Types of Stem Cells and Our Therapeutic Focus
Stem cells are classified by their potential to differentiate into other types of cells. While there are several types, our focus at WIH Hospital is on Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) derived from the umbilical cord.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) are a type of adult stem cell known for their:
- Self-renewing ability
- Multilineage differentiation potential
- Immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties
They are widely used in regenerative medicine to treat:
- Neurological conditions
- Diabetes and complications
- Liver and heart disease
- Osteoarthritis and cartilage damage
- Autoimmune conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis
- Chronic wounds and soft tissue degeneration
Among all sources of MSCs, umbilical cord tissue—especially Wharton’s Jelly—is considered the most potent and practical.
Understanding Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells (UC-MSCs)
Umbilical cord-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) are primitive cells found in the tissue of the umbilical cord, specifically in a gelatinous substance called Wharton’s Jelly. These cells are a type of “adult” stem cell, which means they are more specialized than embryonic stem cells but still possess remarkable abilities to support the body’s natural repair processes.
Applications of Umbilical Cord (MSCs)
Arthritis: MSCs can differentiate into bone and cartilage cells and reduce inflammation in the joints by lowering levels of inflammatory markers.
Diabetes and its Complications: They can differentiate into functional islet-like cells (which produce insulin) and reduce inflammation associated with the condition.
Heart Disease: MSCs can differentiate into cardiogenic cells and release factors that reduce fibrosis and prevent cell death in heart tissue.
Neurological and Brain Conditions: In conditions like Spinal Cord Injury, Brain Injury, and Cerebrovascular Disease, MSCs provide an anti-inflammatory effect and release protective substances like growth factors.
Liver Diseases: They help reduce fibrosis by inhibiting the activation and proliferation of hepatic cells and can reduce inflammation.
Autoimmune Diseases: In conditions like Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, MSCs help regulate the immune system by balancing T-helper cells and reducing pro-inflammatory factors.
Respiratory Diseases: They exert anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrosis effects and can regulate the immune response within the lungs.
Why We Recommend Umbilical Cord Stem Cells
Compared to other stem cell types such as those derived from bone marrow or amniotic fluid, umbilical cord MSCs (HUC-MSCs) offer distinct advantages:
✅ No Rejection Risk
HUC-MSCs are immunoprivileged, meaning they do not trigger immune rejection. This allows safe use across donors and recipients.
✅ High Yield and Potency
Wharton’s Jelly provides high cell counts, and the cells can be administered in consistent, uniform doses.
✅ Strong Anti-inflammatory Effects
These cells have exceptional ability to modulate the immune response, reduce inflammation, and stimulate tissue regeneration—ideal for chronic conditions.
✅ Broad Therapeutic Use
In the last five years, HUC-MSCs have been used successfully in treatments for:
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Brain and spinal cord injuries
- Autoimmune disorders
- Viral infections
- Liver failure
- Chronic joint pain and more
Cell Therapy for Specific Conditions
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease where the protective cartilage on the ends of your bones wears down over time. It most commonly affects joints in the knees, hips, hands, and spine, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced flexibility.
How Cell Therapy Can Help: Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) offer a promising approach to treating Osteoarthritis. By introducing MSCs into the affected joint, we aim to:
- Reduce Inflammation: MSCs have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect, helping to alleviate pain and swelling.
- Promote Cartilage Regeneration: MSCs have the potential to differentiate into chondrocytes (cartilage cells), which may help repair damaged cartilage.
- Modulate the Immune Response: By regulating the immune system, MSCs can slow the progression of joint degeneration.
Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) involves a gradual loss of kidney function. As the kidneys’ ability to filter waste from the blood declines, it can lead to serious health complications.
How Cell Therapy Can Help: MSC therapy is being explored as a way to slow the progression of CKD and preserve kidney function through several mechanisms:
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties: MSCs can reduce the chronic inflammation that contributes to kidney damage.
- Regenerative Potential: They may differentiate into renal cells, helping to repair damaged kidney tissue.
- Paracrine Effects: MSCs release beneficial molecules that can reduce cell death and fibrosis (scarring) in the kidneys.
Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can result from damage to the delicate hair cells within the inner ear’s cochlea. These cells are crucial for converting sound vibrations into neural signals for the brain.
How Cell Therapy Can Help: Research into MSCs for hearing loss focuses on their potential to:
- Regenerate Auditory Cells: MSCs may be able to differentiate into hair cells or supporting cells, replacing those that have been damaged.
