When Regenexx first started using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to treat orthopedic problems in 2005, embryonic stem cells (ESCs) were king. However, a funny thing happened in 2010, when the number of research papers published on MSCs equaled the number published on ESCs. Since then, things have gotten much worse for embryonic stem cell research, and mesenchymal stem cell research is now clearly dominating the mesenchymal stem cell vs embryonic stem cell battle.
What Is an Embryonic Stem Cell?
Embryonic stem cells (ESC) are the cells that make a baby. They’re pluripotent, meaning that they have the ability to turn into all three cell types, which are ectoderm, endoderm, and mesoderm. Basically, they are stem cells that can turn into most cells of the human body.
What Is a Mesenchymal Stem Cell?
A mesenchymal stem cell is different. It’s a stem cell that’s found in adults (or really any individual past the age of embryo). It’s multipotent and can differentiate into a number of cell types that are of the mesodermal lineage. These include osteoblasts (bone cells), chondrocytes (cartilage cells), myocytes (muscle cells), and adipocytes (fat cells). At StemCell ARTS we strictly only use the osteoblast which we obtain in the back pelvic area.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell vs Embryonic Stem Cell: Why MSC Research Surpassing ESC Research Is a Big Deal
The public was introduced to the concept of stem cells following a ban on embryonic stem cell research. This forced ESC researchers to take their case to the public. Scientists told the public that stem cells could be a possible cure for many incurable ailments. Unfortunately, along with the ethical problems associated with embryonic stem cells, it turned out that they also have a nasty little issue of causing teratomas (weird tumors). At the same time, many scientists began to recognize that stem cells could be found right in our own bodies in the form of mesenchymal stem cells. Hence, the race was on to see which stem cell type would become dominant. Mesenchymal stem cells are just more useful. They can be obtained from the patient without any ethical concerns and generally can do most of what ESCs can accomplish.
The upshot? Embryonic stem cell research is slowly dying off and being replaced by mesenchymal stem cell research. While this mesenchymal stem cell vs embryonic stem cell research reversal may have started because of the Bush administration ban, it’s accelerated since then because mesenchymal stem cells are just more practical as a therapy.
StemCell ARTS is part of a research consortium that includes clinics from around the globe. At the center, the Regenexx research lab. This location is the site of the research that provides the cutting edge procedures offered at the Regenexx affiliate locations. StemCell ARTS is proud to introduce another procedure being offered to help treat patients with musculoskeletal injuries or degenerative conditions.
Alpha-2-macroglobulin, referred to as A2M, is now available as a treatment option in both ourTysons Corner, VAand Chevy Chase, MD offices. A2M has been shown to provide benefit in those suffering from arthritic joints. Studies have indicated that A2M can reduce cartilage breakdown and inhibits a collagen breakdown protein involved in the progression of arthritis. This new and exciting treatment can be used in patients suffering from swelling of the joints and active patients looking to keep their joints healthy.
More and more physicians are offering regenerative procedures as treatment options in their practices. With so many physicians to choose from, how do patients determine what sets one regenerative medicine practice apart from another?
The physicians at StemCell ARTS go through extensive training to be part of theRegenexxnetwork of physicians. The regenerative procedures, performed at StemCell ARTS, are all done with image guidance. That means all injections use fluoroscopy (x-ray) or ultrasound to determine exactly where the sample is being injected. The ability to perform image-guided injections requires additional knowledge, skill, and training.
The skill and expertise of the StemCell ARTS physicians has established them as the area’s foremost regenerative medicine experts in the field of interventional orthopedics. This reputation has earned bothDr. Rodney Dade, Dr. MayoFriedlis andDr. Robert Wagnerthe honor of being named Northern Virginia Magazine 2018 Top Doctors.
It is no secret that regenerative procedures are gaining popularity in the field of medicine. Physicians have an increased awareness of just how successful these regenerative treatment options can be in treating a myriad of ailments. Unfortunately, there are those looking to capitalize on the success of regenerative treatments at the expense of potential patients looking to see if these treatments can benefit their medical condition.
Companies are advertising amniotic “stem cells” that can be utilized for in office use. These companies are claiming that these products offer millions of stem cells. Physicians or chiropractors may buy into this sales pitch without performing their due diligence to determine whether or not these claims are substantiated. Luckily, there are physcians who took the effort to determine if these products were really what they seemed, or if they were too good to be true.
Independent research done by the Interventional Orthopedics Foundation (IOF) and other independent physicians concluded that these products offered no live stem cells. Not only were there no live stem cells, there were no living cells present at all. This makes sense when one considers the harvesting and processing that these cells need to undergo.
While the physicians and chiropractors who offer these amniotic “stem cell” products profit, the patients are the ones who receive the short end of the stick. Patients are shelling out money for ineffective products and procedures performed by ill-equipped providers. Patients are urged to do more research on the topic of amniotic “stem cell” procedures, prior to having one of these procedures performed. The video below offers some information regarding results from the research and testing of these amniotic “stem cell” products.
We’re all familiar with the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and the stress of getting the perfect gift for your loved ones. But what about something nice for yourself? Although our treatments are currently not covered under insurances, they are an investment in your health.
Regenexx/StemCell ARTS Difference
Weeks of recovery and months of rehab are associated with total or even partial joint replacements. While some patients might find that reasonable, there are those such as weekend warriors or athletes that are eager to get back to their desired activity. Our stem cell and platelet treatments afford patients with little to no downtime after their injections. Patients can have peace of mind knowing that there is not a foreign metal object in their body, which is a main (and valid) concern of most of our patients. Our treatments are minimally-invasive with little downtime to help you be the best version of yourself in 2018.
Contact one of our offices to see if we can help you find the perfect stem cell or platelet gift!
At StemCell ARTS, we love to hear patients provide their experience following regenerative procedures with our practice. It is extremely rewarding to hear tales of patients returning to the activities they love. Mark, a patient under the care of Dr. Rodney Dade in theTysons Corner, VA office, was an avid runner who had been sidelined with knee pain. Mark provides his experience after undergoingthe stem cell series of injections to treat his knee condition, bilaterally.
“This has given me a second chance that I didn’t think I’d ever have. I believe I’ve found the ‘Fountain of Youth.’ I’m extremely glad I decided to do it. I would do it again in a heartbeat. There are other options besides surgery.”
StemCell ARTS is an Affiliate of National Spine and Pain Centers
If the regenerative treatment options offered by StemCell ARTS are not right for you, National Spine and Pain Centers provide more traditional treatments for spine and joint conditions.
