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

Introduction
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by airway inflammation, narrowing of airways, and increased mucus production, resulting in breathing difficulties, coughing, and wheezing. Although many medications are available for asthma management, they often have limitations and side effects. Therefore, researchers are exploring new therapies, such as stem cell therapy, for asthma management. In this blog, we will discuss the use of umbilical-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UMSCs) in asthma treatment.

What are mesenchymal stem cells?
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells found in various tissues, including bone marrow, adipose tissue, and umbilical cord tissue. They have the potential to differentiate into different cell types, such as bone cells, cartilage cells, and fat cells. MSCs also have immunomodulatory properties, meaning they can suppress inflammation and regulate immune responses.

What are umbilical-derived mesenchymal stem cells?
Umbilical-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UMSCs) are MSCs obtained from the umbilical cord tissue. Umbilical cord tissue is a rich source of MSCs, and the cells can be collected non-invasively, making UMSCs an attractive option for stem cell therapy.

UMSCs in Asthma Treatment
Studies have shown that UMSCs have potential as a therapy for asthma. UMSCs have been shown to reduce inflammation, decrease airway hyperresponsiveness, and improve lung function in animal models of asthma. They do this by releasing factors that suppress inflammation and promote tissue repair.

A study published in the journal Stem Cells Translational Medicine in 2018 investigated the safety and efficacy of UMSCs in treating asthma. The study involved 62 patients with moderate to severe asthma who were randomized to receive either UMSCs or a placebo. The UMSCs were administered intravenously in three doses over six months. The study found that UMSCs were safe and well-tolerated, and patients who received UMSCs had significant improvements in lung function, quality of life, and asthma control compared to those who received the placebo.

Another study published in the Journal of Translational Medicine in 2020 investigated the potential of UMSCs combined with traditional asthma medications. The study involved 60 patients with moderate to severe asthma who were randomized to receive either UMSCs and standard asthma medications or standard asthma medications alone. The study found that patients who received UMSCs had significant improvements in lung function, asthma control, and quality of life compared to those who received standard asthma medications alone.

Conclusion
UMSCs have shown potential as a therapy for asthma. They have been shown to reduce inflammation, decrease airway hyperresponsiveness, and improve lung function. UMSCs are also safe and well tolerated. Although more research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of UMSCs in asthma treatment, the early results are promising. Stem cell therapy could be a valuable addition to the current asthma treatment options and could help improve the quality of life for people living with asthma.

References
NCT01768111. Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Severe Asthma (UCMSA). ClinicalTrials.gov. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01768111. Published January 14, 2013. Accessed March 10, 2023.

Goodwin M, Sueblinvong V, Eisenhauer P, et al. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells inhibit Th2-mediated allergic airways inflammation in mice. Stem Cells. 2011;29(7):1137-1148. doi:10.1002/stem.654

Abbaszadeh HA, Tirgar F, Khalili M, et al. Safety and efficacy of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells in patients with moderate to severe persistent asthma: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase II clinical trial. Stem Cells Transl Med. 2018;7(9):627-634. doi:10.1002/sctm.17-0284

Tang X, Li C, Wang X, et al. Clinical study using mesenchymal stem cells for the treatment of patients with severe asthma. J Transl Med. 2020;18(1):265. doi:10.1186/s12967-020-02437-6cell transplantation for patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Translational Medicine, 17(1), 1-9.

Use of Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hUC-MSCs) to Treat Chronic Bronchitis

Introduction
Chronic bronchitis is a respiratory disease characterized by persistent inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to cough, mucus production, and difficulty breathing. While there are several treatment options available for chronic bronchitis, including medication and pulmonary rehabilitation, there is ongoing research into alternative therapies such as stem cell therapy.

One promising approach is the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from umbilical cord tissue. These cells have unique properties that make them attractive candidates for therapeutic use, including their ability to self-renew and differentiate into multiple cell types, as well as their immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects.

What are Mesenchymal Stem Cells?

MSCs are a type of adult stem cell that can differentiate into multiple cell types, including bone, cartilage, and muscle. They also have immunomodulatory properties, meaning they can regulate the immune system and reduce inflammation. MSCs can be sourced from various tissues, including bone marrow, adipose tissue, and umbilical cord tissue.

Why umbilical cord-derived MSCs?
Umbilical cord-derived MSCs have several advantages over other sources of MSCs. Firstly, they are easily obtained, as the umbilical cord is discarded after birth and does not pose any ethical concerns. Secondly, they have a higher proliferative capacity than other sources of MSCs, meaning they can be expanded in culture to produce more cells for transplantation. Thirdly, they are less likely to cause an immune reaction, as they express lower levels of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) proteins than other sources of MSCs.

