The first clinical trial utilizing MSCs derived from the patient’s bone marrow was conducted in 1995 (Lazarus.,1995). MSCs was infused into the blood stream of the patient recovering from bone marrow transplantation to enhance blood flow recovery. Since then, MSCs have been applied more for therapeutic use. According to the public clinical trials database at http://clinicaltrials.gov (2020), it shows that MSCs have been widely applied in clinics as a treatment for numerous degenerative disorders. Numerous clinical trials have been conducted to test the feasibility and efficacy of MSC-based therapy ranging from evaluating the safety of MSCs (Phase 1), increasing the number of patients tested (Phase 2), and confirming the successful trials on large groups of the patients (Phase 3). As shown in Figure 1, more clinical trials using MSCs for Neurological, Joint, and Cardiovascular diseases are being conducted than other diseases.

Figure 1. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) clinical trials by disease category subdivided by phase. (Kabat M et.,al, 2020)

MSCs for therapeutic applications can be derived from various sources. Bone marrow (BM) was the first isolated source of MSCs, and they have been used in several clinical trials. To date, MSCs can be obtained from different sources including umbilical cord (UC) and placenta and more clinical trials on MSCs derived from UC and placenta have been conducted. Compared to bone-marrow-derived MSCs, placenta-derived MSCs (P-MSCs) and umbilical cord-derived MSCs (UCMSCs) are known to be easier to isolate and culture.

References:

1. Kabat M, Bobkov I, Kumar S, Grumet M. Trends in mesenchymal stem cell clinical trials 2004-2018: Is efficacy optimal in a narrow dose range? Stem Cells Transl Med. 2020;9(1):17-27.

2. Lazarus HM, Haynesworth SE, Gerson SL, Rosenthal NS, Caplan AI. Ex vivo expansion and subsequent infusion of human bone marrow-derived stromal progenitor cells (mesenchymal progenitor cells): implications for therapeutic use. Bone Marrow Transplant. 1995;16(4):557-64.

3. Shariatzadeh M, Song J, Wilson SL. Correction to: The efficacy of different sources of mesenchymal stem cells for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. Cell Tissue Res. 2019;378(3):559.

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According to the Ministry of Public Health statistics in 2018, blood and blood-forming organs diseases and certain disorders involving the immune mechanism were Thailand’s 10th leading cause of death and the mortality rate of these diseases increases every year. In 2014, the mortality rate from the blood diseases was only 1.1%, whereas it had increased to 1.7% in 2018.

Umbilical cord blood stem cells have proved to be an effective treatment for patients with several blood diseases such as leukemia, anemia, thalassemia, etc. To date, placental MSCs have also been used to treat various disorders.

The Future of Stem Cells for Cardiovascular Diseases Treatment

Placental stem cells are the body’s master cells with non-specific functions. They can divide to form more cells called daughter cells. These daughter cells either become new stem cells or become specialized cells with a more specific function.

There are several organ systems in the human organism, e.g. cardiovascular, nervous, respiratory, etc. Placenta-derived stem cells have the capability to self-renew to be used as an internal repair system for each organ system. Blood stem cells, also known as haematopoietic stem cells, can repair damaged blood vessels. Whereas placental stem cells can also be used to regenerate damaged cells in other organ systems. Hence, both placental and blood stem cells are the true all-rounders with the ultimate benefits.

A number of clinical trials using placenta-derived stem cells for strokes and ischemic heart diseases have shown that placental stem cells can potentially repair and regenerate damaged heart tissue, decrease inflammation, and improve neurological functional recovery. As a result, placental stem cell therapy is a new hope for many diseases in the years to come.

One Step Further on Using Placental Stem Cells on Type 1 Diabetic Patients

Diabetes is the 6th leading cause of death in Thailand. Around 36% of Thai people died due to diabetes in 2018. Type 1 diabetes, commonly referred to as juvenile diabetes, is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system destroys cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. At present, some clinical trials are being conducted by University of Florida researchers which Type 1 diabetic children’s placental stem cells are infused into the children themselves to restore insulin production.

Can Stem Cells of children be used to treat adult patients?

It is a frequently asked question whether or not stem cells obtained from placenta and umbilical cord will be sufficient for the parents or immediate family members. With relentless determination of the researchers, they finally discovered one of the novel techniques called “ex vivo expansion” – to expand hematopoietic cells isolated from placenta for the children themselves and adults. Therefore, there are possibilities that the children’s stem cells will be able to save lives of their parents or siblings in the future.

