With Stem Cell Therapy becoming a growing topic within the medical community, there are bound to be many questions about what the protocols and procedures entail. Stem cell research has historically been a controversial subject, but research has shown that it is possible to harvest and utilize these powerful cells in increasingly more ethical, easier, and successful ways. To put your mind at ease, here are 5 common misconceptions about stem cell therapy that we’ve debunked for you.
1. Stem cells are unethical
When some people hear “stem cells”, they instantly think that they are derived from fetuses. We DO NOT use embryonic stem cells- rather, we use adult stem cells. “Adult stem cells can be found in plentiful amounts throughout an adult’s body from sources like muscle tissue, organs (including the heart, lungs, etc.), bone marrow and fat.” [1] At Regeneris Medical, we use the patient’s very own adult adipose (fat) cells by way of a mini-liposuction in which we attain only 50 mL of fat- all under local anesthesia.
You can rest assured knowing that there are no ethical issues with our protocol.
2. Stem cell research is illegal
Stem cell research is not illegal. It is in fact becoming a mainstay within medical and research communities because it has shown promising results that are to be further studied. [2]
Researchers “must follow the guidelines from both federal and state legislation. At the federal level, stem cell research is regulated by organizations like the FDA and the National Institutes of Health. In addition to these guidelines, individual states may further regulate the use and research of stem cells.” [3]
3. It is possible that your body will reject stem cell therapy
Not with us- because we use the patient’s own stem cells, there is no risk of rejection. Your adipose cells are autologous, which means that your body will take to the treatment without risks of rejection.
4. The best source for stem cells is Bone Marrow
One group of stem cells that are sought after during harvesting are called mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Although Bone marrow contains MSCs, “this category of cell can be found in adipose (fat) tissue at nearly 2000 times the frequency of bone marrow.” [4]
Discoveries in recent years have suggested that adult stem cells might have the ability to differentiate into cell types from different germ layers. Mesenchymal stem cells or MSCs are multipotent stromal cells that can differentiate into a variety of cell types including: osteoblasts (bone cells), chondrocytes (cartilage), connective tissues and adipocytes (fat cells). This phenomenon is referred to as stem cell transdifferentiation or plasticity.
Another important differentiation between adipose derived stromal cells and stem cells from marrow lies in the fact that harvested fat cells retain many of the surrounding perivascular cells and tissue which have also been shown to have a huge regenerative and autoimmune effect through cell-cell interactions. (Alexander, R.W. (2012). Understanding Adipose-derived Stromal Vascular Fraction (AD-SVF) Cell Biology and Use on the Basis of Cellular, Chemical, Structural and Paracrine Components: A Concise Review. Journal of Prolotherapy, 2012, vol. 4, pp.855-869.). These effects are lost when marrow derived stem cells are obtained.
Our adipose-harvesting protocol is not only much easier on the patient, but has shown to be effective as well.
5. Stem cells give you superpowers
Not quite. Stem cell therapy can do wonders for a growing number of ailments- thus helping patients to be able to get back to doing most (if not all) activities they once did before their afflictions.
In that regard, patients may feel like they have super powers!
Who benefits from stem cell therapy? Change your life today:
Treatments using stem cell therapy are not exhaustive and growing in number. Take a look at our medical specialties if you think that you may benefit from stem cell therapy…
- Orthopedics
- Anti-Aging
- Hair Restoration
- Neurological and Autoimmune Disorders
- Sexual Wellness
- Cardiac and Pulmonary Conditions
Contact Us
Take control of your life today- call us at (855) 734-3678
Sources:
[1] https://okyanos.com/stem-cell-therapy-myths/
[2] https://health.clevelandclinic.org/2014/03/busting-4-myths-about-stem-cell-research/
[3] https://www.corcell.com/blog/5-stem-cell-myths-debunked/
[4] https://okyanos.com/stem-cell-therapy-myths/
DISCLAIMER
Regeneris Medical® and affiliates do not claim that stem cell treatments or cellular therapies are a cure for any condition or disease. Adipose-derived stem cell therapies are investigational and are not a part of FDA-approved stem cell therapies. The information and opinions on this website are for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for advice from a medical professional. If you think you could benefit from stem cell therapies, we suggest patients research relevant information in addition to the information on our site. Be sure to consult a physician before deciding to participate in any investigational therapies.