Stem cell transplantation is promising for the treatment of injuries and
diseases. Some concerns raised about certain aspects of cell therapy and associated
risks have solicited utilising the “secretome” or proteinaceous secretions of the stem
cells as an alternative therapy. The secretome of stem cells has been shown to be
loaded with therapeutic biomolecules, such as growth factors, cytokines and EVs. Due
to technological advances, knowledge and extensive molecular data on the secretome
of stem cells, especially MSCs, are getting constantly updated. Soluble proteins or EVs
are the main paracrine effectors of MSCs in tissue repair and regenerative activity at
sites of injury. Extracellular vesicles, in particular, are currently under intensive
investigation and can develop into a practical option for patient treatment in clinics.
This chapter will deal with the promises of MSC secretome, taking as examples the
data available from studies on the liver, cornea and kidney.
Keywords: Acute kidney injury, Bioengineering, Cell-free therapy, Chronic
kidney diseases, Cornea, Cytokines, DNA, Drug delivery, Exosomes, Extracellular
vesicles, Growth factors, Kidney, Liver, Liver fibrosis, Mesenchymal
stem cells, Microvesicles, MiRNA, MRNA, Secretome, Tissue repair.