Umbilical cord tissue-derived MSCs (mesenchymal stem cells) have been shown to improve post-acute COVID-19 symptomatology by significantly decreasing inflammatory cytokines, modulating the immune system, and improving recovery times. Cytokines are a category of small proteins important in cell signaling. In this article, we discuss the uses of stem cells for COVID-19.
Stem Cells May Help COVID-19 Patients
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, there have been many studies conducted that aim to determine the safety and efficacy of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells in patients with COVID‐19. Research shows that mesenchymal stem cells administered intravenously may be able to significantly reduce adverse reactions, mortality, and time to recovery, in COVID-19 patients.
Stem Cells for Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
The therapeutic uses of stem cells as a potential therapy for a variety of diseases have been explored in great depth. In fact, the number of clinical trials conducted with mesenchymal stem cells has exponentially increased over the past couple of years.
What is Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome?
There are persistent and adverse effects after acute COVID-19. COVID-19 Syndrome is categorized by persistent symptoms and/or delayed or long-term complications that linger after the virus.
Stem Cells for COVID-19 Protocol
Because of their unique and innate ability to find and seek out inflammation in the body, mesenchymal stem cells can regenerate diseased and damaged tissues, decrease inflammation, and promote better health and quality of life. When mesenchymal stem cells are administered to treat Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome, patients can expect improved recovery time, a decrease in COVID-19-like symptoms, and a reduction in bodily inflammation.
Critically Ill COVID-19 Patient Treated with Mesenchymal Stem Cells
The Prodromos Stem Cell Institute's lab partner Vitro Biopharma received emergency use authorization from the FDA to treat critically ill COVID-19 patients using mesenchymal stem cells harvested from the umbilical cord. The patient was admitted to an emergency room with severe COVID-19 symptoms in late April 2020. While intubated in the ICU (intensive care unit), the patient's condition only worsened while receiving the standard of care treatment. His kidney and liver began to fail, requiring dialysis and the patient also experienced sepsis (the body's extreme response to an infection) and a stroke while in the ICU for almost 7 weeks.
Treatment Using Stem Cells Results
Following treatment with mesenchymal stem cells, the patient recovered from coma, multiple organ failure, and a restoration of the neurological, pulmonary, liver, and renal function. As of 2022, the patient now drinks, eats, speaks, and has even regained motor function. As the wife of the critically ill patient stated a few weeks following treatment:
"First you have to thank God, but then you have to thank the stem cells too."
Why Use Stem Cells For COVID-19?
Umbilical cord tissue-derived stem cells are a natural byproduct of childbirth. They are also rich in mesenchymal stem cells which are used to help heal, regenerate, and treat a variety of conditions.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Unlike embryonic stem cells, cord-tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells are immuno-privileged, which means they do not face immune rejection within the body. Additionally, there is no need for HLA matching because there are no blood products associated with them.
Summary
Umbilical cord tissue-derived MSCs (mesenchymal stem cells) have been shown to improve post-acute COVID-19 symptomatology by significantly decreasing inflammatory cytokines, modulating the immune system, and improving recovery times. For more information regarding stem cells be sure to visit our stem cell guide.