Uses for Cord Tissue Archives - Банка за матични клетки

Recent research indicates that umbilical cord exosomes have huge potential in the field of regenerative medicine.

In this blog we’ll explore what exosomes are, where they’re found, and how they could be used in developing new, life changing therapies for a range of conditions.

What are exosomes?

Exosomes are nano-sized particles that contain key biomolecules like proteins and lipids and travel between cells like messengers, regulating numerous biological processes including inflammatory responses.

Initially thought to be responsible for conveying waste away from cells, in recent years numerous trials and studies have explored their intercellular communicatory function and the potential this offers in a range of therapeutic applications.

Where are exosomes found?

Exosomes are produced by virtually every cell in the body, including stem cells.

Excitingly they can be derived from the mesenchymal stem cells that exist within both umbilical cord blood and umbilical cord tissue.

Due to the low immunogenicity (the likelihood of being attacked by the immune system when transplanted) of mesenchymal stem cells derived from the umbilical cord, along with their non-invasive harvest procedure and ease of expansion in vitro, umbilical cord MSC exosomes (UC-MSC-Exo) are well suited for research and potentially therapeutic purposes. [1]

What can umbilical cord exosomes do?

Below are a few examples of recent trials utilising UC-MSC-Exo in the treatment of various conditions.

Heal wounds and repair nerves

A 2022 study investigating the use of UC-MSC-Exo in treating cutaneous nerve damage and wound healing showed that exosomes have the ability to promote skin and nerve regeneration.

Studied in vitro, researchers found that UC-MSC-Exo promoted the migration and proliferation of skin fibroblasts – cells that play a key role in forming connective tissue.

Additionally, UC-MSC-Exo were also found to promote the secretion of nerve growth factors by fibroblasts, suggesting that exosomes may enhance wound healing by promoting nerve repair.

Tested in vivo in a mouse model, the study showed that the wounds of the treatment group who received UC-MSC-Exo healed faster than the wounds of the group who received a control medium.

The study concluded that UC-MSC-Exo produced therapeutic effects by promoting skin and nerve regeneration. [2]

Slow the progress of osteoarthritis

Another study from 2022 demonstrated that exosomes derived from the umbilical cord have the potential to be used as a treatment method for osteoarthritis (OA).

Using a rat model, researchers undertook a surgical procedure designed to recreate the effects of knee osteoarthritis. They then administered injections of either UC-MSC-Exo or saline solution. After 8 weeks, knee samples were taken to assess the progression of the disease.

Researchers discovered that in the knees of rats who had received injections of exosomes the progression of OA had been halted and severe damage to knee cartilage prevented.

One of the key reasons behind this, the researchers found, was that the exosomes promoted the migration and proliferation of chondrocytes – cells that make up cartilage. They also found that the exosomes helped to inhibit the secretion of pro-inflammatory factors, as well as regulate immune responses; contributing factors in cartilage regeneration. [3]

Alleviate liver damage and disease

A study from 2020 showed that exosomes derived from umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells were able to secrete the molecule miR-455-3p which helped to suppress inflammatory immune responses and inhibit signalling pathways in order to improve liver damage. [4]

Another study showed that exosomes derived from umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells have antioxidant effects.

A contributing factor to the progression of liver damage, oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance in free radicals (unstable oxygen molecules) and antioxidants in the liver. Oxidative stress can lead to what’s known as apoptosis – programmed cell death. [5]

By using a mouse model, researchers were able to ascertain that injections of UC-MSC-Exo inhibited apoptosis in liver injury, reversing the fallout from oxidative stress. [6]

Promote heart repair

There have been several studies indicating that exosomes derived from umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells have the ability to reduce myocardial injury – damage to heart tissue.

A study from 2018 showed that UC-MSC-Exo may have the ability to promote the expression of Smad7, a protein which aids in myocardial protection by blocking certain signalling pathways.

Researchers believed this could be the mechanism underlying exosomes’ ability to inhibit apoptosis, promote angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels) and improve cardiac function following acute myocardial infarction. [7] [8]

Rejuvenate older stem cells

An especially intriguing study from 2020 also showed that exosomes derived from umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells could help in myocardial repair by rejuvenating the activity and function of mesenchymal stem cells in older patients.

