Autoimmune Diseases are conditions in which our immune system starts attacking healthy cells in our bodies. A vital, long life relies on a healthy immune system. Autoimmune diseases can include:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Crohn’s Disease
- Relapsing Polychondritis
- Scleroderma
- Alopecia Areata
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Research studies indicate that stem cell therapy can be helpful for autoimmune diseases because stem cells have antiinflammatory and regenerative properties.
Current Research Articles
“Rheuminations: Stem Cells in RA?” This article reviews how adult mesenchymal stem cells have antiinflammatory and regenerative properties. The study indicates that stem cell therapy can be helpful in RA which was not responding to traditional therapies. A review of clinical trials to treat autoimmune conditions including Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and lupus, among other autoimmune diseases. (July 2014)
“A Phase-2 Study of Allogenic Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Luminal Crohn’s Disease Refractory to Biologic Therapy”
This study investigated patients with luminal Crohn’s Disease. Patients were given weekly infusions of mesenchymal stem cells for 4 weeks. Follow up occurred 42 days following first injection. Results indicated a noticeable reduction in symptoms or clinical remission of 15 out of 16 patients that underwent Mesenchymal Stem Cell treatment. (January 2014)
“Stem Cells and Alopecia: A Review of Pathogenesis” This is a review article on how stem cells may be an effective therapy for certain types of nonscarring Alopecia. (September 2012).
“Mesenchymal Stem Cell Treatment for AutoImmune Diseases: A Critical Review” This review study looks at data from clinical trials using Mesenchymal Stem Cells for AutoImmune Diseases such as Crohn’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Lupus, Graft versus Host Disease, and Systemic Sclerosis. The outcomes of current research suggest that Mesenchymal Stem Cells can replace damaged tissue and also have regenerative and antiinflammatory effects to help subdue symptoms of AutoImmune diseases. This study concluded that with future research, certain stem cell markers will be able to ultimately improve regenerative or regulate AutoImmune Disease symptoms. (2012).
“Hair Follicle Stem Cell Marker Nestin Expression in Regenerating Hair Follicles of Patients with Allopecia Areata” This study investigated the pattern of the stem cell marker nestin in the hair follicle cycle of patients with Alopecia Areata. Results indicate that nestin positive cells play an important role in regenerating the hair follicle. (March 2011).
“Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation for AutoImmune Disease: Updates from Europe and the United States” This is a review article that looks at 3 multinational randomized trials for systemic sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, and Crohn’s disease. They mention results of studies conducted in the United States. These studies reported dramatic improvement or resolution of dermal fibrosis and improvement of pulmonary dysfunction up to 8 years after stem cell therapy in patients with systemic sclerosis. The review study concluded that additional research will provide insight on how immunoregulatory pathways will progress stem cell therapy for AutoImmune diseases. (January 2010).
“Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Stem Cell Therapy Perspectives for Type 1 Diabetes” This study reviews how mesenchymal stem cells are being tested as a promising treatment for tissue regeneration. Stem cell therapy for Type 1 Diabetes seems an attractive possibility because of regenerating insulin-producing cells. (April 2009).
“Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Immunomodulation: Toward New Immunosuppressive Strategies for the Treatment of AutoImmune Diseases?” This is a review article examining the potential benefit for Mesenchymal Stem Cell therapy due to their immunosuppressive properties, restoring bone development, and improving tissue function. (March 2009).
“Cellular Therapy of Systemic Sclerosis” This review study examined various stem cell therapies to treat patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis, Systemic Sclerosis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, and Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. Current clinical trials are exploring the effectiveness of Mesenchymal Stem Cells for antiinflammatory and tissue regeneration. (July 2008).
“Immunoregulatory Effect of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Regulatory T Cells in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus” The objective of this study was to see the effects of bone marrow derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Regulatory T Cells in patients with Lupus. Results indicated a strong immunosuppressive effect. The study concluded that Mesenchymal Stem Cells can play an important role in suppressing symptoms. (December 2007).