What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Can stem cells help treat rheumatoid arthritis?
Currently, RA is treated with immune suppressive agents such as steroids, methothrexate, cyclosporine, gold, and more recently infliximab (Remicade). Despite inducing temporary improvement, these approaches possess long-term adverse effects due to non-specific inhibition of immune responses. Additionally, current treatments do not address the issue of damage that has already occurred to the joints or extra-articular tissues.
Autologous stromal vascular fraction therapy for rheumatoid arthritis: rationale and clinical safety
Paz Rodriguez J, Murphy M, Hong S, Madrigal M, March K, Minev B, Harman R, Chen CS, Berrocal Timmons R, Marleau A, Riordan N
– International Archives of Medicine 2012, 5:5Advancements in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment protocols and introduction of targeted biological therapies have markedly improved patient outcomes, despite this, up to 50% of patients still fail to achieve a significant clinical response. In veterinary medicine, stem cell therapy in the form of autologous stromal vascular fraction (SVF) is an accepted therapeutic modality for degenerative conditions with 80% improvement and no serious treatment associated adverse events reported. Clinical translation of SVF therapy relies on confirmation of veterinary findings in targeted patient populations. Here we describe the rationale and preclinical data supporting the use of autologous SVF in treatment of RA, as well as provide 1, 3, 6, and 13 month safety outcomes in 13 RA patients treated with this approach.
Stem cell therapy has been demonstrated to induce profound healing activity in animals with various forms of arthritis. For example, the company Vet-Stem routinely utilizes stem cells in horses with various joint deformities to accelerate healing. Besides healing of damaged tissues, stem cells have the unique ability to modulate the immune system so as to shut off pathological responses while preserving ability to fight off disease. Stem cells and specifically, mesenchymal stem cells home to inflamed tissue and start producing anti-inflammatory agents. These mediators act locally and do not suppress the immune response of the patient’s whole body. Additionally, mesenchymal stem cells induce the production of T regulatory cells, a type of immune cell whose function is to protect the body against immunological self-attack.
Which kinds of stem cells are used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and how are they obtained?
The adult stem cells utilized to treat rheumatoid arthritis come from the patient’s own fat (autologous adipose) tissue and from donated human umbilical cord tissue (HUCT).
We collect the fat tissue sample by mini-liposuction, which is performed by a licensed plastic surgeon under general anesthesia. Mesenchymal stem cells and T regulatory cells are found within this tissue. The Medistem Panama laboratory then separates the target cells from the fat. This entire process is subjected to stringent quality control. The remaining adipose-derived stem cells are tested for quality, bacterial contamination (anaerobic and aerobic) and endotoxin before they are approved for treatment.
All umbilical cords are donated after healthy, normal births. In accordance with International Blood Bank standards, all umbilical cord-derived stem cells are rigorously screened for viruses and bacteria at Medistem Labs before they are approved for use in patients.
Because HUCT stem cells are less mature than other cells, the body’s immune system is unable to recognize them as foreign and therefore they are not rejected. We’ve treated hundreds of patients with umbilical cord stem cells and there has never been a single instance rejection (graft vs. host disease). HUCT stem cells also proliferate/differentiate more efficiently than “older” cells, such as those found in the bone marrow and therefore, they are considered to be more “potent”.
How are the stem cells administered?
The adipose-derived and HUCT stem cells are administered intravenously by a licensed physician over the course of each patient’s stay. The cells can be injected into a joint if necessary.
Why does adipose stem cell treatment take more than one week?
Intravenously administered adipose-derived stem cells will tend to migrate back to the fresh wound site if it is not given an adequate time to heal. Therefore, it is essential to allow about one week after the mini-liposuction before administering any stem cells intravenously. Otherwise, there is a high likelihood that the treatment will not be as effective.
Additionally, it takes 5 five days to thoroughly test the adipose cell samples for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. In order to ensure that no patient receives an infected sample, at least 5 days must transpire before the cells can be confirmed safe and injected back into the patient.
Lastly, this 5-day waiting period enables our scientists to culture a small sample of each patient’s stem cells in the lab to observe how they are likely to proliferate once they are inside the body. If a patient’s cells show low viability, our doctors will supplement the treatment with additional cord-derived cells to compensate. The same can be done in cases of low cell yield.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Stem Cell Treatment Protocol
- The rheumatoid arthritis treatment protocol typically takes 2 weeks
- The first two days: medical evaluation, blood testing, and mini-liposuction
- 3 intravenous (IV) injections of autologous adipose-derived stem cells (during 2nd)
- 2 IV injections of allogeneic umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (during 2nd week)
- Medical consult for hormone evaluation
- 1-month supply of Stem Kine supplement
Will anyone follow up with me after I return home?
Proper follow-up helps us evaluate the effectiveness of our treatments and improve our treatment protocols based on observed outcomes. Therefore, one of our medical staff will contact you regularly to monitor your progress. You will be contacted after 1 month, 3 months, 4 months, and 1 year.
Are there any successfully treated patients with whom I can speak?
Of course there are. A number of our treated rheumatoid arthritis patients have volunteered to speak with prospective patients after treatment approval. Your patient coordinator will be happy to put you in touch with them at the appropriate time.
You may also view rheumatoid arthritis patient news, stories and videos. Please take a look!
How can I contact the Stem Cell Insititue?
You may contact us by telephone 1 (800) 980-STEM (toll-free in US) and 1 (954) 636-3390.
Apply for treatment today
To apply for stem cell treatment, please complete this Patient Application Form.
Scientific Articles
Autologous stromal vascular fraction therapy for rheumatoid arthritis: rationale and clinical safety
Paz Rodriguez J, Murphy M, Hong S, Madrigal M, March K, Minev B, Harman R, Chen CS, Berrocal Timmons R, Marleau A, Riordan N
– International Archives of Medicine 2012, 5:5
Autologous Stromal Vascular Fraction Cells: A Tool for Facilitating Tolerance in Rheumatic Disease
Thomas E. Ichim, Robert J. Harman, Wei-Ping Min, Boris Minev, Fabio Solano, Jorge Paz Rodriguez, Doru T Alexandrescu, Rosalia De Necochea-Campion, Xiang Hu, Annette M Marleau, Neil H Riordan
– Cellular Immunology, February 5th, 2010
Antigen Specific Therapy of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Ichim T. Zheng X, Suzuki M, Kubo N, Zhang X, Min L, Beduhn M, Riordan N, Inman R, Min W.
– Expert opin. Biol. Ther. 2008; 8(2): 191-199
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