References:

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Payao Poontarat, the first Thai Olympic hero with a bronze medal in the light flyweight, has undergone stem cell transplantation and benefited from the treatment before, though he later on died from complications of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). This is one of the interesting stories showing the major development of stem cell therapy and its potentials for treating diseases in Thailand.

Leukemia is a disease with high mortality risk. There are different types of treatments involved in combating leukemia which could be complicated. A stem cell transplant is one of the treatment alternatives to restore healthy bone marrow in patients with leukemia. According to the report from the Thailand Research Fund (TRF) in 2006, Siriraj Hospital doctors have used blood stem cells, also known as haematopoietic stem cells (HSC), to treat 400 patients with acute leukemia. As a result, haematopoietic stem cell transplantation has been shown to be effective with high cure rates, achieving about 70% and the patients without complications are fully recovered within 6 months.

Moreover, according to the data from the Thai Society of Hematology, bone marrow transplantation is also one of the curative treatments of thalassemia. Thalassemia, an inherited blood disorder causing the body to make fewer healthy red blood cells and less hemoglobin than normal, is commonly found in Thailand – approximately 400,000 patients. The signs and symptoms of thalassemia major appear within the first 3 years of life.

Most studies have shown that hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is a widely accepted therapy and its results have been proven satisfactory. To date, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation can be derived from 3 sources; umbilical cord blood, bone marrow, and peripheral blood.

Collecting stem cells from the placenta and the umbilical cord is considered as one component of family planning. It is one of the effective methods to lower the risk of serious health problems with the proven results.

References:

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Umbilical cord blood stem cells (UCB) are true all-rounders. They have been used to treat patients with unmet medical needs. This type of stem cells is considered as one of the alternatives to reduce the risk for premature death from critical illnesses. Let’s hear from people with direct experiences sharing the main reasons why collecting umbilical cord blood stem cells are valuable.

1. Collection and banking Umbilical cord blood stem cells for future use

Umbilical cord blood-derived stem cells play an important role in the treatment of blood-related diseases. However, the main problem of treating blood diseases is the cell compatibility which is similar to receiving blood from other people; blood type and compatibility need to be checked. As for UCB-derived cells, using the patient’s own stem cells, called “autologous transplants”, are promptly available when needed. At present, several blood diseases are considered as critical diseases, every minute counts. Therefore, cord-blood banking is very important to be done and prepared for any future emergencies.

2. Umbilical cord blood stem cells help reduce risks of more than 80 life-threatening diseases

Genetic blood disorders are considered serious diseases with few treatment options. Some medication can cause severe side effects which could result in high mortality rate. Therefore, the main reasons many people collect and bank stem cells from umbilical cord blood are to safeguard their loved ones and make sure they do not suffer from other forms of treatment.

3. Breakthrough innovation of umbilical cord blood transplantation

To date, the innovation of umbilical cord blood stem cells for therapeutic use has made significant progress after the first successful use for a stem cell transplant to treat only blood diseases 10 years ago. Umbilical cord blood stem cells are now being studied as an alternative treatment for other diseases as well such as type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes where they can help repair wounds and nervous system.

4. The priceless value of umbilical cord blood stem cell banking

Although the cost of umbilical cord blood banking is reasonably high, the value of it is priceless as there are various life-threatening diseases which can be treated by umbilical cord blood stem cells. Because we cannot predict what will happen to us in the future. So, no matter how much money we have, we cannot go back in time and redo it.

5. Benefits of umbilical cord blood-derived stem cells for the entire family

Umbilical cord blood stem cells not only are used for the children themselves but also potentially used by the immediate family members. Besides treating blood-related diseases, these stem cells can also be used to treat the family member’s degenerative diseases. Therefore, collecting and banking UCB-derived stem cells can provide peace of mind for you and your family in the future.

6. The demand of umbilical cord blood stem cells is continuously increasing

Stem cells isolated from umbilical cord blood have been used to treat different kinds of diseases apart from blood-related diseases, including diabetes, strokes, etc. To date, Thailand is among the countries in Asia with a high prevalence of diabetes and strokes; therefore, there is an increased chance of using UCB-derived stem cells for the treatment of these diseases in the coming years.

