2. Home
  3. Overview
  4. Stem Cell Treatment for Neurodegenerative Diseases

Neurodegenerative Diseases and Stem Cell Therapy

Neurodegenerative diseases are among the most complex conditions in modern medicine. They involve the gradual breakdown of the brain, spinal cord, or nervous system, which over time affects movement, coordination, and overall neurological function.

For many of these conditions, treatment options are limited. Most therapies are designed to manage symptoms rather than influence the underlying biological processes driving disease progression.

Stem cell treatment for neurodegenerative diseases is being explored as a different approach. Rather than focusing only on symptom control, it is used to influence key biological processes involved in neurodegeneration, with the goal of supporting neurological function over time.

At ANOVA Institute for Regenerative Medicine (ANOVA IRM), treatment is focused on specific neurodegenerative conditions where stem cell-based therapies can be applied as part of a medically guided approach.

Neurodegenerative Conditions Treated at ANOVA IRM

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Parkinson’s Disease (PD)
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Understanding Neurodegenerative Diseases

To understand how stem cell therapy is applied, it is important to look at the underlying biological processes involved in neurodegeneration.

These conditions are characterized by the progressive loss of nerve cells (neurons) within the brain and nervous system. As these cells become damaged or die, the body gradually loses its ability to control movement, coordination, and other neurological functions.

While each condition develops differently, most share common mechanisms, including:

  • progressive loss of neurons
  • disruption of communication between the brain and body
  • damage to structures that support nerve signalling, such as the myelin sheath
  • inflammatory or immune-related activity that contributes to further damage

Because these processes continue over time, symptoms typically worsen as more of the nervous system is affected. This progressive nature is what makes neurodegenerative diseases particularly difficult to treat.

Myelin sheath damage in multiple sclerosis
Myelin sheath damage in multiple sclerosis. (Source: Mjeltsch, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

How Stem Cell Therapy Works in Neurodegenerative Disease

Because neurodegenerative diseases involve multiple overlapping processes affecting neuronal survival and communication, treatment approaches must go beyond targeting a single symptom or pathway.

Stem Cell Secretome (SCS), derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), is of particular interest due to its association with neuroprotective and immunomodulatory processes. These effects are largely driven by what is known as the paracrine activity of stem cells, where bioactive factors influence the surrounding cellular environment.

 

mesenchymal stem cells secreting neurotrophic factors to support neuronal survival and neural cell types.
Mesenchymal stem cells play a role in treating neurological disorders by secreting neurotrophic factors such as brain derived neurotrophic factor, nerve growth factor, and vascular endothelial growth factor.

This occurs through the release of bioactive signalling molecules, often referred to as the stem cell secretome (SCS). These include cytokines, growth factors, and extracellular vesicles, which help regulate immune activity, support neuronal function, and create conditions more favourable for repair.

Rather than replacing lost neurons directly, stem cell-based therapies are used to support the existing nervous system by helping regulate the cellular environment and underlying disease processes.

Explore the clinical science behind stem cells and neurodegenerative diseases →

Neurodegenerative Diseases Treated at ANOVA IRM

ANOVA IRM focuses on neurodegenerative diseases where neuronal damage, inflammation, and disrupted neurological function play a central role in disease progression.

While these conditions differ in cause and presentation, they share underlying biological processes that can be targeted through the neuroprotective and immunomodulatory stem cell-based approaches used at our centre.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease involving the loss of motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. As these neurons degenerate, patients experience muscle weakness, atrophy, and loss of voluntary movement.

At a cellular level, ALS involves neuronal damage, inflammatory signalling, and dysfunction in surrounding support cells. Treatment is therefore focused on protecting remaining neurons and supporting neurological function.

At ANOVA IRM, stem cell-based therapies for ALS are used to support neuroprotection and help regulate the environment surrounding affected neurons.

Learn more about ALS stem cell treatment →

Parkinson’s Disease (PD)

Parkinson’s disease develops through the gradual loss of dopamine-producing neurons in areas of the brain responsible for movement control. As this process progresses, symptoms such as tremor, rigidity, and slowed movement emerge.