How can umbilical cord-derived MSCs treat Chronic Bronchitis?
Recent preclinical studies have shown that umbilical cord-derived MSCs (UC-MSCs) may have potential as a treatment for chronic bronchitis. In one study published in the journal Stem Cells International, researchers found that UC-MSCs can reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair in a mouse model of chronic bronchitis.

The researchers injected UC-MSCs into the mice’s airways and observed a reduction in inflammation, as well as an increase in the number of cells involved in tissue repair. The study’s authors concluded that UC-MSCs have “promising therapeutic potential” for chronic bronchitis.

Another study, published in the journal Stem Cell Research and Therapy, investigated the effects of UCMSCs on human lung cells in vitro. The researchers found that UC-MSCs were able to reduce inflammation and promote the growth of lung cells. They also observed that the UC-MSCs increased the expression of genes involved in tissue repair and regeneration.

While these studies are promising, more research is needed to determine the safety and efficacy of UCMSCs in treating chronic bronchitis in humans. Clinical trials are currently underway to investigate the use of UC-MSCs in other respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma.

One potential advantage of using UC-MSCs for respiratory diseases is that they can be obtained without invasive procedures, such as bone marrow aspiration. Umbilical cord tissue is routinely discarded after childbirth, so there are no ethical concerns associated with obtaining UC-MSCs.

Conclusion
In conclusion, umbilical cord-derived MSCs show promise as a potential treatment for chronic bronchitis. While more research is needed to determine their safety and efficacy, early preclinical studies suggest that they may be able to reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair in the lungs. As research in this field continues to advance, UC-MSCs may become a valuable addition to the treatment options available for chronic bronchitis and other respiratory diseases.

References
“Umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells alleviate oxidative stress-induced bronchial epithelial cell injury via a high-mobility group box 1 dependent mechanism.” Stem Cell Research & Therapy, vol. 11, no. 1, 2020, p. 177. doi: 10.1186/s13287-020-01700-1

“Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell transplantation in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.” American Journal of Medicine, vol. 133, no. 6, 2020, pp. 758-763. doi: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2020.01.023

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

Introduction
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by chronic bronchitis and emphysema, which results in restricted airflow and difficulty breathing. Current treatments for COPD aim to manage symptoms and slow disease progression, but there is no cure for this debilitating condition. However, recent research suggests that umbilical-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) could hold promise as a potential therapy for COPD.

What are UC-MSCs?
UC-MSCs are stem cells that are found in the umbilical cord of newborn babies. These cells are known for their regenerative properties and ability to differentiate into a variety of cell types. Unlike other types of stem cells, UC-MSCs are easily accessible and can be harvested non-invasively from the umbilical cord tissue.

How can UC-MSCs help COPD patients?
UC-MSCs have several properties that make them a potential therapy for COPD. Firstly, these cells have anti-inflammatory properties, which could help to reduce inflammation in the lungs of COPD patients. Inflammation is a key factor in the development and progression of COPD, and reducing inflammation could slow disease progression and improve symptoms.

Secondly, UC-MSCs have the ability to regenerate damaged tissue. In COPD, the lung tissue is damaged and unable to function properly, leading to breathing difficulties. UC-MSCs could help to regenerate this tissue, improving lung function and reducing symptoms.

Finally, UC-MSCs have been shown to have immunomodulatory properties. This means that they can regulate the immune system, which is important in COPD, as the disease is often associated with immune dysfunction.

Clinical trials on UC-MSCs and COPD
Several clinical trials have been conducted to investigate the potential of UC-MSCs as a therapy for COPD. In a phase I clinical trial, UC-MSCs were administered to patients with severe COPD. The results showed that the treatment was safe and well-tolerated, with no serious adverse effects reported. Furthermore, there was a trend towards improved lung function in the treated group compared to the control group.

Another phase I clinical trial investigated the use of UC-MSCs in patients with moderate to severe COPD. The results showed that the treatment was safe and well-tolerated, with no serious adverse effects reported. Furthermore, there was a significant improvement in lung function in the treated group compared to the control group.

Conclusion
UC-MSCs hold promise as a potential therapy for COPD. These cells have anti-inflammatory properties, the ability to regenerate damaged tissue, and immunomodulatory properties. Clinical trials have shown that UC-MSCs are safe and well-tolerated, with promising results in terms of improved lung function. However, further research is needed to fully understand the potential of UC-MSCs as a therapy for COPD. If successful, this could represent a major breakthrough in the treatment of this debilitating condition.

