Restoring health: The latest in stem cell therapies

Previously I wrote about how stem cells taken from your own belly fat can be re-injected back into various tissues for healing your body (called an “autograft”).

Let’s review and then look at another kind of stem cell from amniotic fluid.

Amniotic stem cells are harvested and purified from amniotic fluid and then injected into various tissues for healing your body (called an “allograft”). They can also be separated out of the blood from an umbilical cord. And in case you have any concerns, these stems cells are harvested without harm to an embryo or child after is born, and have the potential to provide healing restoration.

Mesenchymal stem cells from your fat

Before I discuss amniotic stem cells, let’s review what I previously wrote about stem cells from your own fat.

Fat stored in your belly and thighs contain probably your largest supply of adult mesenchymal stem cells. What is a mesenchymal stem cell and what can it do?

Mesenchymal stem cells, or MSCs, are multipotent cells that can differentiate into a variety of cell types. The ones harvested from your own fat are done through a procedure using local anesthesia like a mini liposuction technique. From this, your doctor can isolate the mesenchymal stem cells and growth factors, called the Stromal Vascular Fraction (SVF).  This is then “deployed” (re-injected) where needed. These are your own cells, so there is no risk of rejection.

Depending on your condition, stem cells can either be infused by an IV route or injected directly into your joints, tendons or ligaments, often using ultrasound guidance. In the right environment, these cells and growth factors can differentiate into bone, cartilage, muscle, fat (breast), collagen, nerves, blood vessels, skin, hair, or other tissue types.

Amniotic stem cells

Not only have stem cells have been identified in amniotic fluid, but research shows us that amniotic fluid has become a promising source of mesenchymal stem cells for therapeutic transplantation. In 2007 researchers knew that subset of cells found in amniotic fluid and placental tissue is capable of differentiating into multiple mesenchymal lineages (progenitor cell types), resulting in multiple tissue types in adults.

In 2012 researchers tell us that these cells may also have capabilities to stimulate the repair of injured tissue through a local cell to cell communication. In this model, a cell produces a signal which induces changes in nearby cells, thus altering the behavior of those cells. Let’s look at what it can do for knee arthritis.

Amniotic allograft for knee arthritis

Patients tell me their knees are “bone on bone” and their orthopedist is recommending total knee replacement, because the repeated injections of corticosteroids accelerate joint degeneration, and the synthetic liquid cartilage injections (e.g. Hyalgan, Synvisc) usually are ineffective or temporary.

In a 2012 report, researchers summarize the viability of using amniotic fluid stem cells for the treatment of articular cartilage defects with the aim of joint regeneration.

Chronic articular cartilage defects are a very common disabling condition. That’s why I have a particular interest in using amniotic stem cells for joint regeneration.

I have some experience with this in my office near San Diego, CA. This fluid is cryopreserved and shipped for re-injection in target tissues.  Some authors tell us that as many as 1 in 100 cells collected during amniocentesis has been shown to be a pluripotent mesenchymal stem cell.

I use the SURGENEX® SurForce® which is a minimally manipulated, amniotic membrane tissue allograft which appears to be the best product on the market today. SurForce® is thoroughly tested for safety to be used in clinical procedures. They assure their products have no bacterial or fungal contaminants by using two simultaneous 14-day bacterial/fungal tests (by one internal and one third party lab).

Here is my most recent clinical experience using this product. Steve, age 56, suffered for the last few years with worsening left knee pain. He was formerly a distance runner for many years, now limited to short walks due to the pain. Knee X-rays show moderate osteoarthritis with joint space narrowing. After injecting 1 cc of Sureforce® amniotic allograft liquid into this affected left knee, his pain reduced 25% by 6 weeks, and 90% after 4 months.

In an upcoming article I’d like to tell you about adding Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) autograft to this Amniotic stem cell allograft, which can enhance this regenerative effect even more. Plus, I’ll tell you about the exciting results of a recent study using stem cells to reverse aging frailty.

To healing and feeling good,

Michael Cutler, M.D.