Stem Cells: Anti-Aging Treatment Breakthrough in 2023?

Louis A. Cona, MD
Updated on
May 12, 2023

Can stem cell therapy cure aging? This article looks at the possible benefits of stem cell therapy in regard to slowing the aging process and its rise in popularity throughout 2022.

Stem Cells: Anti-Aging Treatment Breakthrough in 2023?

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Anti-aging effects of stem cells

Our current knowledge of human stem cells makes it feasible to delay aging and improve health and lifespan. Stem cell treatments can play a crucial role in delaying the aging process. Together with anti-aging genes, a stem cell infusion can create a sophisticated shield that can prevent or slow the effects of aging.

Increased wear and tear of the body’s natural stem cells increases cellular damage and accelerates the natural aging process. Stem cell therapy combined with anti-aging genes can potentially absorb the process of cellular aging.

Regenerative stem cell therapy rejuvenates existing cell types

Introducing “youthful” human stem cells into the body can rejuvenate existing cells and allow the body to age more gracefully & even reverse some effects of the aging process. As we age, our cells get sick and die. When a cell dies, it creates a cascade of events, leading to inflammation and disease that can decrease the human lifespan. There are several ways in which stem cells may be able to delay aging, including:

  1. Regenerating damaged tissue: Stem cells can differentiate into various cell types and can be used to replace damaged tissue, potentially reversing the effects of aging.
  2. Enhancing repair mechanisms: Stem cells can stimulate the production of growth factors and other signaling molecules that can enhance the body's repair mechanisms, helping to maintain healthy tissue and delay the onset of age-related changes.
  3. Modulating the immune system: Stem cells may have immune-modulatory effects, which could help to maintain a healthy immune system and delay the onset of age-related immune dysfunction.
  4. Reducing inflammation: Some studies have suggested that stem cells may have anti-inflammatory effects, which could help reduce the chronic low-grade inflammation associated with aging.
  5. Protecting against oxidative stress: Stem cells may be able to protect against oxidative stress, which is a process that can lead to cell damage and is thought to play a role in aging.

Artists depiction of stem cell line in the human body

The benefits of stem cell therapies for aging

  • A feeling of vitality and rejuvenation 
  • Improved capacity for physical activities
  • Thickening and improved quality of hair
  • Increased libido
  • A decrease in pain
  • Increased strength, balance & overall mobility
  • Enhanced immunity 
  • Overall improvement in the quality of life
  • Immune system regulation

Stem cell research surrounding aging

It is important to note that stem cell research is an active area of study, and more research is needed to understand the potential of stem cells to delay aging entirely.

"With our current knowledge of stem cells, it may be possible to test interventions that significantly delay aging." 

Many environmental factors accelerate aging, such as stress, pollution, lifestyle, injuries, disease, and exposure to toxins. A recently published study reviewed the evidence that delaying and reversing aging in cells is feasible. Epigenetic (non-genetic influences on gene expression) changes drive aging, and reversing these changes extends lifespan. (1) Epigenetic control of gene expression occurs by chemical modification of DNA. Aging can be delayed by choosing an active lifestyle and decreasing harmful environmental factors. 

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What are stem cells?

Stem cells are the body's raw materials from which all other cells with specialized functions are created. Stem cells are unspecialized cells that have not yet “decided” what type of adult cell they will be. They can self-renew, make two new types of stem cell, and differentiate to make multiple types of cells.   When a stem cell divides, the two daughter cells that result may be stem cells, a stem cell and a more differentiated cell, or both more differentiated cells. The mechanism that regulates the balance between these types of divisions to ensure that an appropriate number of stem cells is maintained within a given tissue is not yet fully understood.

There are several different types of stem cells, including:

  1. Embryonic stem cells (ESCs)
  2. Adult stem cells (ASCs)
  3. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)

1. Embryonic Stem Cells (Pluripotent stem cells)

An embryonic stem cell (ESC) is a type of stem cell derived from the inner cell mass of a blastocyst, which is a very early stage of development in the embryo. Embryonic stem cells are located in the inner cell mass and are referred to as totipotent cells by scientists.  Human embryonic stem cells can differentiate into any cell type in the body and potentially be used for various medical purposes, including tissue repair and regenerative medicine.