Because heart conditions mainly affect older patients, the risk of immunogenicity associated with allogeneic stem cell transplants in helping to treat heart damage is a potential risk. This leaves autologous stem cell transplants – using stem cells from the patient themselves – as an available treatment option. However, due to age and cardiovascular risk factors, these autologous stem cells can be limited in their usefulness.

What this study found, however, is that UC-MSC-Exo have the ability to ameliorate the senescence of older mesenchymal stem cells and renew their biological activity, such as the potential to differentiate into cartilage, bone, and fat cells.

In effect this means that umbilical cord exosomes could help in restoring the regenerative capacity of mesenchymal stem cells in a range of therapies for patients who need them most. [9]

Exosomes and cord blood banking

As some of these trials demonstrate, exosomes are a hugely exciting field of regenerative medicine, and their therapeutic potential is only just beginning to be understood.

Most exciting is that these exosomes can be found in umbilical cord blood and tissue which, although usually thrown away as medical waste, can be stored so that your baby has access to their own stem cells that they can use in future therapies.

To learn more about the potential of umbilical cord stem cells and exosomes, contact our specialist team on 01444 873 950 – they’ll be more than happy to help answer any questions you may have.

In the meantime, why not fill out your details below for a free Welcome Pack containing everything you need to know about storing stem cells for your baby.

References

[1] Zhang, N., Zhu, J., Ma, Q. et al. (2020) Exosomes derived from human umbilical cord MSCs rejuvenate aged MSCs and enhance their functions for myocardial repair. Stem Cell Res Ther 11, 273. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13287-020-01782-9

[2] Zhu, Z., Zhang, X., Hao, H., Xu, H., Shu, J., Hou, Q., & Wang, M. (2022). Exosomes Derived From Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells Treat Cutaneous Nerve Damage and Promote Wound Healing. Frontiers in cellular neuroscience, 16, 913009. https://doi.org/10.3389/fncel.2022.913009

[3] Li, P., Lv, S., Jiang, W., Si, L., Liao, B., Zhao, G., Xu, Z., Wang, L., Zhang, J., Wu, H., Peng, Q., Li, Z., Qi, L., Chi, G., & Li, Y. (2022). Exosomes derived from umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells protect cartilage and regulate the polarization of macrophages in osteoarthritis. Annals of translational medicine, 10(18), 976. https://doi.org/10.21037/atm-22-3912

[4] Shao, M., Xu, Q., Wu, Z., Chen, Y., Shu, Y., Cao, X., Chen, M., Zhang, B., Zhou, Y., Yao, R., Shi, Y., & Bu, H. (2020). Exosomes derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells ameliorate IL-6-induced acute liver injury through miR-455-3p. Stem cell research & therapy, 11(1), 37. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13287-020-1550-0

[5] Li, S., Tan, H. Y., Wang, N., Zhang, Z. J., Lao, L., Wong, C. W., & Feng, Y. (2015). The Role of Oxidative Stress and Antioxidants in Liver Diseases. International journal of molecular sciences, 16(11), 26087–26124. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms161125942

[6] Jiang, W., Tan, Y., Cai, M., Zhao, T., Mao, F., Zhang, X., Xu, W., Yan, Z., Qian, H., & Yan, Y. (2018). Human Umbilical Cord MSC-Derived Exosomes Suppress the Development of CCl4-Induced Liver Injury through Antioxidant Effect. Stem cells international, 2018, 6079642. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/6079642

[7] Wang, X., Zhao, Y., Sun, L., Shi, Y., Li, Z., Zhao, X. … Zhu, W. (2018). Exosomes derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells improve myocardial repair via upregulation of Smad7. International Journal of Molecular Medicine, 41, 3063-3072. https://doi.org/10.3892/ijmm.2018.3496

[8] Zhao, Yuanyuan, Sun, Xiaoxian, Cao, Wenming, Ma, Jie, Sun, Li, Qian, Hui, Zhu, Wei, Xu, Wenrong. (2015) Exosomes Derived from Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells Relieve Acute Myocardial Ischemic Injury, Stem Cells International, 761643, 12 pages, 2015. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/761643

[9] Zhang, N., Zhu, J., Ma, Q. et al. (2020) Exosomes derived from human umbilical cord MSCs rejuvenate aged MSCs and enhance their functions for myocardial repair. Stem Cell Res Ther 11, 273. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13287-020-01782-9

Last month researchers at The Parent’s Guide to Cord Blood Foundation compiled a report about how perinatal stem cells were being employed in clinical trials from 2019 through to the end of 2023. [1]

Perinatal stem cells are those which are collected in and around the perinatal period: the period immediately before and after birth.

