Why should you store stem cells and NK cells, and what are the benefits during a global pandemic?

In the current novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, which has caused widespread panic, the virus can spread through airborne droplets, especially in enclosed environments for extended periods. This can cause severe pneumonia and potentially death in infected individuals.

Although vaccines are believed to be effective against the virus, some countries are still unable to control the spread. Another way to help manage the situation is to boost the immune system to prevent infection and eliminate the virus after infection, leading to faster recovery and avoiding life-threatening complications.

The immune system protects the body from harmful pathogens and foreign substances. If we are exposed to pathogens or foreign substances, the immune system efficiently and effectively eliminates them from the body. In particular, Natural Killer Cells (NK Cells) are a type of white blood cell (cytotoxic lymphocyte) in the bloodstream, which is part of the innate immune system. They act like an army protecting and eliminating foreign substances such as viruses, pathogens, and even cancer cells that threaten our bodies. They are crucial to the body's natural immune system. Boosting immunity can be achieved through basic self-care, such as getting enough rest, exercising regularly, and eating a balanced diet from all five food groups to ensure complete nutrient intake. Under normal circumstances, this self-care would be sufficient. However, in the fight against COVID-19, this may not be enough. Therefore, we need to strengthen our immunity more than usual.

However, under normal conditions, NK cells are relatively rare in the bloodstream, making up only about 5% of all lymphocytes. Furthermore, studies have shown that NK cell function declines with age, which is correlated with an increased incidence of cancer.

Currently, advanced technology offers blood tests to assess NK cell activity, a key indicator of immune status. After receiving the immunity test results, you will know your immune status, which can indicate potential health risks. Highly active NK cell therapy can also boost your immunity, a perfect method for restoring weakened immunity due to illness, aging, or stress.

Beyond immunity, recent research is focusing on stem cells, or progenitor cells, which can potentially treat COVID-19. These stem cells possess unique properties, including the ability to divide indefinitely and the potential to transform into any cell type. Therefore, stem cells are used in treatments focused on restoring and replacing damaged cells to their normal function.

The research by Beijing Yuan Hospital in China, involved seven COVID-19 patients who received intravenous stem cell treatment using 1 million mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) per kilogram of body weight.

Treatment outcomes after using MSC stem cells

• Critically ill patients involved in this research exhibited a decrease in C-reactive protein (CRP) levels.
• Overactive immune cells and inflammatory chemicals returned to normal levels, resulting in reduced inflammation, improvement in the patients' conditions, and eventual recovery.

Furthermore, research conducted by the Department of Critical Care Medicine, China, and colleagues reported that a 65-year-old Chinese woman with COVID-19 received standard treatment, but her condition did not improve. Her family and the patient agreed to treatment with 50 million Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) per injection, for a total of 3 injections. After treatment, the patient's condition improved, and she subsequently tested negative for COVID-19.

Another study published in July 2021 concluded that stem cell injection in COVID-19 patients is a safe method for treating severely ill patients. It found that the optimal time for stem cell treatment is during the inflammatory phase, requiring the measurement of inflammation levels before treatment. This aligns with other research findings showing a reduction in inflammation levels after stem cell treatment.

Currently, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on using existing resources, such as immune cells and stem cells, as mentioned above and supported by numerous research studies, is essential. Before using these cells, it's essential to find a highly reliable and trustworthy hospital. MEDEZE GROUP, for example, is the largest and most experienced mesenchymal stem cell bank in Thailand, offering top-notch services across all aspects of stem cell research, including testing and enhancement of Natural Killer Cells (NK Cells).