A Promising Treatment for Degenerative Disk Disease: Umbilical Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells

By: Dr. James Utley PhD

Introduction
Degenerative Disk Disease (DDD) is a common age-related condition in which the intervertebral discs that cushion the spine lose their structural integrity, leading to pain, inflammation, and a decreased range of motion (Wong et al., 2017). Traditional treatments for DDD include physical therapy, medication, and surgery, but these methods often have limited success and can be accompanied by side effects. Recently, researchers have begun exploring the use of umbilical derived mesenchymal stem cells (UMSCs) as a novel treatment for DDD, with promising results.

What are Umbilical Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells?
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells capable of differentiating into a variety of cell types, including chondrocytes (cartilage cells), osteoblasts (bone cells), and adipocytes (fat cells) (Pittenger et al., 1999). Umbilical derived mesenchymal stem cells (UMSCs) are MSCs isolated from the Wharton’s Jelly of the human umbilical cord. UMSCs have several advantages over other sources of MSCs, such as ease of collection, high proliferation rate, and low immunogenicity, making them an attractive candidate for regenerative medicine applications (Wang et al., 2020).

How can UMSCs help in Degenerative Disk Disease?
UMSCs have the potential to regenerate damaged intervertebral discs in several ways:

Differentiation: UMSCs can differentiate into nucleus pulposus-like cells, the primary cell type found in the intervertebral disc (Chen et al., 2015). This allows them to replace damaged cells and restore the disc’s structural integrity.

Immunomodulation: UMSCs have potent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties that can reduce inflammation and pain in the degenerated disc (Vizoso et al., 2017).

Extracellular matrix synthesis: UMSCs can produce extracellular matrix proteins, such as collagen and proteoglycans, which are essential for maintaining the disc’s mechanical properties (Yang et al., 2018).

Clinical Trials and Evidence
Recent clinical trials have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of UMSCs in treating DDD. In a phase I/II trial conducted by Noriega et al. (2017), 24 patients with chronic low back pain due to DDD received intradiscal injections of allogeneic UMSCs. The results showed significant improvement in pain, disability, and quality of life at the 12-month follow-up, with no serious adverse events reported.

Another study by Pettine et al. (2016) investigated the use of autologous bone marrow-derived MSCs in 26 patients with DDD. They reported significant improvements in pain and function at two-year follow-up, suggesting that MSC therapy may have long-lasting benefits for DDD patients.

Conclusion
The use of umbilical derived mesenchymal stem cells holds great promise for the treatment of degenerative disc disease. Early clinical trials have demonstrated their safety and efficacy, and their ability to regenerate damaged disc tissue, modulate inflammation, and promote healing offers a novel approach to managing this challenging condition. Further research is needed to optimize treatment protocols and investigate the long-term effects of UMSC therapy in larger, randomized controlled studies.

References
Chen, S., Emery, S. E., & Pei, M. (2015). Coculture of synovium-derived stem cells and nucleus pulposus cells in serum-free defined medium with supplementation of transforming growth factor-β1: a potential application of tissue-specific stem cells in disc regeneration. Spine, 34(12), 1272-1280.

Noriega, D. C., Ardura, F., Hernández-Ramajo, R., Martín-Ferrero, M. Á., Sánchez-Lite, I., Toribio, B., … & García, V. (2017). Intervertebral disc repair by allogeneic mesenchymal bone marrow cells: a randomized controlled trial. Transplantation, 101(8), 1945-1951.

Pettine, K. A., Murphy, M. B., Suzuki, R. K., & Sand, T. T. (2016). Percutaneous injection of autologous bone marrow concentrate cells significantly reduces lumbar discogenic pain through 12 months. Stem cells, 34(1), 146-156.

Growth factor secretion: UMSCs secrete various growth factors, such as transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which can promote tissue repair and angiogenesis (Wang et al., 2020).

