Health Benefits of Umbilical Stem Cell Infusions Part Two

by Jeffrey Dach MD

Umbilical Cord Stem Cell Infusions for Insulin Sensitivity and Mitochondrial Function

In my office, patients with type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and metabolic dysfunction frequently ask about emerging regenerative therapies. One option that keeps coming up is intravenous umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs), often from Wharton’s jelly. A number of my patients have traveled to clinics in Antigua and Panama for these allogeneic stem cell infusions, seeking improvements in blood sugar control, energy levels, and overall metabolic health.

These treatments are experimental, they are not FDA-approved in the United States and remain outside mainstream conventional care. Clinics in Antigua and Panama operate under local regulations and promote the cells for their anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and regenerative properties. The benefits appear to come primarily from paracrine effects (the secretome or conditioned medium released by the cells) rather than the cells themselves engrafting and replacing damaged tissue. That said, the preclinical data is impressive and worth reviewing for anyone considering this approach.

Header Photo: Stem cell IV administration for Duchenne muscular dystrophy Date 5 September 2018. Author: Alice Pien, MD [<a href=”https://www.amaskincare.com/about/alice-pien-md-medical-director/”>Alice Pien, MD</a>]. Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.

This article is part two of a series. For Part One, Click Here.

How UC-MSCs Improve Insulin Sensitivity

In a 2021 study published in the Diabetes & Metabolism Journal, Kyoung Soo Kim and colleagues looked at palmitate-induced insulin-resistant C2C12 skeletal muscle cells—a standard lab model for the muscle insulin resistance seen in type 2 diabetes. When these cells were treated with umbilical cord MSC-conditioned medium, the researchers observed significantly increased glucose uptake (measured by 2-deoxyglucose assay), restored translocation of GLUT4 transporters to the cell membrane, reduced inhibitory phosphorylation of IRS-1 at Ser307 and Ser612, and clear activation of the insulin-sensitizing PI3K/Akt pathway. These changes essentially reversed the insulin-resistant state in the muscle cells.

Obese Diabetic Mice

In a September 2020 study published in Stem Cell Research & Therapy, Guang Chen and colleagues gave human umbilical cord MSCs (HUC-MSCs) to obese diabetic db/db mice. Intramuscular injection proved especially effective. The treated mice showed lower fasting blood glucose, reduced HOMA-IR index (a standard measure of insulin resistance), decreased inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6), and upregulation of the PI3K/Akt pathway with downregulation of the opposing Erk/MAPK pathway, mediated through PTEN regulation. Skeletal muscle once again emerged as a key target tissue. These findings line up with small human observational studies in which type 2 diabetes patients receiving UC-MSC infusions showed reductions in HOMA-IR, lower insulin requirements, improved C-peptide levels, and better HbA1c—sometimes lasting for months.

Positive Effects on Mitochondrial Function

Mitochondrial dysfunction is now recognized as both a cause and a consequence of insulin resistance. When mitochondria are damaged, they produce excess reactive oxygen species (ROS), impair fatty acid oxidation, lower energy (ATP) production, and further worsen insulin signaling — creating a vicious cycle.Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) help restore mitochondrial health through two major mechanisms.

First, they secrete powerful bioactive factors (the “secretome” or conditioned medium).

In a 2021 study published in the Diabetes & Metabolism Journal, Kyoung Soo Kim and colleagues showed that UC-MSC-conditioned medium applied to palmitate-induced insulin-resistant muscle cells (C2C12 model) produced impressive improvements: it increased key markers of mitochondrial biogenesis including PGC-1α (the master regulator of mitochondrial renewal), mtTFA, and mitochondrial DNA copy number. It also raised mitochondrial membrane potential, significantly lowered both mitochondrial and cellular ROS, improved fatty acid oxidation, and enhanced the cells’ capacity for ATP synthesis.

Second, and perhaps most remarkably, UC-MSCs can directly transfer healthy mitochondria to damaged cells by way of tunneling nanotubes.

In a 2015 study published in the journal Mitochondrion, Hung-Yu Lin and colleagues demonstrated that Wharton’s jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells are able to donate functional mitochondria to cells with defective mitochondria. This transfer occurs primarily through long, thin intercellular connections known as tunneling nanotubes (TNTs), and to a lesser extent through extracellular vesicles. Once the healthy mitochondria are received, the recipient cells regain normal mitochondrial respiration, membrane potential, ATP production, and show reduced oxidative stress.These combined effects, stimulating new mitochondria production while directly supplying healthy ones, help restore cellular energy metabolism and improve insulin sensitivity.

