Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune condition that damages the myelin sheath. Myelin is a protective layer surrounding the nerves. Furthermore, it also affects the oligodendrocytes, the myelin-producing cells. Primarily, it affects the central nervous system. Therefore, multiple sclerosis is a condition which is associated with symptoms like
- muscle weakness,
- changes in vision,
- numbness,
- difficulties in coordination and cognitive function and many others.
The main cause of multiple sclerosis is demyelination of nerves. In this condition, the immune system attacks the healthy myelin cells by mistaking them for foreign cells. It results in damage to the healthy myelin cells leading to MS.
According to the international advisory committee on clinical trials of multiple sclerosis (MS), there are about four different types of MS. They are:
- Clinically isolated syndrome
- Relapsing-remitting MS
- Secondary progressive MS
- Primary progressive MS
Effect of Multiple Sclerosis on The Brain:
In multiple sclerosis, the immune system fails to recognize the body cells mistakes it as foreign cells, and attacks its own body cells. It attacks the central nervous system, resulting in damage or destruction of the myelin sheath, axons, and oligodendrocytes. Therefore, the overall result of MS is a delay in nerve conduction. Oligodendrocytes are cells that make myelin.
Factors that are responsible for increasing the risk of MS are as follows:
- Genetic predisposition
- Obesity
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Exposure to viruses
- Smoking, toxin exposure
The doctor conducts a combination of tests in order to diagnose MS. So, before the treatment is initiated several diagnostic tests that should be carried out are:
- Physical examination
- Blood test
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
- Analysis of spinal fluid
- Lumbar puncture test
- Optical coherence test (OCT)
- Evoked potential (EP) test
Treatment Of Multiple Sclerosis:
It is important to note that there is currently no cure for MS. Therefore, the only available option for the treatment of multiple sclerosis is to manage the symptoms and prevent further progression of the disease. Current treatment strategies include using disease-modifying therapies to reduce the progression, corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, and providing relief through symptomatic treatment.
The Role Of Stem Cells:
The introduction of stem cells has revolutionized the treatment of MS. Stem cells are cells that can develop into specialized new cells in the body. The main function is that they play a major role in repairing damaged cells, along with self-renewing.
Primarily, the stem cells are present in the brain, bone marrow, skeletal muscle, skin, liver, blood, and blood vessels.
Stem Cell Treatment For Multiple Sclerosis:
The stem cell treatment for Multiple Sclerosis involves two steps. The first step is using cytotoxic drugs to damage the cells responsible for causing MS arising from the dysfunctional immune system. Thereafter, to replace the damaged old immune cells the person is injected with healthy stem cells.
The various types of Stem cells that can be used for treatment are:
- Hematopoietic stem cells – these cells are present in the blood and bone marrow. They help in the production of cells that are important in immune function and blood cells.
- Mesenchymal stem cells – Helps in the proper functioning of the stem cells and are predominant in fat cells, bone marrow, and skin.
- Neural stem cells – these cells are most important because it helps in repairing the damaged myelin.
- Human embryonic stem cells – obtained from the donated embryo and have the ability to produce any type of cells. Therefore it is helpful in treating multiple sclerosis.
- Induced pluripotent stem cells – reprogramming of the adult cells leads to pluripotent cells and they can produce any type of cells.
Stem Cell Transplantation Techniques:
Medical professionals carry out Stem cell transplantations in a controlled environment. Therefore, the main types of options available for treatment for MS are autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and mesenchymal stem cell therapy.
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation:
Firstly, the patient is given chemotherapy with immunoblotted therapeutic antibodies. This chemotherapy helps in the destruction of the immune system cells. After that, doctors inject hematopoietic stem cells for the regeneration of new immune cells including blood cells.
Mesenchymal stem cell therapy:
Firstly, the doctor or medical professional removes the mesenchymal cells present in blood, and bone marrow. Thereafter, it is divided into more cells in a lab before re-administering them back into the body. Most importantly the function of mesenchymal cells is to repair myelin. So, the introduction of mesenchymal cells may help in repairing the damaged myelin cells in multiple sclerosis.
Is stem cell therapy for multiple sclerosis safe and practical?
In order to determine the safety and efficacy of stem cell treatment (SCT) for MS, a study titled “Efficacy and safety of stem cell transplantation for multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials” was carried out on patients. The study showed that SCT when given for a while, improves the disability at 2 months. In addition, the study showed that SCT was safe and tolerable and there were no cases of mortality. However, few of the patients receiving MScs reported adverse effects at the site of infusion. Patients receiving AHSCT reported blood and lymphatic system disorders.
A study carried out revealed that stem cell treatment for multiple sclerosis is highly effective and was reported by the University of Zurich. In addition, the author of this study, retired Professor Roland Martin reveals that after the hematopoietic stem cell treatment about 80% of the patients remain disease-free.
Approval was granted to the UZC clinic in Switzerland to administer the stem cell treatment for MS. Therefore, it stands as the only clinic approved in Switzerland to administer the SCT for multiple sclerosis.
Stem Cell Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis In India:
India has established itself in the field of healthcare providing the best of the facilities ensuring top-notch delivery and maintaining hygiene. It has equipped itself with the best equipment and technology to ensure that it delivers the best treatment to the patients.
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India has emerged as one of the leading destinations for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. As a result, in many hospitals across India medical practitioners carry out stem cell treatment for MS. The reason for the growing popularity of SCT in India is the presence of several skillful and experienced medical practitioners. A combination of medical expertise, facilities, and cutting-edge technology ensures that India stands tall in the treatment of multiple sclerosis.
The other advantage in India is that the treatment of MS is highly cost-effective when compared with Western countries drawing many international patients.
What Do The Statistics Tell About The Stem Cell Treatment In India?
Recent research, in several top hospitals has effectively proven a success rate of more than 90% for HSCT for MS in India. After that, a survey was conducted on MS patients who underwent HSCT in India. About 90% of the patients stated that they had noticed an improvement in their symptoms including disability and quality of life.
In research done in different Indian hospitals, the duration of stay for a procedure was found to be 15 days thus proving that the treatment is effective.
Some of the leading healthcare facilities across India have revealed that the cost of hematopoietic stem cell treatment (HSCT) for MS is relatively low as compared to other countries. This makes it a preferable option for the patients seeking cheap but quality treatment.
After assessment of the results, the best hospitals that provide HSCT for MS treatment in India indicated that the frequency of relapses was reduced dramatically. Therefore, patients taking the treatment have an average of 80% reduction of relapses in the first year after the treatment.
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