Stem cells are medicinal and a promising solution for slowing and potentially reversing certain elements of aging. These cells have the ability to home to sites of injury or disease and secrete growth factors and other intercellular signaling that can either stimulate or suppress the immune system1. They help call to action the body’s innate ability to regenerate damaged tissue and improve cellular function, which may lead to the reduction of age-related changes.
As we age, our stem cell numbers reduce and the function of our stem cells declines which decreases their regenerative capacity to effect conditions associated with inflammation, frailty, osteoarthritis, and atherosclerosis. Although we all
Credit: Chang et al, Chin Med J 2022;135(8); 901-910.
decline with age, this creates the opportunity to take advantage of culturing (growing human cells in a certified laboratory that consistently and reproducibly expands stem cells) one’s own cells to ward off certain conditions that come with aging. Essentially restoring, reinvigorating your supply of your own stem cells, and enabling your body to repair and treat joints, bones, tissues, and organs.
Throughout our lives, our genetics, stress, injuries, and environmental exposures will impact our health at different rates. Thus, in the future it is quite plausible that each of us will require individual stem cell treatment plans that address our specific health issues and needs. You can think of this as stem cell supplementation, but with your own cells! In order to be prepared for such a future, we need to bank our stem cells as early as possible. Storing our stem cells while we are in good health will ensure our younger self for life, because banked cells never age and will remain viable for an extensive length of time.
As an example, in a great review article, Chang2 states, “In terms of anti-aging effects, the efficacy of ADMSCs in aging skin has been proven. ADMSCs (adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells) can differentiate into keratinocytes, dermal fibroblasts, and other skin cells to repair damaged and apoptotic cells or stimulate cell regeneration through paracrine action.” In other words, adipose stem cells help rejuvenate your skin! Hair regrowth using proteins secreted by adipose stem cells is also being reported in research trials with good results3.
As the science of aging expands its knowledge of all the changes and challenges of aging, the use of stem cells for anti-aging will become one of the standards of care.
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