Embryonic stem cells are often called human pluripotent stem cells, which can produce many different cell types. This is in contrast to "multipotent" stem cells, which can only differentiate into a limited number of cell types.  Pluripotent stem cells are unspecialized and do not possess the specific characteristics (such as shape or gene expression pattern) that enable them to perform specialized functions in specific tissues.

Embryonic stem cells are typically grown in the laboratory as "stem cell lines," which are cultures of human cells that can be maintained and expanded to increase the total amount of pluripotent stem cells. Several lines of human embryonic stem cells have been established and used for research purposes.

Controversy surrounding embryonic stem cells

The use of embryonic stem cells is a controversial topic, as the destruction of an embryo is required to obtain them. This has raised ethical concerns, and laws and guidelines in many countries regulate the use of embryonic stem cells. Despite these controversies, research on embryonic stem cells has led to a better understanding of cell differentiation. Embryonic stem cells have the potential to be used to develop new treatments for a variety of diseases and conditions.

Artists depiction of stem cell line in the human body

Mouse embryonic stem cell study shows unique differentiated cell types

One study that used mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) was published in the journal Nature in 2002. In this study, the authors demonstrated that mESCs could be used to generate functional neurons in culture.

To generate the neurons, the researchers treated embryonic stem cells with a combination of growth factors and other signaling molecules that induced the cells to differentiate into neurons. The resulting neurons were able to form functional synapses, or connections, with other neurons and responded to stimuli in a manner similar to neurons in the developing brain.

This study demonstrated that embryonic stem cells have the potential to differentiate into functional neurons, which raises the possibility that embryonic stem cells could be used to study the development of the nervous system and to potentially develop therapies for neurological disorders.

It is important to note that this study was conducted in the laboratory and that more research is needed to fully understand the potential of embryonic stem cells and to develop safe and effective therapies using these cells.

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2. Adult Stem Cells

Adult stem cells are undifferentiated cells found in various tissues throughout the body and can differentiate into different cell types. These cells play a crucial role in maintaining the tissue in which they are found and have the potential to be used for tissue repair and regenerative medicine.

Stem cell research has found that adult stem cells are found in fully developed tissues and organs, unlike embryonic stem cells, which are derived from the inner cell mass of a blastocyst. Adult stem cells have a more limited ability to differentiate than embryonic stem cells, and they are typically referred to as "multipotent" rather than "pluripotent."

There are several different types of adult stem cells, including hematopoietic stem cells, which give rise to blood cells, and mesenchymal stem cells, which can differentiate into cells of the bone, cartilage, and fat.  Hematopoietic stem cells also known as perinatal stem cells can also be derived from umbilical cord blood cells - this type of stem cell must be HLA matched to the patient to avoid immune rejection.

Adult cells have been vastly studied

Adult stem cells, also known as somatic stem cells, have been the subject of much scientific research and have the potential to be used to treat a wide range of diseases and conditions, including Diabetes, Parkinson's Disease, spinal cord injury, and chronic inflammation, and even help slow the overall aging process.

It is important to note that using adult stem cells is still an active research area. More studies are needed to fully understand these cells' potential and develop safe and effective therapies using adult stem cells.

Stem cells may repair tissues through a process called differentiation

Adult stem cells are found in various tissues throughout the body, including fat cells, umbilical cord tissue, and bone marrow. Mature stem cells can differentiate into a variety of cell types, including; skin cells, muscle cells, brain cells, heart muscle cells, nerve cells, heart cells, and adult tissues.

What are mesenchymal stem cells?