These include stem cells from cord blood, cord tissue, the placenta and amnion.

In this blog, we’ll summarise some of their key findings and discuss what they mean in deciding to store stem cells for your baby.

Increase in the number of perinatal stem cell trials, despite COVID-19

In their report, researchers led by Dr Frances Verter point out how clinical trials using umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells in particular reached a peak in 2020 and 2021, the result of accelerated research to help combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

They estimate that during the pandemic (2020-2022), nearly 41% of all advanced cellular therapy trials for COVID-19 relied on perinatal stem cells.

While the number of trials declined by almost half in the years that followed – to be expected, considering the impact of the pandemic on trial numbers – the researchers found that during the two years since their last report in 2021, the cumulative number of trials for advanced cellular therapies using perinatal stem cells increased by 17%.

This shows that the number of clinical trials using perinatal stem cells has not only returned to pre pandemic levels, but has actually increased, demonstrating a sustained interest in the clinical and therapeutic application of perinatal stem cells.

(graph courtesy of The Parents Guide to Cord Blood Foundation, https://parentsguidecordblood.org/en/news/2024-update-how-many-clinical-trials-employ-perinatal-sources-stem-cells)

Trials for stem cells derived from placenta and amnion

Dr Verter and her team also point out that there are increasingly prominent roles for perinatal stem cells derived from a variety of sources beyond cord blood and cord tissue, namely: placenta and amnion.

Of the 402 clinical trials focusing on the use of mesenchymal stem cells derived or expanded from perinatal tissues, 9% utilised either placenta, amniotic membrane, or a mixture of a number of different perinatal stem cell sources. For reference, only 4% of trials derived MSCs from cord blood.

These numbers suggest that the placenta and amnion are becoming increasingly pivotal to the development of advanced cellular therapies using perinatal sources of stem cells, with the majority of these MSC trials focusing on COVID-19, neurological conditions, orthopaedic conditions and auto-immune disorders.

Cord tissue trials outpace cord blood trials

Since their last report on the cumulative number of trials through to the end of 2021, Dr Verter and her team found that in the years since, through to the end of 2023, there were 117 new trials utilising cord tissue and 40 new trials utilising cord blood. [2]

A key source of mesenchymal stem cells – which have the ability to differentiate into other specialised cell types such as muscle, nerve, and cartilage cells – cord tissue has once again shown itself to be at the forefront of trials utilising perinatal stem cells.

Of the 402 perinatal stem cell trials using MSCs, 87% of these utilised MSCs derived from cord tissue alone.

Considering that during the period from 2019-2023, over 75% of all perinatal stem cell trials were focused on the application of mesenchymal stem cells, cord tissue continues to be a vital source of the kind of stem cells that are driving current therapeutic interest in the application of stem cells from perinatal tissues.

Wide array of medical uses for perinatal mesenchymal stem cells

Another significant finding in this report is the sheer array of diagnosis categories that perinatal mesenchymal stem cells are being trialled for.

While around 45% of trials using perinatal mesenchymal stem cells focused on how they might be applied to treat COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses, as well as neurological and orthopaedic conditions, another 46% of the total number of perinatal mesenchymal stem cell trials were divided across a wide range of medical diagnoses.

These medical diagnoses spanned trials for auto-immune disorders, the treatment of different forms of wounds, liver conditions, metabolic and genetic conditions (such as Krabbe disease and Hurler’s syndrome), cancers and blood cancers, and cardio-vascular conditions.

These figures suggest not only an increase in the number of perinatal mesenchymal stem cell trials, but also a broad spectrum of possible treatment applications, making them invaluable in the development of future advanced cellular therapies.

(graph courtesy of The Parents Guide to Cord Blood Foundation, https://parentsguidecordblood.org/en/news/2024-update-how-many-clinical-trials-employ-perinatal-sources-stem-cells)

What does this mean for cord blood banking?

If you’re considering storing stem cells for your baby, the findings of this report are encouraging.

The sustained growth in clinical trials using perinatal stem cells, even beyond the pandemic, highlights the continued and expanding interest in their therapeutic potential.

Cord tissue, in particular, stands out as a critical source of mesenchymal stem cells, which are increasingly being used in a wide range of medical applications, from COVID-19 and neurological conditions to auto-immune disorders and orthopaedic treatments.

