by admin | Feb 26, 2021 | Stem Cell Therapy, Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Multiple Sclerosis, Stem Cell Research
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive and disabling autoimmune disease that affects the brain and central nervous system. As MS progresses, the body’s immune system attacks the protective sheath (myelin) that covers nerve fibers resulting in axonal damage and loss that eventually results in paralysis of the limbs; the condition also contributes to a number of other serious communication problems between your brain and the rest of the body[1], including numbness, tremors, and issues affecting vision and speech.
To date, no effective therapeutic medication or treatment for MS exists and medication prescribed for this disease is done so for the purpose of alleviating symptoms and chronic inflammation associated with it; several of these drugs, and especially those with immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive properties have demonstrated to be only partly effective in easing autoimmune reactions.
While current immunotherapies have demonstrated to be effective in reducing the reactivity of autoimmune anti-myelin and MS relapse rate, there remains no approved method for treating or slowing progression of the disease or for repairing myelin damaged as a result of it. As a result, Bejargafshe et al. point out that finding an appropriate clinical treatment for improvement of the neurological damage caused by MS is essential.
The authors also call attention to the numerous studies demonstrating the benefits of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in creating a number of different of autoimmune conditions, including modulating the immune response in MS patients. MSCs are specific multipotent and self-renewing stem cells that have demonstrated to be differentiated into several cell types and can be easily isolated from bone marrow and adipose tissue; this means the patient can serve as a donor for him/herself without risk of rejection.
Bejargafshe et al.’s study reviews several clinical trials evaluating the effectiveness of MSC therapy for MS patients, including several specific clinical trials examining the effectiveness of bone marrow-derived MSCs, adipose-derived MSCs (ADMSCs), USMSCs, human fetal-derived neural stem cells (hNSCs), MSC-derived neural progenitors (MSC-NPs), and hematopoietic stem cells (HSC).
The authors of this study conclude that cell-based therapies, including those mentioned in this study, have shown to repair the CNS, protect against inflammation caused by an autoimmune response, are safe and effective, and demonstrate new opportunities for preventing and treating a wide range of neurodegenerative diseases, including MS.
In addition, the authors concluded that while nearly all of the various types of stem cells evaluated provide benefits, adult MSCs, because of their safety and ease of extraction, are the most common source of stem cells used for this application, with bone marrow being the major source of MSCs used. Clinical trials indicate the observed multipotency and highly-differentiated potential of UC stem cells also make them a viable treatment option, but the need to maintain a supply of UC stem cells through cell banks limit their appeal on the basis of availability.
Interestingly, among the potential cell therapies evaluated, adult adipose stem cells (ASC) appear to be among the most suitable cells for the treatment of MS. In addition to being very safe to use, adult ASCs are easy to separate from adipose tissue, are available from several different parts of the body, are available in a large concentration per unit area, and relatively inexpensive when used in a stem cell transfusion. Considering the benefits listed above, as well as those observed in clinical studies, the authors conclude that ASCs and HSCs are appropriate candidates for the treatment of MS.
Source: (2019, December 27). Safety and efficacy of stem cell therapy for treatment of neural …. 1, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6987330/
[1] “Multiple sclerosis – Symptoms and causes ….” 12 Jun. 2020, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/multiple-sclerosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350269.
by Stemedix | Feb 22, 2021 | Autoimmune, Stem Cell Therapy
According to the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association (AARDA), there are more than 100 known autoimmune diseases. While some have unique, specific symptoms, for many of these conditions, there are striking similarities. In particular, a few signs of autoimmune disease can manifest early on, potentially even years before a formal diagnosis. Here are a few early signs of autoimmune disease.
Weight Changes
If your weight is fluctuating even without changes to your diet or exercise patterns, take note. This symptom could point to autoimmune issues such as hypothyroidism, in which the production of key hormones causes weight gain.
