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, and lupus. Stem cell treatment for autoimmune diseases 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 hone 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. Learn more about our therapies with stem cells for 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, and lupus. 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 hone 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.
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DIABETES I
Glucose, or sugar, is what your body uses for energy. When you eat something, your body processes the food into glucose so that it can power your cells. If you have type I diabetes, you most likely experience difficulty with this process. This is because the immune system mistakenly attacks the pancreas’s insulin-making cells. Insulin is responsible for helping glucose enter your cells from the bloodstream. When the body doesn’t have enough insulin, the glucose stays in the bloodstream and causes further health problems.
In the context of diabetes research, MSCs have been used to generate insulin-producing cells, counteract autoimmunity enhance islet engraftment and survival, and to treat diabetic ulcers and limb ischemia. Also, MSC inoculum improved metabolic control in experimental models of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Non-randomized, pilot trials in T2D suggest a positive impact of bone marrow–derived mononuclear cells on metabolic control (i.e., reduction of insulin requirements and of A1C values) in the absence of adverse events following intraarterial injection by selective cannulation of the pancreas vasculature.
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Rheumatoid arthritis is among the conditions that can benefit from stem cells for autoimmune diseases.
Your joints are an elaborate and effective system of tissues that allow you to move. However, these joints can be subject to an autoimmune response called rheumatoid arthritis. This condition can cause pain during movement because the linings that help the joint glide and move become swollen. If the inflammation isn’t treated, it can affect tissues like cartilage or bones, causing further damage to the joints.
THYROID CONDITIONS
The thyroid is an important gland in the neck that is responsible for regulating your body’s metabolism through hormones. Sometimes, the immune system attacks the thyroid and prevents it from producing enough hormones, a condition called hypothyroidism. This can cause many different uncomfortable symptoms like fatigue, joint and muscle pain, decreased temperature regulation, and weight gain. Additionally, hyperthyroidism can occur where too many hormones are produced.
LUPUS
Lupus is an extremely complex disease where the immune system attacks areas like the kidneys, lungs, nervous system, and circulatory system. This can cause many different complications over time, resulting in poor health and many complicated treatment plans. Many people who experience lupus have it for most of their lives, which is why it requires effective autoimmune treatment in order to manage the symptoms.
FIBROMYALGIA
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes pain, achiness, and fatigue all over the body. It occurs because the brain and nervous system misunderstand everyday signals from things like minor pain, pressure, temperature, and other sensory experiences, instead receiving signals as pain instead. This means fibromyalgia sufferers often have chronic pain all over the body and few relief options.
When we treat autoimmune diseases with stem cells, we are just treating the condition, not curing it. Neither fresh cells nor cultured cells can cure every disease, but they can do great things as far as reducing the severity of symptoms and stopping the advancement of the condition. Normally, in a lot of chronic degenerative conditions or neurological conditions, several treatments will be needed because the effect of cellular therapies has a time limit. Our unique approach includes a multi-dose treatment plan, in which we apply the cells once, with follow-ups at three, six, and nine month mark. If symptoms begin to occur, another round of treatment is needed.
Our comprehensive stem cell treatments for autoimmune diseases employ well-targeted combinations of Exosomes, allogeneic human Mesenchymal cells, and autologous bone marrow and Adipose derived stem cells to treat the diseases and conditions listed previously. Our treatment plans are mostly focused on a systemic or whole-body approach to ensure these patients receive the highest quality and quantity of cellular products during their time in our hospital.
Of the different kinds of cellular products available for use, there are two main sources that can be used to target the conditions that have been previously discussed.
Autologous procedures are those in which the patient is their own donor for the cellular therapy treatment for autoimmune diseases. In these kinds of procedures, a doctor takes a sample (usually of bone marrow or adipose tissue) and harvests the cells from it, before administering it locally to the diseased or damaged area.
Allogeneic procedures are those in which the patient receives cells that have been sourced from a donor that is not the patient. These samples are neonatal tissue and are comprised of umbilical cord blood. They are extensively screened to ensure the quality and health of the cells.
The type of treatment used depends on a variety of factors, including medical history and age, but at the Cellular Hope Institute, we endeavor to give each patient a personalized, case-by-case treatment plan to ensure that the only possible outcome is a positive one.
After you’ve been selected a candidate, you will meet with our highly-trained team of medical professionals to devise a treatment plan tailored specifically to have the best results possible given your current autoimmune condition. Below we will outline the different methods of administering cellular therapies that we use in our medical facilities for autoimmune diseases:
intrathecal-intraarterial
This form of implantation is ideal for neurological conditions because the stem cells are injected past the blood-brain barrier and directly into the spinal fluid, which enables them to reach the spinal cord and brain.