- Neuroprotective Effects: They release growth factors that can protect the auditory neurons from further damage.
- Reduce Inflammation: In cases where inflammation contributes to hearing loss, the anti-inflammatory properties of MSCs can be beneficial.
Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting dopamine-producing neurons in a specific area of the brain. This leads to symptoms like tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination.
How Cell Therapy Can Help: The goal of MSC therapy in Parkinson’s disease is to protect the brain and potentially restore function:
- Neuroprotection: MSCs secrete neurotrophic factors that support the survival of existing dopamine neurons.
- Anti-Inflammatory Effects: By reducing neuroinflammation in the brain, MSCs may slow the progression of the disease.
- Paracrine Effects: The bioactive molecules released by MSCs can help repair damaged brain tissue and improve neural connections.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, causing widespread inflammation and damage to organs like the joints, skin, and kidneys.
How Stem Cell Therapy Can Help: MSC therapy offers a promising approach for SLE due to its unique ability to modulate the immune system.
- Immunomodulation: MSCs can help regulate the overactive immune response, reducing the activity of T-cells and B-cells that drive the disease.
- Anti-Inflammatory Effects: MSCs secrete powerful anti-inflammatory molecules, such as TNF-α and IL-17, which can lower systemic inflammation.
- Tissue Repair: By promoting regeneration in damaged organs like the kidneys (lupus nephritis), MSCs can help improve organ function.
Stroke
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients and causing brain cells to die. This can lead to long-term disability.
How Cell Therapy Can Help: MSC therapy aims to enhance the brain’s natural recovery processes following a stroke:
- Neuroprotection: MSCs release factors that protect neurons from further damage in the aftermath of a stroke.
- Angiogenesis: They can promote the formation of new blood vessels, which improves blood flow to the damaged area.
- Anti-Inflammatory Effects: By controlling post-stroke inflammation, MSCs can limit secondary brain damage.
- Neurogenesis: MSCs may stimulate the brain’s stem cells to create new neurons, aiding in functional recovery.
Tailored Stem Cell Administration Based on Your Condition
At WIH International Hospital, stem cell therapy is never a one-size-fits-all approach. Each patient receives a carefully designed treatment protocol, starting with selecting the most appropriate method of stem cell delivery, depending on the underlying disease, severity, and target tissues.
Stem cells must reach the affected area in sufficient quantity and remain viable long enough to promote regeneration and immune modulation. That’s why choosing the right route of administration is critical to treatment success.
1. Intravenous (IV) Infusion – For Systemic and Multi-Organ Conditions
Indications:
- Autoimmune disorders (e.g., systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis)
- Diabetes mellitus and complications (e.g., neuropathy, nephropathy)
- Chronic fatigue or aging-related decline
- Viral infections (e.g., post-COVID, hepatitis)
How it works:
Stem cells are infused into the bloodstream through a vein. Once circulating, they act systemically—homing to inflamed or damaged tissues guided by the body’s immune signals.
Why choose this method:
- Non-invasive and well-tolerated
- Effective for conditions affecting multiple organs
- Helps reset immune response and reduce chronic inflammation
2. Intrathecal Injection (Spinal Canal) – For Neurological and Brain Disorders
Indications:
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Stroke recovery
- Spinal cord injury
- Alzheimer’s disease
How it works:
Stem cells are injected into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) via lumbar puncture. This method bypasses the blood-brain barrier, allowing direct access to the central nervous system (CNS).
Why choose this method:
- Maximizes stem cell concentration near the brain and spinal cord
- Supports neuron regeneration, neuroprotection, and inflammation control
- Often used in conjunction with IV therapy for synergistic effect
3. Intradiscal Injection – For Spine and Disc Degeneration
Indications:
- Degenerative disc disease
- Herniated disc
- Chronic lower back pain
- Failed back surgery syndrome
How it works:
Stem cells are directly injected into the intervertebral disc space using fluoroscopic (X-ray-guided) techniques. This targets the degenerated disc nucleus and helps restore hydration, reduce inflammation, and regenerate disc tissue.
Why choose this method:
- Direct tissue repair of the spinal disc
- Reduces reliance on long-term painkillers or surgery
- Suitable for patients not ready or unfit for spinal fusion
4. Intra-Articular or Facet Joint Injection – For Localized Joint Pain
Indications:
- Osteoarthritis of the knee, hip, or shoulder
- Facet joint pain (small joints in the spine)
- Sports injuries (e.g., rotator cuff, meniscus tear)
- Post-surgical joint stiffness or chronic inflammation
How it works:
Stem cells are injected directly into the affected joint capsule or facet joint under ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance. This approach reduces inflammation, lubricates the joint, and promotes regeneration of cartilage and soft tissue.
