What Are Cytokines and What Are They Used for?

At SHA Wellness Clinic we have the technology that allows us to use these anti-inflammatory proteins in different therapies of Regenerative Medicine.

Preventing diseases and regenerating damaged tissues, parts of an organ, or even complete organs by replicating the natural processes and mechanisms of the human body is the main objective of Regenerative Medicine. As Óscar Mayorga, head of the Regenerative Medicine Unit at SHA Wellness Clinic, comments, ‘By using tissues, plasma, cells or proteins from the host itself, the possible side effects that traditional treatments can cause are avoided and, in addition, recovery times are accelerated’.

Until recently, the most common regenerative therapies were, and still are, carried out with stem cells or growth factors. However, at SHA, as one of the pioneers in Spain in incorporating this discipline into its medical area, we have the latest technological advances to be able to incorporate cytokines as well. As Óscar says, ‘This has allowed us to go a step further in regenerative medicine treatments with autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Cytokines are low molecular weight proteins that have proven to be very effective in treating inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis or osteoarthritis. They are released in blood cells and platelets and are a key channel for intercellular communication. They also control the growth and activity of other cells of the immune system. There are two types of cytokines: pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are those that produce inflammation, and anti-inflammatory cytokines, which are the ones we use in regenerative treatments. The process takes about an hour, and, at SHA, we use a reagent and state-of-the-art technology to extract the blood plasma along with the anti-inflammatory cytokines’.

Cytokine therapy promotes the activation of the body’s own repair system, which accelerates the regeneration of injured tissue, and has multiple applications in a wide range of therapeutic areas. As the doctor explains, ‘Cytokines can treat various diseases and pathologies and can be used in any type of inflammatory process, muscle injuries or tendinopathies as well as in sports-related traumas, where they are used to treat bones and muscles as well as ligaments and tendons. Moreover, cytokines considerably reduce the time of inflammation and do so in a healthier way than certain drugs, such as corticoids, because they do not cause any side effects’.

To find out more about the Regenerative Medicine Area of SHA Wellness Clinic, Click here