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<\/p>\nRegenerative medicine has taken the world by storm in recent years.\u00a0 The idea that there could potentially be a treatment that is more effective than surgery and prescription medication yet pose a very small risk is revolutionary.\u00a0 Initially, regenerative medicine became synonymous with stem cell therapy.\u00a0 However, as more research has been done on regenerative medicine, the scientific community has found that the field encompasses more than just stem cells.\u00a0 Cytokines have also been found to play a large role in the field of regenerative medicine.<\/p>\n
Cytokines are small proteins that act as messengers between cells.\u00a0 They help to regulate the immune and inflammatory responses.\u00a0 In addition, they help to regulate normal cell processes within the body.\u00a0 The term cytokine incorporates a variety of different proteins.\u00a0 These proteins can help stimulate the production of blood cells, help develop and repair tissue, and help with the immune system.\u00a0 Cytokines end up being released by cells for circulation throughout the body or towards a specific tissue in the body.\u00a0 They then bind with target cells, which triggers a response within the cell.<\/p>\n
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In many cases, cytokines are responsible for the disease.\u00a0 Either too many or too little in any area of the body can lead to an imbalance and, thus, disease.\u00a0 While cytokines typically work in one part of the body, they can, at times, affect the body as a whole.\u00a0 While some cytokines may cause inflammation and swelling that lead to arthritis, there are other cytokines that are capable of repairing damaged tissue.\u00a0 The goal of regenerative medicine using cytokines is to ensure the right type and amount of cytokines are placed in the area of the body that is most in need.<\/p>\n
While cytokines can be used on their own, they can also be used in conjunction with stem cell therapy.\u00a0 One of the main areas cytokines are being used is in the field of orthopedics.\u00a0 Many people suffer from joint pain, especially in the knee as they age.\u00a0 This can be due to injuries in younger years or simply wear and tear over time.\u00a0 The knee bears a significant amount of a person\u2019s weight as they age.\u00a0\u00a0 This can lead to knee pain down the road.\u00a0 Fortunately, researchers have found that cytokines can greatly help reduce inflammation that causes pain and help to rebuild damaged tissue in the knee to lessen pain significantly for the patient.<\/p>\n