Advanced Regenerative Medicine: Understanding MSCs and PTM
January 2024 | Dr. Ruth Dana, NMD
We are now offering Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) from Wharton’s Jelly as well as Placental Tissue Matrix (PTM) for patients who would like to try them as regenerative options to help address their pain and/or injuries.
After several years of using different regenerative products for orthopedic injections, I have refined what products I like to use to help patients achieve the best outcome while also lowering their risk of adverse reactions. Here’s a quick guide to these therapies (please note that the use of these products may yield great results, but these therapies are considered experimental).
Quick Guide to Choosing Your Treatment Option
Before diving into the scientific details, let’s look at which therapy might be right for you:
PTM May Be Best For:
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Large joint problems (knee osteoarthritis)
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Those seeking treatments with established safety profiles
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Patients new to regenerative medicine
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Active inflammation or degenerative conditions
MSCs May Be Best For:
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Smaller joint issues
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Those who’ve tried PTM with limited success
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Patients with previous positive MSC experiences
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Older patients needing enhanced cellular regeneration
Definition and Characteristics of Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs)
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a versatile type of adult stem cell that can be harvested from various tissues, including bone marrow, adipose tissue, and umbilical cord tissue. These cells are renowned for their remarkable ability to differentiate into multiple cell types, such as osteoblasts (bone cells), chondrocytes (cartilage cells), and adipocytes (fat cells). This multipotent nature allows MSCs to play a crucial role in tissue repair and regeneration.
In addition to their differentiation capabilities, MSCs possess the unique ability to self-renew, maintaining their stemness over time. This means they can proliferate and generate more stem cells, which is essential for their therapeutic potential. MSCs are identified by specific surface markers, including CD73, CD90, and CD105, which help distinguish them from other stem cell types. Their distinct gene expression profile further sets them apart, making them a valuable tool in regenerative medicine.
Placental Tissue Matrix (PTM)
I like to use PTM inside of degenerating joints. This is because the tissue matrix contains acellular, regenerative building blocks for tissue repair. The product that we use at Nascent has been audited by the FDA and no warning letters were issued as this product does not deviate from accepted standards in regenerative biological products. This is because the tissue is used to help regenerate tissue that is similar to where it is being applied, and it is a sterile product. This makes it much safer than using something like stem cells, where the body may have more of an unpredictable reaction to placing them in joints.
The results I have seen using PTM vs stem cells are comparable, and if we want to inject regenerative material into a large joint, PTM is the preferred product to use. This is because large joints are always at risk for increased pain and swelling when using a regenerative product, but the PTM has a much better safety profile than MSCs.
PTM works very well to help repair:
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Degeneration of joints (ie knee osteoarthritis)
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Tendon Injuries (ie rotator cuff tears)
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Ligament injuries (ie torn ACL/MCL, instability in low back or neck)
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Muscle injuries (ie torn hamstring)
More About Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs)
MSCs have become a popular therapy that many people seek, sometimes going overseas to try these therapies due to beliefs that they are illegal in the United States. While their use is considered experimental, it is still something we may choose to utilize if we decide that it may be worth the risks of the therapy. Adult mesenchymal stem cells have the potential to differentiate into various cell types such as osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and adipocytes.
I administered MSC therapy full time for about a year and a half and found that they were generally well tolerated when using them intravenously or for some orthopedic injections. They can be immunosuppressive so they are not appropriate for patients on immunosuppressive medications or who suffer from chronic infections. Cell proliferation plays a critical role in the differentiation pathways of MSCs, regulated by signaling pathways like the Wnt canonical pathway and TGF-β superfamily.
MSCs may be a good consideration for:
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Patients who have already tried PTM and had limited results
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Patients who have used MSCs in the past with success and want to repeat the therapy
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May potentially be useful in older patients who have less functional stem cells
They are best tolerated in smaller joints (ie spinal facets for low back or neck), tendons, or ligaments. The potential of MSCs in cellular therapy for tissue repair and regeneration is significant. The microenvironment, growth factors, and specific signaling molecules can influence the differentiation of multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells.
