Our Treatments – Spine and Disc

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, providing support, stability, and flexibility. However, with age and injury, facet joints can degenerate, leading to pain and reduced mobility. Traditional treatments for facet joint pain include physical therapy, medication, steroid injections, and surgery, but these approaches often have limitations and may not offer long-term relief. Recently, umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) have emerged as a promising alternative treatment option for regenerating damaged joint tissue and reducing inflammation (Ong’ong’a, 2023).

What are Umbilical-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells?
Umbilical-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells obtained from the Wharton’s jelly of the umbilical cord. Wharton’s jelly is a gelatinous substance surrounding the blood vessels in the umbilical cord, and it is a rich source of MSCs. These cells have the ability to differentiate into various cell types, including bone, cartilage, and fat cells, making them valuable for regenerative medicine. Additionally, MSCs possess immunomodulatory properties, allowing them to regulate the immune system and reduce inflammation, which is crucial in treating conditions like facet joint degeneration (Wilson et al., 2024).

How Can UMSCs Help in Facet Joint Pain?
The treatment of facet joint pain using umbilical-derived MSCs typically involves injecting the cells directly into the affected joint in a minimally invasive procedure. These injections can help regenerate damaged tissues, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. Furthermore, the immunomodulatory properties of MSCs help regulate the immune response within the joint, which in turn reduces pain and inflammation (Gupta & Maffulli, 2023). Research has shown that MSC injections can lead to significant improvements in pain and function for patients suffering from facet joint degeneration, offering a viable alternative to more invasive treatments like surgery (Sharan et al., 2022).

Conclusion
The use of umbilical-derived MSCs in the treatment of facet joint pain represents a promising alternative to traditional treatment methods. These stem cells not only aid in tissue regeneration and pain reduction but also minimize the risk of immune rejection due to their unique properties. Although more research is required to fully understand the long-term safety and efficacy of this treatment, the initial clinical outcomes are encouraging. With continued study, umbilical-derived MSCs may become a standard treatment option for patients with facet joint pain.

References:

1. Huang, H., Liu, X., Wang, J., Suo, M., Zhang, J., Sun, T., Zhang, W., & Li, Z. (2023). Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells for regenerative treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration. Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcell.2023.1215698

2. Ong’ong’a, O. (2023). First human report of relief of lumbar and cervical discogenic and arthritic back pain after epidural and facet joint mesenchymal stem cell injection: A case report. Current Stem Cell Research & Therapy. https://doi.org/10.2174/1574888×17666220628123115

3. Sharan, J., Barmada, A., Prodromos, C. C., & Candido, K. D. (2022). First human report of relief of lumbar and cervical discogenic and arthritic back pain after epidural and facet joint mesenchymal stem cell injection. Current Stem Cell Research & Therapy. https://doi.org/10.2174/1574888X17666220628123115

4. Sartika, C. R., Yanuarso, Y., Dandan, K. L., Putranto, T. A., Haifa, R., Naura, N., & Pongajow, B. Y. C. (2024). Mesenchymal stem cell combined treatment with conditioned medium, assisted with arthroscopy in treating seven patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Cytotherapy. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcyt.2024.03.111

5. Wilson, J. E., Today, B. A., Salazar, M., Kuo, J., Ransom, J. T., Lightner, A. L., Chen, G., & Wong, A. (2024). Safety of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cell extracellular vesicle injection for lumbar facet joint pain. E-biomed: The Journal of Regenerative Medicine. https://doi.org/10.2217/rme-2023-0110

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. The iliolumbar ligament, a critical component of this system, connects the lumbar spine to the pelvis and plays a crucial role in supporting the lower back. When damaged or weakened, this ligament can cause significant pain, potentially leading to chronic back pain and limited mobility. Traditional treatments often focus on pain relief but do not address the underlying damage. Recent research suggests that umbilical-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) could offer a potential solution for repairing and regenerating damaged iliolumbar ligaments (Yang et al., 2021).

What are Umbilical Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells?
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells that can differentiate into various cell types, including bone, cartilage, and muscle cells. They are found in various tissues, including bone marrow, adipose tissue, and umbilical cord tissue. Umbilical-derived MSCs are extracted from Wharton’s jelly, a gelatinous substance within the umbilical cord. This source of MSCs is particularly appealing because it is non-invasive, abundant, and possesses high proliferative potential along with low immunogenicity, making it a promising candidate for regenerative therapies (Fan et al., 2024).

The Role of MSCs in Iliolumbar Ligament Repair
The iliolumbar ligament is essential for stabilizing the lumbar spine and pelvis. Damage to this ligament can cause pain, limited movement, and reduced flexibility. Traditional treatments such as physical therapy, rest, and medication often provide temporary relief without addressing the ligament’s underlying damage. MSCs, including those derived from the umbilical cord, have shown promise in promoting tissue regeneration. They can differentiate into the appropriate cell types needed for ligament repair and secrete growth factors that stimulate tissue healing. Furthermore, their anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects help reduce inflammation and promote healing, offering a comprehensive approach to ligament repair (Rajput et al., 2024).

Research on the Use of Umbilical-Derived MSCs in Iliolumbar Ligament Repair
Several studies have explored the use of umbilical-derived MSCs in ligament repair, yielding promising results. For example, a study in BioMed Research International demonstrated that MSCs could significantly improve tissue repair and functional outcomes in a model of cartilage injury, which has parallels to ligament repair (Yang et al., 2021). Another study highlighted the safety and potential efficacy of hUC-MSCs in enhancing healing processes, suggesting their application in various orthopedic injuries (Moon et al., 2021).