Fatigue
Another common indicator of autoimmune disease is fatigue. It’s the most common symptom reported by people with autoimmune disorders, including lupus, multiple sclerosis, celiac disease, and type 1 diabetes. Experts believe the root cause of this symptom is widespread inflammation, which can affect oxygen and nutrient supply, metabolism, and mood.
Skin Changes
Rashes can be seen in autoimmune diseases such as lupus. In this condition, patients often notice a butterfly-shaped rash, which usually appears on the face. While the rash is an indication of inflammation affecting the skin, it can also spread elsewhere, such as the joints and organs.
Muscle or Joint Pain
While joint pain can develop from long-term wear and tear, unexplained joint pain could indicate an immune system issue. The symptom is a hallmark trait of both rheumatoid arthritis and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, for example.
Digestive Issues
Digestive changes such as diarrhea, bloating, and gas can be attributed to poor eating patterns, but prolonged symptoms without dietary changes can suggest autoimmune issues. In irritable bowel disorders, these symptoms can indicate intestinal issues that require long-term care.
Symptoms of autoimmune conditions often mimic the signs of other conditions and illnesses. Unfortunately, many of these conditions don’t have a single test that can confirm a diagnosis. For this reason, it will be important to work closely with your doctor to discuss symptoms, diagnostic criteria, and testing methods.
Patients today who are diagnosed are looking into other alternative treatment options. One of those options is regenerative medicine, also known as stem cell therapy. Stem cells are naturally found within the body and have the ability to self-renew and differentiate into specialized cell types. They act as the body’s natural repair kit and also have anti-inflammatory properties. If you are interested then contact a care coordinator today!
by admin | Feb 19, 2021 | Multiple Sclerosis, Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Stem Cell Research, Stem Cell Therapy
Progressive multiple sclerosis is a significant disruptive neurodegenerative disease that interferes with the brain’s ability to control the body; the condition continues to get worse over time and, to date, has no known therapeutic treatment or cure.
Petrou Et. Al’s double-blind clinical trial examined the therapeutic efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation in active progressive multiple sclerosis and explored the most favorable route of cell delivery (intravenous or intrathecal injections).
Prior to this study, previous trials examining various types of MSC administration in the therapeutic treatment of multiple sclerosis have demonstrated the clinical safety of MSC administration but have not identified treatments to suppress central nervous system (CNS) inflammation associated with the progression of diseases like progressive multiple sclerosis.
Several studies have also demonstrated that CNS loses the ability to repair and regenerate over time. Considering that stem cells, and specifically MSCs, have demonstrated to provide additional benefits, including immunomodulatory and neurotrophic effects, when used in the treatment of stroke and multi-system atrophy, they appear to be a viable potential therapeutic treatment for active progressive multiple sclerosis.
For the purposes of Petrou Et. Al’s study, a total of 48 participants with a mean disease (active progressive multiple sclerosis) duration of 12.70 years were included as part of this study either as part of a placebo group, MSC-IV group, or MSC-IT group; selected treatment was applied at 3-month and 6-month marks of the study.
At the conclusion of this study, the authors report no serious, treatment-related adverse effects were observed and significantly fewer patients in the MSC-IT and MSC-IV groups experienced treatment failure when compared to the placebo group.
By reviewing changes observed in ambulation index, the sum of functional scores, 25-foot timed walking test, PASAT and OWAT/KAVE cognitive test, and the rate of change in T2 lesion load on MRI observed after the 6th-month treatment, researchers also found beneficial effects in both the MSC-IT and MSC-IV groups.
It appears that repeated intrathecal injection of MSC during the second round of treatment (Month 6) significantly improved the effects measured during the first round of similar treatment (Month 3); similar, but less significant benefits were also observed in the MSC-IV group. Specifically, researchers report that these observed benefits may indicate the involvement of immunomodulatory and neuroprotective mechanisms.
Of particular interest is the fact that the benefits with clinical significance were observed in participants with progressive multiple sclerosis found to be previously unresponsive to conventional immunotherapies and currently with limited treatment options.
