New Study Identifies Potential Biomarkers for Predicting Effectiveness of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation Therapy in People with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are unique adult stem cells with immunosuppressive properties that also may play a key role in preventing autoimmunity. In a new study, researchers identified metabolic biomarkers that could be associated with successful MSC transplantation (MSCT) treatment in people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). 

Researchers collected plasma samples from 20 people with SLE before and after they received MSCT. During the process each person was closely monitored, and clinical improvements were evident at 180 days post-treatment. These improvements included lower disease activity scores, decreased urine proteinuria and erythrocyte sedimentation rates, as well as increased levels of complement C3 and C4, hemoglobin (a protein found in red blood cells), and platelets. Additionally, 18,121 metabolites (small molecules produced during metabolism) were also found, of which 1,152 significantly changed after MSCT. Overall, specific metabolite changes were associated with clinical improvements, particularly increases in thiamine monophosphate (TMP) and asiaticoside levels. TMP level changes predicted MSCT treatment success, with a 35% increase indicating a good response to the therapy. The researchers concluded that TMP could be a potential biomarker for predicting the efficacy of MSCT in treating SLE and could offer valuable insights for clinical practice and future research. 

The Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) has a long history of funding (adult) stem cell research and is one of the first organizations to fund research into MSCs as a potential treatment for people with lupus. Continue to follow LFA for updates on MSCs and learn more about the LFA's stem cell research.

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