Research

Wharton’s jelly (WJ), a gelatinous connective tissue within the umbilical cord, is rich in mesenchymal cells (MSCs), growth factors, cytokines, hyaluronic acid, and extracellular vesicles, making it a promising allogeneic tissue for regenerative medicine. WJ allografts, derived from donated umbilical cords after cesarean sections, offer advantages such as low immunogenicity, ethical sourcing, and non-invasive collection. This article explores the research landscape for WJ allograft therapy across orthopedics, anti-aging, neurological disorders, autoimmune diseases, aesthetics, wound care, and emerging applications like cardiovascular, liver, diabetes, and pulmonary conditions, citing key studies and authors.

Orthopedics

WJ allografts are studied for their regenerative potential in orthopedic conditions like osteoarthritis (OA), rotator cuff tears, and tarsal tunnel syndrome, leveraging their MSC content and ECM components for tissue repair.

• Knee Osteoarthritis (OA): Gupta et al. (2021) conducted a case study using intra-articular WJ allografts for knee OA, reporting reduced pain and improved function in a single patient, with no adverse events. The study suggests WJ’s hyaluronic acid and growth factors enhance cartilage repair.

  Link: Check PubMed (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) or journal websites like Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics and Trauma (Elsevier).

Note: Access may require institutional login or subscription.

• Rotator Cuff Tears: A 2024 retrospective study by Gupta et al. evaluated 87 patients with rotator cuff defects treated with 2 cc of WJ flowable allograft. Significant improvements in Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and WOMAC scores were observed by day 90, particularly in elderly patients, with no adverse reactions. The study targeted supraspinatus and subscapularis tendons, confirmed by ultrasound or MRI.

  Link: Search PubMed (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) or journal databases.

Note: Recent publication; may not yet be indexed or may require subscription.

• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: A 2023 retrospective case series by Regenative Labs assessed eight patients with tarsal tunnel defects treated with WJ allografts. NPRS scores improved by 59.43% and WOMAC by 37.58% over 90 days, with no adverse reactions, suggesting WJ’s efficacy in replacing damaged connective tissue around nerves.

  Link: Check Regenative Labs’ official website (https://regenativelabs.com/) for white papers or publications. Alternatively, search PubMed or Google Scholar for “Regenative Labs tarsal tunnel syndrome 2023.”

Note: Industry reports may not be peer-reviewed or publicly accessible.

Anti-Aging

WJ allografts are explored for anti-aging applications, particularly skin rejuvenation, due to their ability to promote collagen synthesis and angiogenesis via MSC-derived growth factors and exosomes.

• Skin Rejuvenation: Xu et al. (2024) in npj Regenerative Medicine highlighted WJ-MSC-conditioned media (WJ-CM) for skin rejuvenation, noting its growth factors (EGF, bFGF, GDF-11) enhance collagen and elastin synthesis, reducing wrinkles and pigmentation. The study suggests WJ allografts’ paracrine effects improve skin texture.

  Link: https://www.nature.com/npjregenmed/ (search for “Xu Wharton’s jelly skin rejuvenation 2024”).

Note: Open-access articles are freely available, but confirm the exact publication year.

• Frailty in Aging Adults: A 2025 trial reported by @anjahealth on X tested WJ-MSC infusions in frail older adults, showing improved frailty symptoms in a double-blind study, likely due to WJ’s immunomodulatory and regenerative properties. Specific outcomes were not detailed, but the trial underscores WJ’s potential in systemic anti-aging.

  Link: Check the X platform for @anjahealth posts (https://x.com/anjahealth). Use search terms like “anjahealth Wharton’s jelly frailty 2025.”

Neurological Disorders

WJ allografts’ neuroprotective and regenerative properties, driven by MSCs and neurotrophic factors, are investigated for neurological conditions like spinal cord injury (SCI) and peripheral nerve regeneration.

• Spinal Cord Injury (SCI): Wang et al. (2024) reviewed WJ-MSCs for SCI, emphasizing their secretion of VEGF, EGF, and neurotrophic factors (NGF, BDNF) for tissue regeneration and vascular remodeling. WJ allografts’ anti-fibrotic effects support neural repair.

  Link: Search PubMed (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) or Google Scholar for “Wang Wharton’s jelly spinal cord injury 2024.”

  Note: Without a specific journal or DOI, access may depend on database searches.

• Peripheral Nerve Regeneration: Shin et al. (2023) studied WJ-MSCs in acellular nerve grafts for peripheral nerve injuries in an animal model. Functional recovery, assessed by ankle angle and tetanic force, improved over 16 weeks, with WJ allografts reducing inflammation and promoting nerve regeneration via paracrine effects.

  Link: Search PubMed (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) for “Shin Wharton’s jelly peripheral nerve regeneration 2023.”

Autoimmune Diseases

WJ allografts’ immunomodulatory properties, including suppression of T-cell proliferation and induction of regulatory T cells, make them candidates for autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS) and immune thrombocytopenia (ITP).

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS): A 2019 study cited by Kalaszczynska et al. involved 23 MS patients, with 13 receiving WJ-MSCs alongside immunosuppressive drugs. The WJ-MSC group had fewer relapses and lower Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores, with increased Th2 cytokines (IL-10, IL-4) and decreased Th1/Th17 cytokines (IL-17, TNF-α) for three months, indicating a shift to anti-inflammatory immunity.

  Link: Search PubMed (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) for “Kalaszczynska Wharton’s jelly multiple sclerosis 2019.”

  A related article may be:Kalaszczynska, I., & Ferdyn, K. (2019). “Wharton’s jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells: Future of regenerative medicine?” BioMed Research International.DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/430847 (for a related 2015 article; confirm 2019 citation).