MSCs are adult stem cells that have self-renewal, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, signaling, cell division, and differentiation properties. MSCs self-renewal capacity is characterized by their ability to divide and develop into multiple specialized cell types in a specific tissue or organ.  MSCs may become unique stem cell types and create more stem cells when placed in cell culture and undergo Vitro fertilization.  (Vitro fertilization can help grow stem cells in a laboratory setting.   MSCs can also replace cells that are damaged or diseased.  MSCs can be sourced from a variety of tissue, including adipose tissue (fat), bone marrow, umbilical cord tissue, blood, liver, dental pulp, and skin.  

Clinical trials and MSCs

MSCs are widely used in treating various diseases due to their self-renewable, differentiation, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties. In-vitro (performed in a laboratory setting) and in-vivo (taking place in a living organism) studies have supported an understanding of the mechanisms, safety, and efficacy of MSC therapy in clinical applications. (3)

According to a recent study conducted by Biehl et al., “The two defining characteristics of a stem cell are perpetual self-renewal and the ability to differentiate into a specialized adult cell type.” (1)

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3. Induced pluripotent stem cells

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have been genetically reprogrammed to have characteristics of embryonic stem cells. They are generated by introducing specific genes into adult cells, such as skin cells, using viral vectors or other methods. The resulting cells, known as iPSCs, can self-renew and differentiate into any cell type in the body, similar to embryonic stem cells.

One of the key benefits of iPSCs is that they can be generated from a patient's own cells, which eliminates the risk of immune rejection associated with using embryonic stem cells or stem cells from a donor. This makes iPSCs a potentially helpful tool for personalized medicine and tissue repair.

iPSCs have been the subject of much scientific research. They have the potential to be used for a variety of medical purposes, including drug development and testing, disease modeling, and cell-based therapies. However, more research is needed to fully understand the potential of iPSCs and to develop safe and effective treatments using these cells.

It is important to note that the use of iPs cells are a relatively new area of research, and more studies are needed to fully understand these cells' potential and develop safe and effective therapies using iPSCs.

induced pluripotent stem cell

What are Myeloid stem cells and are they dangerous?

Myeloid stem cells are pluripotent stem cells that reside in the bone marrow or circulation and are the precursors for all elements of the hematopoietic system. They can differentiate into granulocytes and monocytes, collectively called myeloid cells, which are controlled by distinct transcription factors.

Myeloid cells can develop cancer known as myeloid malignancies, such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Growth and reproduction of these stem cells is controlled by growth factors such as interleukin-3, with a comprehensive diagram showing their development from haematopoietic stem cell to mature cells in both myeloid and lymphoid lineages.

How stem cell therapy reduces inflammation at a cellular level

Stem cells can influence the processes of white blood cells. A macrophage is a large white blood cell that is an integral part of our immune system. Macrophages are a type of blood cell that removes infectious agents and dead cells from the blood that can create inflammation (M1) and reduce inflammation (M2). 

M1 macrophages are associated with accelerated aging, and M2 macrophages are associated with anti-aging. Mesenchymal stem cells shift M1 macrophages to M2. They are, therefore, giving the human body more tools to combat the natural aging process by significantly reducing inflammation.

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Stem cells can maintain mitochondrial health

A stem cell can also maintain mitochondrial health (the powerhouse of the cell) by intercellular communication through tunneling nanotubes. This system senses the mitochondrial status of the patient’s cells and physically transfers mitochondria from stem cells to unhealthy cells. 

Stem cell anti-aging, how our cells age

Aging is a complex, natural process; the effect of environmental factors, genetics, and routine wear and tear on the body eventually takes a toll in many ways. It is this result of living life that can bring unavoidable health problems. Over time, the cells of the body age as we do, resulting in their inability to replicate; they become damaged and die. The loss of efficient cell replication is what causes our bodies to age. 

stem cell close u

Anti aging treatment

Stem cells are a promising potential solution for reversing the visible signs of aging. These special cells have the ability to regenerate damaged tissues and improve overall cellular function, which may lead to a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles and other age-related changes. Some studies have suggested that stem cells may have anti-aging effects on the skin by increasing the production of collagen, a protein that gives skin its elasticity and strength. While more research is needed to fully understand the potential of stem cells for anti-aging treatments, the early results are promising and suggest that stem cells may play a key role in the development of effective anti-aging therapies in the future.

