Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an immune system disease characterized by chronic inflammation and ulcers on the inner surface (mucosa) of the large intestine, significantly reducing the patient’s quality of life.
The “symptom control” targeted in traditional treatment methods has been replaced by the goals of “mucosal healing” and “tissue regeneration” offered by regenerative medicine as of 2026.
What is Ulcerative Colitis? Causes of Chronic Inflammation in the Intestinal Mucosa
Ulcerative colitis is an autoimmune process in which the body’s defense mechanisms perceive its own intestinal cells as a foreign threat and attack them.
This constant attack causes deep ulcers (open sores) and bleeding in the intestinal wall.
The underlying causes of the disease include genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and disturbances in the intestinal microbiota (dysbiosis).
Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms: Local and Systemic (Non-Intestinal) Findings
Although the severity of the disease varies from person to person, the following findings are generally prominent in the clinical picture:
Local Symptoms: Severe diarrhea, blood and mucus in the stool, urgent need to defecate (tenesmus), and cramping abdominal pain.
Systemic (Extraintestinal) Findings: The disease may not be limited to the intestines. Symptoms such as joint pain (arthritis), skin rashes (erythema nodosum), redness in the eyes (uveitis), and chronic fatigue indicate general activation of the immune system.
Types of Ulcerative Colitis: Differences Between Proctitis, Left-Sided Colitis, and Pancolitis
The location of the disease directly affects the treatment strategy:
Ulcerative Proctitis: Inflammation is limited to the rectum; it is generally milder.
Left-Sided Colitis (Distal Colitis): Involvement extends from the rectum to the left side of the large intestine.
Pancolitis: Affects the entire large intestine; it is the most severe form and carries the highest risk of surgical intervention.
Ulcerative Colitis and Stem Cell Therapy: Scientific Mechanism of Action
While traditional biological agents suppress the immune system at a specific point, stem cell therapy (MSC – Mesenchymal Stem Cell) activates the intestine’s self-healing capacity.
This process begins with the migration (homing) of “smart cells” to the damaged area.
Immunomodulatory and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSC)
Stem cells “modulate” the immune system rather than completely shutting it down. In other words, they calm overactive aggressive immune cells while helping the body maintain its ability to fight infections.
This is a critical advantage for avoiding the side effects caused by long-term steroid use.
Repair and Regeneration Process of the Intestinal Epithelial Tissue
The main problem in ulcerative colitis is increased “permeability” in the intestinal wall. Stem cells stop leakage by supporting the “tight junction” proteins in the intestinal epithelium. They also trigger the formation of new and healthy epithelial cells through the growth factors they secrete, thereby promoting the healing of wounds (ulcers).
Cytokine Balance and Reprogramming of the Immune System
During illness, pro-inflammatory proteins such as TNF-α and IL-6 increase in the body. MSC therapy suppresses the production of these harmful proteins while increasing the production of anti-inflammatory proteins such as IL-10. This helps reset the immune system’s “erroneous attack mode” against intestinal tissue.
Recommendation from Prof. Dr. Erdinç Özek: “In the management of ulcerative colitis, our primary goal is not only to relieve pain but also to achieve a smooth and healthy appearance of the intestinal surface (mucosal healing) during colonoscopic examination. Stem cell therapy is the most powerful biological option before surgery, especially in patients who have developed drug resistance. However, the success of the treatment depends on the patient’s current clinical stage and the correct application of the cells according to the protocol.”
Treatment Comparison and Process Analysis Table
| Treatment Parameter | Standard Drug Therapy | Stem Cell (MSC) Protocol |
| Primary Target | Symptomatic suppression | Tissue repair and immune balance |
| Start of Recovery | Weeks/Months | Usually within 4-8 weeks |
| Immune Response | General Suppression (Immunosuppression) | Modulation (Immunomodulation) |
| Risk of recurrence | High when medication is discontinued | Longer-term remission is targeted |
I am structuring the rest of the content with the authority of Prof. Dr. Erdinç Özek in a way that addresses competitors’ weaknesses and complies with the 2026 E-E-A-T standards.
What Does Stem Cell Therapy Offer to Ulcerative Colitis Patients?
The fundamental problem in managing ulcerative colitis is that the disease is trapped in a cycle of “remission and flare-ups.”
Stem cell therapy aims to rebuild the biological foundation of the intestine, going beyond the efforts of current biological drugs to simply suppress inflammation.
Extending Remission and Reducing Flare-Ups
With traditional treatments, patients may frequently experience “flare-ups” between medication doses or due to stress factors.
Mesenchymal stem cells activate regulatory T-cells (Treg) in the intestine, teaching the immune system a long-term period of “tranquility.”
This results in a remission period that is more lasting and stable compared to traditional methods.
The Protective Role of Stem Cells in Reducing Colon Cancer Risk
In patients with ulcerative colitis, the risk of colon cancer increases statistically after the 10th year of chronic inflammation.
