Treating Ligament Conditions with Umbilical Cord Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Stem cells hold the key to curing previously untreatable conditions. Cellebration Wellness is dedicated to turning this potential into reality. Our team’s pioneering work continues to redefine the limits of what stem cell therapies can achieve.
In the human body, ligaments are the fibrous connective tissue that is responsible for attaching various parts of the body together. Ligaments, also known as connective tissues, provide the connected structures with stability.
Unfortunately, there are many conditions that can negatively affect the functionality of the ligaments in the body. Struggling with any type of ligament disease or disorder can be incredibly difficult. Millions of people around the world are forced to deal with these painful and debilitating conditions.
What are Common Types of Ligament Diseases?
There are several types of ligament conditions and diseases that can affect the body. They can be inherited, brought on by variables in the environment, or, most commonly, they have no recognized cause. Some of the most common connective tissue disorders include:
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Although not specifically a ligament disease, Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most prevalent diseases that have a devastating impact on the connective tissue in the body. In many instances, this disease is inherited. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune illness, which means that the immune system targets the body itself. Within the context of this systemic disease, immune cells will target and inflame the membrane that surrounds the joints. In addition, it can have an effect on the eyes, the heart, and the lungs.
Rotator Cuff Tears
When one or more of the muscles or tendons in the rotator cuff are torn, the tendon no longer connects fully to the head of the humerus (the bone of the upper arm). As the damage gets worse, the tendons and ligaments can sometimes completely tear when lifting something heavy. Damage to the coracohumeral ligament and the superior glenohumeral will have a significant impact on the functionality of the rotator cuff. This condition can lead to arm weakness, problems sleeping, and constant pain in the affected area. In most cases, patients who suffer from rotator cuff disease may have to go through therapy to increase strength and improve flexibility.
Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Injuries
The medial collateral ligament (MCL) connects the inside of the upper shin bone to the inside of the bottom thigh bone. The MCL also holds the shin bone in place. Most injuries to the MCL happen when there is pressure or stress on the outside of the knee. This ligament is often hurt in football when a player gets hit on the outside of the knee.
The MCL can be damaged by a stretch, a partial tear, or a complete tear. ACL and MCL injuries often happen at the same time.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injuries
ACL injuries are tears or sprains of the anterior cruciate ligament, which is a connective tissue band that works to join your thigh bone to your lower leg bone. Most ACL injuries happen in sports like soccer, football, and basketball, where players stop or change direction quickly or have to jump and make hard landings. When an ACL injury happens, a lot of people hear a pop or feel their knee pop. The swelling and instability of an injured knee can make weight-bearing extremely uncomfortable.
Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) Injuries
When the ligaments in the elbow are overworked and/or worn down, this can lead to a tear in the ulnar collateral ligament. UCL tears are most typically seen in baseball pitchers and other athletes that perform frequent and repetitive overarm movements. UCL injuries can be anything ranging from complete tears to damage that is less severe, such as inflammation.
Sprained Ankle
A sprained ankle occurs when one or more of the ligaments that are located on the outside side of the ankle gets stretched or ripped. An ankle sprain presents with several symptoms, the most prominent of which are discomfort, swelling of the ankle, and an inability to put weight on the affected foot. The majority of sprains will heal on their own with the help of rest and the use of ice packs. However, in extreme cases, surgery may be required to help repair the ligaments.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciitis is described as a sharp stabbing pain on the bottom of the foot near the heel. The pain will typically worsen within the first few steps after a person wakes up and begins walking. However, it can also be triggered by standing up for long periods or simply getting up from sitting. This condition occurs when the ligaments on the fascia are torn by stress and tension.
Shoulder Separation
When the ligaments that surround the acromioclavicular (AC) joint in the shoulder are damaged by trauma, a shoulder separation injury can result. These injuries often occur in the area where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade. In severe cases, a portion of the shoulder blade can come loose from its attachment to the collarbone.
What Treatment Options are Available for Ligament Diseases?
Patients who experience painful ligament diseases and conditions may have to go through various treatments to get relief and healing. One of the most common treatments used for this condition includes braces. Patients may have to use knee braces, arm braces, or even shoulder braces throughout the recovery process.
In other instances, physical therapy may be recommended. Patients may experience a slow progression back to their normal way of life. Limiting their movement in order to recover and following RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) can help alleviate the symptoms and promote healing. Doctors will often prescribe anti-inflammatory medication to reduce some of the pain and swelling. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
In recent years, there has been some discussion and several studies conducted concerning the use of umbilical cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells to treat ligament conditions.
What are Umbilical Cord Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells?
Umbilical cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells, also known as UCT-MSCs, are a specific kind of adult stem cells that are isolated from umbilical cord tissue. In particular, researchers extract UCT-MSCs from Wharton's jelly of the umbilical cord. Wharton's jelly is a viscous material that shields the umbilical cord from damage.
This particular type of stem cell is quite exceptional because of its capacity to differentiate into a wide variety of other cell types, such as:
- Adipocytes
- Myocytes
- Chondrocytes
- Hepatocytes
- Osteoblasts
In addition, UCT-MSCs possess remarkable anti-inflammatory characteristics, which gives them the ability to battle various conditions and disorders of the body. Due to the fact that there is no life lost in the process of extracting mesenchymal stem cells from umbilical cord tissue, this method is also regarded as being ethical. They can be removed from the umbilical cord in a risk-free manner, and the process will not have any adverse impact on any individual.
This particular type of stem cell has been demonstrated to be quite useful in the treatment of a wide variety of degenerative and autoimmune conditions. Over the years, we have seen countless studies surrounding the use of umbilical cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells to treat ligament conditions. The studies thus far have proven effective.
Using UCT-MSCs to Treat Ligament Conditions
There are several qualities in umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells that make them ideal for treating ligament conditions. A study conducted in 2021 found that the use of UCT-MSCs were incredibly beneficial in reducing the effects of rheumatoid arthritis due to the inflammation-reduction qualities that these stem cells provided. A study published in 2019 found that the anti-CCP demonstrated decreased levels as well. In addition to this, the joint function index (DAS28) and the health index also went down throughout this time period (HAQ). According to the results of the study, the use of UC-MSCs as a therapeutic alternative is both safe and effective in treating patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The study also determined that the use of MSCs effectively reduced levels of anti-CCP and decreased joint function and health index levels.
Another study published in 2015 found that the use of umbilical cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells to treat ACL tears was effective and that they were able to promote cell adherence onto scaffolds. They were able to promote adherence and proliferation of the cells as well as dramatically increase absolute metabolic cell activity within the affected area, to promote healing and reduce inflammation.
When it comes to treating conditions like planters fasciitis, the use of umbilical cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells was shown to be effective in reducing inflammation and speeding up the recovery time of soft tissue injuries.
A study from 2015 found that the use of mesenchymal stem cells to treat medial collateral ligament tears was effective as well. This study determined that the use of stem cells was effective in regenerative response when it comes to accelerating the healing process and minimizing related injuries that may occur later on.
As demonstrated through the research of umbilical cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells, UC-MSCs have shown potential for treating ligament diseases with their potential to promote healing, reduce inflammation, and improve tissue repair. In light of recent developments in the field of tissue engineering, UCT-MSCs is an exciting new approach that aims to restore the form and function of natural ligaments, and shows promise as a solution to the devastating impact on the ligaments that various diseases can have.
Cellebration Wellness combines cutting-edge science with compassionate care. Reach out to us today at 1.800.601.8290 to explore how we can help you.
