by Stemedix | Jul 13, 2020 | Stem Cell Therapy, Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory condition that can affect the joints, as well as several body systems. As an autoimmune disease, RA is characterized by the body’s immune system mistakenly attacking its own healthy tissue. While other forms of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis, are caused by general wear and tear, RA targets the joint lining, resulting in swelling that will eventually erode the joints and bones.
In some cases, the inflammation can cause widespread damage throughout bodily systems such as the eyes, skin, lungs, heart, and blood vessels. Although there have been treatments available to control the symptoms of RA, in some severe cases, physical disabilities may still occur.
Can Stem Cell Therapy Help Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Typically, RA is treated with immune suppressive medications such as steroids. While they may offer temporary relief, long-term use isn’t advised, as it can suppress the body’s immune response. Thus, such medications leave patients more vulnerable to infections and other illnesses. Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) may be prescribed as well, or biologics if needed. Nonetheless, these medications fail to address joint damage which has already occurred. Moreover, many patients fail to see significant results.
Recently, stem cell therapy has emerged as a studied and researched option to target inflamed tissue and trigger the development and anti-inflammatory agents. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), in particular, have been shown to produce T regulatory cells, which help to safeguard against the self-attacking immune response seen in RA. One study on MSCs for RA demonstrated a significant decrease in pro-inflammatory agents, absent of the long-term side effects caused by traditional RA therapies.
Which Type of Stem Cells Are Used to Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis?
MSCs are a commonly used stem cell therapy option for managing symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis. These cells are derived from either adipose (fat) tissue from the patient or the umbilical cord (Wharton’s Jelly) following healthy births. The mothers undergo rigorous screening to ensure the safety of the cells. Because umbilical cord-derived stem cells are some of the youngest, they have longer cell lives than those derived from adults.
What Are the Benefits of Mesenchymal Stem Cells?
Since they are do not come from the blood, MSCs are considered safe and do not require phenotypic or Hyman Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) matching. Cell rejection is therefore not a concern. Mesenchymal stem cells exert a number of beneficial effects on the cells of the immune system. Mesenchymal stem cells can help fine-tune the immune system by inducing the action of regulatory T-cells potentially shifting the balance from harmful to helpful immune system function.
The benefits of MSCs leave researchers optimistic about the future of stem cells as an option for those with autoimmune conditions such as Rheumatoid Arthritis. The therapy is a worthwhile option to explore for patients seeking potential improvements for their day to day quality of life. Contact a Care Coordinator today for a free assessment!
by Stemedix | Jun 8, 2020 | Autoimmune, Stem Cell Therapy
The immune system is divided into two major entities, depending on the type of action it exerts; the innate immune system and the specific immune system.
The innate immune system, which you can think of as the first responder to foreign pathogens that try to penetrate the body. This system is also referred to as non-specific immunity because it does not differentiate between different aggressors. The main components of the innate immune system include mechanical barriers (e.g., skin, acidic environment of the stomach, cilia found in the respiratory tract) and immune cells (e.g., macrophages, natural killers, neutrophils, basophils).
The specific immune system, which implements unique immune cells and antibodies to specifically target germs. For instance, when you get infected with the stomach flu, the immune system will produce specific cells and antibodies to the proteins found on the surface of that virus. As a result, it will be ready for the next aggressive episode since it has the necessary information to target the virus.
These two entities work to complement one another to keep us alive, with thousands of foreign pathogens destroyed every day. Now that you’re familiar with the immune system, let’s see how stem cell therapy may help in these cases.
What is an autoimmune disease?
An autoimmune disease is an inflammatory and immune reaction to self-antigens. In other words, the body will attack proteins found on harmless substances, such as blood cells, neurons, and pancreatic cells. Some examples of autoimmune diseases include lupus, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Autoimmune diseases are poorly understood, hence the absence of any curative treatment. Most therapeutic approaches focus on long-term medical management that includes taking chemotherapeutic drugs, corticosteroids, and immunomodulators. Moreover, some severe cases may require surgical interventions.
Fortunately, recent research is showing positive results in patients who underwent stem cell therapy for their autoimmune disease using mesenchymal stem cells.
How does stem cell therapy help with autoimmune disease?
Stem cells have been extensively researched for their beneficial effects on several maladies, including the ones that get triggered by a defective immune system. The way that stem cells give this result is by repairing the damaged tissues and regulating the action of immune cells. Consequently, the cells will be less likely to attack self-antigens anymore, tempering down the symptoms of the condition.
Mesenchymal stem cells are a preferred type of cell that avoid ethical issues with extracting these cells and the efficacy they showed over the past few years. Researchers reported that MSCs focus most of their action on T regulatory cells that control the reaction of the specific immune system to foreign pathogens. If this line of cells is not well-regulated, the immune system will overreact to most antigens, resulting in the classic self-inflicted damage.
