Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Post Covid Syndrome

The coronavirus disease, which has persisted globally into 2021, is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and has impacted approximately 184 million people worldwide. Known more widely as COVID-19, it has resulted in over 4.7 million fatalities globally since the onset of the pandemic, with the count still rising. While the virological characteristics and the development process of the disease have been extensively studied, specific therapeutic interventions remain elusive. In severe COVID-19 cases, the infection can disrupt the immune system and weaken the body's natural defense mechanisms.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as a potential therapeutic option to modulate the heightened inflammatory response triggered by COVID-19. Numerous clinical trials utilizing mesenchymal stem cell therapy have been undertaken since the pandemic's start in 2019. Results indicate that MSC therapy can notably diminish lung damage and enhance patient recovery through its safety and immune tolerance.

Moreover, mesenchymal stem cell therapy has been identified as a safer alternative to conventional treatments for influenza in animal studies. A recent study published in "Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy" by Lei Shi and colleagues reviews the latest advancements in mesenchymal stem cell therapy for COVID-19, shedding light on its benefits and the challenges faced in the field.

 The Role of Stem Cell Therapy in COVID-19 Management

SARS-CoV-2 infection disrupts both the adaptive and innate immune responses, leading to an immune disorder. The inflammatory profile typical in COVID-19 patients is well-documented. Lei Shi and colleagues note, "Notably, the counts of natural killer (NK) cells, CD4 + T cells, and CD8 + T cells are significantly reduced." This triggers an inflammatory immune reaction within the lungs, adversely affecting organ functionality.

Modulating the Immune System with Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs)

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), the most frequently used stem cell type in clinical settings, are celebrated for their safety and their capacity to be administered without the risk of rejection.

MSCs possess unique properties that enable them to suppress the overactive immune response seen in severe cases of COVID-19. They modulate the immune system by boosting the inflammatory response when the immune system is underactive and curbing inflammation when it is overactive. MSCs are crucial in preventing self-inflicted immune system damage, a common occurrence in autoimmune diseases. A 2013 study by Bernardo et al. demonstrated that MSCs, upon exposure to high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, initiate an immune-suppressive response to mitigate inflammation and maintain tissue equilibrium.

Clinical trials have yielded promising outcomes, as highlighted in the study by Lei Shi and colleagues, which reviewed numerous clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) in treating moderate to severe cases of COVID-19, alongside three trials focusing on patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The findings consistently indicated that mesenchymal stem cell therapy (MSCT) was both safe and well-received by patients.

These trials employed mesenchymal stem cells administered intravenously, derived from various sources such as umbilical cord tissue, adipose tissue, or bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells.

Trial participants reported enhancements in their oxygenation parameters, including the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) and partial pressure of oxygen (PO2), along with improvements in clinical symptoms and a noticeable decrease in levels of inflammatory cytokines. Some studies also observed a significant reduction in the size of lung fibrosis lesions. The overall low incidence of adverse events among study participants supports the safety and potential benefit of mesenchymal stem cell therapy for individuals with COVID-19.

Understanding Post-acute COVID-19 Syndrome (Long-haul COVID-19)

Similar to post-acute viral syndromes observed after other coronavirus epidemics, reports of lasting effects following acute COVID-19 infection are growing. Thanks to patient advocacy groups, recognition of post-acute COVID-19 syndrome has increased. This condition is identified by ongoing symptoms and/or delayed or long-term complications that persist beyond four weeks from the initial onset of symptoms.

Studies indicate that 50 to 80 percent of COVID-19 survivors experience some form of lingering effects three months post-infection. Extended symptom duration and disability are notably prevalent among adults hospitalized with severe COVID-19 cases.

Patient surveys reveal that while 65 percent of those discharged from the hospital post-severe COVID-19 treatment had fully recovered, 35 percent continued to experience health issues more than two weeks post-hospitalization.

Symptoms of Long COVID

Individuals previously infected with COVID-19 may experience a range of long-term symptoms, including:

• Severe fatigue
• Breathlessness
• Chest discomfort or tightness
• Cognitive impairments ("brain fog")
• Insomnia
• Heart palpitations
• Dizziness
• Paresthesia
• Joint pain
• Mood disorders
• Tinnitus or earaches
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Persistent fever, cough, headaches, sore throat, altered senses of smell or taste
• Skin rashes

Stem Cell Therapy for Long COVID

Cord tissue-derived MSCs have demonstrated effectiveness in alleviating post-acute COVID-19 symptoms by significantly lowering inflammatory cytokines, regulating immune responses, and shortening recovery periods.

Treatment Objectives

With growing interest in the therapeutic potential of stem cells for various conditions, the surge in clinical trials using Mesenchymal Stem Cells is noteworthy. Our treatment protocol aims for a substantial and prolonged reduction in chronic low-grade inflammation. Stem cells possess a natural affinity for inflamed areas within the body and have been shown to regenerate damaged tissues, decrease inflammation, and modulate immune responses, thereby enhancing health and life quality. For those dealing with post-acute COVID-19 syndrome, this approach promises fewer long-term complications, expedited recovery, diminished persistent symptoms related to COVID-19, and an overall reduction in bodily inflammation.

In summary, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy emerges as a promising treatment for COVID-19 and its prolonged effects, showcasing a potential to alleviate severe symptoms, enhance lung recovery, and reduce the duration of illness. Clinical trials highlight MSC therapy's safety and effectiveness, demonstrating its role in immune system modulation and tissue repair. This innovative approach offers hope for reducing long-term complications and improving the quality of life for those affected by COVID-19, representing a significant advancement in our ongoing battle against the pandemic.

Reference: 

1. Shi, L., Wang, L., Xu, R., Zhang, C., Xie, Y., Liu, K., Li, T., Hu, W., Zhen, C., & Wang, F.-S. (2021, September 8). Mesenchymal stem cell therapy for Severe covid-19. Nature News. Retrieved September 27, 2021, from https://www.nature.com/articles/s41392-021-00754-6.
2. Bernardo, M. E., & Fibbe, W. E. (2013). Mesenchymal Stromal Cells: Sensors and Switchers of Inflammation. Cell Stem Cell, 13(4), 392–402. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stem.2013.09.006
3. WHO. Coronavirus disease (COVID-2019) situation reports, https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/situation-reports (2021).