Abstract:
Background. Covid-19 is a new type of coronavirus that manifests itself with acute respiratory
failure and acute respiratory distress syndrome that can progress to multiple organ failure. Despite
the therapeutic advances, there are challenges in the treatment of this disease, thus directing
attention to stem cells.
Objective of the study. Presentation of the role of treatment, in patients with post Covid-19
respiratory complications with stem cells.
Material and Methods. Review of 25 articles from Pubmed.gov; StemCells journals; The
Regenerative Stem Cells Institute; BMC; ERS; Journal of Translational Medicine; American Lung
Association.
Results. The primary disorder in the pathogenesis of Covid-19 is at the level of the immune system,
by acting on the ACE2 receptor in pneumocytes and the production of the cytokine storm, the
increase of C-reactive protein levels and the inability to transform pneumocytes type II into type I
while maintaining the transition phase of pneumocytes type II. The role of stem cells in the
treatment of covid-19 is represented by: Immunomodulatory role - inhibiting the activity and
proliferation of B cells, T cells and natural kiler, inhibiting the maturation and antigenic
presentation of dendritic cells, activating macrophages. Anti-inflammatory role - release of
chemokines (CCL5, CXCL9,10,11), secretion of lipoxin A4, TGF- beta, nitric oxide, prostaglandin
E2, secretion of IL-10, reduction of IL6, reduction of TNF- alpha, decrease of neutrophils-secretion
of repair factors of vascular endothelial growth, platelet-derived growth factor, IGF1 and HGF -
activation of angiogenesis. Antifibrotic role- reducing the expression of pro-fibrotic ligate TGF-p1.
Conclusions. Stem cells with their significant immunomodulatory functionality can suppress the
predominant cytokine storm in the acute phase of the disease. At the same time, stem cell
transplantation has been shown to be effective in activating endogenous mechanisms of repair,
tissue regeneration and decreased pulmonary fibrosis with increasing pulmonary vascularization
and improving oxygen saturation. It has been proven that stem cells do not have receptors for ACE2
and thus they cannot be infected by the SARS-Cov-2 virus.
