<p>Efficacy and Safety of Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: A Prospective Phase I/II Study</p>

Abstract

Background: The traditional anti-inflammation disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) have limited therapeutic effects in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. We previously reported the safety and efficacy of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (UC-MSC) treatment in RA patients that were observed for up to 8 months after UC-MSC infusion. The aim of this study is to assess the long-term efficacy and safety of UC-MSC along with DMARDs for the treatment of RA. Methods: 64 RA patients aged 18-64 years were recruited in the study. During the treatment, patients were treated with 40 mL UC-MSC suspension product (2 × 10 7 cells/ 20 mL) via intravenous injection immediately after the infusion of 100 mL saline. The serological markers tests were used to assess safety and the 28-joint disease activity score (DAS28) and the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) to assess efficacy. Results: 1 year and 3 years after UC-MSC cells treatment, the blood routine, liver and kidney function and immunoglobulin examination showed no abnormalities, which were all in the normal range. The ESR, CRP, RF of 1 year and 3 years after treatment and anti-CCP of 3 years after treatment were detected to be lower than that of pretreatment, which showed significant change (P < 0.05). Health index (HAQ) and joint function index (DAS28) decreased 1 year and 3 years after treatment than before treatment (P < 0.05). Conclusion: UC-MSC cells plus DMARDs therapy can be a safe, effective and feasible therapeutic option for RA patients.

Cervus and cucumis peptides combined umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells therapy for rheumatoid arthritis

“…Through the latter, MSC can regulate the immune response mediated by T cells, inhibit the production and function of various innate immune cells and play an anti-inflammatory role, regulate immunity and resist tissue injury. [ 23 ] Our previous study [ 18 ] has shown that UC- MSCs therapy for RA can reduce and alleviate the clinical symptoms of RA, and there is no significant change in human blood routine indicators, which showed good safety.…”

“…Based on our previous study, [ 18 ] the 28 joint disease activity score (DAS 28), the health assessment questionnaire (HAQ)score and RA clinical remission standard (ACR standard) were recorded 1 year before and after treatment. [ 19 ] The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), rheumatoid factor (RF), and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (Anti-CCP) were detected pretreatment and 1 year after treatment.…”

Human umbilical cord stem cells – the discovery, history and possible application

“…In the most recently published study, the umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) were used as a therapy for rheumatoid arthritis patients [41]. 64 patients received intravenously 40 ml of UC-MSCs suspension (2 × 10 7 cells/20 ml) along with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and the results were assessed after 1 year and 3 years.…”

“…After 3 years post treatment the effects of the therapy with UC-MSCs combined with DMARDs maintained, and included: reduced levels of RF, CRP, ESR and anti-CCP, lower HAQ and DAS28 scores and general alleviation of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. It was suggested that UC-MSCs regulated patients' autoimmune tolerance, resulting in quality of life improvement [41]. With regards to arthritic disease treatments, it was also suggested that utilizing the secretome of these cells would be beneficial.…”

Mesenchymal stromal cells and their derivatives – putative therapeutics in the management of autoimmune pancreatitis

“…2). Indeed, MSCs have shown success in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus [8], rheumatoid arthritis [9], type 1 diabetes mellitus [10], multiple sclerosis [11], liver failure associated with hepatitis B virus [12], ulcerative colitis [13], dacryoadenitis [14], Sjögren's syndrome [15], and systemic scleroderma [15]. A very recent example is the co‐administration of MSCs with pancreatic islets in immunocompetent type 1 diabetic wild‐type mice.…”