Unlike conditions driven by a single pathway, Parkinson’s involves ongoing degeneration and broader dysfunction within the neural environment. This makes treatment less about reversal and more about maintaining function and stability over time.

At ANOVA IRM, stem cell-based therapies for Parkinson’s disease are used to support dopaminergic neuron function and neural signalling involved in movement control.

Learn more about Parkinson’s disease stem cell treatment →

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the myelin sheath that insulates nerve fibres. As this layer breaks down, communication between the brain and body becomes disrupted.

Unlike ALS and Parkinson’s, MS is primarily driven by immune-mediated inflammation, which also leads to long-term neurological damage.

At ANOVA IRM, stem cell-based therapies for multiple sclerosis are used to modulate immune activity and support the myelin sheath and nerve signalling pathways.

Learn more about multiple sclerosis stem cell treatment →

How Treatment Is Applied at ANOVA IRM

Treatment at ANOVA IRM is structured around standardized clinical processes for how stem cell-based therapies are sourced, processed, and applied. The method of application and timing may vary depending on the condition and patient.

Key elements of this approach include:

  • Autologous stem cell sourcing
    Therapies use material derived from the patient’s own body. This approach helps reduce the risk of immune reactions compared to donor-based treatments.
  • Focus on therapies derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)
    Selected for their role in immune modulation and neuroprotective signalling, particularly in conditions involving inflammation and neuronal damage.
  • Use of the stem cell secretome (SCS)
    Treatment focuses on bioactive factors released by stem cells, allowing therapies to influence signalling pathways involved in neurodegeneration rather than relying solely on direct cell replacement.
  • Controlled processing and quality standards
    All stem cell products are prepared, tested, and handled under strict protocols to ensure safety, consistency, and traceability.
  • Diagnostics-led treatment planning
    Treatment is guided by the specific condition, disease stage, and diagnostic findings.
  • Regulated medical framework
    All treatments are performed under established German regulatory standards with clinical oversight.
  • Structured treatment protocols
    Depending on the condition, therapy may involve repeated applications over time as part of a broader treatment plan.

Learn more about the stem cell therapies used at ANOVA IRM →

Who May Be Considered

Stem cell-based therapies may be considered for patients diagnosed with neurodegenerative conditions such as ALS, Parkinson’s disease, or multiple sclerosis, particularly in earlier stages of disease progression.

Suitability depends on multiple factors, including overall health, disease stage, and functional status. Not all patients are eligible, and a detailed medical evaluation is required to determine whether treatment may be appropriate.

Learn more about the diagnostic work-up →

Considering Stem Cell Therapy?

Neurodegenerative diseases are complex, and treatment decisions require careful evaluation of both the condition and the individual patient.

At ANOVA IRM, consultations are often recommended to review medical history, diagnostic imaging, and disease progression to determine whether stem cell-based therapy may be appropriate and what approach may be most suitable.

Consultations can be conducted remotely, with on-site evaluation available where needed.

Request a consultation →

FAQs

Is stem cell therapy a cure for neurodegenerative diseases?

Stem cell treatment for neurodegenerative diseases is not a cure. It is part of regenerative medicine and may help support neurological function, although outcomes vary depending on the condition and stage. These therapies aim to influence processes like inflammation and neuronal cell death within the central nervous system.

What results can I expect from stem cell treatment for neurodegenerative diseases?

Stem cell-based treatments are designed to support neuronal survival and tissue repair rather than replace lost cells. Some patients may notice changes in function or symptoms, although outcomes vary depending on the condition, stage, and overall health.

Who is a candidate for stem cell treatment for neurodegenerative diseases?

Eligibility for personalized stem cell therapies depends on diagnosis, disease stage, and overall health. These approaches are typically considered for patients with neurodegenerative disorders where progression is ongoing. A detailed medical evaluation is required to determine suitability.

Is stem cell therapy safe?

