Advancements in mesenchymal stem cell treatment for Buerger's disease

Abstract

Buerger's disease or thromboangiitis obliterans, is a non-atherosclerotic inflammatory process which mostly involves medium and small sized arteries and veins in lower and upper extremities. It is categorized as vasculitis. The disease is known to be closely linked to smoking. Buerger's disease is a long-term debilitating condition because of the pain, the development of ulcers and gangrene, and the risk of amputation. Drugs effective on erythrocyte flexibility, agents acting on platelets, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and vascular reconstruction are among several therapeutic methods for Buerger's disease. However, the applied therapies are insufficiently effective. Still, the base of treatment is smoking cessation. Lately, cell therapy has offered us entirely new possibilities. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) treatment has been proposed as a novel approach for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine for various ischemic disorders, including Buerger's disease. In 2016, the first MSC based therapy has received regulatory approval for the treatment of Buerger's disease in India. In March 2017, orphan designation was granted by the European Commission for autologous adipose tissue-derived MSC for the treatment of Buerger's disease. Novel therapeutic approach needs to be validated in the upcoming studies conducted in different clinical centers.