  Note: Open-access journals like BioMed Research International provide free access.

• Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP): Wang et al. (2024) conducted a phase I trial with 18 ITP patients, administering WJ-MSCs. The study reported improved platelet counts and immune profiles, with no serious adverse events, highlighting WJ allografts’ safety and efficacy.

  Link: Search PubMed (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) for “Wang Wharton’s jelly immune thrombocytopenia 2024.”

  Note: Phase I trials are often accessible via clinical trial registries like ClinicalTrials.gov (https://clinicaltrials.gov/).

Aesthetics

WJ allografts are used in aesthetics for skin regeneration and scar reduction, leveraging their MSC-derived exosomes and growth factors.

• Skin Rejuvenation and Scar Reduction: Xu et al. (2020) and Yang et al. (2021) demonstrated WJ-CM and exosomes promote collagen synthesis and angiogenesis, improving skin thickness and reducing inflammation. A 2024 study noted WJ-CM reduced inflammation in radiation dermatitis models, suggesting applications in aesthetic scar reduction.

  Link: Search PubMed (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) for “Xu Wharton’s jelly skin rejuvenation 2020” or “Yang Wharton’s jelly exosomes 2021.”

  Note: Open-access journals may provide free access; check DOIs via PubMed.

• Keloid Treatment: Arno et al. (2014) found WJ-MSCs promote fibroblast proliferation and migration, reducing keloid formation by modulating fibrotic pathways, offering a non-invasive aesthetic solution.

Wound Care

WJ allografts are studied for chronic wound healing, such as diabetic ulcers and burns, due to their angiogenic and anti-inflammatory properties.

• Chronic Diabetic Wounds: Zhang et al. (2023) reported 80% wound closure at 12 weeks in 40 diabetic foot ulcer patients treated with WJ allografts in a hydrogel scaffold, attributed to VEGF and PDGF secretion.

  Link: Search PubMed (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) for “Zhang Wharton’s jelly diabetic foot ulcer 2023.”

Note: Access may require subscription.

• Burn Wound Healing: Zhou et al. (2022) showed WJ-MSC-derived exosomes enhanced re-epithelialization and reduced scarring in a rat burn model, with exosomal miRNAs modulating fibroblast activity.

  Source: Burns or Journal of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine.

  Link: Search PubMed (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/)for “Zhou Wharton’s jelly burn wound 2022.”

  Note: Animal model studies may be accessible via academic databases.

• Chronic Wound Repair: Li et al. (2024) in Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology emphasized WJ allografts’ efficacy in chronic wounds, with exosomes promoting angiogenesis and reducing inflammation. A case series by Lavor (2023) reported 94–100% reductions in sacral decubitus ulcer volume after WJ application.

  Link: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/bioengineering-and-biotechnology (search for “Li Wharton’s jelly chronic wounds 2024”).

Note: Freely accessible; confirm exact article via journal search.

Other Uses

WJ allografts are explored for cardiovascular diseases, liver diseases, diabetes, and pulmonary conditions, showcasing their versatility.

• Cardiovascular Diseases: Bartolucci et al. (2017) conducted a phase I/II trial with 30 heart failure patients, showing WJ-MSC infusions improved left ventricular ejection fraction and quality of life, attributed to angiogenic factors like VEGF.

  Link: Search PubMed (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) for “Bartolucci Wharton’s jelly heart failure 2017.” A related article:Bartolucci, J., et al. (2017). “Safety and efficacy of Wharton’s jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells in patients with heart failure.” Circulation Research.

• Liver Diseases: Sang et al. (2024) performed a meta-analysis of 15 studies involving 717 liver cirrhosis patients, finding WJ-MSC therapy improved liver function (higher albumin, lower bilirubin) and quality of life.

  Link: Search PubMed (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/)for “Sang Wharton’s jelly liver cirrhosis 2024.”

  Note: Meta-analyses are often accessible via academic databases.

• Diabetes Mellitus: Wang et al. (2023) conducted a phase II trial in 24 type 1 diabetes patients, showing WJ-MSCs reduced HbA1c and insulin requirements, likely via immunomodulation.

  Link: Search PubMed (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) for “Wang Wharton’s jelly diabetes 2023.”

  Note: Check ClinicalTrials.gov for trial details (https://clinicaltrials.gov/).

• Pulmonary Conditions: Chen et al. (2020) tested WJ-MSCs in a phase I trial for COVID-19-related ARDS, reporting improved clinical outcomes in critically ill patients, with exosomes reducing lung inflammation.

  Chen, J., et al. (2020). “Clinical study of mesenchymal stem cells in treatment of severe COVID-19.” Stem Cells Translational Medicine.

  DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/sctm.20-0081.

Challenges and Future Directions

Challenges in WJ allograft therapy include variability in clinical outcomes, standardization of processing, and regulatory compliance. Mastrolia et al. (2019) emphasized the need for GMP-compliant manufacturing to ensure safety and efficacy. Advances in exosome-based therapies and biomaterial scaffolds may enhance efficacy and address regulatory hurdles.

Conclusion

Wharton’s jelly allografts demonstrate significant therapeutic potential across orthopedics, anti-aging, neurological disorders, autoimmune diseases, aesthetics, wound care, and emerging applications in cardiovascular, liver, diabetes, and pulmonary conditions. Their MSC content, growth factors, and immunomodulatory properties, combined with ethical sourcing, position them as a promising regenerative therapy. Ongoing research and regulatory advancements will further refine their applications, addressing challenges and expanding clinical use.