FAQ

A. The stem cells referred to here are mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), not hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Mesenchymal stem cells have the ability to differentiate into various tissues such as bone, cartilage, fat, and muscle, and they are highly effective in reducing inflammation and regenerating damaged tissues. These cells are typically sourced from bone marrow, adipose (fat) tissue, or umbilical cord blood.

Mesenchymal stem cells release signaling substances that activate the body’s natural healing process and help restore damaged tissues. When inflammation occurs or tissues are damaged, these stem cells migrate to the affected area and perform both regeneration and anti-inflammatory functions.

Stem cell therapy is a form of regenerative medicine that uses mesenchymal stem cells to repair tissues that have lost function due to disease or injury. This treatment involves using stem cells harvested from the patient’s own tissue (autologous) or from a donor (allogeneic).

Stem cell therapy plays a crucial role in tissue regeneration and reducing inflammation, enhancing the body’s natural ability to heal and recover.

A. Our bodies contain hundreds of different types of cells, each with its own specific function. Stem cells are primitive cells capable of developing into various types of cells. With their powerful ability to differentiate and replicate, they are often referred to as master cells that sustain our bodies.

Stem cells are categorized into embryonic stem cells, adult stem cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS). Embryonic stem cells have unlimited potential to differentiate into any cell type but are currently limited to research due to ethical and safety concerns. iPS cells, discovered by Nobel laureate Shinya Yamanaka, have been tested in clinical trials for diseases like heart disease and Parkinson’s, but are currently used in limited cases before gaining full approval as treatments.

Adult stem cells can be obtained from an adult’s bone marrow, fat, blood, skin, or from umbilical cord and placenta at birth. Treatments using adult stem cells have been conducted since the early 2000s, with cells cultured in internationally certified labs under the guidance of experienced physicians. However, availability and legal regulations around these treatments vary by country.

Not all stem cells are the same. Their function, source, and even the age of the cells can greatly influence their properties and effectiveness.

A. Through pre-screening, only those who can be treated after the permission of a specialist can receive treatment. Common side effects include “sore at the injection site” or “heart racing for a while” after a normal intravenous injection (ringer). Using specialized equipment, the administration speed of drip injection is adjusted according to the patient’s blood vessel condition and administered safely.

A. Autologous bone marrow stem cell therapy involves extracting stem cells from the patient’s own bone marrow, which eliminates the risk of immune rejection. However, there can be pain during the bone marrow extraction, and the number of viable stem cells is often limited.
On the other hand, umbilical cord stem cell therapy uses mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from a newborn’s umbilical cord, which do not pose any risk of immune rejection. Additionally, there is no pain during the extraction process, and the healthy, young cells from the umbilical cord can be cultured to provide the necessary number of viable cells for effective treatment. It is also known that the therapeutic effects of a single treatment with umbilical cord stem cells are greater compared to autologous bone marrow stem cells.

Thus, umbilical cord stem cell therapy is gaining attention as a more effective and less painful alternative for arthritis treatment.