In the rapidly evolving field of regenerative medicine, stem cell therapies are emerging as a promising solution to a multitude of health disorders, including arthritis. This article delves into the potential of stem cells, particularly in treating osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis. With the promise of pain relief, new cartilage growth, and restoration of joint function, stem cells are being hailed as a wonder therapy for arthritis.
Arthritis is a degenerative or inflammatory condition of the joint that involves damage to the cartilage that shields the ends of the bones that take part in the joint. Among the different types of arthritis, osteoarthritis is the most common type, affecting about 130 million people worldwide. Stem cells are now marketed as the wonder therapy for arthritis, with hype promising relief from pain, new cartilage growth to replace damaged cartilage, and restoration of joint function.
Knee osteoarthritis pain may be safely treated with stem cell transplantation. Osteoarthritis in the knee can be effectively managed by stem cell transplantation.
A recent meta-analysis found that the best stem cells for reducing knee osteoarthritis pain and function loss are those derived from umbilical tissue or an individual’s own adipose fat. The meta-analysis discovered that stem cells safely reduced knee joint pain in every study that was included. Over the course of their lives, osteoarthritis in the knees affects nearly half of all persons. Injection of stem cells into the knee is one of the most promising treatments for osteoarthritis-related knee discomfort and function loss.
The meta-analysis summarizes the findings from 16 studies that included 875 individuals in stem cell trials for osteoarthritis in the knee. In the studies, 336 males participated. The age range of the participants was 51–69 years old. Four hundred and forty-one recipients of stem cells were compared to forty-six controls.
Overall, knee discomfort significantly decreased for those receiving treatment with any of the stem cells, beginning at three months of treatment, highlighting the therapy’s potential for treating osteoarthritis in the knee.
What is the cause of osteoarthritis?
The most often affected joint by osteoarthritis is the knee. Around 365 million individuals worldwide today suffer from knee osteoarthritis, according to the World Health Organization (WHO)Trusted Source.
Previous research has indicated that the lifetime risk for men and women to acquire symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee is approximately 40% and 47%, respectively.
When a person develops osteoarthritis of the knee, the cartilage in the joint degrades and the bones scrape against one other, resulting in friction.
Pain may cause people to become less active, which can worsen obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, among other health problems. Stem-cell treatment of knee osteoarthritis is not currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United State.
Many therapies for osteoarthritis of the knee involve lifestyle modifications such as exercise, weight loss if appropriate, and diets rich in anti-inflammatory foods. Physical therapy is a great option to increase strength, improve range of motion and flexibility, and even reduce pain.
In conclusion, while stem cell treatment for knee osteoarthritis shows significant promise, it is important to note that it is not currently approved by the FDA in the United States. Despite the potential benefits, individuals should also consider lifestyle modifications such as exercise, weight loss, and diets rich in anti-inflammatory foods. Physical therapy can also be an effective option to increase strength, improve range of motion and flexibility, and reduce pain. As research continues to evolve, the hope is that stem cell therapies will become a viable and accessible treatment for those suffering from osteoarthritis.
Reference:
- Pan, X., Li, X., Zhang, L. et al. Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells relieve osteoarthritis in rats through immunoregulation and inhibition of chondrocyte apoptosis. Sci Rep 13, 14975 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-42349-x
