Osteoarthritis may be caused by an abnormal or impaired immune system. Scientists at Stanford University School of Medicine have definitively linked mast cells to the development of osteoarthritis. A mast cell, also know as a mastocyte, are located in connective tissue including in bone marrow, the skin, the gastrointestinal tract and other sites. They are part of the immune system and play a critical role in helping defend tissue from disease. https://elifesciences.org/articles/39905
Note: Despite all advances in stem cells research and the application of these therapies in many countries all over the world, stem cells therapies are not legally approved yet in San Diego, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, New York, Jacksonville, Seattle, Houston, San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Miami, Beverly Hills and other US cities. However, stem cell treatments are legal in Costa Rica.
Mast cells protect tissue by reacting to foreign pathogens by releasing powerful mediators such as histamine, cytokines, heparin and other products. In addition to releasing the powerful allergy triggering chemicals, mast cells also secrete granules of a cartilage degrading protein called tryptase.
In a study published on May 14, online in eLife, researchers showed both humans and mice with osteoarthritis, had abnormally activated mast cells. By eliminating the mast cells, blocking the stimulus that activated the mast cells or by disabling the tryptase, they were able to protect the mice from developing osteoarthritis.
The results showed the tryptase from the mast cells induced inflammation, chondrocyte apoptosis, and cartilage breakdown.1
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis arthritis occurs when the cartilage, which acts a a cusion, wears away.
As the cartilage wears away there is less shock absorption,
and the bones will begin to rub more closely against each other; the result is
pain, swelling, stiffness, and in later stages of the disease, the formation of
bones spurs, and bone on bone contact.
As the swelling, stiffness, and pain increases you may find yourself minimizing your movement, effectively worsening the problem.
Reduced movement can increase the amount of muscle that is wasting away, and laxity of the ligament which, will reduce the strength and stability of the knee.
How does stem cell therapy improve the symptoms of OA?
Stem cells support self-healing of the knee joint cartilage. Osteoarthritis of the knee occurs with gradual change to the immune system, cartilage is damaged, bone structure is remodeled, and a chronic inflammation of the synovium develops.
Mesenchymal stem cells have been shown to regulate the immune system response, inhibit inflammation, stimulate blood vessel growth, repair tissue, and stimulate self-regeneration of the cartilage.
The stem cells and platelet-rich plasma are easily harvested from the patient. These stem cells are specific to the patient, ensuring the patient will not reject the cells.
The entire procedure is relatively quick and most patients are up and walking with assistance within 24 hours.
Patients will experience minimal discomfort, and depending on the job, most can return to work in 1-2 weeks. If the patient performs a desk job, he or she may return after only a few days.2,3,4
Why should you get treatment at the Stem Cells Transplant Institute?
The Stem Cells Transplant Institute is connected to CIMA Hospital, a full service, acute care, private hospital.
CIMA Hospital is the largest and most specialized hospital in Central America and uses state-of-the-art equipment, the most advanced healthcare technology, and highly qualified medical professionals to ensure every patient receives excellent care and service.
The Stem Cells Transplant Institute and CIMA Hospital are accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI), a “not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality and safety of patient care around the world. JCI accreditation is considered the gold standard in global health care.”
About the Stem Cells Transplant Institute
- Our physicians are accredited by the American Academy of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine
- We collaborate with the leading researchers, laboratories and clinics worldwide
- Our physicians are members of the International Society for Stem Cell Application, and our CEO and founder, is the ISSCA Chapter Director for Central America and the Caribbean.
- We utilize cutting edge procedures that mix adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells with platelet rich growth factors to enhance efficacy and improve outcomes
- Our physicians are fully licensed to practice medicine and perform stem cell treatments in Costa Rica.
- Stem cell treatment at the Stem Cells Transplant Institute may be significantly less expensive than similar treatments available in the United States, Europe, Mexico and Asia
- We promise to treat every patient with care and respect.
Contact us today to learn more about the benefits of stem cell therapy
Scientific References:
- Wang et al. eLife 2019;8:e39905. DOI: https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.39905
- Uth K., Dimitar T, Stem cell application for osteoarthritis in the knee joint: A mini review. World J Stem Cells 2014; 6(5): 629-636
- Murphy JM, Dixon K, Beck S, Fabian D, Feldman A, BarryF. Reduced chondrogenic and adipogenic activity of mesenchymalstem cells from patients with advanced osteoarthritis.Arthritis Rheum 2002; 46: 704-713 [PMID: 11920406 DOI:10.1002/art.10118]
- Wolfstadt JI, Cole BJ, Ogilvie-Harris DJ, Viswanathan S,Chahal J. Current Concepts: The Role of Mesenchymal StemCells in the Management of Knee Osteoarthritis. SportsHealth: A Multidisciplinary Approach, 2014