Taken together, these effects on mitochondria and insulin signaling help explain why some patients report better energy and glycemic control after treatment.

Important Caveats

While the cell and animal data are consistent and encouraging, we still lack large, randomized, long-term human trials. Results are not guaranteed, and benefits may wane over time (typically reported in the 6- to 22-month range). As with any medical procedure, there are risks, though serious adverse events have been rare in the published literature. Anyone considering therapy abroad should discuss it with their own physician and understand that this remains an adjunctive, experimental approach. Standard lifestyle measures, diet, exercise, and conventional medications continue to form the foundation of diabetes care.

Umbilical Cord Stem Cell Infusions: What the Medical Literature Tells Us About Health Benefits

In my office, patients with chronic illnesses ranging from heart failure and type 1 diabetes to autoimmune conditions and long COVID often ask about regenerative options that go beyond conventional medications. One therapy that keeps coming up is intravenous umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells, also known as UC-MSCs or Wharton’s jelly stem cells. These allogeneic cells are being offered at specialized clinics here and abroad, and patients want to know: what does the actual medical literature say about their potential health benefits?

While these infusions remain experimental and are not FDA-approved for routine clinical use in the United States, a growing body of peer-reviewed studies has examined their safety and efficacy. The most widely cited papers (those frequently referenced in systematic reviews and meta-analyses) consistently point to encouraging signals, primarily through the cells’ paracrine (secretome) effects that reduce inflammation, modulate the immune system, and support tissue repair. Below I review six of the most influential studies, with expanded summaries of their methods, findings, and clinical relevance.

Congestive Heart Failure

In a September 2017 study published in Circulation Research, Jorge Bartolucci and colleagues reported the results of the RIMECARD Trial, a double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 1/2 randomized study. Thirty patients with stable heart failure and reduced ejection fraction received a single intravenous infusion of UC-MSCs or placebo. Safety was excellent—no infusion reactions, no immune rejection, and no alloantibody formation. On the efficacy side, the UC-MSC group showed a statistically significant improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction (+7% at 12 months versus +1.85% in placebo), better NYHA functional class, and improved quality-of-life scores. This remains one of the strongest randomized trials demonstrating cardiac benefit from UC-MSC infusions.

Meta-Analysis of 93 Studies

In a December 2017 study published in Cytotherapy, Alp Can and colleagues published a systematic analysis that reviewed 93 clinical studies involving more than 2,000 patients treated with UC-MSCs for 53 different conditions. The authors found an outstanding safety profile across the board:

Zero reports of tumor formation, long-term adverse effects, or immune rejection even without HLA matching or immunosuppression. Virtually every study reported some degree of clinical or laboratory improvement, although many were small case series. This large review is frequently cited as early proof that UC-MSCs are feasible and well-tolerated across a wide range of diseases.

Type One Diabetes

In a January 2016 study published in Diabetes Care, Jian Cai and colleagues evaluated UC-MSCs combined with autologous bone-marrow cells delivered via the pancreatic artery in a pilot randomized controlled trial. Forty-two patients with established type 1 diabetes were randomized to stem-cell transplantation or standard care. After one year, the treated group showed a 105% increase in C-peptide (a marker of insulin production), reduced daily insulin requirements by 29%, and better HbA1c. An eight-year follow-up later showed dramatically lower rates of diabetic complications such as neuropathy, nephropathy, and retinopathy. These results suggest meaningful preservation of beta-cell function and long-term metabolic benefit.

Immune and Inflammatory Disease

In a 2021 study published in Stem Cell Research & Therapy, Mohamed Mebarki and colleagues focused on UC-MSCs as a promising “off-the-shelf” therapy for immune and inflammatory diseases including lupus, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and graft-versus-host disease. The authors highlighted the cells’ ability to suppress overactive immune responses, reduce inflammatory cytokines, and promote tissue repair. Across the trials summarized, safety remained excellent and efficacy signals were consistent, supporting further development of UC-MSCs as advanced therapy medicinal products for high-unmet-need conditions.

In an April 2014 study published in the World Journal of Stem Cells, Tokiko Nagamura-Inoue and Hong He explained why umbilical cord MSCs have such therapeutic potential. Compared with bone-marrow MSCs, UC-MSCs are easier to obtain, proliferate faster, show stronger homing to damaged tissues, and exert potent anti-inflammatory and regenerative paracrine effects. This paper laid the groundwork for much of the clinical research that followed and is still referenced today for its clear explanation of the cells’ advantages.

