Cell Matrix Health: FAQs
Q: What is a Stem Cell?
A: Stem cells, produced in the body's bone marrow, have the unique ability to transform into various cell types, acting as a blank slate for regeneration. They can either self-replicate as unspecialized cells or respond to environmental signals that guide their differentiation into skin, muscle, cartilage, tendon, bone, red blood cells, and more. By increasing the supply of these cells in a damaged area, stem cell therapy can significantly enhance the body's natural repair process, potentially leading to full regeneration rather than incomplete healing. We use Mesenchymal stem cells from donated umbilical cords from scheduled c-sections. The women donating their umbilical cords are rigorously screened to ensure we are using the most active and viable umbilical cord stem cells.
Q: Are there different kinds of Stem Cells?
A: There are two main types of stem cells: unlimited (embryonic) stem cells, which can become any cell type and replicate outside the body, and limited (adult) stem cells, which have restricted differentiation potential and must be used immediately or frozen. Cell Matrix Health exclusively offers adult stem cells, specifically Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs), derived from the umbilical cord, from healthy mothers. MSCs not only differentiate into various cell types but also play a crucial role in supporting the immune response.
Q: What is an Exosome?
A: MSC-derived exosomes are nano-sized vesicles released by mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that facilitate cell-to-cell communication by transferring proteins, RNAs, and lipids. They have therapeutic potential in regenerative medicine for tissue repair, wound healing by enhancing cell growth and angiogenesis, and cardiovascular health by improving heart function. Additionally, they are being explored for cancer, kidney disease, and neurodegenerative disorder treatments. Beyond disease treatment, MSC-derived exosomes may also support general health and longevity by promoting cellular repair, reducing inflammation, and enhancing overall tissue function, potentially slowing the aging process.
Q: What are some of the therapies that Regenerative Clinics are offering with Stem Cells and Exosome
A: Regenerative medicine treatments are safe, widely used, and non-controversial, as they utilize adult stem cells. Common procedures include various injections, IV solution treatments, micro-needling, nebulizer treatments, and more. These treatments have shown potential benefits for arthritis, tendon and ligament injuries, fractures, cartilage defects, COPD, kidney failure, stroke, neurodegenerative diseases (MS, ALS, dementia), erectile dysfunction, heart failure, diabetes, diabetic neuropathy, sexual health, cosmetic uses for hair and skin, and overall wellness and longevity.
Q: What kind of Quality Assurance Standards are in place for this product?
A: 10% of each batch is sent out for 3rd party testing. If ONE fails, we discard the ENTIRE batch. All Products are processed in ISO Certified, cGMP compliant cleans rooms that exceed current USA FDA standards. Quality Assurance testing of product complies with screening and testing standards consistent with the American Association of Tissue Banks, cGMP Standards, FDA Regulations and the highest standard level of any regulatory agency, globally.
Q: Is there a risk of rejection?
A: Umbilical cord stem cells do not have MHC 2 markers. Therefore, they do not spark a rejection reaction at all in a non-related recipient.
MSCs do not express major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens of the class II subtype and contain low levels of MHC molecules of the class I subtype. MSCs also lack the co-stimulatory molecules essential for immune detection, including CD40, CD80, and CD86.
Therefore, MSCs generally have low immunogenicity and can avoid immune rejection by the recipient, which serves as the foundation for their successful application without needing to match the donor to the recipient. Scientists call this being “immunologically privileged”.
Q: Are there side effects?
A: Some patients may experience mild flu-like symptoms. Inflammation is a good thing.
Q: Is this FDA approved?
Stem cell therapy is not FDA approved; it is FDA regulated. This is an experimental therapy and there is no guarantee. There are no 100% guarantees in medicine! It is legal and the FDA does not regulate the practice of medicine. Compared to many traditional therapies it is a much better option with less side effects.
Q: How do Stem Cells and Exosomes arrive?
A: Stem Cell and Exosomes product is shipped overnight and packed in dry ice. Our biologics are cryopreserved at -80 degrees Celsius.
Q: What kind of storage is needed to maintain the viability of the Stem Cells and Exosomes?
A: Viability is as follows:
Fridge – 4 weeks
Freezer – 1 year
Cryo Freezer – 2 to 3 years
Exosome Powder – Shelf Stable at room temp storage for up to 2 years.