The growing use of placental and amniotic stem cells further emphasises the value of preserving these additional perinatal tissues, providing a great chance to maximise your baby’s ability to access future treatments.

With ongoing advancements in cellular therapies and the broad spectrum of diseases being targeted, banking stem cells from your baby’s umbilical cord and placenta could offer valuable opportunities for future medical treatments that go beyond what is available today.

Your baby’s stem cells may play a crucial role in the next generation of medical breakthroughs.

If you’re interested in storing stem cells for your baby, fill out the form below to request a free Welcome Pack. It contains information that will help to shed light on the collection process, our storage services, and the future potential offered by umbilical cord stem cells.

References

[1] Verter, F., Bersenev, A., & Couto, P. S. (2024, September 10). 2024 Update: How Many Clinical Trials Employ Perinatal Sources of Stem Cells? Parents Guide to Cord Blood Foundation. https://parentsguidecordblood.org/en/news/2024-update-how-many-clinical-trials-employ-perinatal-sources-stem-cells

[2] Verter, F. (2022, September 15). 2022 Update: How many clinical trials use cord blood or cord tissue? Parents Guide to Cord Blood Foundation. https://parentsguidecordblood.org/en/news/2022-update-how-many-clinical-trials-use-cord-blood-or-cord-tissue

One of the questions we get asked most by expectant parents is whether or not cord blood banking is ‘worth it’.

You may have heard about it online, or through a friend, but don’t necessarily know what it entails, or what the benefits are.

In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know—what cord blood banking is, why it matters, the benefits, costs, and whether it’s the right choice for your family.

What is cord blood banking?

Cord blood banking is the process of collecting and storing the precious blood from your baby’s umbilical cord, along with other vital perinatal tissues like the placenta, cord tissue, and amnion.

These tissues are rich sources of two powerful types of stem cell: haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which both have huge therapeutic potential.

Haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs)

HSCs are found in cord blood, and have the ability to differentiate (transform) into all types of blood cells, including white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. This ability makes HSCs well positioned for the treatment of blood disorders like sickle cell anaemia and leukaemia.

HSCs from cord blood are already being used primarily in donor treatments for more than 80 different conditions, including blood cancers like lymphoma, immune disorders like SCID, and blood disorders like aplastic anaemia.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)

MSCs are found in cord blood, cord tissue and placenta and have the ability to differentiate into many different types of cell, including cartilage, nerve, muscle, fat, and bone cells.

This plasticity makes them ideal for use in an emergent field of medical research called regenerative medicine. Excitingly, there are currently hundreds of clinical trials investigating the application of MSCs in therapies for diseases that are currently incurable, like stroke, heart failure, and Parkinson’s disease.

Why is having your baby’s own stem cells available important?

Stem cell therapy depends on the body’s immune system not rejecting the transplanted cells. When using publicly donated stem cells from a donor this means finding an HLA match (human leukocyte antigens, which are gene complexes that encode cell-surface proteins that help the immune system determine what does and doesn’t belong to the body) and using immuno-suppressive drugs to minimise the chances of rejection.

However, cord blood banking enables your baby to have their own perfectly matched stem cells ready and waiting in storage, meaning they can access therapies without the risk of rejection.

Is cord blood banking safe?

The cord blood collection process is completely safe, non-invasive, and takes place in a separate room after birth, handled by a licensed phlebotomist.

What are the benefits of cord blood banking?

Life Saving Treatments

Cord blood stem cells are a proven treatment option for over 80 life-threatening conditions. They have been used in more than 40,000 transplants worldwide, providing a vital alternative to bone marrow transplants for conditions like leukaemia, lymphoma, and sickle cell anaemia.

Protection for the Whole Family

By preserving your baby’s stem cells, you’re not only protecting your child’s future health but also potentially safeguarding the entire family. These stem cells are a perfect match for your baby, with a 1 in 4 chance of being a perfect match, and a 50% chance of being a partial match, for a sibling. Additionally, there’s always a 50% chance they could be a partial match for a parent as well.

Future Potential in Medical Research

Researchers are exploring the use of mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of diseases like stroke, diabetes, and heart disease. Although these therapies are still in clinical trials, the potential for future applications is vast. By banking your baby’s umbilical cord and placenta now, you could unlock access to cutting-edge treatments in the future.

Why bank cord blood with Cells4Life?