Stem cell therapy is generally considered safe when performed within a controlled medical setting, although like any medical procedure, it carries some risks.

At ANOVA IRM, treatments use autologous approaches, which reduce the risk of immune rejection compared to donor-derived cells. For cell-free therapies such as Stem Cell Secretome (SCS), which contain no live stem cells, side effects are generally minimal and typically limited to mild, temporary symptoms such as redness at the application site or low-grade fever. All procedures are performed under controlled clinical protocols, and potential risks and expected outcomes are reviewed during the evaluation process.

What types of stem cells are used at ANOVA IRM?

For neurodegenerative conditions, ANOVA IRM uses Stem Cell Secretome (SCS), a cell-free therapy derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) obtained from the patient’s own tissue. This approach focuses on the regenerative factors produced by stem cells, which are associated with immune regulation and neuronal support.

Does ANOVA use embryonic or pluripotent stem cells?

No. ANOVA IRM does not use embryonic stem cells, human embryonic stem cells, or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Treatment is based on autologous approaches using material derived from the patient’s own body. Donor-derived stem cell treatments are not permitted under German regulatory standards, in part due to the associated risks. Using autologous material helps reduce the risk of immune reactions and other complications linked to donor or highly manipulated cell types.

Are stem cell therapies for neurodegenerative diseases supported by research or clinical trials?

Stem cell research in neurodegenerative diseases is ongoing, with clinical trials exploring neural stem cells, progenitor cells, and other approaches. While early findings are promising, long-term outcomes and optimal treatment protocols are still being studied.