In a 2022 study published in Frontiers in Immunology, Chen Yang and colleagues examined UC-MSC infusions in 293 COVID-19 patients through a systematic review and meta-analysis. The treated group had a 40% lower mortality rate, reduced systemic inflammation (lower CRP and IL-6), and improved pulmonary symptoms, with no increase in adverse events. These findings reinforced the role of UC-MSCs in modulating hyper-inflammatory states and acute respiratory distress.

 

Important Caveats:

Cancer: Patients with active cancer or recent malignancy history are routinely excluded from UC-MSC trial studies.

While these studies are among the most widely cited and show consistent safety plus promising efficacy signals, the evidence is still largely from early-phase trials and observational data. Larger confirmatory randomized controlled trials are ongoing or still needed. Results are not guaranteed for every patient, and benefits are thought to stem mainly from paracrine signaling rather than permanent cell engraftment. Anyone considering UC-MSC infusions, whether at a clinic in Panama or Antigua or elsewhere, should discuss the option thoroughly with their own physician and weigh it against standard-of-care treatments.

Umbilical Cord Stem Cell Therapy for Prostatitis

In my office, men with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) often ask about regenerative options when standard treatments—antibiotics, alpha-blockers, anti-inflammatories, or pelvic floor therapy—fall short. One therapy that has come up recently is intravenous or targeted umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs), usually sourced from Wharton’s jelly. These allogeneic cells are promoted by some overseas clinics, in Antigua and Panama for their potent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects.

While the idea is appealing, harnessing young, highly proliferative cells to calm chronic inflammation in the prostate, the evidence is still extremely limited and entirely preclinical. There are no published randomized controlled human trials using unmodified UC-MSCs specifically for prostatitis or CP/CPPS. What we do have is one well-designed animal study that offers mechanistic insight into potential benefits.

The Key 2021 Mouse Study on IL-1β-Primed UC-MSCs

In a September 2021 study published in Stem Cell Research & Therapy, Hanchao Liu and colleagues (including Ani Chi, Jian Dai, and others) tested human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hUC-MSCs from Wharton’s jelly) in a well-established mouse model of experimental autoimmune prostatitis (NOD-EAP), which mimics non-bacterial CP/CPPS.

Methods in brief: MSCs were isolated from human umbilical cord Wharton’s jelly.

A subset was “primed” (pre-treated) with the inflammatory cytokine IL-1β for 48 hours to enhance their therapeutic potency.

Primed or unprimed MSCs were infused intravenously into mice with established CP/CPPS.

Outcomes measured: pelvic pain (von Frey filament test), prostate histology/inflammation scores, systemic and local immune cell profiles, cytokine levels, and pain-signaling pathways (CCL2, NF-κB, JNK/MAPK).

Key Results (Potential Benefits):

Pain Relief: IL-1β-primed UC-MSCs produced a statistically significant reduction in pelvic hyperalgesia compared with saline controls or unprimed MSCs.

Reduced Prostate Inflammation: Histological inflammation scores in the prostate dropped markedly; proinflammatory cytokines decreased while anti-inflammatory markers rose.

Immune Modulation: The treatment decreased infiltration of inflammatory Ly6C^high^ CD11b+ monocytes and increased regulatory T cells (CD4+ Foxp3+ Tregs) both locally in the prostate and systemically (spleen, blood, lung).

Mechanistic Insight: Primed MSCs showed better migration (via upregulated CXCR4) and accumulated preferentially in the spleen, where they restored systemic immune balance. This led to downstream downregulation of NF-κB and JNK/MAPK pathways in the prostate, reduced CCL2 (a key pain/inflammation mediator), and decreased pain-related markers (CGRP, TRPV1) in dorsal root ganglia.

Important Detail: The cells did not need to home directly to the prostate in large numbers; the benefit was largely systemic immunomodulation rather than direct engraftment.