Immunomodulatory Effects of MSCs
One of the most intriguing aspects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is their immunomodulatory effects. These cells have the ability to modulate the immune system, making them a powerful ally in reducing inflammation and promoting healing. MSCs can suppress the activity of various immune cells, including T cells and B cells, which are often involved in inflammatory responses. By doing so, they help create a more balanced immune environment.
Moreover, MSCs promote the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, which are signaling molecules that help reduce inflammation. They also induce the formation of regulatory T cells and dendritic cells, both of which play a crucial role in maintaining immune tolerance and preventing autoimmune reactions. These immunomodulatory properties make MSCs a promising therapeutic option for treating autoimmune diseases and conditions like graft-versus-host disease, where the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues.
Clinical Significance of Stem Cells
Stem cells, particularly mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), hold immense promise in the field of regenerative medicine. Their ability to repair or replace damaged tissues and organs opens up new possibilities for treating a wide range of diseases and injuries. For instance, MSCs have shown potential in treating heart disease, stroke, and spinal cord injuries by promoting tissue regeneration and reducing inflammation.
Beyond these applications, MSCs are being actively researched for their potential to treat autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. The versatility and therapeutic potential of stem cells are vast, and ongoing research aims to develop safe and effective therapies that harness their regenerative capabilities. As our understanding of stem cells continues to grow, so does the potential for groundbreaking treatments that could revolutionize medicine.
Placental Matrix and MSCs
The placental matrix is emerging as a rich and readily available source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for therapeutic use. This complex tissue, which supports the growth and development of the fetus during pregnancy, provides an ideal environment for MSCs. These cells can be isolated from the placental matrix and have been shown to possess similar characteristics to MSCs derived from other sources, such as bone marrow and adipose tissue.
Placental matrix-derived MSCs exhibit the same multipotent capabilities, allowing them to differentiate into various cell types and contribute to tissue repair and regeneration. The use of these cells is a promising area of research, as the placental matrix offers a plentiful and accessible source of MSCs for therapeutic applications. This makes it a valuable resource in the quest to develop effective regenerative treatments.
Why Choose Nascent Health for Regenerative Medicine
At Nascent Health in Gilbert, Arizona, our experienced team of naturopathic physicians combines extensive training in regenerative medicine with a commitment to evidence-based natural treatments. Our clinic has successfully administered hundreds of regenerative treatments, helping patients achieve optimal results through our carefully refined protocols and personalized approach to care.
We understand that choosing a provider for regenerative medicine is an important decision. Our physicians stay at the forefront of regenerative medicine advancements, selecting only the highest quality, FDA-compliant products while maintaining rigorous safety standards. We take pride in our thorough patient education process, ensuring you understand all aspects of your treatment options.
Next Steps in Your Regenerative Journey
If you’re considering regenerative therapy, we recommend scheduling a consultation to discuss your specific case. During this appointment, we’ll:
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Review your complete medical history
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Examine your area of concern
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Discuss treatment options and their specific benefits
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Create a personalized treatment plan
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Address any questions or concerns
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Review expected outcomes and timeline
Interested in Stem Cell Therapy?
Book a FREE 15-minute consultation with Dr. Dana and take the first step toward transforming your anti-aging journey.
Platelet-rich plasma versus hyaluronic acid in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis. Tang, Jia Zhu et al. Journal of orthopaedic surgery and research vol. 15,1 403. 11 Sep. 2020, doi:10.1186/s13018-020-01919-9
Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (MSCs) for Knee Osteoarthritis: Repeated MSC Dosing Is Superior to a Single MSC Dose and to Hyaluronic Acid in a Controlled Randomized Phase I/II Trial. Matas, Jose et al. Stem cells translational medicine vol. 8,3 (2019): 215-224. doi:10.1002/sctm.18-0053