7. High standard process of umbilical cord blood stem cell banking

Safety is considered an important aspect of umbilical cord blood stem cell banking process. At present, UCB-derived stem cell collection and banking is of a high standard with international accreditations and certifications. Therefore, you can rest assured that once frozen, your stem cells can be stored for decades.

8. We cannot turn the clock back – Protect your future health with umbilical cord blood stem cell banking

Collection of umbilical cord blood stem cells takes place shortly after birth. As stem cells from umbilical cord blood have the ability to differentiate into various cell types and tissues; therefore, they can be used for treating various critical diseases. It is the reason why collecting cord blood stem cells is particularly important because there is only one opportunity to collect them immediately after birth unlike other types of stem cells.

These are the main reasons why many families have trusted Stem Cell for Life Company Limited to bank their children’s umbilical cord blood stem cells with us. We promise we will do our best to take good care of your future and provide you with the highest quality and most reliable service.

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The stem cells isolated from umbilical cord blood are true all-rounders which can differentiate into many distinct cell types. To date, a number of studies have shown the widespread use of umbilical cord blood stem cells for the treatment of the following diseases.

1. Umbilical cord blood stem cells for the treatment of hematologic diseases

Stem cells from umbilical cord blood are used in bone marrow transplants for patients with blood cell disorders, a condition in which there’s a problem with blood cells. To date, bone marrow transplants using umbilical cord blood stem cells to replace abnormal cells have been widely performed at hospitals by specialized doctors and experienced hematologists.

2. Umbilical cord blood stem cells used in the treatment of patients with blood cancers

Leukemia is a blood cancer caused by a rise in the number of white blood cells which chemotherapy is the main treatment. After the chemotherapy, transplanted stem cells from cord blood can help regrow the healthy blood cells, reduce some side effects of chemotherapy, and recover faster.

3. Umbilical cord blood transplant for sickle cell diseases

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of umbilical cord blood transplant for patients with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), an inherited red blood cell disorder that affects hemoglobin or abnormally shaped red blood cells. The cord blood transplant helps restore the immune system and rebuild the healthy red blood cells.

4. Umbilical cord blood stem cells for type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes (a.k.a., insulin-dependent diabetes) is an auto-immune disease which the body is unable to effectively produce or use insulin. To date, cord blood stem cells are being investigated as an alternative therapy for type 1 diabetes to spur the pancreas to start producing insulin again.

5. Umbilical cord blood stem cells for hypersensitivity diseases

Hypersensitivity diseases include autoimmune diseases such as allergies. Hypersensitivity reactions occur when the normally protective immune system responds abnormally, potentially harming the body. Several studies have shown that umbilical cord blood-derived stem cells can suppress allergic responses and reset the immune system.

References:

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Nowadays, there are several chronic and critical diseases in infants and children which cannot be cured by medication. As a result, umbilical cord blood stem cells are used as one of the treatment options for some life-threatening diseases. Therefore, cord blood banking is one way to help fellow human beings who may be in need of a stem cell transplant in the future.

Why Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cells are Insufficient?

While the number of patients with critical blood diseases such as thalassemia increases every year, the amount of stem cell banking, on the other hand, is decreasing and considered scarce. Another important factor of using umbilical cord blood stem cells is human leukocyte antigen matching (HLA-matching); how well the donor cord blood matches the individual receiving the transplantation or infusion, which results in a successful transplant. The chances of finding HLA-compatible umbilical cord blood from unrelated donors are relatively low. As a result, some children do not have a chance to get stem cell transplants. Therefore, the more cord blood donors we get, the better our chances of saving more lives of children with critical diseases are.

Where can I Bank Umbilical Cord Blood?

Thai Red Cross Society has a constant and ongoing need for cord blood stem cell donation from volunteer donors; however, the public cord blood banking service has been discontinued. To date, only private cord blood stem cell banking is available in Thailand. Stem Cell for Life Company Limited has provided umbilical cord blood banking service for many years with international certifications and accreditations. We provide complete solutions and a “one-stop-service” to our customers. For decades, our team of qualified medical experts including doctors, researchers, and scientists has worked to ensure an international standard of care. At Stem Cell for Life Company Limited, you can rest assured that we will do our best to provide you with the highest safety and quality and most reliable umbilical cord blood banking service.

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Beauty means having healthy skin; the ability to fight injuries and diseases quickly and effectively. Throughout our lives, our skins will change constantly. In Thailand, we are surrounded and inundated by contaminated air and water, pollutants, and UV radiation every day, which can cause skin damage and accelerate skin aging. To date, stem cell aesthetics is a revolutionary new therapy that can potentially help regenerate damaged skin. However, some people may wonder whether stem cells from umbilical cord blood can really be used for facial rejuvenation.

