How Stem Cells Can Help Reverse Aging?
Can stem cell therapy delay the effects of aging? Is there any evidence?
As of March 2023, there are more than 250 scientific publications related to stem cell and anti-aging on PubMed.gov. That said, there is also a lot of confusion due to the overwhelming mixing of credible scientific information and marketing hypes available on the internet.
Aging is a natural process that affects everyone. As we age, our skin loses its elasticity, wrinkles form, and we may experience a decline in cognitive function and other physical changes. While there is no way to stop the aging process, researchers are looking for ways to slow down or reverse its effects. One promising area of research is the use of stem cells for anti-aging.
There are also various stem cell products in the global market. However, not all of the products contain 'live' stem cells. Live stem cells need to be administered intra-venously or intra-muscularly in order to reach the target organ/s. Stem cells that are taken by the oral route will be digested and broken down in the stomach.
In this blog post, we'll explore the latest research on how stem cells can help reverse the signs of aging.
What Are Stem Cells and How Do They Work?
Before we dive into the benefits of stem cells for anti-aging, it's important to understand what stem cells are and how they work. Stem cells are unique cells that have the ability to develop into different types of cells in the body, such as skin cells, muscle cells, or nerve cells. Stem cells are also capable of dividing and renewing themselves, which means they can continuously replenish the body's supply of cells. This regenerative capacity makes stem cells a promising tool for anti-aging treatments.
To learn more about the basics of stem cells, check out stem cell basics.
What Causes Aging?
The human ageing process is a complex and multifactor process. We have uncovered top 10 key mechanisms based on our research and review on the scientific literature.
5. Genomic Changes: During aging, our DNA becomes damaged, and telomeres become shorter and dysfunctional, especially in stem cells and fast-dividing cells.
10. Crosslinking: As we grow older, sugar-derived bonds, or crosslinks, are formed between the proteins that make up our tissues, making tissues more stiff.
1. Mitochondrial Dysfunction: During aging, mitochondria – the power plants of our cells – become dysfunctional.
2. Dysfunctional and lack of stem cells: With age, stem cells become dysfunctional or die off, leading to our tissues being less replenished & maintained.
3. Loss of Proteostasis: Over time, more and more proteins accumulate inside and outside our cells, interfering with their proper functioning.
4. Altered Cellular Communication: When we get older, our cells become increasingly exposed to a hostile environment, characterized by inflammation, senescent cells, dysfunctional stem cells, and deleterious substances.
5. Genomic Changes: During aging, our DNA becomes damaged, and telomeres become shorter and dysfunctional, especially in stem cells and fast-dividing cells.
6. Epigenetic Changes: During aging, the epigenome – the molecular machinery that regulates our genes’ activity – becomes disorganized.
7. Telomere Shortening: As we age, the ends of DNA, known as telomeres, get shorter and cannot protect DNA any longer.
8. Dysregulated Nutrient Sensing: During aging, our cells become less tuned to nutrient signals, which disrupts a cell’s ability to produce energy.
9. Cellular Senescence: Senescent cells are former healthy cells that stopped dividing and secrete substances that damage healthy surrounding cells.
How Stem Cells Can Reverse the Signs of Aging
One of the main reasons why stem cells are effective for anti-aging is that they can help regenerate damaged tissue and promote the growth of new cells. As we age, the production of new cells in our body slows down, and the existing cells become damaged and lose their function. Stem cells can help reverse this process by generating new, healthy cells and repairing damaged tissue.
For example, stem cell therapy has been shown to be effective in treating age-related macular degeneration, a condition that causes vision loss in older adults. Stem cells can help regenerate the damaged cells in the retina and restore vision.
Stem cells can also help improve the appearance of aging skin. As we age, the collagen and elastin fibers in our skin break down, leading to wrinkles and sagging. Stem cells can help promote the growth of new collagen and elastin fibers, which can improve the skin's elasticity and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
For example, stem cell therapy has been shown to be effective in treating age-related macular degeneration, a condition that causes vision loss in older adults. Stem cells can help regenerate the damaged cells in the retina and restore vision.
Stem cells can also help improve the appearance of aging skin. As we age, the collagen and elastin fibers in our skin break down, leading to wrinkles and sagging. Stem cells can help promote the growth of new collagen and elastin fibers, which can improve the skin's elasticity and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Stem Cell Therapy for Anti-Aging Research Update
Stem cell therapy for anti aging is an ongoing topic of research and is considered experimental by the medical community. Is there any evidence that stem cell therapy for anti aging is effective and safe?Despite the fact that there are many published studies on stem cell therapy for anti-aging, major media has been slow to report the findings.
Journal of Gerontology - The results of 2 clinical studies, published in The Journals of Gerontology, showed how a type of adult stem cell called mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) could reverse the effects of aging.
