Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune condition in which the insulation (myelin) around nerves in the brain and spinal cord becomes damaged. This demyelination results in disruption of the nervous system to communicate with peripheral parts of the body. Symptoms vary widely between patients with the most common being muscle weakness, problems with coordination, and sensation deficits.
It is likely that the cause of MS is an autoimmune attack that specifically targets the insulation of the nerves or the cells that produced this insulation. There are theories that this autoimmunity may be brought on by viral infection, surgery, or another such traumatic event.
There is no known cure for MS. Conventional treatments attempt to improve mobility and/or prevent future autoimmune attacks from taking place.
Many research dollars are being poured into stem cell treatments to try and improve outcomes for Multiple Sclerosis. The focus of this research is on promoting remyelination of nerves and improving conductivity to the muscles thus increasing muscle strength, function, and tone.
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The most current research regarding stem cells and Multiple Sclerosis is given below:
Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell transplantation in the treatment of multiple sclerosis
Mingyao Meng,* Ying Liu,2,* Wenju Wang,2 Chuanyu Wei,2 Feifei Liu,2 Zhiqin Du,2 Yanhua Xie,2 Weiwei Tang,2 Zongliu Hou,2 and Qihan Li1
Abstract: To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (UCMSC) transplantation for treating multiple sclerosis (MS), the patients with MS were recruited and treated with UCMSC. The procedure of preparing UCMSC was in accordance with the standards formulated by the International Society for Cell Biology. Cell surface markers, multiple differentiation potential and safety of UCMSC for transplantation were detected. The number of cells in each infusion was 1 to 2×106 cells/kg.
Patients were recruited in accordance with the standards of the International Mesenchymal Stem Cells Transplantation Study Group. After treatment, the clinical therapeutic effects including symptoms, vital signs, clinical attacks, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), neurological function scores and adverse reactions such as fever, dizziness, and vascular irritation were monitored and evaluated. In addition, the regulatory effects of UCMSC on immune system of patients were
also assessed.
The results showed that the patients’ symptoms were improved after UCMSC transplantation. No clinical attacks occurred during transplantation. MRI revealed a reduced number of foci and Expanded Disability Status Scale scores were decreased. Some of patients had adverse reactions after transplantation. These adverse effects were not serious and lasted short duration, thus no intervention was conducted and let it be eliminated by itself. The mRNA expression of CD86, IL-2, CTLA-4, and HLADRB1 in peripheral blood was significantly decreased after UCMSC transplantation (P < 0.05). Based on our present studies, UCMSCs would be considered as a safe and alternative option for treatment of MS.
Clinical feasibility of umbilical cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of multiple sclerosis
Neil H. Riordan, Isabela Morales, Giselle Fernández, Nicole Allen, Neal E. Fearnot, Michael E. Leckrone, Dedra Jones Markovich, Darla Mansfield, Dorita Avila, Amit N. Patel, Santosh Kesari, and Jorge Paz Rodriguez
Abstract: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressively debilitating neurological condition in which the immune system abnormally erodes the myelin sheath insulating the nerves. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have been used in the last decade to safely treat certain immune and inflammatory conditions.
Treatment with Umbilical Cord Stem Cells Safe with Sustained Benefits for MS, Trial Shows