  1. Georg Hansmann, Philippe Chouvarine, Franziska Diekmann, Martin Giera, Markus Ralser, Michael Mülleder, Constantin von Kaisenberg, Harald Bertram, Ekaterina Legchenko & Ralf Hass "Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived treatment of severe pulmonary arterial hypertension". Nature Cardiovascular Research volume 1, pages568–576 (2022).
  2. Murphy JM, Fink DJ, Hunziker EB, et al. Stem cell therapy in a caprine model of osteoarthritis . Arthritis Rheum. 2003;48:3464–74.
  3. Lee KB, Hui JH, Song IC, Ardany L, et al. Injectable mesenchymal stem cell therapy for large cartilage defects—a porcine model. Stem Cell. 2007;25:2964–71.
  4. Saw KY, Hussin P, Loke SC, et al. Articular cartilage regeneration with autologous marrow aspirate and hyaluronic acid: an experimental study in a goat model. Arthroscopy . 2009;25(12):1391–400.
  5. Black L, Gaynor J, Adams C, et al. Effect of intra-articular injection of autologous adipose-derived mesenchymal stem and regenerative cells on clinical signs of chronic osteoarthritis of the elbow joint in dogs. Vet Ther. 2008;9:192-200.
  6. Centeno C, Busse D, Kisiday J, et al. Increased knee cartilage volume in degenerative joint disease using percutaneously implanted, autologous mesenchymal stem cells. Pain Physician. 2008;11(3):343–53.
  7. Centeno C, Kisiday J, Freeman M, et al. Partial regeneration of the human hip via autologous bone marrow nucleated cell transfer: a case study. Pain Physician. 2006;9:253–6.
  8. Centeno C, Schultz J, Cheever M. Safety and complications reporting on the re-implantation of culture-expanded mesenchymal stem cells using autologous platelet lysate technique. Curr Stem Cell. 2011;5(1):81–93.
  9. Pak J. Regeneration of human bones in hip osteonecrosis and human cartilage in knee osteoarthritis with autologous adipose derived stem cells: a case series. J Med Case Rep. 2001;5:296.
  10. Kuroda R, Ishida K, et al. Treatment of a full-thickness articular cartilage defect in the femoral condyle of an athlete with autologous bone-marrow stromal cells. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2007;15:226–31.
  11. Emadedin M, Aghdami N, Taghiyar L, et al. Intra-articular injection of autologous mesenchymal stem cells in six patients with knee osteoarthritis. Arch Iran Med. 2012;15(7):422–8.
  12. Saw KY et al. Articular cartilage regeneration with autologous peripheral blood stem cells versus hyaluronic acid: a randomized controlled trial. Arthroscopy. 2013;29(4):684–94.
  13. Vangsness CT, Farr J, Boyd J, et al. Adult human mesenchymal stem cells delivered via intra-articular injection to the knee following partial medial meniscectomy. J Bone Joint Surg. 2014;96(2):90–8.
  14. Freitag, Julien, et al. Mesenchymal stem cell therapy in the treatment of osteoarthritis: reparative pathways, safety and efficacy–a review. BMC musculoskeletal disorders 17.1 (2016): 230.
  15. Maumus, Marie, Christian Jorgensen, and Danièle Noël. " Mesenchymal stem cells in regenerative medicine applied to rheumatic diseases: role of secretome and exosomes. " Biochimie 95.12 (2013): 2229-2234.
  16. Dostert, Gabriel, et al. " How do mesenchymal stem cells influence or are influenced by microenvironment through extracellular vesicles communication?. " Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology 5 (2017).
  17. Chaparro, Orlando, and Itali Linero. " Regenerative Medicine: A New Paradigm in Bone Regeneration. " (2016).
  18. Toh, Wei Seong, et al. " MSC exosome as a cell-free MSC therapy for cartilage regeneration: Implications for osteoarthritis treatment. " Seminars in Cell & Developmental Biology. Academic Press, 2016.
  19. Chaparro, Orlando, and Itali Linero. " Regenerative Medicine: A New Paradigm in Bone Regeneration. " (2016).
