Title: Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation for COVID-19 Patients: An Emerging Therapy

Biography:

Prof.Nesrin Ercelen, MD, Ph.D., has graduated from Hacettepe University Medical School, Turkey. She had worked as a fellow in Mount Sinai School of Medicine, NY; in Reproductive Genetics Institute, Chicago between 1997-2000. She had the first license in Turkey for preimplantation genetic diagnosis labs. (2000) and Stem Cell, GMP labs and treatment center (2014) in Turkey. She has been working in university clinics in Turkey and USA for research. She has established and worked as medical director in American Hospital Genetics and Genomic Sciences Center, (2000-2010), Liv Hospital Stem Cell Manufacturing and Treatment Center, Istanbul, Turkey; Atigen Cell Center, Trabzon, Turkey (2010-2020). She is the founder and CMO in Geneis, Genetic System Solutions (www.geneis.clinic) since 2006. She has been a professor in the Uskudar School of Medicine, Department of Medical Genetics. She has published many scientific articles related to reproductive genetics, regenerative medicine, and molecular diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

Abstract

Statement of the Problem: COVID-19 infection and long-term COVID-19 syndrome remain to burden healthcare systems and cause significant morbidity and mortality. Novel molecular targets related with the dynamics of pathogenesis of COVID-19 disease, and the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in cell therapies have been methods that deserve attention and are frequently investigated [1]. In fact, MSCs are effective and safe alternatives for treating cytokine storm and acute inflammation, as there are no reductive medications to improve pulmonary fibrosis, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and post complications of immune unregulation [2]. Methodology and Theoretical Orientation: Eight severe/critically severe COVID-19 patients who were unable to respond to the treatment algorithms suggested by the Turkish COVID-19 Scientific Committee had MSC transplantation between April 1 and May 4, 2020 [3]. About a year later, we also performed UC-MSC transplantation in 210 patients with severe or critically severe COVID-19, and we assessed the clinical outcomes.
Findings: According to the findings, stem cell therapy has the potential to reduce mortality and morbidity [4]. Stem cells can enhance lung function and diminish symptoms by lowering inflammation, thus significantly lowers COVID-19 patients' mortality and morbidity, specifies a recent meta-analysis study that included our findings as data from Turkey [5]. Another meta-analysis study that included our subsequent investigation concluded that MSC transplantation is safe and beneficial for patients with severe COVID-19, which is consistent with our findings [6]. Additionally, it can be indicated that MSCs are quite beneficial in improving the clinical signs of COVID-19 infection and lowering systemic complications significantly due to their immunomodulation and regenerative properties.
Conclusion & Significance: Since it has a significant effect in reducing pulmonary fibrosis and enhancing lung function, it can be suggested that emerging treatment for COVID-19 is mesenchymal stem cell therapy. Studies conducted in this context point to promising results. However, further prospective studies are needed to confirm the results and establish a uniform protocol.