Multiple sclerosis (MS) causes symptoms that include fatigue, pain, vision changes, and loss of coordination. The symptoms vary considerably by person and can either come and go or gradually worsen over time.
Currently, there is no cure for MS. However, recent discoveries in regenerative medicine and stem cell research aim to slow the disease’s progression and lessen symptom severity.
What Is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease, which means that the body’s immune system attacks its healthy cells.
When someone has MS, their immune system attacks the nerve cells’ protective covering, known as myelin. Without this covering, the nerve fibers become damaged, disrupting communication throughout the central nervous system.
Since the immune system can target any nerve, the disease’s symptoms and progression are unpredictable.
What Is Stem Cell Therapy?
Regenerative Medicine, also known as stem cell therapy, is an alternative therapy that uses the unique capabilities of stem cells to target diseases and injuries at the root cause.
Stem cells are the cornerstones of all cells. While most cells divide to form two identical daughter cells, stem cells can divide or differentiate; they can either divide to create two daughter stem cells or differentiate to create two new specialized cells, such as brain cells or nerve cells.
Many specialized cells cannot divide, so stem cells are a promising way to potentially repair and replace damage in these tissues.
Stem cell therapy extracts dormant stem cells and injects them into damaged areas to restore health to the surrounding tissue. Since stem cells can also divide or differentiate infinitely, they can continue supporting healing in damaged areas as long as necessary.
How Are Stem Cells Treating MS?
Nerve cells do not divide at all. When MS attacks them, they cannot rebuild unless there is support of stem cells.
Additionally, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), often found in bone marrow, umbilical cord, or fat tissue, have inflammation-reducing and immunomodulating properties. Studies examining the use of MSCs in treating MS show the potential for these powerful cells to restore the myelin sheath that protects the nerves. Their immunomodulating properties may also slow the disease’s progression by reducing the immune system’s attacks on nerve cells.
Are Stem Cells the Future of Treating MS?
A study published in 2021 showed that repeated MSC treatments for those with progressive MS had clinical benefits lasting up to four years. Stem cell therapy offers an exciting new treatment option for those suffering from MS to explore and its research is ongoing.
This post was written by a medical professional at Stemedix Inc. At Stemedix we provide access to Regenerative Medicine for multiple sclerosis, also known as stem cell therapy for multiple sclerosis. Regenerative medicine has the natural potential to help improve symptoms sometimes lost from the progression of many conditions.