  20. S. Koelling, J. Kruegel, M. Irmer, J.R. Path, B. Sadowski, X. Miro, et al., Migratory chondrogenic progenitor cells from repair tissue during the later stages of human osteoarthritis , Cell Stem Cell 4 (2009) 324–335.
  21. B.A. Jones, M. Pei, Synovium-Derived stem cells: a tissue-Specific stem cell for cartilage engineering and regeneration , Tissue Eng. B: Rev. 18 (2012) 301–311.
  22. W. Ando, J.J. Kutcher, R. Krawetz, A. Sen, N. Nakamura, C.B. Frank, et al., Clonal analysis of synovial fluid stem cells to characterize and identify stable mesenchymal stromal cell/mesenchymal progenitor cell phenotypes in a porcine model: a cell source with enhanced commitment to the chondrogenic lineage, Cytotherapy 16 (2014) 776–788.
  23. K.B.L. Lee, J.H.P. Hui, I.C. Song, L. Ardany, E.H. Lee, Injectable mesenchymal stem cell therapy for large cartilage defects—a porcine model, Stem Cells 25 (2007) 2964–2971.
  24. W.-L. Fu, C.-Y. Zhou, J.-K. Yu, A new source of mesenchymal stem cells for articular cartilage repair: mSCs derived from mobilized peripheral blood share similar biological characteristics in vitro and chondrogenesis in vivo as MSCs from bone marrow in a rabbit model , Am. J. Sports Med. 42 (2014) 592–601.
  25. X. Xie, Y. Wang, C. Zhao, S. Guo, S. Liu, W. Jia, et al., Comparative evaluation of MSCs from bone marrow and adipose tissue seeded in PRP-derived scaffold for cartilage regeneration , Biomaterials 33 (2012) 7008–7018.
  26. E.-R. Chiang, H.-L. Ma, J.-P. Wang, C.-L. Liu, T.-H. Chen, S.-C. Hung, Allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells in combination with hyaluronic acid for the treatment of osteoarthritis in rabbits , PLoS One 11 (2016) e0149835.
  27. H. Nejadnik, J.H. Hui, E.P. Feng Choong, B.-C. Tai, E.H. Lee, Autologous bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells versus autologous chondrocyte implantation: an observational cohort study , Am. J. Sports Med. 38 (2010) 1110–1116.
  28. I. Sekiya, T. Muneta, M. Horie, H. Koga, Arthroscopic transplantation of synovial stem cells improves clinical outcomes in knees with cartilage defects , Clin. Orthop. Rel. Res. 473 (2015) 2316–2326.
  29. Y.S. Kim, Y.J. Choi, Y.G. Koh, Mesenchymal stem cell implantation in knee osteoarthritis: an assessment of the factors influencing clinical outcomes , Am. J. Sports Med. 43 (2015) 2293–2301.
  30. W.-L. Fu, Y.-F. Ao, X.-Y. Ke, Z.-Z. Zheng, X. Gong, D. Jiang, et al., Repair of large full-thickness cartilage defect by activating endogenous peripheral blood stem cells and autologous periosteum flap transplantation combined with patellofemoral realignment , Knee 21 (2014) 609–612.
  31. Y.-G. Koh, O.-R. Kwon, Y.-S. Kim, Y.-J. Choi, D.-H. Tak, Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells with microfracture versus microfracture alone: 2-year follow-up of a prospective randomized trial , Arthrosc. J. Arthrosc. Relat. Surg. 32 (2016) 97–109.
  32. T.S. de Windt, L.A. Vonk, I.C.M. Slaper-Cortenbach, M.P.H. van den Broek, R. Nizak, M.H.P. van Rijen, et al., Allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells stimulate cartilage regeneration and are safe for single-Stage cartilage repair in humans upon mixture with recycled autologous chondrons , Stem Cells (2016) (n/a-n/a).
  33. L. da Silva Meirelles, A.M. Fontes, D.T. Covas, A.I. Caplan, Mechanisms involved in the therapeutic properties of mesenchymal stem cells , Cytokine Growth Factor Rev. 20 (2009) 419–427.
  34. W.S. Toh, C.B. Foldager, M. Pei, J.H.P. Hui, Advances in mesenchymal stem cell-based strategies for cartilage repair and regeneration , Stem Cell Rev. Rep. 10 (2014) 686–696.
  35. R.C. Lai, F. Arslan, M.M. Lee, N.S.K. Sze, A. Choo, T.S. Chen, et al., Exosome secreted by MSC reduces myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury , Stem Cell Res. 4 (2010) 214–222.
  36. S. Zhang, W.C. Chu, R.C. Lai, S.K. Lim, J.H.P. Hui, W.S. Toh, Exosomes derived from human embryonic mesenchymal stem cells promote osteochondral regeneration, Osteoarthr . Cartil. 24 (2016) 2135–2140.
