Stem Cell Storage: Intermediary companies fail, but there are still Biobanks to rely on like SSCB

“The failure and mismanagement of other Biobanks for Stem Cell Preservation ruin our sector”, speaks Dr. Luca Mariotta, Scientific Director of SSCB.
Last week, Ticinonews reported on a young couple who were looking for their baby’s cells after the company they had contracted with, Genico, disappeared. Cantonal pharmacist Giovan Maria Zanini said he was concerned about Switzerland’s free-market policy in such a sensitive area.

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Musculoskeletal disorders and mesenchymal stem cells

Considered to be one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, musculoskeletal disorders include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, low back pain, osteoporosis, sarcopenia and myofascial pain syndrome. There are several clinical studies investigating the efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells in these musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).

The safety of MSC treatment in humans with osteoarthritis, a chronic inflammatory joint disease, was evaluated in a study of 12 patients. All patients had chronic knee pain. Treatment was performed by intra-articular injection of expanded autologous bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSC).

91% of the patients showed an improvement in cartilage quality.

Furthermore, in another clinical study, some patients were treated with an intra-articular injection of allogeneic BM-MSC (from a donor) and the same results were observed as an increase in cartilage quality. 

These results were undoubtedly obtained thanks to the potential of mesenchymal stem cells which, thanks to the microenvironment of the damaged site, expressed key genes in cartilage development and type II collagen synthesis promoting cartilage regeneration.

Fat as a source of stem cells for regenerative and aesthetic medicine

Did you know that SSCB offers you the possibility to store stem cells from fat tissue? Fat tissue is a rich source of stem cells that are widely used in regenerative and aesthetic medicine. But how is fat tissue harvested? The fat is easily and safely harvested through mini-liposuction, which is performed by a doctor.

Thanks to this minimally invasive procedure, you can store your fat and avoid major liposuction or the use of synthetic fillers. 

Stem cells: Did you know that there is great compatibility between siblings?

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that are capable of forming the different cell types that make up an adult individual. Thanks to their ability to differentiate, stem cells are of great interest in various medical fields. Their greater histocompatibility is also interesting, so that this cell type can often be used within families. 

The probability of finding a compatible donor outside the family is 0.001 % (1 in 100,000 people). For siblings, on the other hand, the probability of a match is 25 % (1 in 4).

This means that the stem cells of your child that you have stored after birth are very likely to be compatible with the siblings.

Stem cell secretome from adipose tissue as a biotherapeutic agent to inhibit growth of triple-negative breast cancer 

n this experimental study, a protocol was developed for processing a formulation derived from secretome obtained from adipose tissue mesenchymal stem cells at different concentrations. Its molecular composition and in vitro efficacy was evaluated when applied to breast cancer cell lines. In addition, the ability of the formulation to suppress the growth of triple-negative breast cancer when infused into a mouse model of the disease was verified.

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