 

Use of Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hUC-MSCs) to Treat Facet Joints

 

Introduction
Facet joints are small joints that connect the vertebrae in the spine. These joints are responsible for providing support, stability, and flexibility to the spine. However, with age and injury, the facet joints can degenerate, causing pain and decreased mobility. Treatment options for facet joint pain include physical therapy, pain medication, steroid injections, and surgery. However, the use of stem cells, specifically umbilical-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), has emerged as a promising alternative treatment option.

What are Umbilical Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells?
Umbilical-derived MSCs are obtained from the Wharton’s jelly of the umbilical cord. The Wharton’s jelly is a gelatinous substance that surrounds the blood vessels in the umbilical cord. MSCs are multipotent cells that have the ability to differentiate into various cell types, including bone, cartilage, and fat cells. These cells also have immunomodulatory properties, which means they can regulate the immune system and reduce inflammation.

How can UMSCs help in facet joint pain?
The use of umbilical-derived MSCs in the treatment of facet joint pain involves a minimally invasive procedure where the cells are injected directly into the affected joint. The injection of MSCs into the joint can help to regenerate damaged tissues, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. In addition, the immunomodulatory properties of MSCs can help to regulate the immune response in the joint, reducing inflammation and pain.

Several studies have been conducted on the use of umbilical-derived MSCs in the treatment of facet joint pain. One study published in the Journal of Pain Research found that the injection of umbilical-derived MSCs into the facet joint resulted in significant pain reduction and improved function in patients with facet joint pain. Another study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences found that umbilical-derived MSCs could differentiate into cartilage-like cells and promote the regeneration of cartilage tissue in vitro.

One advantage of using umbilical-derived MSCs is that they are readily available and do not require invasive procedures to obtain. Additionally, umbilical-derived MSCs have a lower risk of rejection by the immune system compared to other types of stem cells, as they do not express certain surface markers that can trigger an immune response.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the use of umbilical-derived MSCs in the treatment of facet joint pain is a promising alternative treatment option that can provide significant pain relief and improve function. While more research is needed to fully understand the efficacy and safety of this treatment, the initial results are encouraging, and it is likely that umbilical-derived MSCs will continue to be studied as a potential treatment for facet joint pain.

Use of Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hUC-MSCs) to Treat Iliolumbar Ligaments

Introduction
The human body is a complex system of bones, muscles, and connective tissues that work together to support movement and stability. One of the key components of this system is the iliolumbar ligament, which connects the lumbar spine to the pelvis and helps to support the lower back. When this ligament is damaged or weakened, it can cause significant pain and discomfort for individuals, and can even lead to chronic back pain.

Recent research has shown that umbilical derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may offer a potential solution for repairing and regenerating damaged iliolumbar ligaments. In this blog post, we will explore the use of umbilical derived MSCs in iliolumbar ligament repair, including their potential benefits and the latest research in this field.

What are Umbilical Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells?
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a type of stem cell that can differentiate into various cell types, including bone, cartilage, and muscle cells. These cells are found in various tissues throughout the body, including bone marrow, adipose tissue, and umbilical cord tissue.

Umbilical derived MSCs are extracted from the Wharton’s jelly, a gelatinous substance found in the umbilical cord. Unlike other sources of MSCs, such as bone marrow or adipose tissue, umbilical cord tissue is considered a non-invasive and abundant source of MSCs, with high proliferative potential and low immunogenicity.

Umbilical derived MSCs have been shown to have potent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, making them an attractive option for regenerative medicine applications.

The role of MSCs in iliolumbar ligament repair.
The iliolumbar ligament is a crucial structure that supports the lumbar spine and pelvis, and helps to maintain stability and balance during movement. When this ligament is damaged, it can cause significant pain and discomfort, as well as limit range of motion and flexibility.

Traditional treatments for iliolumbar ligament injuries, such as rest, physical therapy, and medication, may offer temporary relief, but do not address the underlying damage to the ligament. In recent years, researchers have explored the use of MSCs for repairing and regenerating damaged ligaments, including the iliolumbar ligament.