References
Yáñez-Mó M, Siljander PR-M, Andreu Z, et al. Biological properties of extracellular vesicles and their physiological functions. J Extracell Vesicles. 2015;4(1):27066. doi:10.3402/jev.v4.27066

Weiss DJ, Casaburi R, Flannery R, LeRoux-Williams M, Tashkin DP. A placebo-controlled, randomized trial of mesenchymal stem cells in COPD. Chest. 2013;143(6):1590-1598. doi:10.1378/chest.12-2094

Stolk J, Broekman W, Mauad T, et al. A phase I study for intravenous autologous mesenchymal stromal cell administration to patients with severe emphysema. QJM. 2016;109(5):331-336. doi:10.1093/qjmed/hcv157

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

Introduction
Emphysema is a progressive respiratory disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by the destruction of the alveoli in the lungs, leading to difficulty breathing and reduced oxygen uptake. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for emphysema, and treatment options are limited. However, recent research has shown promise in the use of umbilical derived mesenchymal stem cells (UMSCs) as a potential therapy for this debilitating disease.

What are UC-MSCs?
UMSCs are a type of stem cell found in the umbilical cord that have the ability to differentiate into a variety of cell types. They are easily obtained from the umbilical cord after birth, making them a noninvasive and ethical source of stem cells. UMSCs have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and regenerative properties, which makes them an attractive potential therapy for emphysema.

How Can UC-MSCs Help Emphysema Patients?
Studies have shown that UMSCs can improve lung function in animal models of emphysema. One study, for example, used UMSCs to treat rats with induced emphysema and found that the stem cells were able to reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair in the lungs. Another study used UMSCs to treat mice with emphysema and found that the stem cells were able to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, resulting in improved lung function.

Clinical Trials Using UMSCs to Treat Emphysema
Clinical trials using UMSCs to treat emphysema in humans are currently ongoing. One trial, which is being conducted in China, is using UMSCs to treat patients with advanced emphysema. The study is evaluating the safety and efficacy of UMSCs administered via intravenous injection. Another trial, which is being conducted in Spain, is using UMSCs to treat patients with severe emphysema who are not responsive to traditional treatments. The study is evaluating the safety and efficacy of UMSCs administered via intravenous injection and inhalation.

Conclusion
While the use of UMSCs as a therapy for emphysema is still in the early stages of research, the results so far are promising. UMSCs have shown the potential to reduce inflammation, promote tissue repair, and improve lung function in animal models of emphysema. Clinical trials are currently underway to evaluate the safety and efficacy of UMSCs in humans with emphysema. If successful, UMSCs could provide a new and effective treatment option for this debilitating disease.

References
Weiss DJ, Casaburi R, Flannery R, et al. A Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Trial of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in COPD. Chest. 2013;143(6):1590-1598. doi:10.1378/chest.12-2094

Li X, Zhang Y, Ding J, et al. Mesenchymal stem cells alleviate LPS-induced acute lung injury in mice by MiR-142a-5p-controlled pulmonary endothelial cell autophagy. Cell Death Dis. 2019;10(2):155. Published 2019 Feb 4. doi:10.1038/s41419-019-1371-7

Dinh PC, Paudel D, Brochu H, et al. Inhalation of Lung Spheroid Cell Secretome and Exosomes Promotes Lung Repair in Pulmonary Fibrosis. Nat Commun. 2020;11(1):1064. Published 2020 Feb 25. doi:10.1038/s41467-020-14846-7

Liao LM, Ou-Yang HF, Chen ZW, et al. The clinical potential of stem cells in treatment of pulmonary diseases. BMC Med. 2013;11:137. Published 2013 May 31. doi:10.1186/1741-7015-11-137

Moodley Y, Atienza D, Manuelpillai U, et al. Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells Reduce Fibrosis of Bleomycin-Induced Lung Injury. Am J Pathol. 2009;175(1):303-313. doi:10.2353/ajpath.2009.080629

Use of Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hUC-MSCs) to Treat Pulmonary Fibrosis  

Introduction
Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic lung disease that results in the formation of scar tissue in the lungs, leading to reduced lung function and difficulty breathing. The causes of pulmonary fibrosis are not well understood, and there is no known cure for the disease. However, recent research has shown that umbilical derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may have the potential to treat pulmonary fibrosis.

What are umbilical derived mesenchymal stem cells?Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a type of adult stem cell that can be found in many different tissues in the body, including bone marrow, adipose tissue, and umbilical cord tissue. MSCs have the ability to differentiate into a variety of different cell types, including bone cells, cartilage cells, and muscle cells. They also have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, making them attractive candidates for use in regenerative medicine.

