Low back pain (LBP) is the most prevalent musculoskeletal condition globally and the leading cause of disability worldwide. As of 2020, an estimated 619 million people suffered from LBP, with projections suggesting this number could rise to 843 million by 2050.1
Associated to LBP, lumbar spine osteoarthritis (OA) is particularly common, with prevalence estimates ranging from 40% to 85%.2 Such debilitating conditions often diminish quality of life and hinder daily activities. Traditional treatment approaches for OA, including pain management through medication, physical therapy and in severe cases, surgical intervention, offer limited relief and are often accompanied by undesirable side effects.3,4 However, recent advancements in regenerative medicine present a promising alternative: noninvasive topical treatments derived from stem cells.
Regenerative medicine: A new horizon
Regenerative medicine, particularly stem cell therapy, has been hailed as a revolutionary approach to treating a variety of conditions, including OA.5 Stem cells, especially those derived from sources such as Wharton’s jelly and the amniotic membrane, possess powerful anti-inflammatory properties and the ability to promote tissue regeneration. Traditionally, these stem cells have been applied via invasive procedures, such as autologous stem cell transplantation, which, despite their potential, come with significant challenges. The invasiveness of these procedures, coupled with the difficulty of selecting suitable candidates for intervertebral disc injections, has limited their widespread adoption.6-8
The recent focus on bioactive molecules, growth factors, cytokines and telomerase derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) offers a promising noninvasive alternative. These components, harvested from MSCs, may provide therapeutic benefits without the need for invasive procedures.9-11 This has led to the development of two topical transdermal creams infused with stem cell-derived biomolecules, designed to alleviate symptoms associated with lumbar OA.
The study: Evaluating the efficacy of stem cell creams
To explore the potential of these topical treatments, a groundbreaking study was conducted, enrolling 80 participants aged over 40 years, all clinically diagnosed with lumbar OA. The study spanned four weeks, during which participants applied one cream to their lumbar region before activity or exercise, and another cream after activity or showering.
Pain levels, the primary metric for evaluating the treatment’s efficacy, were assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS) at the beginning of the study and after the treatment period. The study’s statistical analysis, performed using GraphPad Prism version 8.0, revealed a significant reduction in pain levels (p < 0.0001) with a large effect size (Cohen’s d = 2.25). The results showed a 51% decrease in reported pain levels, indicating the creams’ substantial impact.
A safe and effective treatment
One of the most compelling findings from the study was the absence of any adverse reactions among participants, underscoring the safety of these topical treatments. The significant reduction in pain, combined with the safety profile, positions these stem cell creams as a potentially transformative treatment for individuals suffering from lumbar OA.
The promising results are believed to be linked to the bioactive biomolecules in the creams, which are derived from human Wharton’s jelly mesenchymal stem cells. These biomolecules may support cell differentiation and tissue regeneration, offering a noninvasive solution to a condition that traditionally requires more invasive approaches.
Final thoughts
The development of topical stem cell creams represents a significant step forward in the treatment of lumbar OA. With their noninvasive application, these creams offer a safe and effective alternative to traditional treatments, providing substantial relief from pain without the risks associated with more invasive procedures. As research continues, there is hope that these advancements in regenerative medicine will not only improve quality of life for those suffering from chronic low back pain but also transform the broader landscape of OA treatment.
FRANCISCO CIDRAL, ND, MSC, PHD, POSTDOC, is the founder and CEO of Scientifica Consulting. He holds a master’s degree and PhD in neurosciences and a postdoctorate in health sciences. Cidral is a professor of integrative medicine and neurophysiology, with a specialization in laser acupuncture and photobiomodulation. He has authored more than 35 scientific publications and books. Cidral is a board member of various scientific journals and international research groups. He can be contacted at cidral@scientificaconsulting.com.
This article was written on behalf of RheeGen. For more information, visit rheegen.com.
References
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