A condition that affects the brain and spinal cord, multiple sclerosis (MS) may have catastrophic consequences for the central nervous system. In multiple sclerosis, the immune system attacks the myelin sheath that surrounds nerve fibers, impairing communication between the brain and the body. Permanent nerve injury or degeneration may ultimately result from this disorder.
Some facts about MS:
- MS is associated with increased depression and anxiety in patients, as well as a lower quality of life.
- This can lead to decreased ability to work, as well as a reduced ability to participate in society.
- According to the most comprehensive global study to date, 2.8 million people worldwide have multiple sclerosis (MS). That means that somewhere on the planet, multiple sclerosis is diagnosed every 5 minutes.
- There are about one million of them living in the United States.
- Body fat may play a role in the development of multiple sclerosis in women. According to a study, women have more body fat than men, putting them at a higher risk of developing multiple sclerosis.
- Most people are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis between the ages of 20 and 50, but it can occur at any age.
- According to the Multiple Sclerosis Atlas, multiple sclerosis is more common in regions of Northern Europe and the Americas, but can appear in any geographic location.
Multiple sclerosis symptoms depend on the kind of nerve damage and the extent of the damage. Some patients with severe multiple sclerosis are unable to walk on their own, while others have prolonged periods of remission without experiencing any new symptoms.
Treatment of multiple sclerosis by traditional methods
Regretfully, there is currently no treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS). The fundamental issues with multiple sclerosis are not addressed by the current therapies, which aim to reduce symptoms. Even worse, many of the drugs used to treat MS symptoms have unfavorable side effects and don’t stop the condition from becoming worse for many people. Lastly, a patient’s resources are often burdened by the expense of such procedures.
Types of stem cells used for transplantation
- Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). These cells are derived from bone marrow, peripheral blood or umbilical cord blood. They can be used to suppress autoimmune activity, and usually before transplantation, the patient is given chemotherapy to destroy damaged immune system cells. Stem cells are then transplanted to restore normal immune system function.
- Mesenchymal stem cells. These cells can be derived from bone marrow, adipose tissue or other tissues. They have the ability to modulate inflammation and accelerate the repair of damaged tissue.
- Neural stem cells. Used to directly repair damaged neurons or myelin. However, this approach is still at the stage of clinical trials and has not yet been widely used.
Advantages of stem cell transplantation
Medical research is increasingly focusing on stem cell transplantation as a novel and potential therapy option for multiple sclerosis (MS). This approach may have significant advantages, particularly when it comes to enhancing the quality of life for patients with severe illness. The following are the primary advantages of treating MS using stem cells:
1. Suppression of autoimmune activity
An autoimmune reaction, in which the immune system targets the myelin sheath of nerve cells, is one of the primary factors contributing to the advancement of multiple sclerosis. Stem cell transplantation may reduce or even stop the course of illness, stop further assaults, and assist return the immune system to normal.
Normal immune system function may be restored by hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), which can be obtained from bone marrow or peripheral blood. Healthy stem cells are used to replace the patient’s immune system’s damaged cells in order to achieve this. By doing this, more harm to nerve tissue may be avoided and the immune system can cease targeting its own tissues.
2. Possibility of myelin repair
The covering that surrounds nerve fibers and facilitates rapid nerve impulse transmission is called myelin. Nerve impulses in multiple sclerosis are delayed or inhibited as a consequence of myelin loss or destruction. The myelin sheath may be restored with the use of stem cell transplantation.
Oligodendrocytes, which make up the myelin sheath, are one kind of cell that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may develop into to aid in myelin repair. This enhances nervous system function by slowing or halting the process of neurodegeneration.
3. Long-term improvements and remission in multiple sclerosis
The possibility of stem cell transplantation to provide patients with progressive types of MS with extended periods of remission is one of its main advantages. When a patient is in remission, their illness symptoms settle or perhaps go away, allowing them to live with few restrictions.
According to preliminary research, stem cell transplantation may improve neurological state and lower relapse rates, particularly in individuals with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis.
4. Fewer side effects compared to traditional methods
Stem cell transplantation may be less likely to cause long-term adverse effects including osteoporosis, infections, or liver and kidney issues than standard therapy, which can include lengthy courses of immunosuppressive medications, hormonal agents, and cytostatics.
For instance, MSCs don’t need harsh therapies like chemotherapy and have softer immunomodulatory effects. As a result, the patient’s body is less toxic overall.
5. The prospect of restoring neuronal function in sclerosis
According to some research, stem cells have the ability to influence the nerve tissue itself in addition to repairing myelin, which aids in the healing of injured neurons and nerve fibers.
This provides new avenues for treating the neurodegenerative alterations linked to multiple sclerosis. Future technological advancements may make it feasible to enhance neurogenesis and recover lost functions.
6. Personalized treatment
Stem cell transplantation can be personalized depending on the type and stage of disease in the patient. For example, the choice between hematopoietic stem cells and mesenchymal stem cells depends on the clinical presentation and the physician’s preference.
The use of stem cells derived directly from the patient (autologous transplantation) minimizes the risk of rejection and improves the effectiveness of treatment.
7. Prospects for progressive forms of MS
Stem cell transplantation, especially hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, may be particularly useful for patients with progressive forms of MS, for whom conventional therapies are often ineffective. In these cases, stem cells may not only slow disease progression but also restore lost function.
This offers hope for improving the condition of patients with disabling forms of MS who previously had no effective treatment options.
Summary
One potential therapy for multiple sclerosis is stem cell transplantation, which may both halt the disease’s course and greatly enhance patients’ quality of life. Benefits include the capacity to restore neuronal function, lengthy remission periods, myelin repair, inhibition of autoimmune activity, and less adverse effects than conventional therapies. But even with encouraging outcomes, this approach is still in clinical trials and needs further research to determine its long-term safety and effectiveness.
