5 Stem Cell Myths What Science Says

• 5 Stem Cell Myths: What Science Says

Stem cells have the regenerative ability to repair damaged tissue or replace it with new ones. These cells are an ideal option for treating many different medical conditions or diseases. The field of stem cells is rapidly growing, with researchers conducting numerous clinical trials to further enhance their effectiveness. However, as you know, every study is accompanied by misconceptions and myths. Let’s explore the various common myths and misconceptions about stem cells and find out if they are true.

Some misconceptions and myths about stem cells around the world

Stem cells hold great promise in medical science, but many misconceptions and myths surround them. Here are some common misconceptions:

Myth 1: How can we effectively treat a variety of diseases? 

Stem cell therapy can help treat many different diseases. Stem cells promote tissue repair and regrowth thanks to their unique ability.  Stem cells help  create new cells and can also differentiate into different types of cells. This makes them an effective tool for replacing damaged or dead cells anywhere in the body. Stem cells also help control the immune system, meaning they may treat diseases in which the immune system attacks the body, such as multiple sclerosis or type 1 diabetes.

Stem cells have greater potential than the ability to regenerate, making them an innovative approach to treating many diseases or disorders.

Different diseases develop in similar ways in the body. This includes basic cell processes, the immune system, and metabolism, all of which are affected by specific substances in the body. For example, low oxygen levels, known as hypoxia, can cause problems in various parts of the body. This not only affects the heart and lungs, but also conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (which damages the joints), Parkinson’s disease (which causes degeneration), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (which damages the nerves).

• vascular formation
• ignition
• programmed cell death
• To develop various diseases, some other systemic pathological processes are involved.

Mesenchymal stem cells have diverse biochemical and physiological mechanisms of action. Some of the main mechanisms they influence are:

1. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) reduce inflammation and boost the immune system by influencing immune cells and other processes that control inflammatory reactions.
2. Angiogenesis is a process in which the body releases special substances that help new blood vessels grow. These vessels supply tissues with more blood, delivering more oxygen, making them healthier.
3. Production of antioxidants.
4. Suppression of apoptosis.

Numerous clinical trials support the idea that using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for therapy can help treat various diseases. These trials follow all the rules of good clinical practice. Some patients receive the actual treatment, while others receive a placebo or nothing at all. Numerous scientific journals have reported on the results of stem cell therapy, and some of the results of the clinical trials are:

• osteoporosis
• heart failure
• Systemic lupus
• ischemic stroke
• COVID-19

Stem cell therapy is often associated with serious health problems such as  stroke  and  Alzheimer’s disease  , but it may also help treat many other medical conditions. Scientists are exploring the use of stem cells to help treat injuries, burns, and even baldness. As our knowledge of stem cells increases, we may discover new ways to help people improve their health.

Myth 2: The body’s defense system may not accept stem cells.

During a bone marrow transplant, the body’s immune system may reject the transplanted stem cells. This occurs particularly in leukemia and other blood cancers. Hematopoietic stem cells normally have a large amount of human leukocyte antigens (HLA) on their surface. During a transplant, the immune system may consider the new cells foreign and attempt to attack them. This can lead to the body rejecting the stem cells. To prevent this, the donor’s cells must be a match for the recipient’s cells, and the recipient may require immunosuppressants during treatment.

In our clinic, we use mesenchymal stem cells to treat various medical conditions. These cells contain low levels of what is called HLA, and their bodies automatically reduce this level. This means that mesenchymal stem cells can be safely used in various medical treatments without the need to match donors with recipients.

Stem cells have a special property that reduces the likelihood of rejection by the recipient’s body. They are able to hide from the immune system and avoid attack. They also lack many of the proteins that normally trigger our bodies to respond to foreign factors. This means that the recipient’s immune system does not recognize them as foreign bodies and does not fight them.

Stem cells can also alter the body’s immune system and have been shown to calm it. This weakens the immune system’s ability to fight foreign cells. This is a significant aid in treating diseases such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. These diseases are exacerbated by swelling, and this helps stop it.

Stem cells from places like the umbilical cord can control the immune system better than other types of stem cells.

Myth #3: Cancer is caused by stem cell therapy . 

For a long time, scientists and patients have been concerned about the potential for cancer. Mesenchymal stem cells produce numerous growth factors and multiply rapidly. Some fear this could increase the risk of cancer. However, numerous hospital tests have not shown any cancer growth. Given the nature of mesenchymal stem cell function, this approach appears risky, and caution should be exercised when using them.

Tumors often grow larger with embryonic stem cells, which come from embryos or materials used in in vitro fertilization. The use of these cells in medicine is not common because people fear they are unsafe.

Using stem cells for treatment is a complex medical procedure that requires skilled and experienced doctors to perform it optimally. Patients should consult their doctors at every step to ensure they receive the appropriate treatment for their health concerns.

Myth #4: Only embryos contain stem cells, which are extracted from abortions . 

Some people believe that stem cells come only from embryos, but this is not true. Scientists have discovered stem cells not only in embryos, but in many other parts of the body. Scientists can obtain embryonic stem cells from aborted fetuses, but they are not used for treatment because laws in many places make this difficult. Regenerative therapy uses special cells called  mesenchymal stem cells  . These cells come from adult tissue. This is because adult stem cells are less controversial, more common, and less likely to cause problems or be rejected.

Things that can be included with adult stem cells:

Some people fear that using stem cells from the umbilical cord or placenta could end a life. Typically, after a healthy baby is born, the placenta and umbilical cord are discarded. However, they can be used without harming anyone.

• Bone marrow.
• Adipose tissue.
• Dental pulp, etc.

Myth #5: Stem cell therapy is a high-risk, experimental procedure .

The FDA notes that there is a risk of allergic reactions when the treatment is administered. Stem cells may migrate from their intended location and transform into inappropriate cell types or grow excessively. They may not function as intended and may cause tumor growth. These concerns relate to cases in which complications occurred as a result of medical procedures such as intraocular or spinal injections. Most of the problems occurred due to the use of inappropriate cell types and violations of regulations during the procedure.

Even with all these precautions, some clinics and doctors have begun offering stem cell treatments that are unproven and potentially dangerous. These poor treatments are not typical of most in the field, but they have tarnished the reputation of the field. Therefore, it is important for patients to research and seek licensed and trusted stem cell clinics to ensure they receive safe and effective treatments.

Obtaining FDA approval is challenging for several reasons: the difficulty of standardizing study procedures, the need to conduct multicenter randomized trials simultaneously in multiple countries, and the transfer of pluripotent stem cells (MSCs) requires extremely strict temperature control. Recently, the FDA has approved some trial plans, such as this one.

Stem cells can be taken from the patient’s own body or from a donor. This helps avoid problems such as immune system rejection or disease transmission, which can occur with other types of transplants.

Stem cell treatments are typically non-surgical and can be performed without hospitalization. This reduces the risk of complications and enables patients to return to their normal activities quickly.

Bottom line

Scientists have conducted extensive studies on stem cells and improved their use in medicine over the past few decades. Numerous clinical trials have demonstrated that stem cell therapy can effectively treat various conditions, including heart disease and spinal cord injuries.

However, some misconceptions about stem cell therapy have led many people to miss out on potentially life-changing treatments due to fear and misinformation. Many people distrust stem cell therapy, believing it is poorly regulated and may not be safe.

Scientists and government agencies around the world continue to demonstrate the effectiveness and safety of stem cell therapy, despite what some may promote. The use of stem cells could radically change medicine and help many people live better lives.