Industry Leading Innovation

Our CellsPlus service uses our industry leading processing technology TotiCyte to retain 3 times the number of stem cells compared to other cord blood processing methods.

More cells in storage means more opportunities for treatments, and could make the difference between treating a child and an adult. Our CellsPlus service also means that cord blood banking is 100% compatible with delayed cord clamping for the first time.

Comprehensive Services

We’re the only UK cord blood bank offering the most comprehensive range of stem cell banking services, including cord blood, tissue, amnion and placenta banking. Saving a diverse range of cells for your baby maximises the range of treatment opportunities they’ll be able to access.

Dual location storage

We can store samples in multiple portions across two locations with SecurePlus. This means that your baby can use their samples multiple times, only using what they need and saving the rest. Dual location storage also provides the peace of mind of knowing that should anything happen at one location, their stem cells are still protected at the other.

Proven Track Record

We are the first choice for UK parents, with more UK families storing with us and over 150,000 samples in storage across our two Sussex sites.

Is cord blood banking worth it?

It’s been predicted that 1 in 3 of us will require some sort of regenerative therapy within our lifetimes. [1] Your baby might be part of the first generation to live beyond 100. Imagine the range of stem cell therapies that could become available to them within their lifetime. Saving their stem cells gives them the best chance of accessing these new and emerging therapies.

Cord blood banking is probably also worth doing if you have a history of illness in your family. Your baby’s stem cells may even end up being the key to safeguarding them, or a close family member, against life-altering conditions that remain all too prevalent; conditions like arthritis, diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.

Your baby’s stem cells could change their life one day.

References

[1] Regenerative Medicine. Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies. https://www.aabb.org/news-resources/resources/cellular-therapies/facts-about-cellular-therapies/regenerative-medicine#:~:text=Regenerative%20medicine%20also%20may%20enable,potentially%20benefit%20from%20regenerative%20medicine.

A recent study published in the journal eBioMedicine found that umbilical cord stem cells may have the potential to heal the intestinal ulcers of patients suffering from Crohn’s disease.

What is Crohn’s disease?

Crohn’s disease is a condition that causes parts of the digestive system to become inflamed. The disease affects around 1 in every 300 people in the UK, with symptoms including severe abdominal pain, diarrhoea, tiredness and fatigue, appetite loss and in some cases, anaemia. [1] [2]

A lifelong condition, the root causes of Crohn’s aren’t yet known, but it’s thought that there are several key factors that may contribute to the likelihood of developing the disease, such as:

Having had a particularly pernicious stomach bug
Whether any close relatives have Crohn’s (genes)
If there’s a preexisting immunological problem
If there’s an imbalance in gut bacteria levels
Exposure to a range of environmental factors, including stress, smoking, taking certain medicines such as antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-Inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Unfortunately, there are no cures available for Crohn’s disease, with treatments limited to reducing the inflammation and severity of symptoms through medicinal, although this only has an efficacy rate of 40-60%, or surgical means which involves removing a portion of the digestive system. [3]

With this in mind, the need to find a new approach to the treatment of Crohn’s has a pressing urgency.

Exploring the application of umbilical cord stem cells for treating Crohn’s disease

Researchers conducted a pilot, open label clinical study between November 2020 to October 2023, with 17 patients with Crohn’s disease.

The patients, who were aged between 18 to 75, were selected on the basis that they had moderate to severe Crohn’s disease for at least three months prior to the start of the trial and that they had not responded to advanced treatment.

Patients received an injection of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) both by colonoscopy and then by intravenous drip the following day. Patients were then monitored over the course of 24 weeks, with researchers measuring laboratory and clinical markers along with performing endoscopic assessments.

The researchers found that of the 17 patients, eight showed improvement in their SES-CD (Simple Endoscopic Score for Crohn’s disease) scores, which measures the size and severity of ulcers wherein a higher score indicates a more severe disease, while 3 further patients also displayed mucosal healing, meaning their SES-CD scores became zero.

All patients achieved clinical remission by week 24 of the trial. [4]

How does the treatment work?

During the course of the trial, the researchers were paying special attention to how the mesenchymal stem cells were working to provide such dramatic improvements in patient outcomes. In addition to showing the viability of the stem cell treatment, they also wanted to show how that treatment worked.

They did this by taking a biopsy of the mucosae at the margins of the intestinal lesions from 3 patients before and after the trial for transcriptome sequencing, a process that would allow them to access information about the gene regulation and protein content of cells.

