News

Research Findings Published in International Scientific Journal
 
Human Life CORD Japan Inc. (President and CEO: Masamitsu Harata, Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan, hereinafter referred to as “Human Life CORD”), a pioneer in the development of regenerative cell therapies using umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hereinafter referred to as “UC-MSCs”), is pleased to announce that the results of a collaborative research project with the Department of Applied Cellular Medicine (endowed course by Human Life CORD) at the Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, were published online in the international scientific journal Stem Cell Research & Therapy on July 28, 2025.
 
This study focused on sarcopenia, a condition characterized by age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and physical performance. Using senescence-accelerated mice (SAMP10), a well-established animal model for sarcopenia, the research team investigated the therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms of extracellular vesicles, including exosomes, secreted by human UC-MSCs.
The administration of UC-MSC-derived extracellular vesicles demonstrated multifaceted benefits, including:
– Improved muscle strength and endurance
– Increased muscle fiber size and muscle mass
– Enhanced mitochondrial regeneration in muscle cells
– Suppressed apoptosis of muscle cells
 
These findings suggest that UC-MSC-derived extracellular vesicles may represent a promising therapeutic approach for sarcopenia, with potential for future clinical application. Building on previous joint research achievements with Nagoya University on the therapeutic potential of UC-MSCs, this study adds new evidence highlighting the usefulness of extracellular vesicles secreted by these cells, in addition to the cells themselves.
With Japan’s rapidly aging society, extending healthy life expectancy is an urgent priority. Human Life CORD will continue to promote R&D on the medical applications of umbilical cord-derived cells and their extracellular vesicles, aiming to improve quality of life (QOL) and contribute to a sustainable society.
 
[Publication Details]
– Journal: International Journal of Hematology
– Title: Intravenous umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stromal cell therapy may improve overall survival in Japanese patients with idiopathic pneumonia syndrome after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a multicenter, single-arm, phase II trial
– Authors: Noriko Doki, Nobuharu Fujii, Shinichi Kako, Emiko Sakaida, Yoshinobu Kanda
– URL: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12185-025-04024-x
 
[About Sarcopenia]
Sarcopenia is a progressive condition involving loss of muscle mass, strength, and function due to aging, leading to difficulties in daily activities. In Japan, approximately one in eight people aged 65 and older is affected, and prevalence increases with age. The number of patients is expected to rise in parallel with the nation’s rapid population aging. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated this trend, as older adults—particularly those at higher risk of severe illness—were advised to limit social and outdoor activities, leading to reduced physical activity and accelerated physical decline. Current management strategies focus primarily on exercise and nutritional interventions; no approved drug therapies exist at present.
 
[Press Release PDF]
Potential of Human Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Extracellular Vesicles in the Treatment of Sarcopenia