During the procedure, an experienced anesthesiologist inject stem cells into the spinal canal through the lower vertebrae under local anesthesia. They are all performed in a positive airflow room under sterile conditions, and the procedure usually takes about thirty minutes.
Intravenous IV
The safest and simplest method for delivering the stem cells throughout the body. Anesthesia is not required. We may use Lidocaine topical spray to needle prick area beforehand. IV administration usually takes about 20 – 30 minutes.
Intramuscular IM
The stem cells are injected directly into the muscle. Intramuscular implantation is very safe and does not require anesthesia.
A treatment of minimally manipulated, or autologous, stem cells is one in which the patient’s own cells are used to treat their illness without being grown in a laboratory setting. These autoimmune diseases treatments, while minimally invasive, can only reach a third of the total cell count that could be obtained under more complex laboratory processes, leaving them useful for certain conditions, but not potent enough for more advanced degenerative or neurodegenerative conditions.
Highly-manipulated cellular therapies are those that use a laboratory to culture and expand cells through the cell’s population. Through this process, samples of cells are grown to contain larger quantities of Mesenchymal Stem Cells, which leads to better patient results. In the case of complex conditions, including chronic degenerative conditions or neurodegenerative conditions, the best results are obtained through an infusion of a larger amount of cells directly to the diseased area. This is an invasive procedure, and because of that it requires a large, highly-specialized medical team to carry it out. That is the reason why many patients are opting to find the best results in the best facilities available, which are overseas, since current regulations prevent practices in the States from treating their patients in this manner. Cellular Hope is among the leading clinics for the treatment of autoimmune diseases in Mexico.
The Cellular Hope Institute’s offices are located in the Amerimed Hospital in Cancun, Mexico, which is accredited both by the Mexican General Health Council and the Canadian Accreditation Council. There, we have a highly-qualified team in many specialties, including pediatricians, radiologists, neurologists, anesthesiologists and regenerative medicine specialists, who convene with each other to produce the most reliable, efficable patient experience available.
Aside from it’s proximity to the United States and pleasant climate and sights, Our facilities in Cancun are top-notch, and include a laboratory to culture-expand cells, a process that yields better patient results, and a cryopreservation unit to keep these extracted samples stored safely until they are needed.
Before the first day of treatment, we go over the patient’s medical history, including previous and current treatments including physical therapy and cognitive therapy. We interview the patients to know more about them in order to form a custom treatment plan. On your first day in Cancun, we have scheduled a time for you to meet your medical team and ask them any questions you have, as well as for them to walk you through the treatment you will be undergoing.
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Understanding Your Stem Cell Treatment
Your journey will begin as you depart from your hometown for beautiful Cancún, México. In Cancún they will be greeted at the International Airport by our patient coordinator, then transferred to your accommodations. Once settled in, the patient coordinator will provide them a welcome package that will contain:
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- City vouchers.
- A list of frequently asked questions.
- Contact info during your stay.
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First Consultation
The day before your procedure takes place, you will have a one-on-one with your specialized team, at which point your attending physician will go over your procedure and expectations. At this time, you may ask your doctor any additional questions you may have. This day will include:
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- Analysis of current condition of the patient.
- New lab tests run.
- Specialist doctor evaluation according to the medical condition to be treated.
- Anesthesia evaluation.
- Establishment of final protocols to follow according to previous indicators.
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Treatment Day
You will be picked up two hours before the procedure is scheduled to begin, please ensure that you do not eat eight hours before the procedure.
Once you arrive at the hospital you will be asked to sign all the necessary patient consent forms and you will be prepped for your procedure.
The procedure will take 3-4 hours, once the cells are harvested and prepared they will be administered to the patient in accordance with their . After the procedure is complete you will either be returned to your hotel or, depending on the procedure, your hospital suite for overnight observation.
A standard procedure for highly manipulated stem cells cell would be the following:
Extraction of bone marrow or fat sample. In the case of young children, who do not have very much adipose tissue, a bone marrow extraction through the iliac crest (hip bone) is usually performed.
Procedure is performed with local anesthesia and sedation, meaning there is little pain.After the sample is extracted, it is processed and isolated to obtain fresh mesenchymal cells. Approximately 80% of the mesenchymal cells obtained go directly to the patient, either through arterial catheterization in the case of neurological illness, or intrathecally to other damaged organs. The other 20% are sent to the lab to be expanded, a process which is known as the high manipulation of stem cells. The patient stays overnight for close clinical motoring.
