What Makes VSELs Unique
Very Small Embryonic-Like Stem Cells (VSELs) are one of the most exciting discoveries in modern regenerative medicine. First identified in 2005 by Professor Mariusz Ratajczak and his team at the University of Louisville, VSELs are naturally occurring stem cells found in adult tissues such as bone marrow and blood.
They are called “very small” because they measure just a few micrometers in size (smaller than a red blood cell) and “embryonic-like” because they share some of the same remarkable properties as embryonic stem cells. Unlike controversial embryonic stem cells, VSELs are taken from your own body, making them both safe and ethical.
At PUR-FORM, we are proud to be at the forefront of this field. Our innovative VSEL therapy uses your body’s own regenerative cells to promote healing, reduce inflammation, and potentially slow or even reverse certain aspects of aging.
What Are VSELs?
VSELs are microscopic stem cells that circulate in your blood and live in your bone marrow and other tissues. Despite their tiny size, they have powerful regenerative abilities. These cells are pluripotent, meaning they can transform into many different cell types, such as heart muscle, bone, cartilage, nerve, and skin cells.
They also produce telomerase, an enzyme that helps protect DNA from aging by keeping telomeres (the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes) from shortening. This is one of the reasons VSELs are so exciting for longevity and anti-aging research.
The Body’s Dormant Repair System
Scientists believe VSELs are remnants of our earliest development, left dormant after birth. They remain “sleeping” throughout adult life, preserved as a kind of emergency repair system.
These cells express markers such as OCT4, Nanog, and SSEA-1, proteins and molecules that help them stay young and flexible. In simple terms, these markers act like switches that keep the cells ready to transform into whatever the body might need for repair.
The dormant state of VSELs also serves as a safety mechanism. Unlike other stem cells that can form tumors if they grow uncontrollably, VSELs are naturally regulated and do not carry this risk.
How VSEL Therapy Works
The process begins with a simple blood draw, similar to a standard lab test. From this, we isolate the portion of blood that contains VSELs and growth factors.
At PUR-FORM, we use our proprietary PURLight photo-stimulation technology to activate these dormant cells. This involves using carefully calibrated red and other light wavelengths that “wake up” VSELs, unlocking their regenerative potential without harming surrounding tissues.
The activated cells can then be reintroduced into the body, either through an IV or targeted injection, where they begin supporting repair and regeneration.
The Role of Platelet Lysate and Exosomes
VSEL therapy is further enhanced with platelet lysate, a powerful solution made from your own blood platelets. Unlike standard platelet-rich plasma (PRP), platelet lysate contains higher concentrations of growth factors and exosomes – tiny messenger particles that help cells communicate and repair tissue.
These growth factors include:
- PDGF: stimulates tissue repair
- TGF-β: promotes collagen and healing
- VEGF: helps form new blood vessels
- IGF-1: supports cell growth and metabolism
- bFGF: aids tissue regeneration
Exosomes are especially valuable because they deliver these healing signals directly to cells, even across barriers like the blood-brain barrier, making them useful for neurological repair as well.
Health Benefits of VSEL Therapy
Because of their unique properties, VSELs may be applied to many areas of health and healing, including:
- Cardiovascular repair: VSELs may help regenerate heart muscle after injury and improve heart function.
- Anti-aging: Studies suggest VSEL therapy can reduce biological age markers by several years, improving metabolism, immune health, and skin quality.
- Musculoskeletal conditions: VSELs may support cartilage repair in arthritis, tendon and ligament healing, and relief from chronic pain.
- Aesthetics: VSEL therapy can naturally rejuvenate skin, reduce wrinkles, restore hair, and improve scars – without synthetic fillers.
Safety and Advantages
One of the strongest advantages of VSEL therapy is its safety profile. Because the cells come from your own blood, there is no risk of rejection, allergic reaction, or ethical concern. The therapy does not involve foreign substances and carries minimal side effects, usually limited to mild fatigue as your body undergoes repair.
The Treatment Experience
A typical session includes:
- Blood collection similar to a routine test
- Isolation of VSELs and platelet lysate
- Activation with PURLight photo-stimulation
- Reintroduction into the body through IV or targeted injection
This is generally completed in a single visit, although results improve with a series of treatments.
Looking Ahead: A New Era of Regenerative Medicine
Very Small Embryonic-Like Stem Cells represent a true paradigm shift in medicine. By awakening the body’s own dormant repair system, VSEL therapy offers hope for conditions once thought untreatable, while supporting overall wellness and longevity.
At PUR-FORM, my mission has always been to help patients heal, recover, and thrive using the most advanced regenerative therapies available. After decades in orthopedic surgery and regenerative medicine, I believe VSEL therapy is one of the most powerful tools we now have to support healing, longevity, and overall health.
-Dr. P
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.