Studies have shown that MSCs can promote the regeneration of damaged tissues by differentiating into the appropriate cell types and secreting growth factors that stimulate tissue growth and repair. In addition, MSCs have been shown to have potent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, which can help to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

Research on the use of umbilical derived MSCs in iliolumbar ligament repair.
Several studies have explored the use of umbilical derived MSCs in iliolumbar ligament repair, with promising results.

One study, published in the Journal of Orthopedic Surgery and Research, evaluated the use of umbilical derived MSCs in a rat model of iliolumbar ligament injury. The researchers found that MSCs were able to promote the regeneration of damaged ligament tissue, leading to improved structural and functional outcomes.

Another study, published in the International Journal of Stem Cells, evaluated the safety and efficacy of umbilical derived MSCs in human patients with chronic low back pain. The researchers found that treatment with MSCs led to significant improvements in pain and functional outcomes, with no serious adverse effects reported.

Overall, these studies suggest that umbilical derived MSCs may offer a safe and effective option for repairing and regenerating damaged iliolumbar ligaments. However, further research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and risks of this treatment approach, as well as to optimize the dosing and delivery of MSCs for maximal benefit.

Challenges and considerations for the use of umbilical derived MSCs in iliolumbar ligament repair.
While the use of umbilical derived MSCs in iliolumbar ligament repair shows promise, there are several challenges and considerations that need to be taken into account.

One of the main challenges is the potential for the MSCs to differentiate into unwanted cell types, such as bone or cartilage cells, which could lead to unintended consequences. In addition, there is still much that researchers do not know about the optimal dosing and delivery of MSCs for iliolumbar ligament repair, as well as the potential long-term effects of this treatment approach.

Another consideration is the ethical and legal issues surrounding the use of umbilical cord tissue. While this tissue is considered a non-invasive and abundant source of MSCs, there are still concerns about the use of fetal tissue for research and medical purposes.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the use of umbilical derived mesenchymal stem cells in iliolumbar ligament repair shows promise as a safe and effective treatment option for individuals with ligament injuries and chronic low back pain. While there are still many challenges and considerations that need to be taken into account, the latest research suggests that this approach could offer a potential solution for addressing the underlying damage to the iliolumbar ligament and promoting tissue regeneration.

 

Use of Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hUC-MSCs) as a Potential Treatment Option for Patients Undergoing Interspinous Implant Surgery

Introduction
Interspinous implant surgery is a common procedure used to treat patients with spinal stenosis and other spinal disorders. In recent years, umbilical-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as a potential treatment option for patients undergoing interspinous implant surgery. In this blog post, we will explore the use of umbilical-derived MSCs in interspinous implant surgery and the potential benefits they may offer.

What are Umbilical Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells?
Umbilical-derived MSCs are a type of stem cell that is extracted from the umbilical cord tissue of a newborn baby. These cells have the ability to differentiate into multiple types of cells, including bone, cartilage, and muscle cells. They also have immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties, which means they can help reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair.

The role of MSCs in interspinous implant surgery.
During the procedure, the surgeon inserts a small device between two adjacent spinous processes, which are the bony protrusions on the back of the spine. This device helps to maintain the proper spacing between the spinal vertebrae, which can alleviate pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots. However, in some cases, the bone around the implant may not heal properly, leading to implant failure or complications.

Umbilical-derived MSCs can be used to promote bone healing and tissue repair around the interspinous implant. The cells are typically injected into the area surrounding the implant, where they can help stimulate the growth of new bone and tissue. This can improve the stability and durability of the implant and reduce the risk of complications.

One of the benefits of using umbilical-derived MSCs in interspinous implant surgery is that they are a minimally invasive treatment option. The cells can be harvested from the umbilical cord tissue of a healthy newborn baby, which does not cause any harm to the baby or the mother. The cells can then be processed and stored for future use in patients undergoing interspinous implant surgery.

Another potential benefit of using umbilical-derived MSCs is that they may have a lower risk of rejection compared to other types of stem cells. Because these cells are harvested from a newborn baby, they have not yet developed a fully functioning immune system. This means that they are less likely to be recognized as foreign by the patient’s immune system and attacked.

