Additionally, the study noted improved mitochondrial function in ECM Plus cells, showing reduced proton leakage and enhanced respiratory efficiency compared to those grown in traditional tissue culture plastic (TCP).

A recent study focused on adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs) from individuals over 65, cultivated in ECM Plus, a medium derived from human amniotic fluid that contains collagen and glycoproteins.

Researchers found that culturing aged MSCs in this youthful extracellular matrix (ECM) medium allows them to behave more like younger cells, which could lead to innovative stem cell therapies.

Cells grown in ECM Plus exhibited enhanced proliferation, forming more colonies and differentiating into various cell types, including chondrocytes, adipocytes, and osteoblasts, with osteoblasts producing more bone.

ECM Plus-grown cells also demonstrated greater anti-inflammatory responses when exposed to TNF-α, indicating improved functionality in inflammatory environments.

Significant changes in gene expression related to ECM interactions were observed, leading to improved cellular proliferation, reduced senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), and enhanced differentiation potential.

In comparison to the control group grown in TCP, AD-MSCs in ECM Plus showed reduced cellular senescence, longer telomeres, decreased oxidative stress, and improved survival rates.

These findings suggest that refining and cultivating a patient's own stem cells in a suitable medium could provide a safer alternative to using allogeneic cells for treating age-related diseases, although further in vivo studies are necessary to confirm these results.