Stem Cell Treatment for Muscle Cells

Stem cells are multipotent, self-renewing, undifferentiated cells that can be differentiated into functional cells. They can be found in all postnatal organs and different tissues. Stem cell treatment for muscle regeneration involves using stem cells to repair and regenerate the damaged muscle tissues. 

Let’s examine stem treatment for muscles, its efficacy in regenerating muscles, associated risks, and the cost of such treatment.

Can Stem Cells Repair Muscle?

Types of cells that are researched and used for stem treatment for muscles include:

• Muscle stem cells: Satellite cells involved in the repair and regeneration of skeletal muscle.
• Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs): Cells derived from bone marrow, adipose tissue, and umbilical cord tissue. MSCs can differentiate into a variety of cell types, including muscle cells, and have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs): Created by reprogramming adult cells to revert to an embryonic-like pluripotent state. iPSCs can also differentiate into muscle cells, causing a regenerative effect.
• Embryonic stem cells (ESCs): These cells are pluripotent, which means they can differentiate into any cell type, including muscle cells.
• Pericytes: These cells are found around the small blood vessels (capillaries). They can differentiate into muscle cells and contribute to muscle regeneration and repair.
• Myogenic progenitor cells: These cells are committed to the muscle lineage and can differentiate into muscle fibers. They are important for muscle development and repair.

Stem cells help restore damaged cells by:

• Activating stem pool and its regenerative capacity;
• Stimulating the growth of new blood vessels;
• Inhibiting autoimmune aggression;
• Producing anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects.

In addition to repairing and healing damaged muscles, stem cells can produce new muscle cells when they are torn. They do so by differentiating into muscle cells and secreting bioactive materials like growth factors known as cytokines and other products. 

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Dr. Aleksandra Fetyukhina, MD

Medical Advisor, Swiss Medica doctor

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How Do Stem Cells Regenerate Tissue?

Stem treatment for muscles includes a series of steps for rebuilding the damaged tissues; these steps include:

Activation 

When muscles are damaged due to injury, stem cells (satellite cells or mesenchymal cells) are activated. These cells are normally dormant but are activated by damage.

Proliferation

Once activated, these cells proliferate. A boosted number of stem cells for muscle repair improves this process.

Differentiation

The proliferated stem cells then differentiate into myoblasts, precursor cells that can develop into muscle fibers.

Fusion

Myoblasts fuse to form new muscle fibers or fuse with existing damaged muscle fibers and initiate repair. This fusion is essential for muscle stem cell regeneration.

Maturation

The newly formed muscle fibers then integrate with the existing muscle fibers to restore the functioning and structure of the overall muscle. 

Regulation 

Throughout stem cell muscle regeneration, various growth factors and signaling pathways control the activity of stem cells. This helps ensure the correct repair and regeneration of the damaged muscles.

Can Stem Cells Regrow Muscle?

Stem cells do not have the potential to regrow an organ or an entire muscle. These cells help activate the stem cell pool within the organs and tissues to accelerate the healing process or heal damaged cells and tissues within an organ.

Once, stem cells that help to repair muscle cells are injected, they circulate in the blood and they are attracted to the proteins surrounding the damaged muscle, where they secrete various growth factors that help to heal the damaged muscles by stimulating regeneration of new muscle fibers. 

How Long Does it Take to Get Relief?

The amount of time to notice improvements after stem cell therapy for muscle injury depends entirely on the extent of damage and the specific conditions of the repair process. A general timeline for getting the proper relief is as follows:

Who Can Benefit from Stem Cell Therapy Muscle Repair?

Stem cell treatment for muscle regeneration can help patients with muscle damage and degenerative muscle conditions, for instance:

• Athletes suffering from sports injuries such as muscle strain, tears, and other acute injuries can use the therapy to accelerate healing and recovery.
• Individuals suffering from chronic injuries such as tendinitis can also benefit from the therapy as it promotes tissue repair and reduces inflammation.
• Elderly people experiencing muscle weakness and muscle mass loss can also benefit from the stem cell therapy for muscle regeneration.
• Stem therapy promotes faster healing and reduced recovery time in patients with orthopedic and reconstructive surgeries during post-surgical recovery.
• People suffering from chronic muscle diseases such as myopathies can gain relief from the therapy as well.
• Stem cell therapy can also help improve muscle health and function in diabetic patients going through muscle wasting or diabetic myopathy. 
• Stem treatment for muscles can help people suffering from Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) or other forms of muscular degeneration by promoting muscle fiber regeneration and slowing down muscle degeneration.

What Are the Risks or Side Effects of Stem Cell Injections?

Stem treatment for muscles is a safe procedure if done by qualified and experienced medical professionals. Although stem cells offer potential benefits for treating a wide range of diseases, it’s crucial to consider the risks and benefits of such a procedure in order to make an informed decision. 

Some major risks associated include:

• Infection either at the site where they are administered or during harvesting.
• Triggering immune reactions leading to an immune response followed by inflammation and other side effects.
• Tumor formation mostly if embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are used or in treatments involving stem cells.
• Allergic reactions from the anesthetics or preservatives used during the procedure of stem cell proliferation.
• Neurological complications, in case the stem cells are injected into the spinal cord or brain, leading to nerve damage.

Patients must discuss the risks of treatment with their healthcare providers and seek treatment at reputable, regulated medical facilities to avoid side effects caused by the negligence and lack of experience of the staff.

Cost of Stem Cell Therapy for Muscle Regeneration

The cost of stem cell therapy for muscle regeneration depends on various factors. The final list of procedures and costs determined by the doctor can range anything between €7,000 to €30,000.

Moreover, the cost of stem cell therapy can depend on factors like:

• Type of stem cell used (autologous or allogeneic);
• The complexity of the procedure;
• The number of treatments;
• Geographic location of the clinic;
• Type of clinic and physician’s experience;
• Consultation fees involved’
• Pre- and post-treatment care for the patient’
• Travel and accommodation.

Considering high costs and variability, it is critical that patients conduct thorough research and consult with multiple medical professionals before deciding on their treatment plan and the team of professionals.

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Contact us to learn whether stem cell therapy will work for your case.

Dr. Aleksandra Fetyukhina, MD

Medical Advisor, Swiss Medica doctor

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Alex Hitch Author

Dr. Lana Reviewer

MD, Pediatrician, Regenerative Medicine Specialist