In conclusion, this study found short-term clinical efficacy and perhaps neuroprotection by administration of MSCs to participants with progressive multiple sclerosis. The researchers also found that while repeated injections of both MSC-IT and MSC-IV produced beneficial effects, intrathecal administration appears to produce more clinically significant and observable benefits than MSC-IV.
These findings are recommended for use in the design of future studies examining the impact of cell therapy on neurodegeneration and neuronal regeneration and warrant Phase III study to confirm the therapeutic potential of cellular therapy in neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory diseases, including multiple sclerosis.
Source: (2020, December 1). Beneficial effects of autologous mesenchymal stem … – PubMed., from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33253391/
by Stemedix | Feb 15, 2021 | Stem Cell Therapy
The lower back plays a critical role in supporting the body and helping us stay upright. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the areas that experience the most pressure. The lower back clinically referred to as the lumbar spine, is made up of muscles, bone, and other tissue. The tissue, in particular, cushions the spine and protects it from the strain on our back, neck, and shoulders.
The lumbar spine comprises five vertebrae, and in between each is a specific type of soft tissue known as a disc. Large muscles also surround the vertebrae, and facet joints, or bands of connective tissue, are located between the vertebrae. Each part of this tissue network plays an important role in the support and mobility of your spine. They work together, balancing each other.
When an imbalance occurs, the result is often back pain. The source of the pain can be a single cause or a combination of factors. At its core, however, low back pain is almost always caused by the degradation of soft tissue. It’s often most pronounced in the spinal discs and facet joints, which contribute to movement throughout the upper body.
When discs degenerate, the discs collapse, causing the space between vertebrae to narrow. As this happens, the facet joints become strained, causing damage to the surrounding articular cartilage. Once cartilage starts to wear away, bones in the back can rub together, ultimately causing bone spurs.
Previously, there were few treatment options available for chronic lower back pain, all of which had their side effects to consider. While steroid injections offer temporary relief, they’re associated with side effects such as nerve damage. Surgery may be recommended in extreme cases, but back procedures are invasive and can therefore pose risks. Physical therapy can also help patients find relief, but it’s not always enough to help patients eliminate pain and restore mobility.
Fortunately, regenerative therapies such as stem cell treatments are helping patients find noticeable improvements in their symptoms. These treatments have been shown to be safe and effective, and unlike conventional practices, can help to address the soft tissue damage causing back pain.
The process entails acquiring the stem cells from either the patient’s adipose (fat) or bone marrow tissues or by a donated source of umbilical cord tissue. They are then administered directly into the compromised area under fluoroscopic guidance. There, the cells kickstart the body’s natural healing process by self-renewing and transforming into specialized cell types. Stem cells have the ability to heal damaged tissue and restore areas of tissue damage. With this cellular approach to healing, patients can pursue a more effective pain relief strategy than conventional treatments alone will provide. If you are interested then contact a care coordinator today!
by admin | Feb 12, 2021 | Glaucoma, Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Stem Cell Therapy
Glaucoma is a complex group of interrelated eye conditions that affects over 70 million people worldwide. A leading cause of irreversible blindness in people over 60, glaucoma is a progressive condition that affects the optic nerve and leads to gradual loss of specific neurons that relay visual information from the retina to the brain; the progressive vision loss caused by glaucoma is often associated with increased pressure in the eyes[1].
Currently, pharmaceutical and surgical treatment for glaucoma focus on relieving pressure in the eye by treating the trabecular meshwork (TM), the part of the eye that relieves pressure by allowing drainage of the aqueous humor. Unfortunately, to date, these treatment options have demonstrated only to delay, not correct, or prevent, the progression of glaucoma. Additionally, these treatment options are not effective in repopulating or regenerating the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), the neurons that relay visual information to the brain; in other words, these treatments have proven largely ineffective in patients with advanced stages of glaucoma.
With the advances made in stem cell therapy, and especially considering the functional properties of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), several new therapeutic approaches to treating glaucoma-related issues are currently being considered.
In this review article, Harrell et. al drew key observations from the information presented in over 250 journal articles to assess the current knowledge and future perspectives when considering the beneficial effects of MSCs in the treatment of glaucoma.
