Over 4 out of 5 osteoarthritis (OA) patients suffer from chronic knee pain. More than 595 million OA patients were recorded in 2020. This covers 7% of the global population.
Chronic knee pain affects millions of people but it can be easily treated with stem cell therapy for osteoarthritis.
Mesenchymal stem cells are used as a regenerative medicine in stem cell therapy to heal knee pain. More than 70% of patients treated with MSCs live pain-free lives.
Moreover, it is a painless alternative to invasive knee replacement surgeries.
In this blog, we will explain the differences between stem cell and exosome therapy and their respective treatment benefits for knee OA patients.
What is Knee Osteoarthritis?
Knee OA is a serious degenerative condition that impacts the joints. The cartilages of knee joints erode and the bones rub against each other. It causes swelling, redness, and severe pain.
Damage to the cartilage can limit movement. The knees will lose muscle strength and weaken. This disrupts your regular activities and walking abilities.
You can experience a wide range of discomfort while stretching, walking, running, or bending. Inflammation is a natural response of the body to heal injuries or infections. However, in chronic cases of OA, inflammation in the knees will cause swelling, stiffness, and pain.
OA is categorized into primary and secondary classes. The cause of the disease is classified as the type of osteoarthritis. Primary OA is linked to natural factors such as aging while secondary OA can be externally inflicted.
Knee osteoarthritis affects people regardless of their age or gender.
If you have a lineage history of knee pain, it is likely to develop knee OA due to heredity. Sports-related injuries or work-related injuries tear down the knee cartilage and impact bone strength and density.
Furthermore, excessive iron content in the body or hormonal imbalance can inflict OA.
Knee OA can be diagnosed with X-rays. Other physical examinations may be required as well based on the doctor’s instructions.
Stem Cells vs. Exosomes: A Complete Overview
Stem cells are unique building blocks present in the body. They have repair and regenerative abilities.
Exosomes are vesicles released from stem cells. They circulate heredity information and proteins to cells.
MSC-derived exosomes are cell-free liquids that contain microbial metabolites and nutrients. It is centrifuged to remove debris before collection.
Exosomes provide thrice as many growth factors as stem cells. This improves the ability to restore damaged stem cells.
Differences between Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) and MSC-Derived Exosomes
Exosome therapy for knee osteoarthritis does not use donor cells in the body. They are extracted from donated human MSCs and sterilized. The MSC exosome solution includes proteins, messenger-RNA, lipids, and cytokines.
Stem Cell and Exosome Therapy Similarities
Therapies using MSC or exosomes are given to patients using intravenous (IV) methods through the veins or with direct injections in the affected area.
Benefits of Exosome Therapy
- Exosomes improve stem cell communication and stimulation for healing
- Exosome therapy is a targeted and minimally invasive treatment for knee osteoarthritis
Role of MSC-Derived Exosomes in Reversing Knee OA
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are found in blood, cerebrospinal fluid, saliva, bile, synovial fluid, and urine.
Exosomes are the most competitive EVs released by cells. The immunity system is compatible due to its cell-based origin and possesses immunomodulatory properties. Additionally, exosomes are protected with a double-layered membrane that is known as lipid rafts. It allows them to reach deep within tissues. Furthermore, components of exosomes can stop arthritic inflammation that prevents the development of OA. Downregulation of iNOS and COX2 stops the production of HMGB1 and provides relief from OA. Exosomes regenerate damaged cartilage in the joints with chondrocyte activation. Other exosome factors promote cell multiplication, growth, and differentiation. Also, MSC-derived exosomes promote the bone-formation abilities of bone marrow MSCs. It helps to regenerate bones, and tissues, and heal bone deformities.
The paracrine impacts of MSCs derived from human umbilical cord tissues (Wharton’s Jelly) in stem cell therapy are a cornerstone for regenerative healthcare.
Due to the cell-based origins of exosomes, they have the same properties three times more than stem cells. Some of the properties include immunomodulation, natural regeneration, anti-inflammatory, and swift action. However, the therapeutic effects differ based on the patient’s condition and severity.
Stem Cell Treatment Benefits for Knee Pain
Stem cell therapy for knees is given to patients who are looking for long-term relief from chronic pain. Therapy using MSC-derived exosomes follows the same interventions as stem cells. Here are the treatment benefits –
- Heals and regenerates damaged joint cartilage
- Provides relief from pain
- Stops inflammation
- Improves joint muscle strength
- Restores mobility
- Reinstates independence of activities
- Prevents the requirement for knee replacement surgeries
- Safe administration after health analysis
- No potential side effects of treatment
- Enhances the formation of blood vessels
- Releases cytokines to stop cartilage degeneration
- Promotes self-healing compared to invasive methods
The benefits of stem cells and exosomes and the time needed to heal from injuries and knee pain vary from one individual to another. Several factors such as age, weight, height, medical history, and patient’s gender determine the effect of treatment.
Takeaway
Put aside your worries and take action today. Stop knee pain from preventing you from participating in your favorite activities or sports. Heal from knee OA with holistic treatment approaches.
The Life Altering Stem Cell Therapy Institute is one of the best clinics in Mexico. We are an American-owned healthcare provider with certified doctors experienced in stem cell therapy to treat a wide range of autoimmune, cardiovascular, and neurological diseases apart from chronic pain.
Talk to our doctors today and become stronger than your pain!