The researchers’ analysis revealed that the hUC-MSCs appeared to upregulate the expression of genes that maintain the integrity of the intestinal epithelial barrier – a mucus layer that regulates luminal contents (such as enzymes, food particles, bile and bacteria) and its interaction with the body’s immune system – and downregulated the expression of genes relating to inflammatory response. [5]

Essentially, what this suggests is that the application of stem cells led to the inhibition of the inflammatory response and an improvement in the integrity of the intestinal barrier, remedying two key aspects of intestinal function affected by Crohn’s disease.

While there were limitations in the size and scope of this trial, what it showed was significant and promising potential for the effective application of umbilical cord stem cells in treating Crohn’s disease, a huge step forward in making available a new avenue of treatment for those who live with the condition.

If you want to find out more about how you could give your baby access to their own umbilical cord and placental stem cells, sign up below for a free welcome pack.

References

[1] Crohn’s & Colitis UK (2021, April 22). Crohn’s Disease. https://crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/info-support/information-about-crohns-and-colitis/all-information-about-crohns-and-colitis/understanding-crohns-and-colitis/crohns-disease/

[2] NHS England (2021, April 22). Overview: Crohn’s Disease. NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/crohns-disease/

[3] Qinjuan Sun et al., (2024) hUC-MSCs therapy for Crohn’s disease: efficacy in TNBS-induced colitis in rats and a pilot clinical study, eBioMedicine, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ebiom.2024.105128. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/ebiom/article/PIIS2352-3964(24)00163-4/fulltext

[4] Qinjuan Sun et al., (2024) hUC-MSCs therapy for Crohn’s disease: efficacy in TNBS-induced colitis in rats and a pilot clinical study, eBioMedicine, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ebiom.2024.105128. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/ebiom/article/PIIS2352-3964(24)00163-4/fulltext

[5] Qinjuan Sun et al., (2024) hUC-MSCs therapy for Crohn’s disease: efficacy in TNBS-induced colitis in rats and a pilot clinical study, eBioMedicine, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ebiom.2024.105128. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/ebiom/article/PIIS2352-3964(24)00163-4/fulltext

Last week we held a live webinar to celebrate the last day of Cord Blood Awareness Month. We thoroughly enjoyed chatting to you all to help raise awareness of umbilical cord blood.

When it comes to cord blood banking, the different types of processing methods are not always discussed. And as a result, great confusion can often arise from the term ‘processing’.

The pandemic has seen the emergence of numerous stem cell therapies to combat the virus and its disruption of human society across the world. In particular, a growing number of clinical trials are using mesenchymal stem cells to treat COVID-19.

Here is a quick update on the latest studies and clinical trials using stem cells in the treatment of the coronavirus.

If you’re considering cord blood stem cell banking, you may have some questions. Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Our experts have put together a comprehensive guide to the top five frequently asked questions on the subject. Read on to get all the information you need to make an informed decision.

What is regenerative medicine?

The concept of “regenerative medicine” was coined in 1999, encompassing a field of scientific innovations aimed at repairing, regrowing, and potentially replacing cells, tissues, and organs damaged by disease in the human body. This groundbreaking field includes advancements such as cord blood therapy.

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. To raise awareness, we’ve shared 10 facts that you need to know about childhood cancer. We discuss how umbilical cord blood can help to treat childhood cancers and share the story of 4-year-old, Josh Stockill, who has beaten leukaemia twice thanks to a cord blood transplant. Read on to find out more…

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Stem Cell Blog

Recent research indicates that umbilical cord exosomes have huge potential in the field of regenerative medicine.

In this blog we’ll explore what exosomes are, where they’re found, and how they could be used in developing new, life changing therapies for a range of conditions.

What are exosomes?

Exosomes are nano-sized particles that contain key biomolecules like proteins and lipids and travel between cells like messengers, regulating numerous biological processes including inflammatory responses.

Initially thought to be responsible for conveying waste away from cells, in recent years numerous trials and studies have explored their intercellular communicatory function and the potential this offers in a range of therapeutic applications.

Where are exosomes found?

Exosomes are produced by virtually every cell in the body, including stem cells.

Excitingly they can be derived from the mesenchymal stem cells that exist within both umbilical cord blood and umbilical cord tissue.

What can umbilical cord exosomes do?

Below are a few examples of recent trials utilising UC-MSC-Exo in the treatment of various conditions.