Why choose this method:
- High local concentration of therapeutic cells
- Minimally invasive alternative to joint replacement
- May delay or eliminate the need for corticosteroid injections
Preparation for the Cell Therapy
- The first step is to meet with a specialist who will evaluate your suitability for the therapy.
- The doctor will thoroughly review past health conditions of the patient.
- A physical assessment will be conducted to understand the patient’s current health status and symptoms.
- The doctor will discuss with the patient about treatment goals and what they hope to achieve with cell therapy.
- Based on the patient’s medical history, physical exam, and goals, the medical professional will determine if the patient is a suitable candidate for cell therapy.
Preparing Stem Cells: WIH Hospital’s process
Donor Selection: We select healthy mothers who are not over 35 years old, with a gestational age of 37-42 weeks, and who have received ethics committee approval.
Collection: A qualified obstetrician collects the umbilical cord sample after a healthy birth.
Isolation: In our lab, we isolate the powerful fibroblast-like cells using basic Fibroblast Growth Factor.
In Vitro Expansion: We increase the number of stem cells to create a therapeutic dose.
Cryopreservation: Live cells are carefully stored at temperatures of -80 °C and -196°C to maintain their viability.
Batch Release & Packaging: Each batch is tested for genetic quality and packaged in sterile, single-dose glass vials.
Administration: The final product is transported at 4°C and must be administered by a medical professional within 2 hours.
Advantages of Umbilical Cord MSCs
- High Regenerative Capacity: The cells are young and robust, leading to age-independent proliferation.
- Painless and Non-Invasive Collection: The umbilical cord is collected after birth in a process that is entirely painless and poses no risk to the mother or baby.
- Low Risk of Immunogenicity: These cells have a very low risk of being recognized as foreign by the patient’s body, which eliminates the risk of rejection.
- Potent Therapeutic Activity: Umbilical cord MSCs exhibit the best anti-inflammatory activity and immune-modulating capacity compared to other sources.
- Consistent and High-Dose Administration: They can be administered multiple times over days in uniform dosages that contain high cell counts.
- Ethically Sourced: The collection process is ethical and avoids the controversies associated with other types of stem cells.
Why Choose WIH International Hospital?
At WIH, our regenerative medicine team evaluates your medical history, imaging, and clinical goals to design the most precise stem cell protocol. We use GMP-grade umbilical cord MSCs, and all procedures are performed under strict safety and sterility standards, whether in the operating room or advanced procedure suites. Whether you’re seeking therapy for anti-aging, chronic pain, or disease recovery, our HUC stem cell program combines clinical precision with compassionate care.
- GMP-certified labs for stem cell processing and quality assurance
- Personalized protocols based on patient condition and treatment goals
- Experienced physicians and specialists in cellular therapy
- World-class hospital facilities for monitoring, safety, and post-treatment care
Whether you’re seeking therapy for anti-aging, chronic pain, or disease recovery, our HUC stem cell program combines clinical precision with compassionate care.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Cheek Surgery
The stem cell therapy offered at WIH Hospital uses mesenchymal stem cells from ethically sourced umbilical cords. These cells have a low risk of rejection and have demonstrated a strong safety profile in clinical applications. Our entire process, from collection to administration, follows strict safety and quality control protocols.
Stem cells are typically administered through an intravenous (IV) infusion or a direct injection into the affected area, depending on the condition being treated. The procedure is minimally invasive and performed by a qualified medical professional.
The timeline for results can vary depending on the patient, the condition being treated, and the severity of the condition. Some patients may notice improvements within a few weeks, while for others, it may take several months as the cells work to repair and regenerate tissue.
WIH Hospital uses mesenchymal stem cells derived from the Wharton’s Jelly of umbilical cords from healthy, pre-screened donors. The collection is performed after a healthy birth, and it is a painless, non-invasive process that poses no risk to the mother or child. We operate under strict ethical guidelines approved by our ethics committee.
The best way to determine if you are a candidate is to schedule a consultation with one of our specialists. They will perform a comprehensive evaluation of your medical condition and history to determine if this therapy is right for you.
Trust WIH International Hospital to provide safe, natural, and beautifully balanced results.