What are the 10 signs of aging?

Some of the most common signs of aging are: 

  • Impaired vision
  • Impaired hearing
  • Loss of strength in muscles
  • Loss of bone density
  • Decreased immune system function
  • Decreased cognitive ability 
  • Less efficient metabolism.
  • Loss of energy
  • Hair loss
  • Decreased balance and overall mobility

Reversing Aging

Stem cells are a type of cell that has the ability to develop into any type of cell in the body. They are able to divide and replicate indefinitely, making them a potential solution for reversing the aging process. Studies have shown that stem cells can regenerate damaged tissues, reduce inflammation, and improve overall cellular function, which may lead to a reduction in the visible signs of aging. Additionally, stem cells have the ability to modulate the immune system, which may help to improve overall health and well-being as we age. While more research is needed to fully understand the potential of stem cells for reversing aging, the early results are promising and suggest that stem cells may play a key role in the fight against aging.

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So can stem cells reverse ageing?

  1. A study published in the journal Aging Cell found that bone marrow stem cells, can improve the function of aged immune cells and increase the lifespan of mice. The study suggests that bone marrow stem cells may have anti-aging effects by reducing inflammation and improving immune function.
  2. A review published in the Journal of Aging Research & Clinical Practice analyzed the results of several studies on the use of stem cells for the treatment of age-related diseases. The review found that stem cells have the potential to regenerate damaged tissues, improve organ function, and reduce the risk of age-related diseases.
  3. A study published in the journal Stem Cells Translational Medicine found that stem cells can improve skin health and reduce the appearance of wrinkles in mice. The study suggests that stem cells may have anti-aging effects on the skin by increasing the production of collagen, a protein that gives skin its elasticity and strength.

While these studies are promising, it's important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the potential of stem cells for reversing aging. It's also important to note that stem cells are not a magic bullet and their use should be approached with caution and under the guidance of a qualified medical professional.

Stem cell therapy for anti-aging

Aging cells can contribute to disease. Thus if cell aging can be prevented, slowed down, or even reversed, many diseases could be better managed. Stem cells may be able to slow this process down & combat certain age-related conditions. 

How do stem cells slow the aging process?

With stem cell therapies, you are replenishing the supply of stem cells to allow the body to repair and rejuvenate all the organs of your body. 

Stem cells possess unique factors that aid in anti-aging by helping our bodies regenerate cellular tissues, such as:

  • Skin
  • Joints
  • Bones
  • Organs 

This advanced therapy may be able to repair tissue that has been damaged by stress, injury, and environmental factors.

What is stem cell treatment?

During stem cell treatment at DVC Stem (stem cell clinic located in Grand Cayman), a patient receives approximately 300 million stem cells. These stem cells are harvested from umbilical cord samples, all of which undergo extensive testing to assure sterility and viability (percentage of live cells).

DVC Stem then packages the stem cells and stores them in a cryogenic form (colder than 100 degrees below zero). At the time of intravenous administration, the cells are thawed to body temperature in a sterile lab and administered over several hours by our highly trained physicians. 

The high quantity of 300 million rejuvenating cells covers daily losses that have been occurring progressively for years and replaces the cellular losses a thousand times over.

A stem cell transplant aims to replace the reserve of stem cells practically lost over the last 15 - 20 years.  After such a significant cell replenishment, the body’s organs are rejuvenated and renewed. 

Stemcell benefits for patients who undergo stem cell therapy for anti-aging can usually expect: 

  • A feeling of vitality and rejuvenation 
  • Improved capacity for physical activities
  • Thickening and improved quality of hair
  • Increased libido
  • A decrease in pain
  • Increased strength
  • Enhanced immunity 
  • Overall improvement in the quality of life

Can stem cells cure aging?

With our current knowledge of stem cells, it is technically feasible to delay aging and improve both health and lifespan. Stem cells can play a crucial role in delaying the aging process. Stem cells, in combination with anti-aging genes, can create a sophisticated shield, which can prevent the effects of aging.