Post-Operative Care
The day after the patient’s procedure, you will go to your follow up appointment, where your garment and bandages will be removed, your incisions will be cleaned and inspected, and you will get your first ultrasound scan.
Booster with highly manipulated stem cells:
(Sixth day stay). The physician or patient coordinator will notify you for the procedure with the stem cells that have been expanded in the laboratory. The patient receives a final booster through systematic approach via intravenous line with the cultured cells.
After this, the physician team will make a final evaluation and, most likely, discharge the patient.
Departure day
A driver will pick you and the patient up at your accommodation, and you will be dropped off at the airport at least two hours prior to your flight’s departure. Your patient coordinator will let you know when the next virtual consultation will take place.
After the first dose of your stem cell treatment for autoimmune diseases, results can already begin to make themselves apparent, but this depends largely on the type of disease/condition the patient is afflicted with, as well as its severity and current phase of progression. Once the stem cell treatment begins, the body needs a minimum of four weeks to recognize the initial regenerative effects, which become more apparent at the six-month mark. Regenerative medicine is considered a multi-dose treatment, and reinforcements are usually required every six to twelve months. However, depending on a patient’s condition, they could be needed up to twenty-four months after the initial procedure. This is why cryogenically banking and storing stem cells is extremely important.
There is a virtual Assessment for Follow-Up treatment that serves as monitoring for the patient’s condition, and will be requested both before and after the treatment. In addition, there will continue to be post-treatment assessments required.
While stem cell therapy is an extremely safe alternative to many other invasive surgeries and therapies, it is not without its risks. However, these risks can be mitigated by selecting highly-trained, certified experts to perform your procedure. At The Cellular Hope Institute, we take every possible step and procedure to ensure a safe surgery conducted as quickly as can be safely done. During your consultation, you can bring forward any other questions or expectations with our expert physicians.
The blood cells in the body’s immune system help protect against harmful substances. Examples include bacteria, viruses, toxins, cancer cells, and blood and tissue from outside the body. These substances contain antigens. The immune system produces antibodies against these antigens that enable it to destroy these harmful substances.
When you have an autoimmune disorder, your immune system does not distinguish between healthy tissue and potentially harmful antigens. As a result, the body sets off a reaction that destroys normal tissues.
The exact cause of autoimmune disorders is unknown. One theory is that some microorganisms (such as bacteria or viruses) or drugs may trigger changes that confuse the immune system. This may happen more often in people who have genes that make them more prone to autoimmune disorders.
An autoimmune disorder may result in:
- The destruction of body tissue.
- Abnormal growth of an organ.
- Changes in organ function.
- An autoimmune disorder may affect one or more organ or tissue types.
Areas often affected by autoimmune disorders include:
- Blood vessels.
- Connective tissues.
- Endocrine glands such as the thyroid or pancreas.
- Joints.
- Muscles.
- Red blood cells.
- Skin.
Currently, autoimmune conditions are treated with immunosuppressive 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.
Your immune system is highly important in keeping your body healthy and protected against invaders like bacteria and viruses. It includes a complex network of cells, organs, proteins, and tissues that attack and remove harmful organisms. However, some people are susceptible to autoimmune diseases, where the immune system mistakenly attacks its own body. This can include areas like your joints, skin, organs, or other important functions of the body, causing pain and complications. Autoimmune diseases often have a very large impact on your quality of life, making it difficult to be active and healthy.
Because there are many different autoimmune diseases, it’s difficult to determine what they have in common that makes the immune system misfire. However, some people are more susceptible to autoimmune diseases than others. It’s also common for autoimmune diseases to run in families.
We’ll focus on your unique symptoms and treatment options for a full understanding of how stem cells can help you. Learn more about our stem cell treatments for autoimmune diseases.
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Contact Us to discuss your treatment at Cellular Hope Institute
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FAQ
Stem cells can treat autoimmune diseases by regenerating damaged tissues and modulating the immune system to reduce inflammation and autoimmune activity. This approach, which includes using mesenchymal and hematopoietic stem cells, is still largely experimental but shows promise in clinical trials.
In treating autoimmune diseases, several types of stem cells are utilized, including mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Each type has unique properties that might repair tissue or modulate immune responses.
Using stem cells to treat autoimmune diseases carries risks such as immune rejection, infection, and potential malignancy. The treatment’s novelty means long-term effects are still under investigation, making it crucial to proceed under strict clinical oversight.
Stem cell treatments show promise in managing autoimmune diseases by reducing symptoms and potentially inducing remission, especially in conditions like multiple sclerosis. However, their effectiveness varies, and more research is needed to establish these therapies as reliable cures.