According to the results obtained from studies on efficacy of stem cell therapy on skin, it can be concluded that cord blood stem cells injection can help promote skin regeneration and increase collagen production. This could result in fewer lines and wrinkles, improved skin texture and tone, and youthful and hydrated skin.

The use of umbilical cord blood stem cells is shown to be safe for facial rejuvenation without any significant side effects; however, stem cell aesthetic treatments should be performed and monitored by experienced doctors and specialists. Moreover, cord blood stem cell banking should be operated by professional service providers at GMP-qualified facilities. Stem Cell for Life Company Limited has provided umbilical cord blood banking service for many years with international certifications and accreditations. For decades, our team of qualified medical experts including doctors, researchers, and scientists has worked to ensure an international standard of care. At Stem Cell for Life Company Limited, you can rest assured that we will do our best to provide you with the highest safety and quality and most reliable umbilical cord blood banking service.

References:

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Stem cell therapy generally aims to replace or repair damaged or diseased cells within the body and to restore organ function. All vital organs begin to lose some function as you age during adulthood or complications sometimes cause damaged cells in the certain organ. As a result, stem cell therapy becomes one of the treatment options for various diseases including heart diseases.

Mr. Michael Taylor, a British engineer, was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, an inherited heart condition characterized by thickening of the heart muscle, which could result in high blood pressure and cause heart failure. After suffering the disease for over 9 years, researchers then made a discovery proving the effectiveness of stem cell treatment on patients with heart failure. Consequently, the cardiologist and the team advised him to have a stem cell therapy by injecting his own stem cells into the damaged heart tissue. As a result, the injected stem cells promoted the formation of functional new cardiac muscle and new blood vessels. To date, he does not have shortness of breath like before and his heart health improves. In addition, the use of stem cell therapy is expanding for improving digestive and respiratory systems and repairing some vital organs such as lung, heart, and nervous system as well as diabetes treatment.

Regarding autologous stem cell transplant, the patient’s own stem cells are collected and stored for later use. This works best when the patients are healthy so that healthy stem cells can be collected. Therefore, this is the main reason why many people begin storing their own stem cells for their own future health needs.

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What are stem cells? How many types of stem cells are there?

Stem cells or originator cells are undifferentiated cells that have unique abilities to differentiate, or change, into specific and specialized cell types and to divide indefinitely to produce other stem cells.

Stem cells originate from 2 main sources.

Type 1: Embryonic Stem Cells Embryonic stem cells are the most potent stem cells. However, the clinical application of human embryonic stem cells is on hold because the harvesting of these stem cells is unethical. Most importantly, there is a lack of strict regulations to control the clinical use of human embryonic stem cells.

Type 2: Adult or Somatic Stem Cells Adult stem cells are undifferentiated cells found in many of our organs such as bone marrow, placenta and umbilical cord, etc. Stem cells are the origin of all cell types in the body including organ stem cells. For example, adult liver stem cells can enhance repair and regeneration of the liver itself. In addition, adult muscle stem cells also help functional restoration of the muscles and promote muscle repair and regeneration.

How many diseases can be treated with stem cells?

As of today, stem cell therapy has proven to be effective in treating more than 80 diseases, especially blood cancers, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases. Those diseases which are treated by stem cells mostly cannot be cured by modern medicine or have a few treatment options; therefore, stem cells are like drugs that help us to live longer.

How safe is stem cell treatment?

According to the data from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, to date, there have been no reports stating serious side effects of stem cell treatments. However, there are some precautions when using stem cells in clinical practices which includes selecting highly safe stem cells with standard banking procedures. Moreover, the quality and purity of isolated stem cell population have to be concerned and there should be experts monitoring and taking care of every step from the isolation to the storage of stem cells.

Stem Cell for Life Company Limited has provided stem cell banking services for many years with international certifications and accreditations. Our services include umbilical cord blood stem cell banking, adult bone marrow stem cell banking, and adipose tissue stem cell banking. For decades, our team of qualified medical experts including researchers and medical scientists has worked to ensure an international standard of care. At Stem Cell for Life Company Limited, you can rest assured that we will do our best to provide you with the highest safety and quality and most reliable stem cell banking service.

References:

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