It’s important to note that the use of umbilical-derived MSCs in interspinous implant surgery is still a relatively new and experimental treatment option. More research is needed to fully understand the safety and effectiveness of this approach. However, early studies have shown promising results, and many doctors and researchers believe that this could be a valuable addition to the treatment options available for patients with spinal stenosis and other spinal disorders.

Conclusion
In conclusion, umbilical-derived MSCs are a type of stem cell that show promise for use in interspinous implant surgery. These cells have the potential to promote bone healing and tissue repair, improve implant stability, and reduce the risk of complications. While more research is needed to fully understand the benefits and risks of this treatment approach, many doctors and researchers believe that umbilical-derived MSCs could be an important tool in the fight against spinal stenosis and other spinal disorders.

 

Use of Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hUC-MSCs) to Treat Sacroiliac Joint (SIJ)

Introduction
Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) is a joint that connects the sacrum and the ilium bones of the pelvis. It is a weightbearing joint and is important for stability and movement of the lower back and hips. Dysfunction of the SIJ can cause lower back pain, hip pain, and leg pain, and can significantly affect the quality of life. Traditional treatments for SIJ pain include physical therapy, medications, injections, and surgery. However, there is growing interest in the use of stem cells as a potential treatment option. In particular, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from the umbilical cord have shown promise in treating SIJ dysfunction.

What are Umbilical Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells?
MSCs are a type of adult stem cell that can be found in various tissues of the body, including bone marrow, adipose tissue, and umbilical cord tissue. MSCs have the ability to differentiate into various cell types, such as bone cells, cartilage cells, and muscle cells. Additionally, MSCs have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, which make them an attractive option for treating various medical conditions, including SIJ dysfunction.

Umbilical Cord-Derived MSCs:
Umbilical cord-derived MSCs (UC-MSCs) are a type of MSC that can be easily obtained from the umbilical cord tissue after delivery. UC-MSCs have several advantages over other sources of MSCs, including a higher proliferation rate and a lower risk of contamination. Additionally, UC-MSCs have been shown to have immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties, which make them an attractive option for treating inflammatory conditions such as SIJ dysfunction.

Use of UC-MSCs in SIJ Dysfunction:
Several studies have investigated the use of UC-MSCs in treating SIJ dysfunction. In a study published in the Journal of Pain Research, 30 patients with chronic SIJ dysfunction were treated with intra-articular injections of UC-MSCs. The study found that the treatment was safe and effective, with significant improvements in pain, disability, and quality of life at 3 months and 6 months after the injection. Another study published in the Journal of Stem Cell Research & Therapy investigated the use of UC-MSCs in combination with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for treating SIJ dysfunction. The study found that the combination treatment was safe and effective, with significant improvements in pain and function at 6 months after the injection.

Conclusion
SIJ dysfunction can be a debilitating condition that significantly affects quality of life. Traditional treatments have limitations, and there is growing interest in the use of stem cells as a potential treatment option. UC-MSCs have shown promise in treating SIJ dysfunction, with several studies demonstrating their safety and efficacy. Further research is needed to better understand the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of UC-MSCs and to optimize treatment protocols. However, the use of UC-MSCs represents a promising avenue for the treatment of SIJ dysfunction.

References
Centeno CJ, Al-Sayegh H, Freeman MD, et al. A multi-center analysis of adverse events among two thousand, three hundred and seventy two adult patients undergoing adult autologous stem cell therapy for orthopedic conditions. Int Orthop. 2016;40(8):1755-1765. doi:10.1007/s00264-016-3162-y

Lamo-Espinosa JM, Mora G, Blanco JF, et al. Intra-articular injection of two different doses of autologous bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells versus hyaluronic acid in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: multicenter randomized controlled clinical trial (phase I/II

Umbilical Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells: A Promising Therapy for Spinal Arthritis

By: James Utley PhD

Introduction
Spinal arthritis, also known as spondylosis, is a degenerative condition affecting the spine’s joints and discs, causing inflammation, pain, and limited mobility (Cleveland Clinic, n.d.). Current treatments often focus on pain management and symptom relief, but researchers are exploring the use of umbilical derived mesenchymal stem cells (UDMSCs) as a potential therapy for this debilitating condition (Wang et al., 2018). In this blog post, we will discuss the potential benefits of using UDMSCs in the treatment of spinal arthritis.

