Researchers from University of California San Diego have found that two of the most frequently administered stem cell therapies, which are often used interchangeably, actually contain completely different types of cells. The results challenge the current "one-cell-cures-all" paradigm in orthopedic stem cell therapeutics and highlight the need for more informed and rigorous characterization of injectable stem cell therapies before they are marketed for use in patients. The researchers analyzed cell populations of autologous bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) and adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction (ADSVF) collected from the same subjects.
These two therapies have many similarities: both are injectable therapies derived from a patient's own cells -; bone marrow in BMAC and adipose tissue (fat) in ADSVF -; and they are both thought to contain mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs), cells that can differentiate into muscle, bone and other connective tissues. Because of their similarities, the two therapies are frequently marketed as interchangeable "stem cell therapies" and are used to treat a range of musculoskeletal and skin conditions, particularly in professional athletes. However, little research to date has attempted to characterize the composition and underlying biology of these two therapies.
This lack of information has prevented rigorous clinical investigations into the ideal dosages for these therapies and, according to the researchers, has encouraged misinfo.