Stem cell culture supernatant (StemSup) therapy
What is stem cell culture supernatant (StemSup) therapy?
Stem cell therapy is a cutting-edge medical treatment that has been researched as regenerative medicine in recent years.
“Stem cell culture supernatant (StemSup) therapy” uses the supernatant obtained from culturing mesenchymal stem cells from sources such as dental pulp, fat, umbilical cord, and bone marrow. This supernatant is rich in messengers and growth factors such as cytokines, exosomes, and other proteins secreted by stem cells. Among them, cytokines and exosomes are topics of interest and many researches have been conducted on them recently. The administration of these ingredients is expected to promote health recovery and beauty, as they help repair tissues damaged by the disease and stimulate cells deteriorated as we age. Specifically, it is expected to improve the following symptoms:
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA), hair thinning, fine facial lines, rough skin, stiff shoulders, low back pain, numbness in limbs, sensitivity to cold, eye fatigue, feeling of exhaustion, decreased energy, insomnia, etc.
The stem cell culture supernatant (StemSup) contains major ingredients.
Cytokine
Cytokines are proteins secreted by cells; it is a general term used to describe bioactive substances involved in cellular interactions. It delivers signal to target cells and induces a variety of cellular responses, including cell proliferation, differentiation, cell death, and functional expressions. Many of these molecules, including various growth factors and growth inhibitors, are involved in the regulation of immunity and inflammation.
To date, hundreds of cytokines have been identified; depending on the types of cells, mesenchymal stem cells contain dozens to 200 types of cytokines.
Exosome
Enveloped in a membrane released from cells, an exosome is composed of proteins, lipids, and several types of RNAs.
Recent studies have reported its important role in cell signaling via a route different from that of the cytokines, and it is highly expected to contribute to next-generation regenerative medicine.
Examples of growth factors found in the stem cell culture supernatant (StemSup)
| HGF | Hepatocyte growth factor (tissue regeneration/activation) It promotes liver regeneration and growth of various cells, to facilitate restoration and repair of damaged areas such as skin, blood vessels, nerves, and organs. It also stimulates hair growth. |
|---|---|
| EGF | Epidermal growth factor (reduction of blemish and dullness and promotion of skin turnover (*)) It promotes proliferation and regeneration of epithelial cells. As it also promotes skin turnover (*), it is expected to be highly effective as a treatment for rejuvenation. |
| TGF-β | Transforming growth factor (anti-inflammatory effect and wound healing) This factor helps repair tissues without leaving a scar. It prevents cellular aging, and improves skin texture by promoting the synthesis of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. |
| IGF | Insulin-like growth factor (skin regeneration and greater firmness and elasticity) It prevents and reduces wrinkles by regenerating skin cells. By inducing collagen and hyaluronic acid syntheses, it is expected to improve skin elasticity. It also thickens and strengthens hair by stimulating the hair roots. |
| PDGF | Platelet-derived growth factor (promotion of cell proliferation) It is a growth factor that promotes regeneration of damaged skin tissues. It is expected to improve wrinkles by promoting collagen synthesis. |
| VEGF | Vascular endothelial growth factor (greater skin firmness and elasticity, improvement of blood circulation, and promotion of hair growth) By creating new blood vessels and increasing the blood circulation, it is expected to improve the skin luster. It also provides nutrients to the hair roots and promote hair growth. |
| KGF | Keratinocyte growth factor (hair generation and growth) Known to be associated with hair generation, it promotes proliferation of matrix cells. It also promotes cell turnover (*). |
Stem cell culture supernatant (StemSup) therapy at NEO Clinic Tokyo
To date, stem cell culture supernatant (StemSup) therapy has not yet been categorized as regenerative medicine based on the Act on the Safety of Regenerative Medicine Products in Japan. To achieve the therapeutic effect, physicians who are familiar with regenerative medicine should perform medical examination and administer this treatment.
In our clinic, specialists familiar with regenerative medicine are in charge of administering this treatment.
The composition (or ingredients) of the culture supernatant varies considerably depending on the type of stem cell, culture conditions, etc.; therefore, producing it through cell culturing under strict safety/environmental control is of crucial importance. The stem cell culture supernatant (StemSup) used in our clinic is produced in a facility that meets the abovementioned conditions.
The supernatant can be administered in three methods:
- Direct intradermal injection using a fine needle
- Intravenous administration by drip infusion
- Intranasal administration (in some cases, self-administration is also possible)
It is also possible to use a combination of methods (1) to (3) for administration.