The Science

It has been repeatedly demonstrated that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multi-potent and have the ability to differentiate into different tissues including adipose, bone, ligament and cartilage. In addition to the capacity of MSCs for multi-potent differentiation, they also function to create a supportive microenvironment in tissues that facilitates survival and differentiation of resident stem cells. This characteristic is referred to as a stimulatory or “trophic” influence of MSCs on other cells.

Research has been done to determine the secretory molecules produced by MSCs, identifying measurable levels of TGF-β, stem cell factor (SCF), insulin-like growth factor (IGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), and granulocyte colony stimulating factors (G-CSF). Additionally, MSCs secrete immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-10, nitric oxide and prostaglandins. Once in residence in the damage site, MSCs produce an array of bioactive factors that contribute to positive repair outcomes. Once at the site of injury, MSCs produce factors that inhibit scarring (fibrosis) and apoptosis, promote angiogenesis, and stimulate host progenitor cells to divide and differentiate into functional tissue. In this light, MSCs can be thought of as therapeutic protein delivery vehicles that have extensive clinical use.

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is blood plasma that has been enriched with platelets that also contains several different growth factors and other cytokines that stimulate healing of tissue. PRP can be combined with stem cell therapy to further enhance healing. The growth factors and other cytokines present in PRP include: PDGF, IGF, VEGF, TGFβ, FGF, EGF, KGF, CTGF and Interleukin 8.