The authors concluded that IL-1β priming enhances the ability of umbilical cord MSCs to alleviate CP/CPPS symptoms by resetting systemic immunity and breaking the cycle of chronic inflammation and pain.Full citation (MLA 9th Edition):

Liu, Hanchao, et al. “IL-1β-Primed Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Exert Enhanced Therapeutic Effects to Alleviate Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome through Systemic Immunity.” Stem Cell Research & Therapy, vol. 12, no. 1, 25 Sept. 2021, article 514,

https://doi.org/10.1186/s13287-021-02579-0. Full text (open access): https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8466748/

Umbilical Cord Stem Cell Therapy for Sensory Neuropathy:

The Stocking-Glove Pattern in Feet and Hands

We see many patients with bilateral sensory neuropathy, numbness, tingling, burning pain, and loss of sensation starting in the feet and progressing upward in a classic “stocking-glove” distribution, frequently ask about regenerative options when conventional treatments (gabapentin, duloxetine, alpha-lipoic acid, or physical therapy) provide only partial relief. Many have diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), while others have idiopathic or toxic small-fiber neuropathy. One therapy that keeps surfacing is intravenous or intramuscular umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs), often from Wharton’s jelly. These allogeneic cells are offered at specialized clinics, including those in Panama and Antigua, for their anti-inflammatory, neurotrophic, and regenerative properties.

These treatments remain experimental—they are not FDA-approved in the United States for neuropathy and are considered investigational. The potential benefits stem primarily from paracrine signaling (the cells’ secretome) rather than the cells permanently engrafting and becoming new nerves. That said, early human data and preclinical work are encouraging enough that patients deserve a clear summary of what the medical literature actually shows.

Mechanisms: How UC-MSCs May Help Sensory Neuropathy

Umbilical cord MSCs secrete a rich cocktail of neurotrophic factors (BDNF, GDNF, NGF, VEGF) that support nerve repair. They reduce neuroinflammation, promote angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation to improve nerve nutrition), stimulate remyelination of damaged axons, and enhance axonal regeneration. In animal models of diabetic neuropathy, these effects have translated into improved nerve conduction and reduced hyperalgesia.

Human Evidence: The 2024 Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The strongest clinical data come from a 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis published in Stem Cell Research & Therapy. Alizadeh and colleagues analyzed seven human studies involving 400 patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Two of the trials specifically used umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSCs), while others used bone-marrow mononuclear cells. Most treatments were delivered by intramuscular injection.

Key findings included statistically significant improvements in:

Motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV): weighted mean difference +2.2 m/s

Sensory nerve conduction velocity (SNCV): +1.9 m/s

Vibration perception threshold (VPT): improved by –2.9 (better sensory function)

Toronto Clinical Scoring System (TCSS): reduced by –3.6 points (meaning less severe neuropathy symptoms)

In subgroup analysis, UC-MSCs appeared particularly effective for improving motor nerve conduction velocity, while bone-marrow cells showed slightly greater benefit for sensory parameters. Overall, the authors concluded that stem cell therapy (including UC-MSCs) shows significant promise in improving both objective nerve conduction and clinical sensory symptoms in DPN. Safety was excellent, only minor, transient injection-site pain or swelling was reported.

References

Alizadeh, Seyed Danial, et al. “Human Studies of the Efficacy and Safety of Stem Cells in the Treatment of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Stem Cell Research & Therapy, vol. 15, no. 442, 19 Nov. 2024, https://doi.org/10.1186/s13287-024-04033-3.

Full text: https://stemcellres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13287-024-04033-3 (or PMC11577959).

Supporting preclinical review:

Bojanic, C., et al. “Human Umbilical Cord Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Peripheral Nerve Regeneration.” World Journal of Stem Cells, vol. 12, no. 4, 26 Apr. 2020, pp. 288–302, https://doi.org/10.4252/wjsc.v12.i4.288. Full text: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7202926/.

Important Caveats

This is a single preclinical animal study.

While the results are encouraging and the mechanisms (anti-inflammatory paracrine effects, Treg induction, monocyte suppression) align with the known biology of UC-MSCs, human data are absent. No large-scale clinical trials have been published demonstrating safety or efficacy of umbilical cord stem cell infusions for prostatitis in men.Some overseas clinics (e.g., Mediland and others) promote UC-MSC or Wharton’s jelly products for chronic prostatitis and report anecdotal improvements in pain, urinary symptoms, and quality of life.

These claims are based on general MSC properties rather than prostatitis-specific human trials and should be viewed with caution.

As with any experimental therapy, risks include immune reactions, infection, unknown long-term effects, and the possibility of no benefit. Standard medical evaluation and conventional therapies remain the foundation of care.Bottom line: Umbilical cord MSC therapy shows mechanistic promise in animal models for reducing inflammation and pelvic pain in CP/CPPS through systemic immune modulation, but it remains highly experimental with no proven human benefit. Anyone considering this approach should discuss it with their urologist and weigh it carefully against the lack of robust clinical evidence.