There are no cures for Autoimmune conditions, and some do find relief from traditional methods. However, there are risks and side effects to consider. Hopefully, a natural alternative option like stem cell therapy can provide additional options for those seeking treatment for autoimmune conditions. Contact us today for a free consultation!
by Stemedix | Jun 1, 2020 | Stem Cell Therapy, PRP
Orthopedic injuries occur each day and from different causes. An injury can result from a fall or a trauma to a musculoskeletal part of the body (e.g., knees, hips, shoulders). Many times, age or overuse can create a more common occurrence for these types of...
by Stemedix | May 18, 2020 | Multiple Sclerosis, Stem Cell Therapy
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that’s increasing in prevalence over the past few decades. According to the National MS Society, more than one million people live with multiple sclerosis in the United States alone. Globally speaking, MS is diagnosed in around 2.3 million patients, with hundreds of new cases every week. Interestingly, people who live in the Northern or Southern extremes of the planet are at a higher risk to develop MS than their counterparts.
Unfortunately, MS is a chronic, progressive condition with no curative treatment.
Multiple Sclerosis and its Impact on Brain Cells
The pathophysiology of MS is quite complex and involves the auto-destruction of the central nervous system (CNS) tissue by antibodies and immune cells. The main target of the immune reaction is the myelin sheaths found on neurons to facilitate electrical conduction. Unfortunately, those myelin sheaths also provide protection for neurons to maintain their optimal function.
Additionally, the inflammation mediated by the immune system damages the integrity of neurons, leading to the loss of millions of cells that play a crucial role in the function of the CNS. Another frustrating aspect of this malady is the recurrent relapses, where patients experience vision problems, muscular weakness, reduction in mobility, and balance issues even with adequate pharmacological therapy.
Today, there is one treatment option that is considered an alternative option to one’s journey to wellness and improvement of symptoms – stem cell therapy.
Stem cell therapy and Neural Damage
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have incredible regenerative and repairing properties due to their multipotent characteristic that allows them to differentiate into different body tissues. MSCs can be obtained from adipose tissue, bone marrow, umbilical cord (Wharton’s Jelly), and placenta.
For many years, researchers conducted studies to see if MSCs benefit patients with multiple sclerosis, and many results showed positive benefits.
For instance, in a 2019 study published by Stem Cell Investigation, researchers stated that “Upon intravenous injection, MSCs are able to traffic into the brain lesions and improve the survival rate of brain cells.” Although scientists are still researching the underlying mechanism that led to these results, the positive effects of MSCs are attributed to their regenerative, self-renewal, and immunomodulating properties.
One of the most appealing type of stem cell therapy is the umbilical cord-extracted MSCs because of the site’s accessibility, their potentcy, and the absence of any ethical issues. Overall, the scientific community believes that MSCs have great potential in the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis and other neurodegenerative conditions.
Stem cell therapy research has increased over the past few years and is making impacts in the history of medicine and biology. The regenerative properties of these cells has opened a new chapter in the management of conditions and their symptoms that can impact a person’s day to day life. Contact us today for a free consultation.
by Stemedix | May 4, 2020 | Stem Cell Therapy, Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition that affects the central nervous system, disrupting the ways in which information flows within and to and from the brain. Its cause is unknown, though experts believe it may result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The trajectory and symptoms of the disease are often unpredictable. People with MS may experience symptoms related to movement, such as tremors or unsteady gait, as well as vision-related changes, slurred speech, tingling or numbness, and fatigue.
MS symptoms typically begin to emerge between the ages of 20 and 50. For some individuals, symptoms may improve or go into remission for periods of time. In some cases, MS symptoms can interfere with daily life, making it difficult to complete everyday activities.
While there are currently no cures available for MS, there are some medications available to aid in symptom management. Yet, these can be costly and may carry side effects.
Stem Cell Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis
Recently, stem cell therapy for Multiple Sclerosis has emerged as a promising treatment with tremendous potential. It is not a cure but has shown potential for symptom improvements. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the ability to help control inflammation and restore the myelin sheath, the protective covering that surrounds nerve fibers which is damaged in MS. These powerful cells also have the ability to regulate the immune system, which can aid in symptom reduction.
The reason the immune regulating effects of MSCs are so beneficial to people with MS is that they prevent the immune system from mistakenly attacking the myelin sheath. MSCs may even regenerate myelin sheath where it’s been damaged, known as remyelination.
While results may vary, MS patients who receive stem cell therapy may experience a number of benefits. Some reported include increased energy, strength, mobility, flexibility, and function control. The treatment is also noninvasive, well-tolerated in most patients, and does not require any downtime. With its lasting beneficial healing properties, stem cell therapy appears to be an alternative option, especially for patients whose symptoms interfere with daily life.
If these beneficial healing properties are something you would like to take advantage of then contact us today for a free consultation.
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