Stem Cell Therapy
Stem Cell Therapy
Where do the stem cells come from?
Human amniotic membrane and amniotic fluid are human tissue allograft comprised of the innermost layer of the placenta and lines the amniotic cavity. It is composed of multiple types of collagen, a structural extracellular matrix (ECM), growth factors, cytokines, and other specialty protiens that enhance healing.
These tissues are donated by mothers delivering healthy babies by scheduled Caesarean section. All amniotic stem cell donors go through a rigorous screening process, as determined by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB).
For clarification, this type of stem cell comes from the amniotic sac – not an embryo. While many people may have ethical issues with embryonic stem cell therapy, most everyone agrees that the use of amniotic stem cell therapy raises no ethical or moral questions.
How does amniotic stem cell therapy work?
Amniotic fluid, in utero, naturally functions to protect, cushion and lubricate. Key elements of amniotic fluid include growth factors, carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, electrolytes, and other nutrients, as well as hyaluronic acid (HA), a principle component that provides viscosity and lubrication in the synovial fluid that surrounds joints.
Stem cell treatment takes advantage of the body’s ability to repair itself. With amniotic stem cell therapy, the physician injects stem cells from amniotic tissues into your body. These stem cells have anti-inflammatory properties, similar to cortisone and steroid shots. However, stem cell therapy goes far beyond the benefits of standard “injection therapy.”
What benefits does amniotic stem cell therapy offer?
While cortisone and other drugs only provide temporary pain relief, stem cells actually restore degenerated tissue while providing pain relief. The growth factors in amniotic stem cells may replace damaged cells in your body. Additionally, stem cell injections contain hyaluronic acid, which lubricates joints and tendons, easing the pain and helping restore mobility.
Amniotic membrane stem cell injections may be used to successfully treat patients with osteoarthritis, tendonitis, ligament sprains and tears, and other soft tissue ailments.
Are stem cell injections safe?
Yes. The body’s immune system is unable to recognize these stem cells as foreign and therefore they are not rejected. These stem cells have been administered tens of thousands of times and there has never been a single instance of rejection (graft vs. host disease).
Amnion-derived mesenchymal stem cells also proliferate/differentiate more efficiently than “older” cells, such as those found in the fat and therefore, they are considered to be more “potent”.