Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)
Medical Review: Dr. Gerald Mastaw, MD – Board-Certified Physician
Last Updated: October 2025
What Is Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic form of arthritis that primarily affects the spine and the sacroiliac joints, which connect the spine to the hips.
It often begins with stiffness or pain in the lower back — especially noticeable in the morning or after sitting for long periods — and tends to improve with movement or stretching.
Common Symptoms
- Persistent low back or hip pain
- Morning stiffness that eases with activity
- Heel pain or tendon inflammation
- Occasional eye inflammation (uveitis)
- Fatigue during active flare-ups
Over time, chronic inflammation can reduce spinal flexibility, but with the right management, most people live active, fulfilling lives.
Diagnosis typically includes symptom review, X-rays or MRI imaging, and sometimes blood tests such as HLA-B27.
Current Treatment Options
Conventional treatment aims to reduce inflammation, control pain, and maintain mobility.
Standard Therapies Include
- Medications: NSAIDs, biologic agents (e.g., TNF or IL-17 inhibitors), and corticosteroids for flares
- Physical therapy and exercise: To preserve posture, flexibility, and lung capacity
- Lifestyle strategies: Healthy weight, adequate sleep, stress control, and smoking cessation
- Surgical correction: In rare, advanced cases when deformity or joint damage limit’s function
These interventions help slow disease progression but do not address the cellular or immune dysregulation driving AS.
How Regenerative Medicine May Help
Regenerative medicine explores how to support the body’s natural repair mechanisms and restore immune balance.
Among the most studied options are umbilical cord tissue–derived mesenchymal stem cells (UCT-MSCs) — special cells collected from donated umbilical cord tissue after healthy births.
In Research, UCT-MSCs Have Been Observed to:
- Help regulate an overactive immune response
- Reduce inflammation that contributes to joint and spinal stiffness
- Promote tissue repair and support balanced immune function
In clinical trials, UCT-MSCs are typically given by intravenous (IV) infusion.
Participants generally tolerate the procedure well.
⚠️ Important:
Stem cell therapy for ankylosing spondylitis is still investigational and not FDA-approved.
Ongoing studies are evaluating its safety, long-term outcomes, and potential as a complement to standard care.
Recent Clinical Studies on Regenerative Therapy for Ankylosing Spondylitis
2025 – Review of Innovative Cell Therapies in AS
Title: Breaking Boundaries in Ankylosing Spondylitis: How Innovative Cell Therapies Reshape Immunity
Journal: Frontiers in Immunology – Full Text
Summary:
This 2025 expert review highlighted mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapies as a promising frontier for AS. UC-MSCs demonstrate strong anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, addressing both the symptoms and underlying immune imbalance.
Authors concluded MSC-based therapy represents a cutting-edge approach that could improve outcomes beyond current medications.
2025 – Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Autoimmune Diseases
Title: Efficacy and Safety of Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Transplantation in Autoimmune and Rheumatic Immune Diseases
Journal: Stem Cell Research & Therapy – Full Text
Summary:
A 2025 meta-analysis reviewed randomized trials across autoimmune disorders, including AS.
In one RCT, six months of UC-MSC infusions led to greater symptom relief than infliximab alone. Patients had lower inflammation markers (ESR, TNF-α) and improved mobility.
No serious adverse events occurred, supporting both safety and clinical potential.
2023 – MSC-Derived Extracellular Vesicles in Axial Spondyloarthritis
Title: Biology and Therapeutic Potential of MSC Extracellular Vesicles in Axial Spondyloarthritis
Journal: Communications Biology (Nature Publishing Group) – Full Text
Summary:
This 2023 report discussed MSC-derived exosomes as cell-free therapies with potent immune-modulating effects.
MSC treatment for six months correlated with lower ESR, reduced cell adhesion molecules, and diminished TNF-α levels, leading to improved patient comfort and flexibility.
2022 – Systematic Review of MSCs in Autoimmune Diseases
Title: Efficacy and Safety of MSC Transplantation in Autoimmune Diseases (Including AS)
Journal: Frontiers in Immunology / PubMed Central – Full Text
Summary:
This 2022 review analyzed multiple autoimmune conditions.
For AS patients, MSC therapy resulted in lower disease activity scores, less pain, and better mobility over six months.
Inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α decreased, while safety remained excellent, no serious adverse reactions reported.
Is This Approach Right for You?
If you continue to experience back pain or stiffness despite standard care, or simply want to explore emerging evidence-based options, regenerative medicine may be worth discussing with your physician.
Before considering therapy:
- Review your medical history, current medications, and inflammatory markers
- Consult a board-certified regenerative medicine specialist
- Understand the experimental nature of stem cell treatments
- Maintain traditional therapy unless advised otherwise by your doctor
At Stemedix, our focus is transparency, safety, and education. Our team provides individualized consultations to help patients understand how regenerative medicine may fit within a comprehensive approach to AS care.
Medical Disclaimer
This page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
Stem cell and exosome-based therapies for ankylosing spondylitis are not FDA-approved, and outcomes may vary.
Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or modifying any treatment.
References
- Zhao Y. et al. Breaking Boundaries in Ankylosing Spondylitis. Front. Immunol., 2025. Full Text
- Chen L. et al. Efficacy and Safety of MSC Transplantation in Autoimmune and Rheumatic Diseases. Stem Cell Res Ther., 2025. Full Text
- Patel D. et al. Therapeutic Potential of MSC Extracellular Vesicles in Axial Spondyloarthritis. Commun. Biol., 2023. Full Text
- Wang X. et al. MSC Transplantation in Autoimmune Diseases (Including AS): A Systematic Review. Front. Immunol., 2022. Full Text
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