Multiple sclerosis can be a debilitating disease that causes an overall decline in quality of life and symptoms like fatigue, dizziness and vision problems. Fortunately, stem cell therapy using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is a multiple sclerosis treatment with lots of potential.
Keep reading to learn more about how this promising therapy treats MS, the mechanisms of action behind MSCs and how MSC stem cell therapy compares with conventional treatments.
Overview of Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Symptoms and Challenges
Multiple sclerosis is a disease that affects the brain and spinal cord, causing symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, weakness, problems with balance or vision and pain.
MS is an autoimmune disorder which means the body recognizes itself as a foreign substance, triggering an immune response. In patients with MS, the immune system attacks the myelin sheath of the brain and spinal cord. This disrupts communication between the nerves, resulting in the above symptoms.
Living with MS can be difficult, as constant fatigue and dizziness can make it hard to perform everyday tasks. However, healthy eating and proper exercise in combination with treatment with stem cell for MS can make living with MS manageable.
Understanding the Mechanisms of MSC Therapy in MS
MSC therapy is a multiple sclerosis treatment that can drastically improve the quality of life of people suffering from this disease, but how exactly does MS therapy work?
MSCs: Properties and Therapeutic Potential
MSCs have therapeutic potential to treat the symptoms of MS. For example, the exosomes from MSCs have immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties, which decrease nerve tissue damage. Treatment centers like Swiss Medica use these exosomes for their beneficial effects on the central nervous system.
MSCs also modulate immune response, protect neurons from further damage, and reduce inflammation.
How MSCs Interact with the MS-Affected Central Nervous System
MSC therapy is so effective for treating MS because it interacts with the central nervous system. MSCs identify and repair damaged cells, create new healthy cells and restore myelin within the nervous system. Since MS directly affects the myelin sheath, MSC therapy can be a good fit for MS treatment.
MSC therapy benefits can help alleviate symptoms connected to the central nervous system and halt the progression of multiple sclerosis.
Clinical Evidence Supporting MSC Therapy in MS
There are many anecdotal reports on the effectiveness of MSC in treating MS, but there is also clinical evidence to support this treatment. For example, one study found that 40% of MS patients saw improvements after MSC therapy.
Other studies indicate that MSC therapy for MS has no major adverse effects and is a safe therapeutic option for treating MS.
Comparative Analysis: MSC Therapy vs. Conventional MS Treatments
When choosing a therapy for multiple sclerosis, it’s important to compare different treatment methods and choose the one that suits you best. So how does MSC therapy compare with traditional MS treatments?
The Advantages of MSC Therapy Over Traditional Approaches
Currently, there is no cure for MS, so traditional treatments focus on managing symptoms and helping patients live with MS. Conventional therapies include occupational therapy, speech therapy and nutrition. While these treatments can be helpful for people living with MS, they don’t treat the root of the disease.
MSC therapy has a direct impact on the central nervous system and can repair damaged neurons and create new healthy ones. While MSC therapy is also not a cure, it helps restore the function of the nervous system and can prevent MS from progressing.
MSCs can also help regulate the immune system, which is very beneficial for MS patients. MSC therapy is also very safe, as the health concerns associated with stem cell therapy only apply to embryonic stem cells.
The Horizon of MSC Therapy: Potential for Cure or Long-term Remission
MSC therapy is effective at reducing MS symptoms and treating the disease, but it’s not a cure for MS and it’s unclear whether the treatment simply results in a long-term remission. More research is needed to understand the potential benefits of this therapy and to find the most effective administration methods.
In conclusion
Conventional therapy benefits are limited to managing symptoms of multiple sclerosis and helping patients learn to live with the disease. Stem cell therapy using MSCs provides an alternative option that directly repairs and rebuilds cells in the nervous system.
MSCs aren’t a magic cure, but there is strong clinical evidence supporting the effectiveness of MSCs in treating multiple sclerosis, with over 40% of trial participants seeing an improvement in their disease.
