Stem cell therapy has been a revolutionary development in the realm of regenerative medicine, offering hope for treating a variety of conditions by harnessing the body’s own repair mechanisms. The most recent development being in the field of fertility. Other advancements in this field of medicine are with the emergence of very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs).
While both stem cell therapy and VSEL therapy involve using the body’s cells for regenerative purposes, the primary difference lies in the type of stem cells used: traditional stem cell therapy typically uses larger, multipotent stem cells derived from other human’s embryos, which bring on some clinical challenges and ethical concerns, or from adult tissues like bone marrow or adipose tissue, which are not as versatile as stem cells from embryos, whereas VSEL therapy utilises very small embryonic-like stem cells, which are pluripotent, smaller in size, and exhibit characteristics similar to embryonic stem cells. These VSEL stem cells allow for potentially broader differentiation capabilities and ethical advantages, filling the gaps of traditional stem cell therapy.
The field of VSEL therapy is still in its nascent stages, but it holds immense potential for transforming regenerative medicine and aesthetics.
What Are Very Small Embryonic-Like Stem Cells (VSELs)?
VSELs are a type of stem cell that, as the name suggests, are extremely small in size and resemble embryonic stem cells in their characteristics. They are found in adult tissues, including bone marrow, and have the unique ability to differentiate into various cell types, much like their embryonic counterparts. The discovery of VSELs has opened up new avenues for regenerative therapies because they combine the pluripotency of embryonic stem cells with the ethical and practical advantages of adult stem cells.
The Research
VSELs were first identified in the early 2000s by a team of researchers led by Dr Mariusz Z Ratajczak. They found these cells in adult bone marrow, noting their small size and embryonic-like characteristics. Initial studies focused on characterising VSELs and understanding their potential. It was discovered that VSELs express markers typically found in embryonic stem cells, suggesting their pluripotency.
Research into how VSELs function and their differentiation pathways has been crucial. Studies have shown that VSELs can differentiate into various cell types, including cardiomyocytes, neurons, and osteoblasts, making them promise for regenerative therapies. Early-stage clinical trials have begun in several countries, focusing on the safety and efficacy of VSELs in treating specific conditions.
Benefits of VSEL Therapy
Regenerative Potential: VSELs can differentiate into various cell types, making them a powerful tool for repairing and regenerating damaged tissues. This capability is particularly beneficial in treating conditions where tissue regeneration is critical, such as heart disease, neurological disorders, and musculoskeletal injuries.
Ethical Advantage: Unlike embryonic stem cells, VSELs are harvested from adult tissues, bypassing the ethical concerns associated with the use of embryonic stem cells. This makes VSEL therapy a more widely acceptable option in many ethical and legal landscapes.
Minimally Invasive: The procedures for harvesting VSELs from adult tissues, such as bone marrow aspiration, are minimally invasive compared to other types of stem cell extraction. This reduces the risk and recovery time for patients.
Reduced Risk of Rejection: Since VSELs can be harvested from the patient’s own body (autologous stem cells), the risk of immune rejection is significantly lowered. This autologous approach enhances the safety and effectiveness of the therapy.
Potential Side Effects
While VSEL therapy holds great promise, it is still in the experimental stages, and potential side effects are an area of active research. Some concerns include:
Tumorigenicity: As with all stem cell therapies, there is a risk that transplanted stem cells could form tumors. Ensuring that VSELs differentiate correctly and do not proliferate uncontrollably is a critical aspect of ongoing research.
Immune Response: Although autologous VSELs reduce the risk of rejection, there is still a potential for immune response, especially if the cells are manipulated outside the body before reintroduction.
Long-term Effects: The long-term effects of VSEL therapy are not yet fully understood. Continuous monitoring and long-term studies are required to ensure the safety and efficacy of this treatment.
Breakthroughs and Current Applications
VSEL therapy is showing promising results in preclinical and early clinical studies:
Cardiovascular Diseases: VSELs have shown potential in regenerating damaged heart tissues following myocardial infarction. Early studies indicate improved cardiac function and reduced scar tissue in treated patients.
Neurodegenerative Disorders: Research is underway to evaluate the effectiveness of VSELs in treating conditions like Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and spinal cord injuries. The ability of VSELs to differentiate into neuronal cells holds promise for repairing and replacing damaged neural tissues.
Diabetes: Studies are exploring the potential of VSELs to regenerate pancreatic beta cells, which could lead to innovative treatments for diabetes, reducing or eliminating the need for insulin injections.
Musculoskeletal Regeneration: VSEL therapy is also being investigated for the regeneration of bone, cartilage, and muscle tissues. This could revolutionise treatments for conditions like osteoporosis, arthritis, and muscle degeneration.
Cancer Research: There is ongoing research into understanding how VSELs can be safely utilised without increasing the risk of cancer. Some studies are focused on ensuring that these cells do not proliferate uncontrollably and contribute to tumor formation.
Aesthetic and Orthopedic Uses: This is where it has the most use to date, due to the success of Stem Cell (PRP) use in both tissue repair and skin rejuvenation. In aesthetics, VSELs are being investigated for their role in skin rejuvenation and hair restoration. Orthopedically, their potential to regenerate bone and cartilage is being explored for treating injuries and degenerative conditions like arthritis.
Very small embryonic-like stem cell therapy represents an exciting frontier in regenerative medicine. With their unique properties and versatile potential, VSELs offer hope for treating a range of debilitating conditions. While there are still challenges to overcome and much to learn, the ongoing research and early breakthroughs suggest that VSEL therapy could become a cornerstone of future medical treatments. As science advances, we can look forward to more refined and effective applications, bringing us closer to realising the full potential of regenerative medicine.
While we are slowly breaking into this field of medicine in Australia, at the forefront are South Korea, Japan, The US and Thailand. RAKxa Wellness Retreat in Bangkok, is one of the most advanced Integrative Wellness Retreats in the world, and offer VSELs therapy for their guests at their VitalLife Scientific Wellness Clinic.
According to Dr. Rataporn Ungpakorn, Aesthetic Dermatologist, VitalLife Scientific Wellness Clinic says “we have very strict protocols, using the guests own cells to reduce any adverse reactions and fully test cells for any abnormalities or infections prior to reinjecting to ensure our guests get the safest treatment and best results as possible.
For more information about Raxka Wellness Retreat visit www.rakxawellness.com
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