  37. S. Zhang, W. Chu, R. Lai, J. Hui, E. Lee, S. Lim, et al., 21 – human mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes promote orderly cartilage regeneration in an immunocompetent rat osteochondral defect model , Cytotherapy 18 (2016) S13.
  38. C.T. Lim, X. Ren, M.H. Afizah, S. Tarigan-Panjaitan, Z. Yang, Y. Wu, et al., Repair of osteochondral defects with rehydrated freeze-dried oligo[poly(ethylene glycol) fumarate] hydrogels seeded with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in a porcine model
  39. A. Gobbi, G. Karnatzikos, S.R. Sankineani, One-step surgery with multipotent stem cells for the treatment of large full-thickness chondral defects of the knee , Am. J. Sports Med. 42 (2014) 648–657.
  40. A. Gobbi, C. Scotti, G. Karnatzikos, A. Mudhigere, M. Castro, G.M. Peretti, One-step surgery with multipotent stem cells and Hyaluronan-based scaffold for the treatment of full-thickness chondral defects of the knee in patients older than 45 years , Knee Surg. Sports Traumatol. Arthrosc. (2016) 1–8.
  41. A. Gobbi, G. Karnatzikos, C. Scotti, V. Mahajan, L. Mazzucco, B. Grigolo, One-step cartilage repair with bone marrow aspirate concentrated cells and collagen matrix in full-thickness knee cartilage lesions: results at 2-Year follow-up , Cartilage 2 (2011) 286–299.
  42. K.L. Wong, K.B.L. Lee, B.C. Tai, P. Law, E.H. Lee, J.H.P. Hui, Injectable cultured bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells in varus knees with cartilage defects undergoing high tibial osteotomy: a prospective, randomized controlled clinical trial with 2 years’ follow-up , Arthrosc. J. Arthrosc. Relat. Surg. 29 (2013) 2020–2028.
  43. J.M. Hare, J.E. Fishman, G. Gerstenblith, et al., Comparison of allogeneic vs autologous bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells delivered by transendocardial injection in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy: the poseidon randomized trial, JAMA 308 (2012) 2369–2379.
  44. L. Wu, J.C.H. Leijten, N. Georgi, J.N. Post, C.A. van Blitterswijk, M. Karperien, Trophic effects of mesenchymal stem cells increase chondrocyte proliferation and matrix formation , Tissue Eng. A 17 (2011) 1425–1436.
  45. L. Wu, H.-J. Prins, M.N. Helder, C.A. van Blitterswijk, M. Karperien, Trophic effects of mesenchymal stem cells in chondrocyte Co-Cultures are independent of culture conditions and cell sources , Tissue Eng. A 18 (2012) 1542–1551.
  46. S.K. Sze, D.P.V. de Kleijn, R.C. Lai, E. Khia Way Tan, H. Zhao, K.S. Yeo, et al., Elucidating the secretion proteome of human embryonic stem cell-derived mesenchymal stem cells , Mol. Cell. Proteomics 6 (2007) 1680–1689.
  47. M.B. Murphy, K. Moncivais, A.I. Caplan, Mesenchymal stem cells: environmentally responsive therapeutics for regenerative medicine , Exp. Mol. Med. 45 (2013) e54.
  48. M.J. Lee, J. Kim, M.Y. Kim, Y.-S. Bae, S.H. Ryu, T.G. Lee, et al., Proteomic analysis of tumor necrosis factor--induced secretome of human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells , J. Proteome Res. 9 (2010) 1754–1762.
  49. S. Bruno, C. Grange, M.C. Deregibus, R.A. Calogero, S. Saviozzi, F. Collino, et al., Mesenchymal stem cell-derived microvesicles protect against acute tubular injury, J. Am. Soc. Nephrol. 20 (2009) 1053–1067.
  50. M. Yá˜nez-Mó, P.R.-M. Siljander, Z. Andreu, A.B. Zavec, F.E. Borràs, E.I. Buzas, et al. Biological properties of extracellular vesicles and their physiological functions (2015).
  51. C. Lawson, J.M. Vicencio, D.M. Yellon, S.M. Davidson, Microvesicles and exosomes: new players in metabolic and cardiovascular disease , J. Endocrinol. 228 (2016) R57–R71.
  52. A.G. Thompson, E. Gray, S.M. Heman-Ackah, I. Mager, K. Talbot, S.E. Andaloussi, et al., Extracellular vesicles in neurodegenerative diseas—pathogenesis to biomarkers, Nat. Rev. Neurol. 12 (2016) 346–357.
