A Neurological Disorder is one that effects the nervous system of the body. There are over 600 Neurological diseases including ALS, MS, Stroke, Parkinson’s Disease, and Alzheimer’s.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
This is a debilitating neurological disease, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, that destroys upper and lower motor neurons in the spinal cord and brain. Symptoms associated with ALS include muscle deterioration, rapidly progressive weakness, feelings of stiffness, involuntary muscle spasms, difficulty breathing, swallowing, and speaking. There is no known cause or cure at this time.
Adult Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy for ALS
Stromal Vascular Fraction (SVF) is a product obtained from a simple liposuction procedure. SVF is full of adipose derived adult mesenchymal stem cells and growth factors which help with regeneration and anti-inflammation. The primary goal of using stem cell therapy for ALS is neuroprotection (strategies used to protect against Central Nervous System degeneration or injury to motorneurons). Investigational trials are ongoing to see about the best route of delivery and cell source.
Current Research Studies
“The Past, Present and Future of Stem Cell Clinical Trials for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis” This study reviews current clinical trials using stem cells to treat symptoms of ALS. Some trials focus on treating ALS with stem cells for motor neuron replacement. There are other trials treating ALS patients with stem cells to regenerate dying motor neurons. The current trials are evaluated in terms of how the stem cells are injected, the validity of conclusions, and the advancement of treatment strategies for ALS. (December 2014).
“Safety and Immunological Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis” This study evaluated using mesenchymal stem cell therapy for patients with MS and ALS. The study included 15 patients with MS and 19 patients with ALS to determine if stem cell therapy was a safe and effective option. Follow-up of patients was ongoing for up to 2 years following injections. Outcomes included improved function and immediate regulating of one or more immune functions. Results indicate using stem cell therapy for patients with MS and ALS is a viable option. (October 2010).
“Selection of Optimal Passage of Bone Marrow Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Cell Therapy in Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis” This study examined how the choice of the number of passages of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells is important for therapy for patients with ALS. 8 ALS patients were included in this study. While the sample size was small, their conclusion was that early passages are better for stem cell therapy because they have stronger antiinflammatory and neuroprotective properties. (March 2010).
“Stem Cell Transplantation into the Frontal Motor Cortex in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patients” This study investigated 5 men and 5 women ages 38-62 years with confirmed ALS, treated with stem cells implanted into their motor cortex. 10 patients with confirmed ALS were untreated and used as the control group. Patients underwent follow-up at 1 year. Results of treated patients showed delays of disease progression and improved quality of life. (2009).
“Treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patients by Autologous Bone Marrow Derived Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A 1 Year Follow Up” This study focused on symptom relief with the use of mesenchymal stem cells. 13 patients with Sporadic Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis were given an injection of bone-marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells into the C1-C2 level of the anterior part of the spinal cord. One year follow up showed significant improvement for 9 patients and one patient with no decline nor improvement. 3 patients passed away from a lung infection or heart attack. (2009).
Stroke
In the United States, Stroke affects millions of people every year. Stroke is caused by a disruption of blood supply to the brain. Vital tissue destruction is the result of the lack of oxygen to the brain. Depending on the location in the brain, the extent of tissue destruction, and the duration of the stroke, symptoms can vary. After acute treatment, long term healing usually focuses on management of swelling and treating the damaged tissue.
Current Research Studies
“A Two-Year Follow-Up Study of Co-Transplantation with Neural Stem/Precursor Cells and Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in Ischemic Stroke Patients” This research study investigated the use of Neural Stem/Precursor cells and Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (also known as Mesenchymal Stem Cells) in Ischemic Stroke patients. A small study group of 8 patients were treated and followed for 2 years to note the effects and outcomes of injections. 6 patients were given 4 IV injections of the same volume mixture. 2 patients were given 1 IV injection of one volume mixture followed by 3 IV injections of a higher volume mixture. At 2 year follow-up, patients showed improved neurological functions, disability levels, and daily living abilities. The conclusions noted that while outcomes were promising, additional studies with a larger sample size (patient population), inclusion of patients who do not receive stem cell therapy (control group), and longer period of time for follow-up are necessary. (October 2014)
“Permeating the Blood Brain Barrier and Abrogating the Inflammation in Stroke: Implications for Stroke Therapy” This review article discusses stem cell therapy as a potential option to treat stroke patients. They note that stem cells crossing the Blood Brain Barrier and reaching the injured area of the brain is the most desired outcome. They also note that using Human Umbilical Cord Blood may be a promising source of stem cells. Conclusions of this review focus on stem cell therapy for stroke, but mention that the same method of crossing the Blood Brain Barrier could be used as therapy for other neurological disorders. (August 2012).
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis is a disease of the Central Nervous System that is unpredictable and often debilitating effecting the flow of information between the brain and the body. The immune system attacks the myelin (fatty tissue surrounding the nerve fibers) and the nerve fibers of the Central Nervous System. The damaged myelin forms scar tissue (sclerosis). A wide variety of symptoms occur because the myelin or nerve fibers are damaged or destroyed ranging from:
- Fatigue
- Numbness, tingling, itching
- Weakness, Tremors, or Seizures
- Dizziness or Vertigo
- Walking Difficulties
- Feelings of Stiffness, Muscle Spasms
- Vision problems – blurry, poor color contrast, eye movement pain
- Bladder Dysfunction, Constipation
- Problems focusing attention, learning and remembering information, organization
- Emotional changes – depression, mood swings
- Speech problems
- Hearing loss
Traditional treatments have relied on medications to manage symptoms, mental health to help with emotional changes, and rehabilitation to maintain or restore functions to help people with daily living.
Current Research Studies
“Stem Cell Transplants may be More Effective than the drug Mitoxantrone for People with Severe Cases of Multiple Sclerosis” This was a phase-II clinical trial with 21 patients at least age 36 who required cane or crutch assistance to walk. All 21 patients received immunosuppressant medication. For this study, 12 patients were then treated with Mitoxantrone – which reduces immune system activity. 9 patients were treated with stem cell therapy using their own bone marrow derived adult mesenchymal stem cells injected back into their vein. Follow-up with all patients occurred over a 4 year period. Results indicate that patients who received stem cell therapy had significant reduction of disease activity – 80% fewer new areas of damage to their brain compared to patients who were treated with Mitoxantrone. Another noted result was that patients treated with stem cells had no new gadolinium-enhancing lesions while 56% of those treated with Mitoxantrone had at least one new lesion. Conclusions from this study were that a larger patient population randomized trial should be conducted. Although this study was a small sample size, results are promising for using stem cell therapy as a treatment for people with severe cases of Multiple Sclerosis. (February 2015).
“Mechanisms of Oxidative Damage in Multiple Sclerosis and a Cell Therapy Approach to Treatment” This study researches properties of mesenchymal stem cells and their potential importance as a therapy for Multiple Sclerosis. The therapeutic strategy for MS has been slow or halt the progression of the disease. This study believes that stem cell therapy provides reduction of damage to the myelin and nerve fibers. (December 2010).
“Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Study” This study examined the benefits of Bone Marrow Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell injection to patients with advanced Multiple Sclerosis. 10 patients received an injection of Mesenchymal Stem Cells to their spinal cord (intrathecal injection) and assessed at 3, 6, and 12 months. Results at 3 months showed improvement of symptoms and evidence of safety with no adverse events.