Biomedical technology recently reported on a "bone marrow aspiration" technique pioneered by the Intelligent Enterprise Management Institute (SMART), which uses ddl microfluidic technology (a cell sorting method that distinguishes stem cells from blood cells) to extract mesenchymal stem cells (MSCS) directly from pure bone marrow.

The technology bypasses expensive reagents and complex processes, reduces the processing time of stem cells by 20 minutes compared with traditional methods, doubles the yield, and reduces donor discomfort caused by reduced bone marrow extraction, heralding another milestone in the field of cell research.

What is bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell?

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are pluripotent stem cells derived from mesoderm, which are widely found in bone marrow, umbilical cord, adipose tissue, placenta and other tissues.

Among them, a type of stem cells obtained from adult bone marrow tissue are bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, which can differentiate into tendons, myogenic cells, fat cells, osteoblasts, chondrocytes, nerve cells and so on in vitro and under specific conditions.

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell indication?

At present, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell therapy has been used to treat musculoskeletal diseases (such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis), immune and metabolic diseases (such as systemic lupus erythematosus, diabetes, graft-versus-host disease), neurological diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and hematological diseases. In the research of "bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells", most of the first phase (safety) and second phase (effectiveness) studies have been completed, of which, cardiovascular disease, acute leukemia, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus has completed phase III/IV trials.

osteoarthritis

Studies have shown that bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells can reduce the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1 (IL-1) and other pro-inflammatory cytokines, improve bone erosion and joint destruction, and reduce pain.

A study of "bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells for Arthritis" reported in IJMS showed that 30 patients who were treated with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells showed improvements in arthritis index, visual analog scale (VAS), pain-free walking distance, and standing time after treatment.

Graft versus Host disease (GVDH)

GVDH is a serious inflammatory disease caused primarily by donor T cells attacking the recipient's immune system after transplant surgery. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell product, Prochymal, for the treatment of graft-versus-host disease.

parkinsonism

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells have the ability to regenerate damaged neurons, improve the binding activity of dopamine transporter, and promote the recovery and protection of dopaminergic neurons, so as to achieve the purpose of treating Parkinson's disease.

A clinical trial "using bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells for Parkinson's disease" showed improvement after treatment and no significant side effects were observed after 36 months of follow-up.

The characteristics of bone marrow, fat and umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells

Although these three categories belong to the same category of mesenchymal stem cells, the sources and advantages and disadvantages are different, and the most widely used in clinical practice are fat and umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells.

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs)

It has anti-inflammatory and immune regulatory properties. It also supports hematopoiesis and stimulates angiogenesis; The paracrine factors released by it can also affect the surrounding microenvironment and help repair damaged tissues and organs. However, BM-MSCs also have obvious disadvantages. For example, the number of stem cells in bone marrow is limited, so it is necessary to expand and culture stem cells to obtain an effective number of cells for treatment. In addition, the collection process has a certain pain and trauma.

Adipose mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs)

Derived from adipose tissue, it has the advantages of easy sampling, abundant source and rapid proliferation. It is to extract the corresponding fat tissue through liposuction or minimally invasive small incision. At present, Japan has been approved for use, and China has fewer applications.

Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs)

Derived from allogeneic umbilical cord tissue, almost no trauma, and with high expansion ability, China has more applications of such stem cells.

Three approved applications of stem cells

At present, there are no approved stem cell products in China. The following international stem cell series takes Japan and South Korea as an example to help you summarize the current approved stem cell application fields for your reference:

1. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs)

2. Adipose mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs)

3. Cord blood mesenchymal stem cells

Small series message

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells are also a common type of clinical stem cells, especially in the treatment of bone and joint diseases, with unique advantages. However, limited by the painful process of bone marrow extraction, low yield and high price, the clinical application is not as widespread as autologous fat stem cells and umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells. With the advent of this new technology in the United States, it not only reduces the processing time, but also increases the yield of stem cells, and bypasses expensive reagents, marking another important step in the field of cell research. Xiaobian also hopes that with the continuous efforts of experts in various countries, stem cells will one day break the barriers of technology and cost and benefit more patients.