Dr. Phan Thanh Hao presented a paper at the 2026 Annual Health Science Conference organized by the School of Medicine and Pharmacy - Tra Vinh University on April 11th.
Aging is no longer just a problem for those over 60, but is appearing earlier in life, especially in the 30s and 40s. Signs such as aging skin, fatigue, and metabolic disorders cause many people to feel insecure about their appearance and health. Work stress, unhealthy lifestyles, and chronic inflammation are factors that accelerate this process. Beyond affecting appearance, premature aging also impacts psychology and quality of life.
Therefore, early identification and the combination of lifestyle changes with medical solutions are necessary to slow down aging.
Aging inflammation: the "silent culprit"
According to Dr. Phan Thanh Hao, aging is the process of decline in the structure and function of the body. This decline manifests externally, affecting the skin, hair, musculoskeletal system, and internally, leading to various metabolic diseases such as diabetes, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease, immune disorders, and even cancer.
The causes of aging are diverse, ranging from DNA damage and mitochondrial disorders to genetic factors. However, two key causes that stand out are chronic inflammation and a decrease in the number of cells in the body.
This is also why the research team from DNA International Hospital and Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City is focusing on aging caused by inflammation and the role of stem cells in improving this condition.
Dr. Phan Thanh Hao and Professor-Doctor Ta Van Tram, Rector of the School of Medicine and Pharmacy - Tra Vinh University, at the conference.
According to him, in reality, it is very difficult to have a single therapy that addresses all the causes of aging. Therefore, since 2000, the concept of "inflammatory aging" has been introduced to help scientists orient their research more clearly.
"Previously, aging was often considered a problem for people over 60. However, nowadays, chronic inflammatory diseases are becoming increasingly common among younger people. By the age of 40, many people already have type 2 diabetes, obesity, dyslipidemia, etc. This shows that inflammatory aging is occurring earlier," explained Dr. Phan Thanh Hao.
According to him, studies show that from birth to age 30, the number of stem cells in the body naturally decreases. By age 30, the body loses about 25%, and from age 40-50, this number can decrease up to 40 times compared to the initial amount.
This raises the question of whether stem cell supplementation can help slow down the aging process.
Stem cells have the ability to differentiate into many different cell types and also function in tissue regeneration, repair, anti-inflammation, and immune regulation. These characteristics make them potential candidates in the treatment of inflammatory aging. Globally , many studies on mesenchymal stem cells have been conducted, however, most have focused on the elderly population.
Initial results from domestic research
A research team in Vietnam, in collaboration with scientists from the Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, conducted a pioneering study that posed the question: can mesenchymal stem cells improve chronic inflammatory diseases in middle-aged individuals? The research team used stem cells from autologous adipose tissue and umbilical cord stem cells cultured in a DNA stem cell bank.
The study participants were 72 individuals aged 40 and older with conditions such as type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and obesity. Cases with severe conditions such as blood clotting disorders, heart failure, and respiratory failure were excluded. The study lasted 180 days, with two stem cell infusions administered 3 months apart.
The results showed that inflammatory cytokine levels in diabetes and hyperlipidemia improved. Specifically, in each patient, skin quality improved significantly, wrinkles were reduced, sleep and mood improved, and overall health was enhanced. No side effects or adverse events were observed throughout the treatment. Therefore, the research team concluded that mesenchymal stem cell therapy is safe and effective in reducing chronic inflammation, contributing to slowing down the aging process.
Dr. Phan Thanh Hao affirmed: This is the result of a collaborative research project involving many scientists, from clinical physicians to cell culture experts and PhDs and associate professors in biology from the Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, with cell quality meeting GMP - WHO standards. The research project was conducted over nearly 5 years (2020 - 2025), in two phases, and has been approved by the Ethics Council of the Ministry of Health .
Dr. Phan Thanh Hao and Associate Professor-Doctor Nguyen Thanh Van, President of the Ho Chi Minh City Association of Aesthetic Surgery, at the conference.
Currently, stem cells are a crucial part of Vietnam's strategy for developing biotechnology and modern medicine, with the State directing long-term investment and development. This is concretized in directives, resolutions, and decisions of the Party and the State.
The goal is to live a healthy, youthful, and long life.
"The ultimate goal for humankind remains to live a healthy, youthful, and long life. Stem cells are expected to be one of the potential approaches to get closer to this goal," - Dr. Phan Thanh Hao.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/lao-hoa-tu-tuoi-40-18526042910282634.htm
