Covid-19 patients are treated with stem cells
A study published in Aging and Disease* shows the effect of treatment with mesenchymal stem cells, MSC (the same type of stem cells found in umbilical cord tissue) against a deadly immune response caused by COVID-19.
The Corona virus enters the host cell by binding to a receptor on the cells in the blood vessels. Viruses cannot enter any cells, but only those whose receptors are suitable for the virus in question. It explains why the Corona virus attacks the capillary-pierced lungs along with other organs, such as the kidneys, which in severe cases cause death. The body then responds as soon as the immune system recognizes that there are invaders and sends a number of different cell types and antibodies to try to destroy the virus. The result is a battlefield in every organ affected by the virus, between our immune system and the virus. In the case of COVID-19, the intensity of the battle can trigger a devastating immune reaction.
Mesenchymal stem cells (also known as mesenchymal stromal cells) are multipotent cells that can differentiate into multiple cell types, such as bone, cartilage, and fat. They are also known for their special and powerful immune-regulating abilities, which has even led researchers to propose that mesenchymal cells should be considered immune cells. MSC is found in bone marrow, fat and other tissue. The youngest and most powerful mesenchymal stem cells are isolated from umbilical cord tissue, namely Wharton’s jelly.
The study
The researchers recruited seven patients with COVID-19: two with common infections, four with severe infections and one with a critically severe infection; everyone was aged 45 to 65. There was also a control group of three patients with severe COVID-19 infections. Mesenchymal stem cells were transplanted intravenously to the study group patients, the control group received no stem cell treatment, but the normal course of the disease was closely observed.
The result
One patient from the control group remained in serious condition, another developed acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS, shock lung) and the third died. In the study group, the group treated with stem cells, all patients with both common and severe infections recovered. The critically ill patient became so much better that they could leave the intensive care with a common infection.
Although most COVID-19 patients eventually recover, it usually takes much longer time, especially for critically ill patients.
* http://www.aginganddisease.org/EN/10.14336/AD.2020.0228
Source: Transplantation of ACE2- Mesenchymal Stem Cells Improves the Outcome of Patients with COVID-19 Pneumonia
Leng Zikuan, Zhu Rongjia, Hou Wei, Feng Yingmei, Yang Yanlei, Han Qin, Shan Guangliang, Meng Fanyan, Du Dongshu, Wang Shihua, Fan Junfen, Wang Wenjing, Deng Luchan, Shi Hongbo, Li Hongjun, Hu Zhongjie, Zhang Fengchun, Gao Jinming, Liu Hongjian, Li Xiaoxia, Zhao Yangyang, Yin Kan, He Xijing, Gao Zhengchao, Wang Yibin, Yang Bo, Jin Ronghua, Stambler Ilia, Wei Lim Lee, Su Huanxing, Moskalev Alexey, Cano Antonio, Chakrabarti Sasanka, Min Kyung-Jin, Ellison-Hughes Georgina, Caruso Calogero, Jin Kunlin, Chunhua Zhao Robert. Transplantation of ACE2- Mesenchymal Stem Cells Improves the Outcome of Patients with COVID-19 Pneumonia[J]. , 2020, 0(0): 216-228