The role of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in regenerative medicine

This is article no. 2 in a three-part series on stem cells. Next article: stem cell policy (coming soon). Previous article: An introduction to stem cells.

Welcome to the second article in a series of three articles about stem cells. I will explore mesenchymal stem cells and their role in regenerative medicine in this article. Additionally, I will consider the potential of mesenchymal stem cells in treating three different diseases: multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Consider reading Article 1 for more information on mesenchymal stem cells!

Multiple sclerosis (MS)

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease affecting the brain and spinal cord. It can cause symptoms such as muscle stiffness and spasms, problems with balance and coordination, vision problems and more. According to the Multiple Sclerosis Society UK (MS Society UK), it is estimated that there are around 150,000 people with MS in the UK, with nearly 7,100 people being newly diagnosed every year.

Scientists have found that MSCs can be used to treat some of the symptoms of MS as MSCs protect the nerves in the CNS by secreting substances called neurotrophic growth factors, which increase nerve growth and the survival of nerve cells. These neurotrophic growth factors can also repair damaged nerves, improving nerve function. However, the exact mechanisms of this are still being studied.

Furthermore, MSCs can activate the brain's natural healing mechanisms by stimulating the brain's stem cells to become active and repair the damaged tissue. This results in patients having a reduction in symptoms and the severity of the symptoms, improving the quality of life for those with MS.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease affecting the joints. The charity Versus Arthritis has said there are around 400,000 adults aged 16 and over affected by RA in the UK.

Scientists have found that MSCs can reduce inflammation in the joints as they have immunomodulatory properties, so they can regulate the immune system's abnormal responses that cause RA. MSCs suppress immune cell activity, resulting in a decrease in inflammation and joint damage.

In addition, MSCs can migrate (travel) to the inflamed joints and release anti-inflammatory molecules, reducing joint swelling and pain. This results in patients having a reduction in pain and joint swelling, improving the quality of life for those with RA.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an umbrella term for chronic inflammatory digestive diseases, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease (CD), affecting the gastrointestinal tract. A study by the University of Nottingham estimates that 500,000 people in the UK are living with IBD.

Scientists have found that MSCs can reduce inflammation and increase tissue repair in the gastrointestinal tract. This is because MSCs can migrate to sites of inflammation in the gut, where they can replace damaged tissue cells. MSCs release signalling molecules that regulate the immune response and reduce inflammation. They can even directly interact with immune cells in the gut, influencing their behaviour and decreasing the inflammatory response.

Also, MSCs can transfer mitochondria to damaged cells through cell fusion, helping the damaged cells function better and reduce inflammation. This results in reduced inflammation in patients, improving the quality of life for those with IBD.

Looking to the future

MS, RA and IBD are just three of the multiple diseases MSCs can target, and while there are many refinements to be made for MSCs to become more viable as treatment options, current findings show promising results.

With further development, including more research to understand the exact biology of MSCs, there is massive potential for this method to revolutionise the treatment of various diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, liver diseases and cancer.

As stem cell research continues to advance, policies must also adapt to this changing landscape; watch out for the last article in the series, where I will discuss the regulation and policy of stem cell research!

Written by Naoshin Haque

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