Revolutionizing Kidney Disease Treatment with Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Possible Applications in Renal Diseases. Mesenchymal stem cells comprise a set of cells present throughout life in countless niches, characterized by their potential for unlimited replication and the ability to differentiate into mature cells of tissues.
However, the therapeutic potential of these cells is mainly associated with their ability to halt inflammation and initiate tissue and organ regeneration.
Due to these properties, mesenchymal stem cells (derived from bone marrow, subcutaneous adipose tissue, and other locations in the body). They are being investigated for treating kidney diseases in which inflammation plays a key role.
The most advanced studies, including the first clinical trials, focus on damaged kidney injury, kidney transplantation, lupus, and diabetic nephropathies. Beneficial results have been observed from the cells themselves, as well as from their culture medium.
Findings from the study imply that mesenchymal stem cells act through secreted factors. Research in the coming years will focus on this study as a potential therapeutic agent without carcinogenic potential.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects approximately 10% of the general population. Leading to a deterioration in quality of life and premature death from cardiovascular complications.
On one hand, chronic kidney failure arises as a consequence of continuous kidney damage and scarring in diseases as common as high blood pressure, diabetes, or nephrolithiasis.
On the other hand, incidents of acute kidney injury instigate or exacerbate chronic kidney disease. Due to aggressions such as ischemia, infection, autoimmune diseases, reactions, or toxins such as radiological contrast and medications.
Stem Cell Therapies May Lead to Possible Applications in Renal Diseases
The possibilities of pharmacological prevention or attenuation of chronic kidney failure are limited to controlling cardiovascular risk factors (usually suboptimal). Avoiding potential kidney toxins (often unfeasible), or causal treatment of acute kidney injury whenever possible.
In light of medical advances in other areas. This shortage of therapeutic options generates understandable frustration among patients and their physicians.
Stem cell-based therapies may lead to the expected advance in the treatment of kidney diseases. As expressed in the EuroStemCell article “Kidney diseases: how can stem cells help?”.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells May Replace Damaged Kidney Cells.
The potential applications of MSCs in renal diseases mainly exploit their secretory capabilities and aim to improve natural regenerative processes in the context of acute kidney injury. In the bolder perspective, even induce such processes in chronic kidney diseases.
On the other hand, researchers can use MSCs to grow kidney cells in vitro, replacing damaged native cells.
In this context, cultures of kidney fragments (organoids) with subsequent implantations, despite all the technical complexity.
Thirdly, leveraging the immunomodulatory properties of Mesenchymal Stem Cells can play a significant role in treating inflammatory kidney disease. Such as primary and secondary glomerulonephritis, or in preventing rejection of the transplanted kidney.
Finally, the urinary isolation of cells that are functionally similar to Mesenchymal Stem Cells can significantly increase the availability of material for all these therapeutic options in possible applications in renal diseases.
Finally, If you want to know more, visit our article on What Are Stem Cells.
