It wasn’t all that long ago when most people had never heard the term, “regenerative medicine.” Today, the therapeutic ability of tiny stem cells—microscopic donor cells that help treat so many debilitating conditions—has been extended to just about any illness or injury you can think of. And stem cells are the gift that keeps on giving: Now we can use the power of exosomes, which are by-products of stem cells, as yet another method of treating all sorts of chronic and acute illnesses.
What Are Exosomes?
The formal medical term for exosomes is extracellular vesicles, which is the scientific way of saying they are tiny bubbles that exist inside and outside of stem cells. Although they are produced by stem cells, exosomes themselves aren’t actually cells, but rather are tiny sacs that contain various proteins and genetic information. They’re found wherever stem cells exist: in blood, urine, skin, organs and tissues, bone and muscle. Exosomes are messengers: their job is to “communicate” with cells in the body. In other words, they help coordinate the healing process of a disease or injury.
How are Exosomes different from Stem Cells?
Exosomes serve a critical function within the body. They transport ribonucleic acid (RNA) and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) to cells, materials necessary for cell development, repair, and maintenance. And because they’re so tiny, exosomes can do something stem cells can’t: They can penetrate cell membranes, essentially merging with damaged cells. And, unlike stem cells, exosomes are not self-replicating—they don’t reproduce in the recipient’s system; they just deliver their payload of genetic information and set the already-existing cells to work.
What Can Exosomes Be Used For?
Like stem cells, exosomes are considered to be a complementary treatment for conditions rather than cures. They can be used in conjunction with other therapies by strengthening cells, thus creating a healthier environment for conventional treatments to work. Exosomes can also help with pain management—an important aspect of treatment—and increase the overall quality of the patient’s life.
Because they’re found all over the body, exosomes can be used to treat many conditions, even some of the most serious and life-threatening ones, including:
- Metabolic diseases such as diabetes (Type I and Type II) and hypo/hyperthyroidism
- Orthopedic problems, like osteoarthritis and sports injuries
- Respiratory difficulties, including COPD and asthma
- Autoimmune disorders such as Lupus and multiple sclerosis (M.S.)
- Allergies and diseases of the skin
- Neurological disorders, including Epilepsy and Parkinson’s Disease
Additionally, exosomes have been used to rejuvenate skin by stimulating the production of collagen and other protein building blocks of the skin, either for cosmetic purposes or for reconstruction in the case of severe burns or other injuries. They’re also useful for treating alopecia (hair loss).
The Exosome Process
The introduction of exosomes into the patient’s body can be done in a number of ways, depending upon the area(s) to be treated. Most typically, an injection directly into the targeted tissue is all it takes. In other cases, an intravenous injection (IV) can be used, which takes a little longer. Side effects, if any, are minor and are limited to some soreness at the injection site or some post-injection swelling.
Naturally, exosome samples are screened carefully before they’re administered to avoid any contamination.
Let the Experts Help
Because any medical procedure carries a certain amount of risk, it’s important to trust your health to experienced professionals who place patient care first. And that’s StemLife Clinic, located in Guadalajara, Mexico. The highly qualified, dedicated medical staff at Stemlife will give you the best of care for the entire time you’re here; we’ll even arrange for your transportation and lodging. And you’ll get top-notch medical treatment for substantially less cost than you would anywhere in the United States. Let us help! Contact us today for a free virtual consultation and see if stem cell therapy is right for you.
