Regeneratıve Medıcıne and Stem Cell

What are Stem Cells?

Stem cells are unique cells with the ability to transform into various cell types and renew themselves. Unlike muscle or nerve cells, which typically cannot regenerate, stem cells can divide and proliferate extensively. While cells like those in the liver or kidneys can only replicate a limited number of times, stem cells can multiply continuously for months under controlled laboratory conditions.

Stem cells have two distinctive characteristics that set them apart from cells in organs like the liver, intestines, or skin. First, they can divide over extended periods to self-renew, allowing a single stem cell to generate millions of new cells. In contrast, the replicative capacity of most organ cells is significantly restricted.

Second, unlike specialized cells such as heart muscle cells, which work together to pump blood, red blood cells that transport oxygen, or nerve cells that send signals, stem cells are unspecialized. However, these unspecialized cells have the potential to develop into specialized cells, such as those found in the heart, blood, or nervous system.

Who is Eligible for Stem Cell Therapy?

Individuals who meet the age and physical requirements and have a condition suitable for stem cell therapy may benefit from this innovative treatment.

Where are Stem Cells Sourced From?

While stem cells can theoretically be extracted from any tissue or organ in the body, the most commonly used sources in therapeutic applications are bone marrow, umbilical cord, synovial fluid, and umbilical cord adipose tissue.

How are Stem Cells Cultivated in the Laboratory?

Stem cells are grown in the laboratory using a biopsy sample taken from the patient’s own tissue (autologous method). From this sample, the relevant cells are isolated and then cultured under optimal conditions, with continuous nourishment and meticulous monitoring to ensure successful reproduction.

What Conditions Are Treated at the Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Centre?

The Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cell Production, and Application Centre offers innovative treatment options for the following conditions:

Cartilage Degenerations: Advanced therapies focus on regenerating cartilage tissue to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and restore joint function.

Ischaemic Tissue Wounds: Stem cell applications support tissue repair by enhancing blood flow and promoting healing in oxygen-deprived areas.

Artery and Vein Tissue Ischaemia: Regenerative therapies restore proper circulation in affected blood vessels, reducing the risk of complications.

Soft Tissue Wound Treatment: Healing and tissue regeneration are accelerated for soft tissue injuries caused by trauma or surgical procedures.

Cosmetic Applications: Stem cell-enriched treatments rejuvenate the skin, reduce wrinkles, and provide natural solutions for aging concerns.

Cartilage and skeletal tissue loss can severely affect joint mobility and comfort. At Liv Hospital’s Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Production Center, advanced treatments replace damaged cartilage tissues. Using state-of-the-art GMP laboratories, cartilage tissue can be cultivated and integrated into patients using advanced stem cell applications.

Eye Diseases
Stem cells play a key role in tissue regeneration, including those in the eye. These cells help replace lost cells in the cornea and other eye structures, just as they do throughout the body. A deficiency in stem cells can lead to severe eye conditions, which may stem from genetic disorders, improper contact lens use, radiation, immunosuppressive therapies, chemical burns, or infections.

Stem cell transplantation offers hope for treating corneal disorders and restoring vision. Laboratory-cultivated stem cells can repair the corneal surface and improve visual function. While limbal stem cells are commonly used for ocular surface diseases, ongoing research aims to extend their use to congenital or age-related retinal diseases. Though clinical trials in humans are still in progress, animal studies report promising outcomes, and clinical applications are anticipated soon.

Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery
Aesthetic Applications
Stem cell applications in plastic surgery are divided into two primary categories. The first is aesthetics, where stem cells are utilized for skin rejuvenation. Fat injections enriched with stem cells are particularly effective in reducing signs of aging on the face and hands, offering long-lasting results compared to synthetic fillers.

The use of autologous tissues minimizes risks such as allergies, and the results are both natural and durable. Rejuvenation treatments involve three stages: extracting fat tissues via biopsy or liposuction, refining regenerative cells through specialized processes, and injecting them into target areas.

Reconstruction and Wound Healing
The second category includes treatments for non-healing wounds, tissue damage from radiation, and chronic skin conditions. Regenerative cells derived from the patient’s tissues can be applied to restore damaged skin and subcutaneous tissue. Stem cell therapy also offers effective solutions for scar treatment and reconstructive breast surgery following mastectomy.

Dermatology
Stem cell therapy addresses age-related skin issues, including wrinkles, discoloration, and dullness. Younger fibroblasts, cultivated from a biopsy taken from behind the ear, are injected into the skin over several sessions to repair damaged tissue and promote a youthful appearance. Autologous fibroblast injections are also used to treat acne scars, often combined with laser or dermaroller treatments for optimal results.

Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases
For diabetic patients, regenerative cells offer hope for treating foot ulcers, which can otherwise lead to amputations. Stem cell therapy accelerates wound healing and improves surgical outcomes for diabetic foot conditions.

Cardiovascular Surgery
Treating Ischemic Limb Disorders
Regenerative cells provide solutions for vascular occlusions and ischemic limb conditions. These therapies, which involve applying regenerative cells to affected areas, are emerging as effective alternatives to conventional surgical methods such as amputation or sympathectomy.

Heart Regeneration
Heart tissue damaged during a heart attack cannot regenerate naturally. Stem cells extracted from the patient’s bone marrow can repair damaged heart muscle and stimulate the formation of new blood vessels. Studies show that within six months of treatment, damaged areas heal significantly, and heart function improves. Stem cells are sourced from the patient’s own tissues, ensuring compatibility and eliminating rejection risks.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Mesenchymal stem cells are connective tissue-derived cells that can transform into various tissues, including bone, cartilage, and muscle. Their regenerative potential is widely explored in several medical fields:

• Skin Damage Repair: Exosomes derived from these cells rejuvenate damaged skin and maintain its elasticity.
• Hair Loss Treatment: Exosomes promote hair regrowth by stimulating hair follicles.
• Immune Diseases: These exosomes enhance immune regulation, supporting treatment for autoimmune disorders.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Mesenchymal exosomes repair spinal cord damage by reducing inflammation, promoting nerve regeneration, and restoring mobility.

Orthopedic Applications
In orthopedic conditions like joint calcification and cartilage damage, exosomes encourage cartilage regeneration and cell proliferation, offering effective treatment options for osteoarthritis and similar conditions.