From the Guidelines
Mesenchymal stem cell therapy has shown promise in improving kidney function and reducing proteinuria in patients with stage 3 and 4 chronic kidney disease, as evidenced by a study where 2 infusions of cord-blood mesenchymal stem cell EVs increased plasma levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy is a form of treatment that utilizes adult stem cells found in bone marrow, fat tissue, and other sources, which can differentiate into various cell types and have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. According to a recent study published in Kidney International in 2025 1, MSC therapy has been found to improve kidney function and reduce proteinuria in patients with stage 3 and 4 chronic kidney disease. The study reported that 2 infusions of cord-blood mesenchymal stem cell EVs increased plasma levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as transforming growth factor-b1 and interleukin-10.
Some key points to consider about MSC therapy include:
- The therapy has shown some effectiveness for conditions like graft-versus-host disease, certain orthopedic applications, and some autoimmune disorders, though results vary significantly between patients.
- Treatment typically involves harvesting cells from the patient or a donor, processing them in a laboratory, and administering them through injection or infusion.
- Side effects are generally mild, including injection site reactions and temporary inflammation, though more serious risks include infection and potential tumor formation.
- The field faces challenges with standardization of cell preparation, optimal dosing, and delivery methods.
It is essential for patients to approach MSC therapy with realistic expectations, understanding that while some may experience significant improvement, others may see minimal benefit. Those interested should seek treatment from reputable medical centers conducting proper clinical trials rather than unregulated clinics making exaggerated claims. As the field of MSC therapy continues to evolve, it is crucial to rely on the most recent and highest-quality studies, such as the one published in Kidney International in 2025 1, to inform treatment decisions and ensure the best possible outcomes for patients.
From the Research
Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy
- Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as a relevant strategy in regenerative medicine due to their multipotent differentiation capacity, immunomodulatory properties, and therapeutic applications in various medical fields 2.
- MSCs have been used in the clinic for approximately 10 years, with promise in the treatment of numerous diseases, mainly tissue injury and immune disorders 3.
Efficacy of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy
- Current data suggests that MSCs may not only replace diseased tissues, but also exert several trophic, regenerative, and anti-inflammatory effects 4.
- Efficacy can be seen for specific indications, including graft-vs-host-disease, strongly Th17-mediated autoimmune diseases, and osteoarthritis, which are more robustly supported by mechanistic preclinical evidence 5.
- Clinical trials have published results showing positive outcomes with no serious adverse effects, indicating a broad potential for the clinical use of MSCs 6.
Challenges and Future Directions
- Challenges remain regarding standardization, long-term safety, and potential tumorigenic risks associated with MSC therapy 2.
- Future research should focus on refining MSC-based treatments to enhance efficacy and minimize risks, as well as conducting large-scale clinical trials to validate MSC-based interventions 2, 5.
- New products such as cell-free exosomes and human pluripotent stem cell-derived MSCs are exciting developments to further prevalent use of MSC therapy 5.