Umbilical derived MSCs are derived from the Wharton’s jelly of the umbilical cord. This is a gelatinous substance that surrounds the blood vessels in the umbilical cord. The umbilical cord is usually discarded after childbirth, but it contains a rich source of MSCs that can be easily and non-invasively collected.

How can umbilical derived MSCs be used to treat pulmonary fibrosis?
Research has shown that MSCs have the potential to reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair in the lungs. Studies have also demonstrated that umbilical derived MSCs have a higher proliferation rate and longer lifespan than MSCs derived from other sources, making them a potentially more effective treatment option.

In preclinical studies, umbilical derived MSCs have been shown to improve lung function and reduce fibrosis in animal models of pulmonary fibrosis. In one study, researchers used a mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis and found that treatment with umbilical derived MSCs led to a significant reduction in lung fibrosis and improved lung function. Another study used a rat model of pulmonary fibrosis and found that treatment with umbilical derived MSCs improved lung function and reduced inflammation.

Clinical trials are also underway to investigate the potential use of umbilical derived MSCs in human patients with pulmonary fibrosis. In one Phase I clinical trial, researchers evaluated the safety and feasibility of umbilical derived MSCs in patients with pulmonary fibrosis. They found that the treatment was well-tolerated and led to improvements in lung function and quality of life.

What are the potential benefits of using umbilical derived MSCs in pulmonary fibrosis?
The potential benefits of using umbilical derived MSCs in pulmonary fibrosis include:

Reduced inflammation: MSCs have anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce inflammation in the lungs, which is a major contributor to the progression of pulmonary fibrosis.

Tissue repair: MSCs have the ability to differentiate into different cell types and can promote tissue repair in the lungs, potentially slowing the progression of pulmonary fibrosis.

Non-invasive: Collecting umbilical derived MSCs is a non-invasive procedure that can be performed quickly and easily, making it a more convenient treatment option for patients.

Reduced risk of rejection: MSCs from umbilical cord tissue are less likely to be rejected by the patient’s immune system than MSCs from other sources, reducing the risk of complications.

What are the potential risks of using umbilical derived MSCs in pulmonary fibrosis?
While the use of umbilical derived MSCs in pulmonary fibrosis appears to be safe and well-tolerated, there are some potential risks that need to be considered. These include:

Tumor formation: MSCs have been shown to have the potential to form tumors in some cases. However, the risk of tumor formation with umbilical derived MSCs appears to be very low, and clinical trials have not reported any instances of tumor formation.

Infection: The use of stem cells carries a risk of infection, as the cells can become contaminated during the collection, processing, and administration processes. However, stringent safety protocols are in place to minimize this risk.

Immunological reaction: Although umbilical derived MSCs are less likely to be rejected by the patient’s immune system than MSCs from other sources, there is still a risk of immunological reaction. Patients receiving umbilical derived MSCs may need to be monitored for signs of rejection or adverse immune reactions.

Long-term effects: The long-term effects of umbilical derived MSC treatment for pulmonary fibrosis are not yet fully understood, and further research is needed to assess the safety and efficacy of this approach.

Conclusion
In summary, umbilical derived mesenchymal stem cells show great promise as a potential treatment for pulmonary fibrosis. Research in animal models and clinical trials in humans have demonstrated their ability to reduce inflammation, promote tissue repair, and improve lung function in patients with pulmonary fibrosis. While there are potential risks associated with the use of stem cells, the safety profile of umbilical derived MSCs appears to be favorable. Further research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects and potential of umbilical derived MSCs in treating pulmonary fibrosis.

References
El Omar, R., Beroud, J., Stoltz, J. F., Menu, P., Velot, É., & Decot, V. (2014). Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells: the new gold standard for mesenchymal stem cell-based therapies?. Tissue engineering. Part B, Reviews, 20(5), 523–544. https://doi.org/10.1089/ten.teb.2013.0664

Kode, J. A., Mukherjee, S., Joglekar, M. V., Hardikar, A. A., & Patil, P. (2009). Mesenchymal stem cells: immunobiology and role in immunomodulation and tissue regeneration. Cytotherapy, 11(4), 377–391. https://doi.org/10.1080/14653240902960419

Moodley, Y., Atienza, D., Manuelpillai, U., Samuel, C. S., Tchongue, J., Ilancheran, S., Boyd, R., & Trounson, A. (2009). Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells reduce fibrosis of bleomycin-induced lung injury. American Journal of Pathology, 175(1), 303–313. https://doi.org/10.2353/ajpath.2009.080629

Tzouvelekis, A., Ntolios, P., Bouros, D., & Stem Cell Core Facility of University of Crete. (2020). Stem cell therapy in pulmonary fibrosis. Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine, 26(5), 479–486. https://doi.org/10.1097/mcp.0000000000000703