  53. I.E.M. Bank, L. Timmers, C.M. Gijsberts, Y.-N. Zhang, A. Mosterd, J.-W. Wang, et al., The diagnostic and prognostic potential of plasma extracellular vesicles for cardiovascular disease , Expert Rev. Mol. Diagn. 15 (2015) 1577–1588.
  54. T. Kato, S. Miyaki, H. Ishitobi, Y. Nakamura, T. Nakasa, M.K. Lotz, et al., Exosomes from IL-1 stimulated synovial fibroblasts induce osteoarthritic changes in articular chondrocytes , Arthritis. Res. Ther. 16 (2014) 1–11.
  55. R.W.Y. Yeo, S.K. Lim, Exosomes and their therapeutic applications, in: C. Gunther, A. Hauser, R. Huss (Eds.), Advances in Pharmaceutical Cell TherapyPrinciples of Cell-Based Biopharmaceuticals, World Scientific, Singapore, 2015, pp. 477–491.
  56. X. Qi, J. Zhang, H. Yuan, Z. Xu, Q. Li, X. Niu, et al., Exosomes secreted by human-Induced pluripotent stem cell-derived mesenchymal stem cells repair critical-sized bone defects through enhanced angiogenesis and osteogenesis in osteoporotic rats , Int. J. Biol. Sci. 12 (2016) 836–849.
  57. R.C. Lai, F. Arslan, S.S. Tan, B. Tan, A. Choo, M.M. Lee, et al., Derivation and characterization of human fetal MSCs: an alternative cell source for large-scale production of cardioprotective microparticles , J. Mol. Cell. Cardiol. 48 (2010) 1215–1224.
  58. Y. Zhou, H. Xu, W. Xu, B. Wang, H. Wu, Y. Tao, et al., Exosomes released by human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells protect against cisplatin-induced renal oxidative stress and apoptosis in vivo and in vitro , Stem Cell Res. Ther. 4 (2013) 1–13.
  59. Y. Qin, L. Wang, Z. Gao, G. Chen, C. Zhang, Bone marrow stromal/stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles regulate osteoblast activity and differentiation in vitro and promote bone regeneration in vivo , Sci. Rep. 6 (2016) 21961.
  60. M. Nakano, K. Nagaishi, N. Konari, Y. Saito, T. Chikenji, Y. Mizue, et al., Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells improve diabetes-induced cognitive impairment by exosome transfer into damaged neurons and astrocytes , Sci. Rep. 6 (2016) 24805.
  61. K. Nagaishi, Y. Mizue, T. Chikenji, M. Otani, M. Nakano, N. Konari, et al., Mesenchymal stem cell therapy ameliorates diabetic nephropathy via the paracrine effect of renal trophic factors including exosomes , Sci. Rep. 6 (2016) 34842.
  62. S.R. Baglio, K. Rooijers, D. Koppers-Lalic, F.J. Verweij, M. Pérez Lanzón, N. Zini, et al., Human bone marrow- and adipose-mesenchymal stem cells secrete exosomes enriched in distinctive miRNA and tRNA species , Stem Cell Res. Ther. 6 (2015) 1–20.
  63. T. Chen, R. Yeo, F. Arslan, Y. Yin, S. Tan, Efficiency of exosome production correlates inversely with the developmental maturity of MSC donor, J. Stem Cell Res. Ther. 3 (2013) 2.
  64. R.C. Lai, S.S. Tan, B.J. Teh, S.K. Sze, F. Arslan, D.P. de Kleijn, et al., Proteolytic potential of the MSC exosome proteome: implications for an exosome-mediated delivery of therapeutic proteasome , Int. J. Proteomics 2012 (2012) 971907.
  65. T.S. Chen, R.C. Lai, M.M. Lee, A.B.H. Choo, C.N. Lee, S.K. Lim, Mesenchymal stem cell secretes microparticles enriched in pre-microRNAs , Nucleic Acids Res. 38 (2010) 215–224.
  66. R.W. Yeo, R.C. Lai, K.H. Tan, S.K. Lim, Exosome: a novel and safer therapeutic refinement of mesenchymal stem cell, J. Circ. Biomark. 1 (2013) 7.
  67. R.C. Lai, R.W. Yeo, S.K. Lim, Mesenchymal stem cell exosomes, Semin. Cell Dev. Biol. 40 (2015) 82–88.
  68. B. Zhang, R.W. Yeo, K.H. Tan, S.K. Lim, Focus on extracellular vesicles: therapeutic potential of stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles , Int. J. Mol. Sci. 17 (2016) 174.
  69. Hu G-w, Q. Li, X. Niu, B. Hu, J. Liu, Zhou S-m, et al., Exosomes secreted by human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived mesenchymal stem cells attenuate limb ischemia by promoting angiogenesis in mice , Stem Cell Res. Ther. 6 (2015) 1–15.
