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Multiple sclerosis is one of the most common diseases of the central nervous system having autoimmune nature, which affects more than two million people worldwide. The exact cause of MS is unknown, though genetic and environmental factors are suspected. Among the catalysts that can be classified as environmental, doctors note a lack of vitamin D, the presence of large amounts of toxic substances in the environment, poor quality food and alcohol abuse. However, the evidence varies. The role of infections like viruses is still under investigation as well.
With this disease, the human immune system begins to attack the myelin sheaths and destroy them. In turn, if neurons become demyelinated, they stop transmitting signals correctly and gradually die. As a result, symptoms of multiple sclerosis arise and develop. Brain stem cells by themselves do not repair myelin sheaths; rather, oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) in the central nervous system are responsible for remyelination. Stem cells introduced into the human body can replace OPCs by transforming into them.
One of the currently existing and actively used therapeutic methods is autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT). It includes the following steps:
To date, researchers are still seeking ways to prevent or repair myelin damage using stem cells. Some studies have demonstrated that using chemotherapy to significantly suppress a person’s immune system, followed by the injection of stem cells, can create a new immune system that does not attack the myelin. Clinical trials of this method have shown promising results, and it is now used to treat patients whose bodies do not respond to other disease-modifying therapies.
Scientists are also actively working to develop stem cell therapies to replace nerves that have been damaged by neurological diseases, particularly multiple sclerosis. All autoimmune diseases are challenging to treat because the immune system attacks a person’s own cells. Complete blockade of the immune system is not a viable treatment option because it would leave the patient vulnerable to other infections.
A significant difficulty in developing treatments for multiple sclerosis is that the immune system may begin to attack the myelin sheath for various reasons. Thus, the triggers for the onset and progression of the disease can differ among patients. Depending on which nerves are damaged, symptoms can vary widely, including poor coordination during gait, increased sensitivity to stimuli, bladder and bowel dysfunction, and increased fatigue.
Today, stem cell therapy for multiple sclerosis primarily involves introducing cells into the body to replace or restore the function of damaged elements. The Cellthera Stem Cell Therapy Center in the Czech Republic was one of the first to use this technique, showing promising results. We can help arrange an initial consultation to develop a treatment plan. Currently, autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is recognized as one of the most effective cell therapies tested for multiple sclerosis.
