#167 - Stem Cell Therapy in Autoimmune Disease and Long COVID

In this keynote-style episode, I break down how stem cell therapy is studied in autoimmune disease and long COVID, and how clinicians think about immune dysregulation, inflammation, and repair.

I explain how stem cell therapy evolved from early bone marrow transplants and why mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are being explored for immune modulation rather than suppression.

I also share research insights and clinical observations across autoimmune conditions, including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and psoriasis, and discuss why outcomes can vary when working with complex biology.

The second half of the episode focuses on long COVID (PASC), including common symptom patterns, proposed mechanisms, and how I evaluate whether a therapy’s mechanism aligns with the underlying pathophysiology.

Let’s get into it.

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Key Takeaways

Introduction & Opening (0:00)

Autoimmune Disease Overview (1:58)

Lupus (SLE) Treatment (4:43)

Treatment Philosophy & Expectations (8:55)

Rheumatoid Arthritis (11:32)

Stages of Stem Cell Healing (15:09 )

Psoriasis (17:14)

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (19:55)

Other Autoimmune Conditions (27:29)

Long COVID (30:30)

Tissue Source Comparison (46:21)

Closing (49:36)

Additional Resources:

✨ Learn more about how to live a long and pain-free life: https://joykongmd.com/ 

✨ Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stemcelldrjoy/ 

✨ Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_joy_kong/ 

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Dr. Joy Kong is a regenerative medicine and anti-aging expert. Her podcast is part of her mission to reduce suffering and elevate happiness. Join us every week for the latest holistic health insights that will help you live a long and pain-free life.