Recent Studies on Wharton's Jelly and Adipose-Derived Stem Cells for COPD
Stem Cell Therapies for COPD: Wharton’s Jelly vs. Adipose-Derived MSCs
Wharton’s Jelly–Derived MSCs in COPD
Wharton’s jelly MSCs (WJ-MSCs) are harvested from umbilical cord tissue, a young and ethically non-contentious source. [1] They express typical MSC markers (CD73, CD90, CD105) and lack hematopoietic ones (CD14, CD34, CD45).
Preclinical studies using elastase-induced emphysema models in mice have shown that WJ-MSCs reduce airspace enlargement, measured by the mean linear intercept (MLI). In one trial, MLI improved from ~163μm in untreated COPD mice to ~124μm post-treatment. [2]
A 2019 clinical pilot in Vietnam delivered a single IV dose (1 million cells/kg) of allogeneic WJ-MSCs to 20 patients with moderate-to-severe COPD. It found improved quality-of-life scores (mMRC and CAT), and fewer exacerbations, with no serious adverse events reported. [3]
Another case study used a novel bronchoscope-based delivery to slowly infuse WJ-MSCs directly into each lung lobe, with promising feasibility and safety outcomes. [4]
Adipose Tissue–Derived MSCs in COPD
Adipose-derived MSCs (ADSCs) are collected via liposuction. The stromal vascular fraction (SVF) contains MSCs along with other supportive cells. [5]
In animal studies (ozone- and smoke-induced models), both IV and intratracheal delivery of ADSCs significantly reduced lung inflammation and neutrophil counts, improved lung function, and suppressed cytokines like TNF-α and IL-1β. [6]
A 2021 pilot study in Vietnam showed that autologous SVF infusions (isolated same-day from the patient’s own fat) were safe, with no serious adverse events, and well-tolerated aside from minor liposuction-related soreness. [7]
In a case study, a severe COPD patient showed improved CAT scores, 6-minute walk test, and no exacerbations for a year after ADSC therapy. [8]
Clinical Safety & Meta-Analysis
Across published studies and reviews, both WJ-MSCs and ADSCs appear safe. No significant immune reactions or organ damage were reported. [9] The most common side effects were transient fever or mild discomfort from the harvest site.
A 2019 systematic review concluded that although most trials were early phase, MSC therapy showed improvements in patient-reported outcomes like CAT, walking distance, and exacerbation frequency — but not consistent FEV₁ improvement. [10]
Outlook & Ongoing Research
As of 2024, over 50 registered clinical trials are investigating MSCs for lung disease, including many targeting COPD using both Wharton’s Jelly and adipose tissue sources. Newer studies are exploring optimized dosing, repeated infusion schedules, and even MSC-derived exosomes for non-cellular therapy. [11]
Written for Humans: /Stem-Cell-Therapy-for-COPD