Translational Medicine: Concise Review: Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Cardiovascular Regeneration: Emerging Research Directions and Clinical Applications
Experimental and early clinical data suggest that, due to several unique properties, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may be more effective than other cell types for diseases that are difficult to treat or untreatable."
Type 1 Diabetes
Endocrine Journal: Long term effects of the implantation of Wharton’s jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells from the umbilical cord for newly-onset type 1 diabetes mellitus.
In a double blind study 15 patients with newly onset type 1 diabetes mellitus received 2 doses of 1.5–3.2 × 107of WJ-MSC at 4-week interval by intravenous delivery. Strikingly, within a period of 24 months, in 3/15 patients insulin supplementation was discontinued and in 8/15 and 3/15 the daily dosage was reduced by more than 50% and 15–50%, respectively. Only 1 patient did not benefit from WJ-MSC treatment. In the control group, not subjected to WJ-MSC treatment, the dose of insulin increased gradually. No adverse reactions, chronic side effects were reported during the follow-up study.
Diabetes Journal: Preserved β-cell function in type 1 diabetes by mesenchymal stromal cells.
"We conclude that autologous MSC treatment in new-onset type 1 diabetes constitutes a safe and promising strategy to intervene in disease progression and preserve β-cell function."
Autism
Journal of Translational Medicine
Nine young boys received MSCs, cord blood, and standard rehabilitation therapy. At the beginning of the study, the average CARS score (Childhood Autism Rating Scale) was 45, indicating severe autism (CARS>38). After 24 weeks, the average CARS score was 28, below the CARS score of 30 or more, which indicates autism.
Review Article
Autism Spectrum Disorders: Is Mesenchymal Stem Cell Personalized Therapy the Future?
"Among the stem cell population, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) show probably best potential good results in medical research. Due to the particular immune and neural dysregulation observed in ASDs, mesenchymal stem cell transplantation could offer a unique tool to provide better resolution for this disease."
Mitochondria Disease
Mitochondrion: Mitochondrial transfer from Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells to mitochondria-defective cells recaptures impaired mitochondrial function.
"In conclusion, this study suggests that WJMSCs may serve as a potential therapeutic strategy for diseases linked to mitochondrial dysfunction through the donation of healthy mitochondria to cells with genetic mitochondrial defects."
Stem Cell Videos
MSC Stem Cells For Chronic Diseases
Dr. Neil Riordan, PhD on MSCs
Joe Rogan and Mel Gibson on Stem Cell Therapy