Heal wounds and repair nerves

A 2022 study investigating the use of UC-MSC-Exo in treating cutaneous nerve damage and wound healing showed that exosomes have the ability to promote skin and nerve regeneration.

Studied in vitro, researchers found that UC-MSC-Exo promoted the migration and proliferation of skin fibroblasts – cells that play a key role in forming connective tissue.

Additionally, UC-MSC-Exo were also found to promote the secretion of nerve growth factors by fibroblasts, suggesting that exosomes may enhance wound healing by promoting nerve repair.

Tested in vivo in a mouse model, the study showed that the wounds of the treatment group who received UC-MSC-Exo healed faster than the wounds of the group who received a control medium.

The study concluded that UC-MSC-Exo produced therapeutic effects by promoting skin and nerve regeneration. [2]

Slow the progress of osteoarthritis

Another study from 2022 demonstrated that exosomes derived from the umbilical cord have the potential to be used as a treatment method for osteoarthritis (OA).

Using a rat model, researchers undertook a surgical procedure designed to recreate the effects of knee osteoarthritis. They then administered injections of either UC-MSC-Exo or saline solution. After 8 weeks, knee samples were taken to assess the progression of the disease.

Researchers discovered that in the knees of rats who had received injections of exosomes the progression of OA had been halted and severe damage to knee cartilage prevented.

Alleviate liver damage and disease

A study from 2020 showed that exosomes derived from umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells were able to secrete the molecule miR-455-3p which helped to suppress inflammatory immune responses and inhibit signalling pathways in order to improve liver damage. [4]

Another study showed that exosomes derived from umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells have antioxidant effects.

A contributing factor to the progression of liver damage, oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance in free radicals (unstable oxygen molecules) and antioxidants in the liver. Oxidative stress can lead to what’s known as apoptosis – programmed cell death. [5]

By using a mouse model, researchers were able to ascertain that injections of UC-MSC-Exo inhibited apoptosis in liver injury, reversing the fallout from oxidative stress. [6]

Promote heart repair

There have been several studies indicating that exosomes derived from umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells have the ability to reduce myocardial injury – damage to heart tissue.

A study from 2018 showed that UC-MSC-Exo may have the ability to promote the expression of Smad7, a protein which aids in myocardial protection by blocking certain signalling pathways.

Researchers believed this could be the mechanism underlying exosomes’ ability to inhibit apoptosis, promote angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels) and improve cardiac function following acute myocardial infarction. [7] [8]

Rejuvenate older stem cells

An especially intriguing study from 2020 also showed that exosomes derived from umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells could help in myocardial repair by rejuvenating the activity and function of mesenchymal stem cells in older patients.

What this study found, however, is that UC-MSC-Exo have the ability to ameliorate the senescence of older mesenchymal stem cells and renew their biological activity, such as the potential to differentiate into cartilage, bone, and fat cells.

In effect this means that umbilical cord exosomes could help in restoring the regenerative capacity of mesenchymal stem cells in a range of therapies for patients who need them most. [9]

Exosomes and cord blood banking

As some of these trials demonstrate, exosomes are a hugely exciting field of regenerative medicine, and their therapeutic potential is only just beginning to be understood.

Most exciting is that these exosomes can be found in umbilical cord blood and tissue which, although usually thrown away as medical waste, can be stored so that your baby has access to their own stem cells that they can use in future therapies.

To learn more about the potential of umbilical cord stem cells and exosomes, contact our specialist team on 01444 873 950 – they’ll be more than happy to help answer any questions you may have.

In the meantime, why not fill out your details below for a free Welcome Pack containing everything you need to know about storing stem cells for your baby.

References

Last month researchers at The Parent’s Guide to Cord Blood Foundation compiled a report about how perinatal stem cells were being employed in clinical trials from 2019 through to the end of 2023. [1]

Perinatal stem cells are those which are collected in and around the perinatal period: the period immediately before and after birth.

These include stem cells from cord blood, cord tissue, the placenta and amnion.

In this blog, we’ll summarise some of their key findings and discuss what they mean in deciding to store stem cells for your baby.

Increase in the number of perinatal stem cell trials, despite COVID-19

In their report, researchers led by Dr Frances Verter point out how clinical trials using umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells in particular reached a peak in 2020 and 2021, the result of accelerated research to help combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

They estimate that during the pandemic (2020-2022), nearly 41% of all advanced cellular therapy trials for COVID-19 relied on perinatal stem cells.

