A new era of stem cell research
Small Pluripotent Stem Cells (SPSCs)
We are currently undertaking a study on a unique group of small cells found in normal peripheral blood.
New findings
A major difference in size
Normal Blood stem cells (Hematopoietic) are usually around 7-10 µm and can only be used to regenerate/repair blood products. In comparison Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are 17-18 µm.
Two smaller sub-populations have been found and identified in normal blood, the Small Blood Stem cells (SBSCs) which are 5 µm in size.
Very Small Embryonic Stem Cells (VSELs) sizes 1-3 µm, these cells are released into the blood circulation after situations of acute stress (both psychological and physical).
Triggered Regeneration
Stress Unlocks the Smallest Cells with the Biggest Potential
In the last months we have been analyzing blood samples of different individuals under different circumstances using an advanced cell counter (Luna-Stem) to measure cell concentrations, cell type and size as well as percentage of active (live) nucleuses.
We found a huge increase in VSEL concentration after or during different stressful activities.
The importance of these findings
Higher capacity and availability
Until now the only commercially available treatments with stem cells in the EU have been the Stromal Vascular Fraction (SVF) from adipose tissue and Bone Marrow derived stem cells in the US region.
A group/mixture of stem cells extracted from a simple blood draw might revolutionize the stem cell market both in terms of price and capacity (being pluripotent).
Activation Triggers
What activates VSELs in blood circulation?
Our aim in the next couple of months is to determine a useful protocol to extract an optimal concentration of both cell types from a normal blood draw.
Prolonged physical exertion
Marathons
Prolonged physical exertion causes inflammation and tissue stress, prompting stem cell mobilization.
Growth factor release
Heavy Strength Training
Muscle damage and growth factor release from intense lifting mobilize regenerative stem cells.
Activates noradrenaline
Cold Plunges
Acute cold stress activates noradrenaline and recovery mechanisms, increasing VSEL concentration.
Activates Cellular Repair
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Increases oxygen levels and activates cellular repair pathways
Hormonal Response
Phychological stress
Triggers a hormonal stress response that stimulates the release of VSELs into circulation.
Pluripotent Advantage
Small Stem Cells With Massive Regenerative Power
Both sub-populations of very small stem cells are pluripotent (and embryonic like) with a much higher regenerative capacity than today’s commercially available cell types (SVF and MSCs).
They cannot per definition develop into cancer as they lack that capacity and have a near endless potential to proliferate and divide into almost any cell type.
The Smallest stress induced cells (VSELs) also have the capacity to release the telomerase enzyme known for repairing telomeres.
Systemic Capacity
Why Smaller Stem Cells May Succeed Where Others Fail
Using stem cells for systemic/IV treatment has been controversial, as many injected cells may become trapped in the lungs where capillaries narrow to around 6 µm — a challenge for larger stem cell types.
The smaller pluripotent stem cells (SPSCs), in contrast, are well below this threshold and may circulate more freely through the body — while also offering greater potency for targeted, local repair due to their pluripotency.
Upcoming Publication
Presenting a New Class of Pluripotent Stem Cells
Our initial study on these two pluripotent stem cell types and the unique mixture of both will be published in the summer 2025 and presented in biomedical conferences in Rome, Dubai, Amsterdam, and Kuala Lumpur during the late summer and autumn this year.