Abstract:
Introduction. COVID-19 is a disease that has spread worldwide and was first detected in Wuhan-China in
December 2019. The virus has spread rapidly across different geographical areas. SARS-CoV-2 affects
many systems and organs, but it mainly affects the respiratory system causing pulmonary distress, severe
respiratory failure.
Aim of study. To study the effect of cell therapy on the treatment of COVID-19 patients with severe
respiratory failure.
Methods and materials. The study was performed based on literature review: Cells therapy in patients
with COVID-19 using different sources of stem cells.
Results. According to the studies analyzed for the treatment of patients with covid-19, stem cells were used
from: bone marrow, dental pulp, amniotic membrane, umbilical cord, human embryonic stem cells, fat stem
cells and stromal fraction. Methods of administration: by inhalations and intravenous. Human amniotic
epithelial cells and human mesenchymal stromal cells are found in the amniotic membrane of the placenta.
Amniotic cells have an immunoregulatory, regenerative and anti-inflammatory role with a regenerating
effect on pulmonary architecture in vivo. Stromal amniotic cells facilitate the adhesion of the key
transcription factor Nrf2 to the antioxidant protein in HAMSCs. They were administered by inhalation, by
nebulizer, facilitating the administration and amplifying the degree of pulmonary spread. Patients' recovery
was only 6 days compared to standard-treated patients, who recovered within 22 days. Human amniotic
epithelial stem cells in clinical trials were administered intravenously at a dose of 1 million cells kg; they
improved the inflammatory and fibrotic response by removing lung damage. Allogeneic human umbilical
cord mesenchymal stem cells were used to treat SARS-CoV-2 positive patients by introducing them in
different doses: 5x107 3-day dose, 3 intravenous doses, 1x106 MSC/kg, single intravenous
infusion;3x107/dose, intravenous infusion in 3 doses.
Conclusion. Stem cells in the treatment of Covid-19 patients are used in the acute phase and in the recovery
period. They have the ability to inhibit cytokine storms, neoangiogenesis, increase vascular permeability
and an immunomodulatory effect for better protection of alveolar tissue. Very important is the antiviral and
antibacterial role that facilitates the recovery of lung function. Thus, stem cell covid-19 therapy offers the
possibility of treating acute processes and facilitates post-COVID-19 recovery.
