Why the variability in Clinical Response to Stem Cell intervention for arthritis
Mesenchymal Stem Cells, or MSCs, are multipotent stromal cells that can differentiate into a variety of cell types or affect other cells by releasing the proteins categorized as Cytokines and Exosomes. Cytokines are small proteins that are important in cell signaling. The process is quite complex but this introduction allows me to help you better understand the Regenerative Medicine world.
The patient who called this morning indicated that she had not experienced any benefit form an orthobiologic intervention she had several weeks ago; yet on Friday, several patients reported satisfaction and our outcomes surveillance documented significant functional improvement as well. Why the variability in response? Perhaps it might or could be explained by the genetic makeup of the individual’s cartilage or the nature of the biologic intervention. In the current regenerative marketplace, I note advertisements for Amniotic Fluid, Cord Blood, Wharton’s Jelly, Exosomes, Adipose derived and bone marrow derived interventions.
The long-term durability of our cellular orthopedic treatment has been documented in patients for at least five years. The observation of this response is significant, as steroids and viscosupplementation have typically shown to be effective in relieving pain respectively for up to 6 weeks and 6 months. Our earlier research has documented a six-month average response to amniotic fluid and an average 18-month improvement to mechanically processed adipose tissue. Our current biologic interventions contain high concentrations of anti-inflammatory cytokines and anabolic growth factors in addition to Mesenchymal Stem Cells, all modifying the course of disease progression. The short-term pain relief observed is due to the anti-inflammatory effects of the biologics used in the interventions. The long-term pain relief is attributed to potential disease-modifying properties by improving joint homeostasis and cartilage quality. We believe our biologic interventions to be disease-modifying.
What is next? While most readers of this Blog are familiar with the regenerative alternatives, Exosomes are new and there is little if any clinical data available to allow me to opine about clinical usage including safety and efficacy at this time. They are cell-derived vesicles (a small membrane-bound sack that stores and transports substances though out the cell or outside the cell) present in bodily fluids as well as in extracellular matrix. Evidence is accumulating that they play a key role in signaling between cells and may function as a potent anti-inflammatory and disease modifier depending on the environment from which the Exosome is recovered. While the use of non-autologous stem cells is not FDA compliant, to the best of my knowledge, Exosomes produced by Mesenchymal Stem Cells are not restricted and are now being made available for clinical use in arthritis. Stay tuned as we continue to document successes, safety and efficacy in the world of Orthobiologics. To learn more, schedule a consultation by calling (312) 475-1893.
Tags: arthritis, biologics, cytokines, Exosomes, Growth Factor Concentrate, Growth Factors, Mesenchymal Stem Cell, MSC, OA, viscosupplementation