References

Liu, Hanchao, et al. “IL-1β-Primed Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Exert Enhanced Therapeutic Effects to Alleviate Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome through Systemic Immunity.” Stem Cell Research & Therapy, vol. 12, no. 1, 25 Sept. 2021, article 514, https://doi.org/10.1186/s13287-021-02579-0.

Full text: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8466748/.

References

1) Chen, Guang, et al. “Human Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Ameliorate Insulin Resistance via PTEN-Mediated Crosstalk between the PI3K/Akt and Erk/MAPKs Signaling Pathways in the Skeletal Muscles of db/db Mice.” Stem Cell Research & Therapy, vol. 11, no. 401, 16 Sept. 2020, https://doi.org/10.1186/s13287-020-01865-7.
Full text: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7493876/.

2) Kim, Kyoung Soo, et al. “Umbilical Cord-Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Conditioned Medium Improves Insulin Resistance in C2C12 Cell.” Diabetes & Metabolism Journal, vol. 45, no. 2, 2021, pp. 260–69, https://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2019.0191.
Full text: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8024157/.

3) Lin, Hung-Yu, et al. “Mitochondrial Transfer from Wharton’s Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cells to Defective Mitochondria via Tunneling Nanotubes.” Mitochondrion, vol. 25, 2015, pp. 1–8

4) Stem Cell Medical Center. “Endocrine, Metabolic & Diabetic Conditions.” Stem Cell Medical Center, Antigua, 2026, https://stemcellmedicalcenter.com/endocrine-diabetic-conditions/

5) Bartolucci, Jorge, et al. “Safety and Efficacy of the Intravenous Infusion of Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Patients With Heart Failure: A Phase 1/2 Randomized Controlled Trial (RIMECARD Trial).” Circulation Research, vol. 121, no. 10, 26 Sept. 2017, pp. 1117–28, https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.117.310712. Full text: https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/circresaha.117.310712.

6) Can, Alp, et al. “Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Transplantations: A Systemic Analysis of Clinical Trials.” Cytotherapy, vol. 19, no. 12, Dec. 2017, pp. 1351–82, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcyt.2017.09.004. URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1465324917306631.

7) Cai, Jian, et al. “Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stromal Cell With Autologous Bone Marrow Cell Transplantation in Established Type 1 Diabetes: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Open-Label Clinical Study to Assess Safety and Impact on Insulin Secretion.” Diabetes Care, vol. 39, no. 1, Jan. 2016, pp. 149–57, https://doi.org/10.2337/dc15-1504. Full text: https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/39/1/149/31805/Umbilical-Cord-Mesenchymal-Stromal-Cell-With.

8) Mebarki, Mohamed, et al. “Human Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells: A Promising Candidate for the Development of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products.” Stem Cell Research & Therapy, vol. 12, no. 1, 2021, article 152, https://doi.org/10.1186/s13287-021-02222-y. Full text: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7907784/.

9) Nagamura-Inoue, Tokiko, and He, Hong. “Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Their Advantages and Potential Clinical Utility.” World Journal of Stem Cells, vol. 6, no. 2, 26 Apr. 2014, pp. 195–202, https://doi.org/10.4252/wjsc.v6.i2.195. Full text: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3999777/.

10) Yang, Chen, et al. “Efficacy of Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stromal Cells for the Treatment of COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Frontiers in Immunology, 2022, article PMC9467457. Full text: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9467457/.

11) Liu, Hanchao, et al. “IL-1β-Primed Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Exert Enhanced Therapeutic Effects to Alleviate Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome through Systemic Immunity.” Stem Cell Research & Therapy, vol. 12, no. 1, 25 Sept. 2021, article 514, https://doi.org/10.1186/s13287-021-02579-0.

Articles with Related Interest:

Stem Cell Therapy, What is it? Umbilical Stem Cell Infusions, Part One 

Jeffrey Dach MD
7450 Griffin Road, Suite 190
Davie, FL 33314
954-792-4663
my blog: www.jeffreydachmd.com

Copyright © 2026 Jeffrey Dach MD All Rights Reserved.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice.
Always consult your personal physician before making any changes to your health regimen.

Published on May 25th, 2026 by Jeffrey Dach MD