  70. J. Zhang, J. Guan, X. Niu, G. Hu, S. Guo, Q. Li, et al., Exosomes released from human induced pluripotent stem cells-derived MSCs facilitate cutaneous wound healing by promoting collagen synthesis and angiogenesis , J. Transl. Med. 13 (2015) 1–14.
  71. B. Zhang, M. Wang, A. Gong, X. Zhang, X. Wu, Y. Zhu, et al., HucMSC-exosome mediated-Wnt4 signaling is required for cutaneous wound healing, Stem Cells 33 (2015) 2158–2168.
  72. B. Zhang, Y. Yin, R.C. Lai, S.S. Tan, A.B.H. Choo, S.K. Lim, Mesenchymal stem cells secrete immunologically active exosomes , Stem Cells Dev. 23 (2013) 1233–1244.
  73. C.Y. Tan, R.C. Lai, W. Wong, Y.Y. Dan, S.-K. Lim, H.K. Ho, Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes promote hepatic regeneration in drug-induced liver injury models , Stem Cell Res. Ther. 5 (2014) 1–14.
  74. C. Lee, S.A. Mitsialis, M. Aslam, S.H. Vitali, E. Vergadi, G. Konstantinou, et al., Exosomes mediate the cytoprotective action of mesenchymal stromal cells on hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension , Circulation 126 (2012) 2601–2611.
  75. B. Yu, H. Shao, C. Su, Y. Jiang, X. Chen, L. Bai, et al., Exosomes derived from MSCs ameliorate retinal laser injury partially by inhibition of MCP-1 , Sci. Rep. 6 (2016) 34562.
  76. Jo CH, Lee YG, Shin WH, et al. Intra-articular injection of mesenchymal stem cells for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee: a proof of concept clinical trial. Stem Cells. 2014;32(5):1254–66.
  77. Vega, Aurelio, et al. Treatment of knee osteoarthritis with allogeneic bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells: a randomized controlled trial. Transplantation. 2015;99(8):1681–90.
  78. Davatchi F, Sadeghi-Abdollahi B, Mohyeddin M, et al. Mesenchymal stem cell therapy for knee osteoarthritis. Preliminary report of four patients. Int J Rheum Dis. 2011;14(2):211–5
  79. Hernigou P, Flouzat Lachaniette CH, Delambre J, et al. Biologic augmentation of rotator cuff repair with mesenchymal stem cells during arthroscopy improves healing and prevents further tears: a case- controlled study. Int Orthop. 2014;38(9):1811–1818
  80. Galli D, Vitale M, Vaccarezza M. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal cell differentiation toward myogenic lineages: facts and perspectives. Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:6.
  81. Beitzel K, Solovyova O, Cote MP, et al. The future role of mesenchymal Stem cells in The management of shoulder disorders . Arthroscopy. 2013;29(10):1702–1711.
  82. Isaac C, Gharaibeh B, Witt M, Wright VJ, Huard J. Biologic approaches to enhance rotator cuff healing after injury. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2012;21(2):181–190.
  83. Malda, Jos, et al. " Extracellular vesicles [mdash] new tool for joint repair and regeneration. " Nature Reviews Rheumatology (2016).

  1. Xu, Ming, et al. " Transplanted senescent cells induce an osteoarthritis-like condition in mice. " The Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences (2016): glw154.
  2. McCulloch, Kendal, Gary J. Litherland, and Taranjit Singh Rai. " Cellular senescence in osteoarthritis pathology ." Aging Cell (2017).

Contraindications

Our stem cell treatments are experimental, but we only treat patients for whom we believe the risk/benefit ratio indicates treatment based on the state of the art, i.e., medical, scientific evidence.

Please understand that we therefore do not treat patients for whom the following points apply:

  • Active cancer in the last two years
  • Not yet of legal age
  • Existing pregnancy or lactation period
  • Unable to breathe on own, ventilator
  • Difficulty breathing in supine position
  • Dysphagia (extreme difficulty swallowing)
  • Psychiatric disorder
  • Active infectious disease (Hepatitis A, B, C, HIV, Syphilis, or other)