Stem Cell Treatment for Other Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases are conditions in which the patient’s immune system generates cellular and antibody responses to substances and tissues normally present in the body. This might be restricted to one organ or involve a particular tissue in different places. As a result of this immune response, damage to different organs occurs. Examples of autoimmune diseases that have responded to stem cell therapy either in animals or humans include rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, lupus, and type I diabetes.
How can stem cells help treat autoimmune diseases?
| Psoriatic Arthritis – “All my psoriasis is gone…” Kristin Lueck |
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Currently, autoimmune conditions are treated with immune suppressive agents such as steroids, methothrexate, cyclosporine, gold, and more recently infliximab (Remicade). Despite inducing temporary improvement, these approaches possess the possibility of long-term adverse effects, as well as need for life-long treatment.
Stem cell therapy has been demonstrated to induce profound healing activity in animals with various forms of autoimmune disorders. Besides healing damaged tissues, stem cells have the unique ability to modulate the immune system so as to shut off pathological responses while preserving its 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 does the Stem Cell Institute us to treat autoimmune diseases and how are they obtained?
Adult stem cells utilized by the Stem Cell Institute to treat autoimmune diseases come from the patient’s own fat tissue(autologous adipose).
Adipose cell collection – A licensed plastic surgeon collects the fat tissue sample by mini-liposuction under general anesthesia. T regulatory cells and Mesenchymal stem cells reside within this tissue. The Medistem Panama laboratory then separates these, and other 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.
How are the stem cells administered?
The adipose-derived stem cells are typically administered intravenously by a licensed physician over the course of about 10 days but depending on the nature of the particular disease and the patient’s condition, a longer or shorter time frame might be advisable.
Why do adipose stem cell treatments 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 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.
Below is an example of the rheumatoid arthritis treatment protocol. It is an example of what an autoimmune treatment protocol might look like.
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS TREATMENT PROTOCOL OUTLINE
- • The rheumatoid arthritis treatment protocol typically takes 10 days
- • The first two days: medical evaluation, blood testing, and mini-liposuction
- • 3 intravenous injections of adipose-derived stem cells (during the second week)
- • Intra-articular injections as needed
After I return home, will the Stem Cell Institute follow up with me?
Yes, one of our medical staff will monitor your progress on a regular basis. We will contact you after 1 month, 3 months, 4 months, 1 year and 2 years. Proper follow-up essential to evaluate treatment efficacy and to optimize our stem cell therapy protocols.
Are there any successfully treated patients who are willing to discuss their experiences at the the Stem Cell Institute with me?
Yes, some of our treated patients have volunteered to speak with you. Your patient coordinator will be happy to put you in touch with them once our doctors have evaluated your condition and determined that stem cell therapy is a viable option.
We’ve published testimonials from treated autoimmune disease patients on our autoimmune disease patient experiences page. Please take a look at them!
How do I request more information?
Please contact us by telephone 1 (800) 980-STEM (toll-free in US) and 1 (954) 636-3390 or by web-based inquiry form.
To find out if you are eligible, Apply for Treatment Today:
To apply for stem cell treatment, please complete this Patient Application Form.
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