The first trial involved 15 frail patients, each received single MSC infusion of stem cells collected from adult bone marrow donors aged between 20 and 45 years old. The patients exhibited improved overall quality of life and fitness, as well as diminished tumor necrosis factor levels. The second trial was a double-blind, randomized study involving a placebo group. Aside from noting no adverse effects, the research team found the improvements to be “remarkable.”
Longeveron Inc. (NASDAQ: LGVN) ("Longeveron" or the "Company"), a clinical stage biotechnology company developing cellular therapies for chronic aging-related and certain life-threatening conditions, announced today publication of the design and rationale from its recently completed Phase 2b aging frailty clinical trial with Lomecel-B in the Journal of Frailty and Aging. This peer-reviewed article describes the design of the trial which investigated Lomecel-B, a living cell therapy product, as a regenerative medicine strategy for the treatment of frailty in older adults.
As a life-threatening geriatric condition, aging frailty affects up to 15% of Americans over the age of 65, or 8.1 million individuals, and manifests as a loss of muscle and decreased strength, slowed walking, low activity and energy levels, poor endurance, nutritional deficiencies, weight loss and fatigue.
“There is increasing recognition of the unmet medical need in treating and preventing frailty in older adults, and we feel the acceptance of our trial design and rationale for publication in this prestigious, peer-reviewed journal reflects the urgency to develop potential new therapies,” said Geoff Green, CEO of Longeveron.
The publication by Longeveron Senior Scientist Dr. Anthony Oliva and colleagues is titled “The Design and Rationale of a Phase 2b, Randomized, Double-Blinded, and Placebo-Controlled Trial to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Lomecel-B in Older Adults with Frailty,” and is accessible here (https://link.springer.com/article/10.14283/jfa.2022.2) This trial was designed and conducted in partnership with the National Institute on Aging. The results of the trial were previously announced by the Company on August 13th, 2021.
A typical anti-aging stem cell therapy will include the following:
Cautionary Remarks
In real medicine, results are not guaranteed and there are no cure-alls. Real research is published in peer-reviewed journals, and you can search the journals via PubMed or Google Scholar.
As a life-threatening geriatric condition, aging frailty affects up to 15% of Americans over the age of 65, or 8.1 million individuals, and manifests as a loss of muscle and decreased strength, slowed walking, low activity and energy levels, poor endurance, nutritional deficiencies, weight loss and fatigue.
“There is increasing recognition of the unmet medical need in treating and preventing frailty in older adults, and we feel the acceptance of our trial design and rationale for publication in this prestigious, peer-reviewed journal reflects the urgency to develop potential new therapies,” said Geoff Green, CEO of Longeveron.
The publication by Longeveron Senior Scientist Dr. Anthony Oliva and colleagues is titled “The Design and Rationale of a Phase 2b, Randomized, Double-Blinded, and Placebo-Controlled Trial to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Lomecel-B in Older Adults with Frailty,” and is accessible here (https://link.springer.com/article/10.14283/jfa.2022.2) This trial was designed and conducted in partnership with the National Institute on Aging. The results of the trial were previously announced by the Company on August 13th, 2021.
Stem Cell Therapy for Anti Aging Cost
As a guide, the cost of mesenchymal stem cells for anti aging may cost around $10,000.
As a guide, the cost of mesenchymal stem cells for anti aging may cost around $10,000.
A typical anti-aging stem cell therapy will include the following:
- Consultation
- Medical Check Up plus laboratory investigations
- Infusion of 100 million MSC (mesenchymal stem cells), usually umbilical cord origin (allogeneic)
- Post treatment stem cell supplements
- Post treatment assessment and follow-up
Sources of Stem Cells
For anti-aging purposes, most stem cell therapy centres will use stem cells sourced from post-natal Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) which can differentiate into variety of cells of most organs such as muscles, blood cells, neurons, intestinal cells, pancreatic cells and liver cells.
For anti-aging purposes, most stem cell therapy centres will use stem cells sourced from post-natal Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) which can differentiate into variety of cells of most organs such as muscles, blood cells, neurons, intestinal cells, pancreatic cells and liver cells.
Why Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs)?
- Extensive cell proliferation which can generate large quantities.
- Differentiation capability to become desired cell type as opposed to blood (hematopoietic) stem cells (which are already differentiated).
- Immune privilege which does not cause immune rejection.
- Potential benefits include but not limited to greater energy and stamina, improved memory, improved libido, less bone and joint pains, firmer skin and new coarser and darker hair.
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Cautionary Remarks
In real medicine, results are not guaranteed and there are no cure-alls. Real research is published in peer-reviewed journals, and you can search the journals via PubMed or Google Scholar.
Conclusion
Stem cells offer a promising avenue for anti-aging treatments. The regenerative capacity of stem cells can help reverse the signs of aging by promoting the growth of new cells and repairing damaged tissue.
Please remember that this article is not a substitute for medical advice from a qualified medical doctor.
Related: Best Stem Cell Centers in Asia
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