There are many types of lung disease.
Asthma
Asthma is a chronic pulmonary disease with symptoms of shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheezing, coughing, and reversible airway obstruction. Traditional management of this chronic inflammatory disease focus on reducing exposure to allergens and medical therapies of inhalants and corticosteroids. There are ongoing clinical trials investigating the use of Adult Mesenchymal Stem Cell therapy to treat chronic asthma.
COPD
Emphysema and chronic bronchitis or types of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), involve destruction of the lungs or a long-term cough with mucus. Traditional management focuses on medical therapies of inhalers, steroids, and oxygen. Ongoing clinical trials for COPD are investigating the use of Adult Mesenchymal Stem Cell therapy on airway healing.
Current Research Studies for Pulmonary Diseases
“Study sheds light on how Stem Cells can be used to treat Lung Disease” This study revealed how bone-marrow derived stem cells improve lung function in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Researchers tested this using mice and results indicated that treatment with stem cells led to significant improvement of clearing bacteria, reductions in lung injury and inflammation. These results were then tested in humans. Stem cells were able to improve inflammation. The results of this study indicate the advantages of stem cell therapy because of their potential multiple beneficial effects. (September 2014)
“Tolerance-like Mediated Suppression by Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Patients with Dust Mite Allergy-Induced Asthma” This research study investigated the effects of mesenchymal stem cells on patients with dust mite allergy and allergic asthma. 7 subjects with allergic asthma were treated with bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells. Although the group was a small population, results showed that using mesenchymal stem cells was promising in weakening the inflammatory responses to allergic triggers in asthma patients. (December 2011)
“Is a Regenerative Approach Viable for the Treatment of COPD?” This review article discusses different treatment options for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They note that lung regeneration therapy aims to reverse symptoms of COPD.
“Mesenchymal stem cells restore lung function by recruiting resident and non-resident proteins” This study explored using Adult Mesenchymal Stem Cell therapy to treat chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) by administering an injection of stem cells into the trachea. After the injection, a marked and long-lasting improvement was seen. The results suggest that the use of Adult Mesenchymal Stem Cells to treat pulmonary disease can restore lung function. (March 2011)
“Immunomodulatory Effects of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in Airway Allergic Diseases” This study examined the use of Adipose Derived Adult Mesenchymal Stem Cells to treat allergic rhinitis and asthma in a mouse model. The belief is that Adipose Derived Adult Mesenchymal Stem Cell therapy has significant improvement of airway inflammation.