Specifically, researchers have found that the neurotrophins produced by MSCs encourage both the survival and regeneration of RGCs affected by glaucoma; MSCs appear to support RGCs by generating cells that are similar to RGCs and through promoting the expansion and differentiation of retinal stem cells (RSCs) in RGCs. MSCs are also believed to support the integrity of TM cells, allowing for pressure in the eyes to be reduced.
After reviewing the abstracts of 253 journal articles on the topic, the authors of this review concluded that the large number of studies examining MSCs’ ability to treat and/or protect the eye from the harmful effects of glaucoma was primarily dependent on MSCs capacity to provide neuroprotection for, and support regeneration in, RGCs.
However, as the authors point out, while several of these studies appear to demonstrate the potential benefits of MSCs and their secretome in glaucoma therapy, neither the safety nor efficacy have been validated in clinical settings or clinical trials with the appropriate number of enrolled patients.
While there appear to be several beneficial effects associated with using MSCs and their secretome in glaucoma therapy in humans, the authors conclude that these claims can only be verified if MSC-dependent therapeutic effects are confirmed through future clinical trials.
Source: (n.d.). Therapeutic Potential of Mesenchymal Stem Cells and … – Hindawi from https://www.hindawi.com/journals/sci/2019/7869130/
[1] “Glaucoma – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic.” 23 Oct. 2020, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/glaucoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20372839.
by admin | Feb 5, 2021 | ALS, Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Stem Cell Research, Stem Cell Therapy
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as motor neuron disease or Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a disease that gradually paralyzes people because the brain is no longer able to communicate with the muscles of the body that we are typically able to move at will[1]; as ALS progresses, people will lose the ability to walk, talk, swallow, and eventually breathe.
While no treatment to prevent or even slow the progression of, ALS currently exists, recent findings indicate that neurotrophic factors (NTFs) have been shown to potentially improve the survival of motor neurons in ALS. While a single administration of NTFs has not been effective in extending the life of these motor neurons, the review suggests the direct delivery of multiple NTFs by transplantation to the CNS has proven effective in animal studies.
Specifically, the observed benefits of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) transplanted from bone marrow or adipose suggest improved neurological stabilization in patients with ALS. As such, the authors of this review have developed a method that produces a strong synergistic effect when introducing a combined delivery of neurotrophic factors in patients with ALS.
The authors, in this review, report on the safety and clinical effects resulting from phase 1 / 2 and 2a clinical trials in which autologous MSC-NTS cells were transplanted in patients with ALS. Both of these studies were considered open-label proof of concept studies where patients were followed up for 3 months before transplantation and 6 months after receiving MSC-NTS transplantation.
No serious adverse events were associated with MSC-NTF cells intramuscular (IM) injections, intrathecal injections (IT), or a combination of both (IT+IM) during these studies.
Additionally, neurotrophic growth factor secretion of patients’ cells was shown to be induced in the MSC-NTF cells when compared to MSCs of the same patient prior to differentiation. In all samples, MSC-NTF cells demonstrated increased secretion of NTFs when compared to non-differentiated MSCs from the same patient.
As a result of this study, the authors have concluded that IT and IM injections of MSC-NTF cells in patients with ALS are safe and well-tolerated. While not the primary focus of the study, the findings also demonstrated clinically meaningful benefits specifically induced by intrathecal treatment with MSC-NTF cells, including potentially slowing the rate of ALS progression.
Considering that neurologists specializing in the treatment of ALS consider a reduction in ALS-FRS-R slope of 25% or more to be clinically significant, the change in ALS progression rate observed after MSC-NTF cell transplantation in this study may indicate a clinically meaningful effect to be confirmed in future clinical trials.
Source: (n.d.). Safety and Clinical Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Secreting …. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26751635/
[1] “Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) – Symptoms and causes – Mayo ….” 6 Aug. 2019, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/amyotrophic-lateral-sclerosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354022. Accessed 15 Feb. 2021.
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