Continuous cell damage paves the way for DNA mutations. Stem cells can act as a protective shield by reducing inflammation at the cellular level and rapidly repairing tissue damage, thereby slowing down the process leading to cancer.
A Strong Alternative Before Surgical Intervention and Colostomy (Bag)
For many patients, the greatest fear is the complete removal of the large intestine (proctocolectomy) and defecation through a bag attached to the abdominal wall. Stem cell therapy is the most modern medical option to prevent or at least significantly delay surgery in “resistant” cases that do not respond to medication.
Stem Cell Application Protocols and Treatment Process
The success of the treatment depends not only on the administration of the cells but also on the laboratory standards applied and the accuracy of the administration method. In Prof. Dr. Erdinç Özek’s clinical protocols, cell purity and viability rate are the top priorities.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell Sources: Umbilical Cord and Adipose Tissue
Umbilical Cord (Allogeneic): These are young and dynamic cells. They have a very high proliferation capacity, and since there is no need to extract cells from the patient, the process progresses more quickly.
Adipose Tissue (Autologous): Cells are taken from the patient’s own body. There is no bio-compatibility issue, but the patient’s chronic disease burden may affect cell quality.
Application Methods: Intravenous (Systemic) and Local Injection
Stem cells can be administered to the body in two main ways:
Systemic (Intravenous): Cells administered intravenously reach the intestines by following inflammation signals in the body.
Local (Colonoscopic/Rectal): Cells are deposited directly onto or around ulcerated tissue. This method is preferred in cases with intense rectal involvement.
Post-Treatment Follow-Up and Expected Clinical Success Rates
The first month after treatment is the “cellular adaptation” period. In the vast majority of patients, a decrease in the number of bowel movements and cessation of bleeding are observed starting from the second month.
A control colonoscopy performed at 6 months is objective evidence of mucosal healing. Clinical data show that a meaningful clinical response is achieved in 70-80% of appropriately selected cases.
Key Differences Between Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease
Although both diseases fall under the category of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), they differ in their stem cell approach:
| Feature | Ulcerative Colitis | Crohn’s Disease |
| Affected Area | Only the colon and rectum | Entire Digestive System (From Mouth to Anus) |
| Tissue Depth | Superficial (Mucosa) | All layers of the intestinal wall |
| Continuity | Continuous (Persistent inflammation) | Intermittent (Patchy areas of damage) |
| Surgical Outcome | The disease ends when the colon is removed | There is a risk of recurrence after surgery |
Recommendation Note from Prof. Dr. Erdinç Özek: “Many of our patients come to us asking, ‘Which cell source is better? What matters is not the name of the source, but how many millions of those cells are produced in a GMP-standard laboratory and whether they pass viability tests. Inadequate dosage or poor-quality cell application results in nothing but wasted time and lost hope. The right protocol yields the right result.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Does stem cell therapy completely cure ulcerative colitis?
Although the term “definitive solution” is not used in medicine for chronic diseases, stem cell therapy aims to achieve mucosal repair that standard medications cannot provide, putting the patient into a very long-term, medication-free remission period.
Is pain felt during or after treatment?
Since the procedure is typically performed intravenously or via colonoscopy under sedation, the patient does not feel any pain; after the procedure, the patient can return to daily life without requiring hospitalization.
Who is eligible for this treatment?
Patients who do not respond to biological agents, who are forced to use steroids continuously, or who have reached the surgical threshold but whose intestinal integrity has been preserved may be eligible for treatment after specialist evaluation.
Are there any side effects of stem cell therapy?
Mesenchymal stem cells regulate rather than suppress the immune system, so unlike traditional medications, they do not cause serious side effects such as susceptibility to infections or organ damage.
How long does it take to see the effects?
Clinical improvement usually begins within the first few weeks; however, actual cellular regeneration in the intestinal tissue and ulcer closure are completed within a 2 to 6-month period.
Expert Opinion and Appointment Process
Ulcerative colitis is a complex disease with a different clinical course for each patient. Specialist medical supervision is essential to determine the suitability of stem cell therapy for your specific condition, to create a protocol based on the current stage, and to plan the scientific process.
For detailed information about stem cell applications and current treatment options, you can contact our clinic in Istanbul and schedule an appointment with Prof. Dr. Erdinç Özek to begin your personalized treatment process.
Scientific References
NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information): Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Is It Ready for Prime Time? https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7353915/
ClinicalTrials.gov (Official List of Registered Clinical Trials): “Stem Cell Therapy for Ulcerative Colitis – Current Trials” https://clinicaltrials.gov/search?cond=Ulcerative%20Colitis&term=Stem%20Cell
• MDPI – Cells Journal (Cellular Mechanism Analysis): “Therapeutic Applications of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Ulcerative Colitis” https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4409/11/11/1834