The Whole View, Season 3, Episode 88: Stem Cells & Bone Health w/ Dr. Jeffrey Gross

Posted on November 24, 2023

Stacy and Dr. Jeffrey Gross break down stem cells, discuss the role of inflammation, and give us the current and emerging science of regenerative medicine.

Find Dr. Gross

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Key Takeaways

Introductions

A board-certified and fellowship-trained neurosurgeon, Dr. Jeffrey Gross is the Owner of SPINE, and a regenerative medicine practice called ReCELLebrate in California and Nevada.
He graduated from the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences in 1992. Dr. Gross specializes in treatment options for patients with neck and back problems, as well as brain and head injuries.
Dr. Gross is an internationally recognized expert in the field neurosurgery and regenerative medicine. Furthermore, he continually strives to find non-surgical treatments.

Stem Cells

Regenerative medicine taps into our own ability to have and use our own repair and healing in regenerative processes. Cells can recycle their parts and we see this in animal species like starfish and lizards. Humans also regenerate cells like skin and liver cells, but our ability to do that reduces with age.
There are three major regenerative biologics: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), stem cells, stem cell-derived particles called exosomes.
PRP injections are gaining popularity in a variety of conditions, even in aesthetic treatments like hair-thinning and “vampire” facials! PRP injections for conditions like sports injuries are even covered by most insurance plans, as they are a cheaper option to surgery.
Dr. Gross reminds us that at the very basics, we’re formed by stem cells as an embryo. As we grow, we retain some stem cells mostly stored in bone marrow. Most of Dr. Gross’ work is done with Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSC), multipotent stem cells that can differentiate into a variety of cell types.
Stem cells deliver a message to our own cells through thousands of small particles called exosomes. Each stem cell delivers a small packet of growth factors and micro RNAs to tell them to behave in a more rejuvenated way to activate them.
Inflammation is slowly degenerating us. However, research is promising in subchondral (adjacent to the join) bone injections (versus injections directly into cartilage, which is not very bioactive). It’s a great way to reduce inflammation and help restore the function of the cartilage. Dr. Gross says it’s going to help prevent, reduce, and delay joint replacement surgeries and larger surgeries. Though it won’t replace all surgery at this time. [source]