This shows that the number of clinical trials using perinatal stem cells has not only returned to pre pandemic levels, but has actually increased, demonstrating a sustained interest in the clinical and therapeutic application of perinatal stem cells.

(graph courtesy of The Parents Guide to Cord Blood Foundation, https://parentsguidecordblood.org/en/news/2024-update-how-many-clinical-trials-employ-perinatal-sources-stem-cells)

Trials for stem cells derived from placenta and amnion

Dr Verter and her team also point out that there are increasingly prominent roles for perinatal stem cells derived from a variety of sources beyond cord blood and cord tissue, namely: placenta and amnion.

Of the 402 clinical trials focusing on the use of mesenchymal stem cells derived or expanded from perinatal tissues, 9% utilised either placenta, amniotic membrane, or a mixture of a number of different perinatal stem cell sources. For reference, only 4% of trials derived MSCs from cord blood.

Cord tissue trials outpace cord blood trials

Since their last report on the cumulative number of trials through to the end of 2021, Dr Verter and her team found that in the years since, through to the end of 2023, there were 117 new trials utilising cord tissue and 40 new trials utilising cord blood. [2]

A key source of mesenchymal stem cells – which have the ability to differentiate into other specialised cell types such as muscle, nerve, and cartilage cells – cord tissue has once again shown itself to be at the forefront of trials utilising perinatal stem cells.

Of the 402 perinatal stem cell trials using MSCs, 87% of these utilised MSCs derived from cord tissue alone.

Wide array of medical uses for perinatal mesenchymal stem cells

Another significant finding in this report is the sheer array of diagnosis categories that perinatal mesenchymal stem cells are being trialled for.

These medical diagnoses spanned trials for auto-immune disorders, the treatment of different forms of wounds, liver conditions, metabolic and genetic conditions (such as Krabbe disease and Hurler’s syndrome), cancers and blood cancers, and cardio-vascular conditions.

These figures suggest not only an increase in the number of perinatal mesenchymal stem cell trials, but also a broad spectrum of possible treatment applications, making them invaluable in the development of future advanced cellular therapies.

(graph courtesy of The Parents Guide to Cord Blood Foundation, https://parentsguidecordblood.org/en/news/2024-update-how-many-clinical-trials-employ-perinatal-sources-stem-cells)

What does this mean for cord blood banking?

If you’re considering storing stem cells for your baby, the findings of this report are encouraging.

The sustained growth in clinical trials using perinatal stem cells, even beyond the pandemic, highlights the continued and expanding interest in their therapeutic potential.

Cord tissue, in particular, stands out as a critical source of mesenchymal stem cells, which are increasingly being used in a wide range of medical applications, from COVID-19 and neurological conditions to auto-immune disorders and orthopaedic treatments.

The growing use of placental and amniotic stem cells further emphasises the value of preserving these additional perinatal tissues, providing a great chance to maximise your baby’s ability to access future treatments.

With ongoing advancements in cellular therapies and the broad spectrum of diseases being targeted, banking stem cells from your baby’s umbilical cord and placenta could offer valuable opportunities for future medical treatments that go beyond what is available today.

Your baby’s stem cells may play a crucial role in the next generation of medical breakthroughs.

If you’re interested in storing stem cells for your baby, fill out the form below to request a free Welcome Pack. It contains information that will help to shed light on the collection process, our storage services, and the future potential offered by umbilical cord stem cells.

References

One of the questions we get asked most by expectant parents is whether or not cord blood banking is ‘worth it’.

You may have heard about it online, or through a friend, but don’t necessarily know what it entails, or what the benefits are.

In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know—what cord blood banking is, why it matters, the benefits, costs, and whether it’s the right choice for your family.

What is cord blood banking?

Cord blood banking is the process of collecting and storing the precious blood from your baby’s umbilical cord, along with other vital perinatal tissues like the placenta, cord tissue, and amnion.

These tissues are rich sources of two powerful types of stem cell: haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which both have huge therapeutic potential.

Haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs)

HSCs are found in cord blood, and have the ability to differentiate (transform) into all types of blood cells, including white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. This ability makes HSCs well positioned for the treatment of blood disorders like sickle cell anaemia and leukaemia.

HSCs from cord blood are already being used primarily in donor treatments for more than 80 different conditions, including blood cancers like lymphoma, immune disorders like SCID, and blood disorders like aplastic anaemia.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)