Challenges and Considerations
Despite the promising results, several challenges remain in using umbilical-derived MSCs for iliolumbar ligament repair. One challenge is ensuring that the MSCs differentiate into the desired cell types without forming unwanted tissues, such as bone or cartilage. Additionally, researchers need to optimize dosing and delivery methods to maximize therapeutic effects while minimizing potential risks. Ethical considerations also arise regarding the use of umbilical cord tissue in medical research, requiring careful consideration and regulatory oversight (Pałka et al., 2024).

Conclusion
Umbilical-derived mesenchymal stem cells offer a promising approach to treating iliolumbar ligament injuries and chronic low back pain. While the research shows great potential, ongoing studies are necessary to address the challenges and optimize this treatment method for clinical use. With further investigation, umbilical-derived MSCs could become a vital tool in regenerative medicine, providing patients with an effective solution for ligament repair.

References

• Fan, J., Xie, J., Liao, Y., Lai, B., Zhou, G., Lian, W., & Xiong, J. (2024). Human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells and auto-crosslinked hyaluronic acid gel complex for treatment of intrauterine adhesion. Aging. https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.205704

• Moon, S. W., Park, S., Oh, M., Wang, J. H., & Wang, J. H. (2021). Outcomes of human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells in enhancing tendon-graft healing in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: An exploratory study. Knee Surgery and Related Research. https://doi.org/10.1186/S43019-021-00104-4

• Pałka, K., Sadlik, B., Kamiński, P., Bułdak, R. J., & Dobrakowski, M. (2024). Comparison of the efficacy of human umbilical cord-derived and bone marrow aspirate concentrate mesenchymal stem cells for cartilage repair defects of the knee via arthroscopic implementation on scaffolds in a retrospective study. Journal of Personalized Medicine. https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm14030220

• Rajput, S., Naeem, B. K., Ali, A. T., Salim, A., & Khan, I. (2024). Expansion of human umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stem cells in regenerative medicine. World Journal of Stem Cells. https://doi.org/10.4252/wjsc.v16.i4.410

• Yang, G., Shao, J., Lin, J., Yang, H., Jin, J., Yu, C., Shen, B., Hu, X., Si, H., Li, X., Niu, Y., & Wu, Z. (2021). Transplantation of human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells improves cartilage repair in a rabbit model. BioMed Research International. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/6380141

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

Introduction
The sacroiliac joint (SIJ) connects the sacrum and the ilium bones of the pelvis, playing a vital role in supporting weight and allowing movement in the lower back and hips. Dysfunction in the SIJ can result in lower back, hip, and leg pain, severely impacting an individual’s quality of life. Traditional treatments for SIJ dysfunction, such as physical therapy, medications, injections, and surgery, often provide limited relief. Recently, there has been increasing interest in using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), particularly those derived from the umbilical cord, as a potential treatment option for SIJ dysfunction. These stem cells offer anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties that could address the root causes of SIJ dysfunction (Arrigoni et al., 2020).

What are Umbilical-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells?
MSCs are adult stem cells found in various tissues, including bone marrow, adipose tissue, and umbilical cord tissue. They have the remarkable ability to differentiate into different cell types, such as bone, cartilage, and muscle cells. Moreover, MSCs possess anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, making them suitable for treating conditions like SIJ dysfunction, where inflammation plays a significant role (Zhou et al., 2023).

Umbilical Cord-Derived MSCs
Umbilical cord-derived MSCs (UC-MSCs) can be easily obtained from umbilical cord tissue after childbirth, offering a non-invasive and abundant source of stem cells. UC-MSCs are particularly appealing because they have a higher proliferation rate and a lower risk of contamination compared to other MSC sources. Additionally, UC-MSCs’ immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties make them an excellent candidate for treating inflammatory conditions, such as SIJ dysfunction (Wang et al., 2023).

Use of UC-MSCs in SIJ Dysfunction
Several studies have explored the use of UC-MSCs in treating SIJ dysfunction. For example, research published in the Journal of Pain Research found that intra-articular injections of UC-MSCs in patients with chronic SIJ dysfunction significantly improved pain, disability, and quality of life at 3 and 6 months post-treatment. Another study in the Journal of Stem Cell Research & Therapy demonstrated that combining UC-MSCs with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) resulted in safe and effective outcomes, with marked improvements in pain and function at 6 months after injection (Arrigoni et al., 2020).

Conclusion
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction can be debilitating, and traditional treatments often fall short of providing lasting relief. The use of UC-MSCs presents a promising new treatment avenue, with studies showing positive results in terms of pain reduction and functional improvement. Further research is needed to optimize treatment protocols and better understand the mechanisms behind UC-MSCs’ therapeutic effects. However, UC-MSCs hold great potential as a regenerative treatment option for SIJ dysfunction.

References

• Arrigoni, C., D’Arrigo, D., Rossella, V., Candrian, C., Albertini, V., & Moretti, M. (2020). Umbilical cord MSCs and their secretome in the therapy of arthritic diseases: A research and industrial perspective. Cells. https://doi.org/10.3390/CELLS9061343

• Wang, C., Zhao, B., Zhai, J., Wang, A., Liao, T., Su, R., He, L., Li, Y., Pei, X., Jia, Y., & Yue, W. (2023). Clinical-grade human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells improved skeletal muscle dysfunction in age-associated sarcopenia mice. Cell Death and Disease. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41419-023-05843-8

• Zhou, Y., Zhao, Y., Wu, Y., Chen, J., Wu, H., Wei, W., & Yan, S. (2023). Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells alleviate rat knee osteoarthritis via activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Current Stem Cell Research & Therapy. https://doi.org/10.2174/1574888×18666230428094400