Rat and pig subjects have helped in clinical studies using stem cell therapy.
Recent research has utilized ADSCs in mice to study urological disorders with great promise for humans. For instance, florescent protein labeled mesenchymal stem cells were injected intravenously into mice that were suffering from bladder outlet obstruction. The result was decreased hypoxia, decreased hyportrophy, decreased fibrosis, and increased blood flow. Overall, 90% of the mice that received ADSCs experienced improved bladder compliance.
Thanks to studies that have been performed with mice, there is reason to believe that stem cell therapy will be helpful in treating interstitial cystitis in human patients. A protocol has been developed to treat various stages of IC with ADSCs by injecting stem cells intravenously, intra-vesically, and / or directly into trigger points in the pelvic floor. This protocol is supported by research where ADSCs were intravesically instilled into mice, which resulted in morphological and phenotypic improvements in the bladder wall.