¿Qué son las células madre mesenquimales y para qué sirven?

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a type of adult stem cell with exceptional regenerative and restorative properties. These cells have the ability to differentiate into a wide variety of cell types, including bone, cartilage, muscle, and adipose tissue, which makes them a vital component in the field of regenerative medicine and cell therapy.

In addition to their versatility in differentiation, MSCs are valued for their ability to secrete bioactive factors that promote the repair of damaged tissues, the modulation of the immune system, and the reduction of inflammation. This combination of characteristics makes mesenchymal stem cells a promising tool for the treatment of a wide range of diseases and injuries, as well as chronic and degenerative conditions.

What are mesenchymal stem cells?

Unlike embryonic stem cells, mesenchymal cells are a type of "adult" stem cell that plays a key role in the regeneration and repair of tissues within the body. These cells are essential throughout human development, as they are reserved in various tissues and are activated when any damage or sign of degeneration appears.

MSCs are characterized by their multipotent nature, that is, they have the ability to transform into various types of specialized cells. Their potential is mainly manifested in the formation of cells that make up skeletal tissue. For example, they have the ability to specialize into chondrocytes (cartilage cells), osteoblasts (bone cells), and adipocytes (fat cells), each with unique characteristics in shape, structure, and function, and belonging to specific tissues.

MSCs can differentiate and multiply under laboratory conditions (in vitro), which is why they have enormous potential in regenerative medicine applications, a potential that has already been explored for at least a decade with an increasing number of successful cases.

What are mesenchymal stem cells used for?

Mesenchymal stem cells offer numerous benefits due to their ease of isolation and their ability to proliferate without losing their essential properties. These capabilities make them a very valuable therapeutic option for treating diseases such as arthritis and osteoarthritis, as well as for the regeneration of damaged tissues.

In the field of traumatology, the use of stem cell-based therapies has proven effective for treating a variety of conditions, mainly due to their unique ability to regenerate damaged structures and tissues. In particular, joint tissues, such as cartilage, have a very limited capacity for self-repair, which accelerates the progression of degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis. Facing this challenge, stem cells have allowed medicine to evolve from palliative treatments to reconstruction and regeneration strategies, which delay or avoid the need for prosthetic joint replacements.

For example, autologous bone marrow cell transplantation has been successfully applied to promote joint regeneration in cases of osteoarthritis, which is already marking a significant shift in the standard management of this pathology thanks to its promising results.

In addition to their regenerative potential, which includes the promotion of healing, the prevention of cell death, and the stimulation of new blood vessel formation, mesenchymal stem cells have a remarkable immunomodulatory capacity. This has prompted a series of clinical studies to explore their use in the treatment of autoimmune diseases and graft-versus-host disease in transplant patients.

How is treatment with mesenchymal stem cells performed?

The procedure to use mesenchymal stem cells involves their extraction from sources such as bone marrow, adipose tissue, the placenta, or the umbilical cord if the patient has these tissues cryopreserved. In adults, these cells are generally collected through a mini-liposuction or a bone marrow biopsy. Subsequently, the sample is sent to a specialized laboratory, where it is purified and cultured under optimal conditions for its growth and multiplication, replicating the internal environment of the human body.

Over a period of several weeks, the cells are cultured and undergo a selection process to expand them until reaching an amount of approximately 80 million cells.

Advantages of treatment with mesenchymal stem cells

The ability of these cells to offer potentially curative treatments for diseases that previously required chronic medication management is having a major transformative potential in the field of regenerative medicine. Treatment with mesenchymal stem cells presents multiple advantages:

1.- Viability for a wide range of conditions: this treatment is involved in several lines of research for people of any age facing osteoarticular or tendon injuries or conditions that affect their daily life or physical activity, as well as for those seeking to prevent degenerative musculoskeletal or joint diseases. It is particularly useful when conventional methods such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatories, or steroid injections have failed to alleviate symptoms, offering a non-surgical alternative for those who wish to avoid invasive medical procedures.

2.- Ease of isolation and culture: mesenchymal cells are characterized by their ability to be easily isolated and expanded in the laboratory for prolonged periods without losing their properties, which facilitates their handling and application in diverse clinical contexts.

3.- Immunomodulatory properties: mesenchymal stem cells secrete cytokines and possess receptors that can alter the host's immunological microenvironment, offering potential for treating inflammatory and autoimmune diseases by modulating the immune response.

4.- Global interest and applicability: there is growing interest both in the United States and globally in stem cell treatments, which ensures the continuity and expansion of available therapeutic options. The unique characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells open new possibilities not only in specific cell therapies but also in the management of neurodegenerative, autoimmune, and cardiovascular disorders.

Where to find treatment with mesenchymal stem cells in Mexico?

In Mexico, mesenchymal stem cell storage can be found in specialized facilities and regenerative medicine clinics that comply with the regulations and standards established by COFEPRIS.

How much does mesenchymal cell treatment cost in Mexico?

Treatment with mesenchymal stem cells in Mexico, as in other countries, involves a series of standardized stages that include diagnosis, stem cell extraction, their reimplantation, and detailed post-treatment follow-up. This process requires time, experience, and the use of specialized technologies that may incur additional costs for the physician or clinic.

In terms of costs, in North America, the average price of stem cell therapy ranges from $20,000 USD to $25,000 USD, depending on the condition to be treated. However, it can increase significantly.

For orthopedic conditions, such as knee osteoarthritis or rotator cuff tendinitis, the cost tends to be lower, remaining in the range of $5,000 USD to $8,000 USD. A more economical alternative is the use of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), reducing costs compared to more invasive procedures such as bone marrow extraction.

In Mexico, the cost of these treatments can be much more economical than in the United States or Canada.

Fcells is a laboratory specialized in mesenchymal cells endorsed by COFEPRIS in Mexico, and one of the most modern in LATAM. Our facilities comply with the highest quality and safety standards in stem cell culture, offering patients reliable and effective treatments based on the most advanced technology in regenerative medicine.

Request this treatment from your Fcells Specialist physician or contact us, and one of our advisors will gladly provide you with information. Obtain the treatment that could change your life, with the security and confidence of being in the best hands!