USE OF MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS IN THE TREATMENT OF JOINT DAMAGE
Mesenchymal stem cells are the main cells of the osteoblasts that form our bones and the chondrocytes that form our cartilages, that is, the stem cells turn into these cells. In chronic joint damage, the intra-articular tissue is worn and eroded, blood vessels are reduced and thinned. Patients in this situation are generally recommended surgery to replace the joint surface with a prosthesis. The aim of stem cell treatments is to eliminate the need for surgery or at least postpone it as much as possible.
Mesenchymal stem cell transfer into the joint is effective in two ways. In the first one, the stem cells themselves transform into the needed cartilage cells and provide cartilage tissue production. The second mode of action is that the growth hormone and other factors secreted by the stem cells introduced into the environment stimulate the cartilage cells (chondrocytes) that have been present in the cartilage for a long time but are inactive, and they become active and produce cartilage. The produced cartilage tissue covers the joint surface. A similar effect is seen in meniscus injuries and tears. The decision and implementation of stem cell treatment in joint damage is, of course, under the control of the orthopedic physician.
THE PLACE OF STEM CELL APPLICATIONS IN THE TREATMENT OF NON-HEALING WOUNDS
Mesenchymal stem cells and SVF cells have the ability to transform into cells of the endothelial layer, which forms the inner surface of the vascular structure. Injection of the mentioned cells into tissues with vascular problems supports the formation of vascular structures in this area, increased blood flow and the proliferation of reparative cells in the tissues. Apart from these, growth hormones secreted by stem cells also activate local repair cells such as fibrocytes. Providing these conditions increases new tissue formation in the region and accelerates healing in chronic wounds.
THE PLACE OF MESENCHYMAL STEM CELL APPLICATION IN THE TREATMENT OF SCLERODERMA DISEASE
Scleroderma or systemic sclerosis disease is an autoimmune disease that affects the skin and subcutaneous tissues, sometimes including the muscles of the region, and causes hardening, dryness, loss of elasticity and thinning in some tissues in the affected areas. This disease can be defined as a person's own immune system damaging the body.
This disease occurs mostly in middle-aged women, and the symptoms often include hardening, thinning and shortening of the skin on the face, hands and feet. Scleroderma can cause changes in the skin-facial appearance. Facial sagging, thinning and shortening of the lips, thinning of the fingertips, and hardening of the inner and outer skin of the hands are common. There is also a systemic form that involves internal organs and vessels.
Stem cell treatments appear as a new form of treatment for patients with scleroderma. It is known that stem cells injected under the skin activate the skin and fat tissue cells there. Stem cells themselves transform into local cells here and also direct specialized tissue cells to reproduce and proliferate by secreting trophic hormones. The development of new blood vessels in the area is another factor that makes the treatment effective. The formation of new blood vessels revitalizes the tissue and supports cell proliferation and continuity. In cases where the muscles are also involved, stem cell therapy has become one of the treatment methods that come to mind for the regeneration and strengthening of the muscles. It is known that mesenchymal stem cells are the main cells of red muscle cells and turn into their own cells when necessary.
In cases where there is volume loss as a result of thinning of the skin and subcutaneous layers in patients with scleroderma, it is possible to inject the fat tissue taken from the person together with stem cells to the diseased area. In this way, volume is gained, as well as an attempt to thicken and elasticize the skin. The back of the hand, fingertips, the entire face area, lips and even the wings of the nose benefit greatly from this treatment. Even the thickening of the subcutaneous fat layer alone provides softening and revitalization of the skin.
