Arthritis refers to more than 200 related joint conditions.[1]<\/sup> Of these, there are two main types:<\/p>\n Arthritis can be acute with a sudden onset, or a chronic long-term degradation. Symptoms include severe joint pain, swelling, stiffness and redness.<\/p>\n There are 23 clinical trials studying stem cells for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and 104 for osteoarthritis.[6, 7]<\/sup> 24 studies are researching the use of umbilical cord blood and tissue to treat arthritis.[8]<\/sup><\/p>\n The Arthritis Research UK Tissue Engineering Centre<\/em> is also studying the use of stem cells to rejuvenate cartilage.[9]<\/sup><\/p>\n Most trials focus on the anti-inflammatory effect of mesenchymal stem cells, as both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are linked with inflammation. Stem cells can modulate the immune system to shut off pathological responses that cause this inflammation, while still preserving its ability to fight disease.<\/p>\n In future, it is hoped that a stem cell transplant could eliminate patients\u2019 need for a joint replacement by regenerating and restoring their worn-out cartilage instead.<\/p>\n In Panama, scientists are using cutting-edge stem cell technology to achieve this. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are treated with injections of mesenchymal stem cells directly to the affected joints and there have been reports of patients recovering a full range of movement.[10]<\/sup><\/p>\n In China, a recent study at Peking University People\u2019s Hospital also showed that stem cell injections in lab mice reduced inflammation and improved arthritic symptoms.[11]<\/sup><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ global_colors_info=”{}”]\n <\/p>\n <\/p> \n
Arthritis facts<\/h3>\n
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Arthritis and stem cells<\/h3>\n
References<\/h3>\n
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