Scientists have just tested a new and innovative treatment for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) using stem cells. It is an incredible breakthrough in the treatment of this disease, which has so far been considered incurable.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating disease that affects more than 2.5 million people worldwide. It is the most widespread neurological condition of young adults, with most people being diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40.
Scientists suspect the condition is caused by the body’s immune system attacking Myelin — an insulating coating surrounds the nerve fibres in the spinal cord and brain. Without the protective barrier provided by myelin, the brain cannot correctly send signals between nerves.
This leads to a severe level of disability in a short period of time. MS symptoms include pain, cramping, difficulty walking, muscle paralysis, poor balance, blurred vision, problems with coordination, tremors and anxiety.
This experimental treatment using stem cells is the first of its kind. It “resets” the immune system of patients to stop it from attacking the myelin. They achieve the reset by putting the patients through a brief chemotherapy treatment which stimulates the production of new haematopoietic stem cells. Haematopoietic stem cells are responsible for producing blood cells in the body, including the white cells used by the immune system.
The researchers then used a machine to harvest the newly produced stem cells which were cleaned and wiped of their memory. Those stem cells were then transplanted back into the patient’s body.
After the patient’s immune system is reset it stops attacking the myelin and the body has a chance to heal. The downside to the treatment is that the body’s immune system is very weak initially and vulnerable to bacteria and viruses. However, it is one of the most innovative treatments using stem cells and a very promising treatment for MS.
Source: True Story: Severe MS Reversed Using Stem Cells
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