What markers track stem cell therapy?
Stem cell therapy is tracked through a range of markers and outcome measures, from liver regeneration in ACLF to hemoglobin in beta-thalassemia. This page outlines the markers and endpoints used in clinical and preclinic
What markers track stem cell therapy?
Stem cell therapy is monitored using a combination of clinical, laboratory, and imaging markers that reflect the mechanism of action, tissue response, and safety. In non-viral acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), for example, trials evaluate native liver regeneration through markers such as bilirubin, INR, and MELD score [1]. In transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia, the key marker is hemoglobin level and transfusion independence following gene-modified hematopoietic stem cell infusion [2]. For knee osteoarthritis, pain and function scores, along with imaging of cartilage, serve as markers [3]. In premature ovarian failure, markers include follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol, and antral follicle count [4]. Preclinical studies use histological and molecular markers, such as mitochondrial function in MSC spheroids for bone regeneration [5], auditory brainstem response in hearing loss models [6], and erectile function and endogenous stem cell recruitment in nerve injury models [7].
The work centres on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), with pathways involving regenerative signalling, immune modulation, and tissue-specific repair.
Research Studies
Mesenchymal stem cells and liver regeneration in non-viral ACLF
A Phase-II trial is evaluating MSC therapy in patients with non-viral ACLF to promote native liver regeneration. The study aims to validate MSC-based therapy as a safe, effective, transplant-free treatment option. Markers include liver function tests and clinical outcomes [1].
Gene-modified hematopoietic stem cells and hemoglobin in beta-thalassemia
A Phase IIb trial is testing autologous HSPCs genetically modified with the GLOBE lentiviral vector in patients with transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia. The primary marker is hemoglobin level and transfusion independence [2].
PEMF and stem cell therapy for knee osteoarthritis
Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy is being explored for knee osteoarthritis, with stem cell therapy as a comparator. Markers include pain scores, function, and cartilage imaging [3].
Autologous MSC therapy and ovarian function in premature ovarian failure
A study is evaluating autologous MSC therapy in women with premature ovarian failure. Markers include FSH, estradiol, and antral follicle count [4].
Mitochondrial-targeted nano-enhancer and bone regeneration in MSC spheroids
In vitro and animal studies have used a mitochondrial-targeted nano-enhancer to drive a self-amplifying NAD+ feedback loop in MSC spheroids, reprogramming metabolism to accelerate bone regeneration. Markers include mitochondrial function and bone formation [5].
Hair follicle-derived neural crest stem cells and hearing recovery in rats
In a rat model of neural hearing loss, transplantation of hair follicle-derived neural crest stem cells onto the cochlear nerve surface led to partial hearing recovery. Markers include auditory brainstem response and histological assessment [6].
Adipose-derived stem cells and erectile function in cavernous nerve injury
In a rat model of cavernous nerve injury, adipose-derived stem cell therapy restored erectile function and promoted endogenous stem cell recruitment. Markers include erectile function and stem cell recruitment [7].
Comparison of markers across studies
| Study | Condition | Key markers |
|---|---|---|
| NC-CHRM [1] | Non-viral ACLF | Bilirubin, INR, MELD |
| Gene-modified HSPCs [2] | Beta-thalassemia | Hemoglobin, transfusion independence |
| PEMF for knee OA [3] | Knee osteoarthritis | Pain scores, function, cartilage imaging |
| Autologous MSC [4] | Premature ovarian failure | FSH, estradiol, antral follicle count |
| Nano-enhancer [5] | Bone regeneration | Mitochondrial function, bone formation |
| Neural crest stem cells [6] | Hearing loss (rat) | Auditory brainstem response |
| Adipose-derived stem cells [7] | Erectile dysfunction (rat) | Erectile function, stem cell recruitment |
If you are reading this for personal health reasons
The materials and therapies discussed here are for laboratory research only. We do not provide dosing or medical guidance. Anyone considering a compound or therapy for themselves should speak to a licensed clinician.
Sources
- [1] Evaluating Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy in Non-viral Acute on Chronic Liver Failure (ACLF) Patient- Phase-II Trial
- [2] Gene-Modified Stem Cell Therapy for Subjects With Transfusion-dependent Beta-thalassemia
- [3] The Effect of PEMF for Patients With Knee OA
- [4] "It is a Real" The First Baby Of Autologous Stem Cell Therapy in Premature Ovarian Failure
- [5] Mitochondrial-targeted nano-enhancer driving a self-amplifying NAD+ feedback loop to reprogram MSC spheroids metabolism for accelerated bone regeneration
- [6] Partial hearing recovery after cochlear nerve surface transplantation of hair follicle-derived neural crest stem cells in neural hearing loss rat
- [7] Adipose-derived stem cell therapy restores erectile function and promotes endogenous stem cell recruitment in a rat model of cavernous nerve injury