Increased wear and tear of the body’s natural stem cells, increases cellular damage, and accelerate the natural process of aging. Stem cells combined with anti-aging genes can potentially absorb the process of cellular aging. The introduction of “youthful” stem cells into the human body can rejuvenate existing cells and allow the body to age more gracefully & even reverse some effects of the aging process.

Are bone marrow transplants beneficial for the aging process?

There is currently no scientific evidence to suggest that a bone marrow transplant can provide anti-aging benefits. Bone marrow transplants are a medical procedure that involves replacing damaged or diseased bone marrow with healthy bone marrow from a donor or from the patient themselves. The main purpose of a bone marrow transplant is to treat certain types of cancer or other disorders that affect the bone marrow, such as leukemia or aplastic anemia.

While bone marrow transplants can be life-saving treatments for certain conditions, there is no evidence to suggest that they can reverse the effects of aging or provide any anti-aging benefits. It is important to note that stem cell research is an active area of study, and more research is needed to fully understand the potential of stem cells to delay aging.

Cure for aging

The search for a cure for aging has been a long-standing goal in the field of medicine and biology. Aging is a complex process that is influenced by a range of genetic and environmental factors, and developing a cure for aging would likely require a multi-faceted approach. Some researchers believe that stem cells, which have the ability to regenerate damaged tissues and improve overall cellular function, may hold promise as a potential cure for aging. Other approaches being explored include the use of drugs to target specific pathways that are involved in the aging process, as well as dietary and lifestyle interventions. While a cure for aging has yet to be developed, the research in this area is ongoing and there is hope that scientists will continue to make progress in understanding and addressing the root causes of aging.

What is Stem Cell Rejuvenation?

Stem cell rejuvenation is a type of therapy used to combat the effects of the natural aging process. A large amount of youthful stem cells can be injected into the patient via IV. These are intended to replace ones existing “old” cells, thus allow to body to work more efficiently by reducing inflammation, modulating the immune system and promoting tissue repair and regeneration.

Reverse aging technology

Reverse aging technology has garnered significant attention in recent years due to its potential to improve health and longevity. One promising approach to reverse aging is using stem cells, which can regenerate damaged tissues and improve overall cellular function. The potential benefits of stem cells as an anti-aging therapy include cell rejuvenation, improved organ function, and reduced risk of age-related diseases. While more research is needed to fully understand the potential of stem cells for reversing aging, the early results are promising. They suggest that stem cell therapy may play a key role in developing effective anti-aging treatments.

So can you cure aging?

There is not enough clinical data to be able to state whether or not stem cells may be able to cure aging.  However, it may be possible to slow the aging process by following the above considerations.  Find out if you are eligible for anti-aging stem cell therapy at DVC Stem

References:

(1) Rožman, P. (2019, July 19). How Could We Slow or Reverse the Human Aging Process and Extend the Healthy Life Span with Heterochronous Autologous cells Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31203790

(2) Ageyn (2022, Dec) Exploring the Science Behind the Aging Process in 2023 https://www.ageyn.com/post/what-is-aging

(3) Watt, Fiona M, and Ryan R Driskell. “The Therapeutic Potential of Stem Cells.” Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological Sciences, The Royal Society, 12 Jan. 2010, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2842697/.

(4) Mao, Fei, et al. “Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Their Therapeutic Applications in Inflammatory Bowel Disease.” Oncotarget, Impact Journals LLC, 6 June 2017, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28402942.

(5) Walker, J. T., Keating, A., & Davies, J. E. (2020, May 28). Stem Cells: Umbilical Cord/Wharton’s Jelly Derived. Cell Engineering and Regeneration. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7992171/.

(6) Torres Crigna, A., Daniele, C., Gamez, C., Medina Balbuena, S., Pastene, D. O., Nardozi, D., … Bieback, K. (2018, June 15). Stem/Stromal Cells for Treatment of Kidney Injuries With Focus on Preclinical Models. Frontiers in medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6013716/.

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