Mesenchymal Stromal Cells: A Complete Guide to Their Function and Therapeutic Applications

Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (MSCs), also known as multipotent stromal cells, are a type of cell found in a variety of tissues, including bone marrow, fat, gums, peripheral blood, as well as the placenta and umbilical cord. They are commonly referred to as “stromal” because they reside in the supportive network of tissues, providing structure and support to other cells. However, their role extends beyond mere support. 

Further studies of these stem cells showed that MSCs can differentiate into a wide range of cell types, including bone, cartilage, fat, neural, and muscle cells. This makes them a promising candidate for regenerative medicine, with the potential to treat a variety of diseases and injuries. In this article, we’ll give a thorough response to the question, ‘How does mesenchymal stem cell therapy work?’

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If you’re interested in exploring how MSC therapy could help with your condition, schedule a no-obligation online consultation with our medical advisors. They’ll provide personalized guidance and answer any questions you have.

Dr. Aleksandra Fetyukhina, MD

Medical Advisor, Swiss Medica doctor

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What Makes MSCs So Special

Detailed research into properties of MSCs is necessary to fully answer the question, ‘How do mesenchymal stem cells work?’ These cells can support other cells and the body’s immune system based on their main functions:

• Paracrine regulation: MSCs have the ability to activate the patient’s own stem cell pool and regenerative capacity, making them ideal for tissue regeneration. They secrete a wide range of bioactive molecules, including growth factors, cytokines, and extracellular vesicles. These molecules can influence the surrounding microenvironment, promoting tissue repair and decreasing inflammation. 
• Immunomodulatory properties: MSCs can suppress immune responses, making them useful for controlling autoimmune diseases.
• Multipotency: MSCs have the unique ability to differentiate into a variety of cell types, making them ideal for tissue regeneration. Differentiation occurs when a less specialized cell changes into a more specialized cell type. As a result, mesenchymal stem cells differentiate into various cell types, including myocytes (muscle cells), neurocytes (nerve cells), and osteoblasts (bone cells).

When Do We Use MSCs

How do mesenchymal stem cells work? MSCs have a very broad range of applications. It includes all chronic diseases accompanied by massive cell death and damage, such as autoimmune and degenerative diseases:

• Bone regeneration: MSCs can differentiate into osteoblasts, the cells responsible for bone formation, potentially treating bone fractures and osteoporosis.
• Cartilage repair: MSCs can generate cartilage cells, offering hope for treating osteoarthritis and other cartilage-related disorders.
• Blood vessel engineering: MSCs can stimulate the growth of new blood vessels, which is important for degenerative diseases like Multiple system atrophy and Cerebral Small Vessel Disease.
• Autoimmune diseases: MSCs can suppress the immune system and improve neuromuscular conduction, potentially slowing the progression of conditions like multiple sclerosis, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis.

They also provide good results when used in the recovery period after injuries, surgeries, and acute heart attacks and strokes.

At Swiss Medica, we use both donor and autologous mesenchymal stem cells.

Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Collection and Preparation

Mesenchymal stem cells fall into two main categories: donor cells and autologous cells. How does mesenchymal stem cell therapy work with each type?

Donor cells

We only use donor cells from tissues that the mother voluntarily donated after a healthy childbirth. Before taking a cell sample, we have access to all test results and the pregnant woman’s medical history. Our stem cells might come from:

• Placental tissue (a temporary organ that forms in the uterus during pregnancy and connects the baby to it)
• Umbilical cord tissue that connects the fetus and the placenta. The cells can be collected at the time of birth and stored for later use.
  

We thoroughly examine each stem cell product multiple times before using it in a patient’s treatment. With our in-house laboratory, we can closely monitor stem cells’ composition and viability, guaranteeing safe and effective doses.

Patient’s own cells

We obtain autologous, or the patient’s own cells, from:

• red bone marrow (​​the soft, porous tissue with numerous blood vessels located at the core of most bones)
• adipose tissue (SVF), also known as body fat 
• gingiva,
• and some other sources.

The patient’s cells can be partially used immediately and partially frozen until the patient’s next visit. Prior to the next arrival, the patient’s cells are cultured in a sterile laboratory environment for 4 to 5 weeks.

We recommend having an additional two months available in case the process takes longer, particularly for older patients whose cells may take longer to grow.

How Do We Deliver The MSCs

How does mesenchymal stem cell therapy work after cultivation and preparation? The effectiveness of the therapy is closely tied to the delivery method.

We offer donor cells through various methods, including:

• Intravenously. Intravenous administration involves injecting the cells directly into a vein, which allows them to circulate throughout the body via the bloodstream. 
• Locally. We can deliver cells directly to a specific area, such as muscles or joints, or through masks, drops, enemas, or inhalations. 

However, injecting donor cells into specific cavities of the body, such as the spinal cord (intrathecally) or joints, is risky. It is possible to have an unwanted reaction to foreign cells, which can lead to serious complications. 

With patient’s cells, we administer using any available methods that are suitable for the specific treatment.

Program Duration

The duration of the procedure is determined by the specific disease or the patient’s overall health. The program’s minimum duration could be:

• 3 days for programs with the use of donor cells.
• 5 days for programs using autologous, or own, cells from red bone marrow or stromal vascular fraction.

We only administer any injections after receiving detailed test results to ensure there are no contraindications or risks. This means we can not perform them on the first or last day of the program. Furthermore, these treatments and some supportive therapy, such as plasmapheresis procedures, cannot be carried out on the same day. 

Dosages

We take great care in measuring the exact number of stem cells needed for every individual case, which positively affects how mesenchymal stem cells work.

For intravenous (IV) infusions in adults, we recommend a dose of 1 to 2 million cells for every kilogram of body weight.

In children, the dose can be higher, up to 3 million cells per kilogram.

For local administration, the doses we use range from 20 to 100 million cells, depending on the volume of liquid that can be injected safely.

Expected Time for Treatment Results

When thinking about  ‘How does mesenchymal stem cell therapy work?’, one may wonder when the first results are coming. The effects of the treatment vary from person to person. For most conditions, a patient feels the maximum benefits within 1 to 3 months after starting the treatment. 

The positive effects last up to 6-12 months. In some cases, we see a positive effect up to several years.

Contraindications

There are some conditions or situations in which we do not proceed with the treatment or use it with caution.

• Patients with a history of cancer (recurrence or remission of less than 5 years) should avoid the treatment.
• Children under the age of 4 and weighing less than 14 kg should not receive intravenous (IV) infusions of the treatment because the use of cell therapy in such young children has not been sufficiently studied.
• Patients with blood coagulation disorders also have limitations on some treatments. 

Side Effects

When considering how mesenchymal stem cells work and what benefits they may bring, it is important to know potential adverse effects. ​​These are possible undesirable reactions that sometimes occur after receiving the treatment:

• Short-term fever
• Headaches
• Malaise
• Aches and pains in muscles
• Nausea
• Vomiting is possible in children

Most of these symptoms last only a few hours after the infusion. They may be relieved with painkillers or rest following the procedure.

Contact us

If you’re weighing the pros and cons of MSC therapy for your condition, schedule a no-obligation online consultation with our medical advisors. They can provide personalized advice and help address any concerns you may have.

Dr. Aleksandra Fetyukhina, MD

Medical Advisor, Swiss Medica doctor

Your Name Please fill out this field Phone Please fill out this field E-mail Please fill out this field

I agree to the Terms of Use, Privacy Policy and Notice Swiss Medica