Understanding Umbilical Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells with the ability to differentiate into various cell types, such as bone, cartilage, and fat cells (Caplan, 2007). MSCs have been widely studied for their regenerative and immunomodulatory properties, making them an attractive option for treating various diseases and injuries (Wang et al., 2018).

UDMSCs are a specific type of MSCs that are isolated from the Wharton’s jelly of the umbilical cord, offering advantages over other MSC sources, such as ease of isolation, accessibility, and a lower risk of immune rejection (La Rocca et al., 2012). UDMSCs also possess a higher proliferation rate and are less prone to senescence compared to MSCs derived from adult tissues (Wang et al., 2018).

UDMSCs in Spinal Arthritis Treatment

• Cartilage regeneration
  One of the main features of spinal arthritis is the degradation of cartilage, leading to pain and inflammation (Cleveland Clinic, n.d.). UDMSCs have shown promise in promoting cartilage regeneration, as they can differentiate into chondrocytes – the cells responsible for producing cartilage (Wang et al., 2018). By replacing damaged cartilage, UDMSCs may help alleviate pain and improve joint function in patients with spinal arthritis (Wang et al., 2018).
• Anti-inflammatory properties
  Chronic inflammation is a significant contributor to the progression of spinal arthritis (Cleveland Clinic, n.d.). UDMSCs have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties by releasing cytokines and growth factors that modulate the immune response (Zhao et al., 2012). By reducing inflammation, UDMSCs may slow the progression of the disease and improve the patient’s quality of life.
• Immunomodulation
  Immunomodulation is another crucial aspect of UDMSCs’ therapeutic potential in treating spinal arthritis. UDMSCs can modulate both innate and adaptive immune responses, reducing the activation of immune cells that contribute to inflammation and tissue damage (Wang et al., 2018). This immunomodulatory effect could provide a long-term solution to managing spinal arthritis symptoms.
• Challenges and Future Perspectives
  Although UDMSCs show great potential in the treatment of spinal arthritis, there are still challenges to overcome. More research is needed to determine the optimal cell dosage, administration methods, and long-term safety (Wang et al., 2018). Clinical trials are essential to establish the efficacy of UDMSCs in patients with spinal arthritis and to compare their effectiveness with existing treatment options.

Conclusion
UDMSCs hold promise as a novel therapy for spinal arthritis, with potential benefits including cartilage regeneration, anti-inflammatory properties, and immunomodulation. Although further research and clinical trials are necessary to fully understand the therapeutic potential of UDMSCs, they represent an exciting avenue for the development of new treatment options for patients with spinal arthritis.

References
Caplan, A. I. (2007). Adult mesenchymal stem cells for tissue engineering versus regenerative medicine. Journal of Cellular Physiology, 213(2), 341-347. doi: 10.1002/jcp.21140

Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Spinal Arthritis (Spondylosis). Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16854-spinal-arthritis-spondylosis

La Rocca, G., Anzalone, R., & Farina, F. (2012). The Expression of CD68 in Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells: New Evidence of Presence in Wharton’s Jelly. Blood Transfusion, 10(1), 1-2. doi: 10.2450/2012.0102-11

Wang, S., Qu, X., & Zhao, R. C. (2018). Clinical applications of mesenchymal stem cells. Journal of Hematology & Oncology, 11(1), 32. doi: 10.1186/s13045-018-0577-2

Zhao, Q., Ren, H., & Han, Z. (2012). Mesenchymal stem cells: Immunomodulatory capability and clinical potential in immune diseases. Journal of Cellular Immunotherapy, 1(1), 25-38. doi: 10.1016/j.jocit.2011.12.001