How Stem Cells May Help Protect Joints From Osteoarthritis Damage
Vilim Molnar, Eduard Pavelić, Kristijan Vrdoljak, Martin Čemerin, Emil Klarić, Vid Matišić, Roko Bjelica, Petar Brlek, Ivana Kovačić, Carlo Tremolada, Dragan Primorac · Genes · 2022
Osteoarthritis affects millions of people worldwide. Current treatments often manage symptoms but cannot stop the disease from getting worse. This review examines how mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) — regenerative cells found in fat tissue, bone marrow, and placenta — might offer a new approach to protecting your joints.
Fat Tissue Yields 500 Times More Stem Cells Than Bone Marrow
When doctors need regenerative cells for treatment, they can harvest them from different body tissues. Research shows that fat tissue provides a remarkably rich source. Gram for gram, adipose (fat) tissue contains about 500 times more stem cells than bone marrow. This matters because having enough cells is important for effective treatment.
Fat tissue also offers practical advantages. Harvesting cells from fat is less invasive than taking them from bone marrow. The procedure causes less discomfort at the collection site. Fat-derived cells also stay active longer and can replicate more times than bone marrow cells.
Stem Cells Fight Inflammation That Damages Cartilage
One key finding from this review is how stem cells work to protect joints. Rather than simply replacing damaged tissue, these cells release helpful substances that calm inflammation. This is important because ongoing inflammation drives osteoarthritis progression.
Studies show that fat-derived stem cells have stronger anti-inflammatory effects than bone marrow cells. They reduce the activity of immune cells that produce harmful antibodies. They also lower levels of inflammatory molecules that contribute to joint damage.
Cells Release Growth Factors That Support Healing
Stem cells act like tiny medicine factories inside your joint. They secrete proteins called growth factors that:
Prevent healthy cells from dying
Reduce tissue scarring
Encourage new blood vessel formation
Stimulate cell repair and growth
These "paracrine effects" mean the cells help your body heal itself. The stem cells do not need to transform into cartilage to provide benefits. Instead, they create a healing environment.
Clinical Studies Show Promising Pain Relief
Multiple clinical trials have tested stem cell treatments for osteoarthritis. Patients typically report meaningful improvements in pain scores and joint function. Some studies also used MRI imaging to look for physical changes in the joint.
The results have been encouraging. However, researchers note an important limitation. Different clinics prepare stem cells in different ways. This lack of standardization makes it hard to compare results across studies. Until preparation methods become more consistent, major medical organizations have not added stem cell therapy to their official treatment guidelines.
Fat-Derived Cells Offer Multiple Joint-Protecting Benefits
This review highlights why fat tissue has become a preferred source for regenerative treatments. Fat-derived stem cells combine three helpful properties. They can potentially develop into cartilage-forming cells. They strongly reduce inflammation. They also release growth factors that support tissue repair.
These combined effects make fat-derived cells well-suited for treating osteoarthritis. The Lipogems® system processes your own fat tissue to preserve these natural healing properties. Because the cells come from your own body, the treatment avoids risks associated with donor tissue.
What This Means for Your Treatment Decision
This comprehensive review confirms that stem cell therapy shows real promise for osteoarthritis. The science behind how these cells work is well-established. Clinical results have been positive across multiple studies.
The main limitation is not safety or effectiveness. Rather, the medical community is waiting for standardized preparation methods before updating official guidelines. For patients who have not found relief with conventional treatments, stem cell therapy offers a scientifically grounded option worth discussing with your doctor.
Source: Molnar et al., Genes, 2022.
Original Publication
Mesenchymal Stem Cell Mechanisms of Action and Clinical Effects in Osteoarthritis: A Narrative Review
Vilim Molnar, Eduard Pavelić, Kristijan Vrdoljak, Martin Čemerin, Emil Klarić, Vid Matišić, Roko Bjelica, Petar Brlek, Ivana Kovačić, Carlo Tremolada, Dragan Primorac · Genes · 2022
With the insufficient satisfaction rates and high cost of operative treatment for osteoarthritis (OA), alternatives have been sought. Furthermore, the inability of current medications to arrest disease progression has led to rapidly growing clinical research relating to mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The availability and function of MSCs vary according to tissue source. The three primary sources include the placenta, bone marrow, and adipose tissue, all of which offer excellent safety profiles. The primary mechanisms of action are trophic and immunomodulatory effects, which prevent the further degradation of joints. However, the function and degree to which benefits are observed vary significantly based on the exosomes secreted by MSCs. Paracrine and autocrine mechanisms prevent cell apoptosis and tissue fibrosis, initiate angiogenesis, and stimulate mitosis via growth factors. MSCs have even been shown to exhibit antimicrobial effects. Clinical results incorporating clinical scores and objective radiological imaging have been promising, but a lack of standardization in isolating MSCs prevents their incorporation in current guidelines.