Stem cell therapy has become the go-to method for managing the symptoms and delaying the progression of several medical conditions. The ability to self-renew and differentiate into different types of specialized cells has made stem cells become a preferred choice for treating neurological disorders like Parkinson’s, Spinocerebellar Ataxia, motor neuron diseases like ALS, and others.
The best stem cell transplantation and aftercare is available at Plexus Neuro and Stem Cell Research Centre. Founded by Dr Na’eem Sadiq, India’s no. 1 stem cell specialist, Plexus is India’s first ISO-certified stem cell centre.
At Plexus, we use autologous mesenchymal stem cells to treat a plethora of neurological disorders. And what is autologous mesenchymal stem cell therapy? Read on to find out.
What are mesenchymal cells?
Mesenchymal adult stem cells (MSCs) are stromal cells with anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, self-renewal, cell-division, signaling, and multilineage differentiation properties. They are adult stem cells that can divide and develop into many specialized cell types in specific organs and/or tissues, and are considered to be ideal for organ transplantation procedures.
The multipotent nature of MSCs make them the ideal choice for treating a variety of neurological disorders. Injected MSCs can repair/replace neurons in the brain, spinal cord, and/or nerves throughout the body that have been damaged due to illness.
‘Mesenchymal’ meaning
The word ‘mesenchymal’ indicates the embryonic origins of MSCs, specifically those that are derived from the mesoderm germ layer.
The mesoderm germ layer is one of the three primary germ layers that are formed in the early stages of embryonic development. The mesoderm alone gives rise to different types of connective cells/tissues like cartilage, muscle, bone, and fat. The mesoderm also forms cells that make up blood vessels, blood cells, as well as the urogenital systems.
Differentiation ability of MSCs
Cell differentiation refers to the process by which a cell develops the ability to perform certain specific functions. Differentiation enables a cell to ‘specialize’ in function by changing their shape, size, and even metabolic activity. This occurs due to the activation and/or repression of certain types of genes.
MSCs can differentiate into a variety of cell types like –
- Osteoblasts (bone cells)
- Adipocytes (fat cells)
- Chondrocytes (cartilage cells)
New research shows that MSCs have the potential to also differentiate into –
- Epithelial cells (found inner and outer surfaces of your body)
- Endothelial cells (found in blood vessels)
- Neurocytes (nerve cells)
- Myocytes (muscle cells)
- Cardiomyocytes (heart muscle cells)
- Hepatocyte (liver cells)
- Pancreatic cells
The differentiation of MSCs may be affected by growth factors, hormones, source of the MSCs, presence of other cells in the microenvironment (laboratory conditions), etc.
Properties of MSCs
Pluripotent mesenchymal stem cells have the following properties –
Multilineage differentiation
MSCs have the potential to differentiate into different types of specialized cells. Depending on the type of disease, mesenchymal stem cell therapy can help restore function of damaged cells, replace dead cells, and slow down the rate of further deterioration of cells.
Immunomodulation
MSCs have been known to modulate the functioning of the immune system, reduce inflammation and lesions, as well as suppress/redirect immune response. MSCs have proved to be immensely effective in treating autoimmune disorders like multiple sclerosis, addison disease, celiac disease, and more.
Tissue repair/regeneration
The primary aim of stem cell therapy is neuroregeneration. This essentially means reviving/replacing/regenerating tissue that has been damaged or lost due to disease. MSCs promote tissue regeneration by secreting cytokines and growth factors that can bring new cells/tissues to the site of injury or damage.
Deriving MSCs
The sources of mesenchymal stem cells include –
- Umbilical cord – collected at the time of birth
- Bone marrow – through a process called bone marrow aspiration
- Adipose tissue – through liposuction
- Peripheral blood – through apheresis (like blood donation)
- Placental tissue – collected at the time of birth
- Synovial fluid (present in joints) – through arthrocentesis
- Dental pulp – through apicoectomy (procedure to remove the tip of a tooth’s root)
Recent studies have shown that MSCs can also be derived from endometrial polyps and menses blood.
Use of MSCs in treating medical conditions
Mesenchymal stem cell therapy has helped improve the lives of those with neurological conditions that include –
- Type 1 Diabetes
- Multiple sclerosis
- Lung disease
- Parkinson’s
- Lyme disease
- ALS
- Spinal cord injury
- Cardiovascular disease
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Autologous mesenchymal stem cell therapy in India
India’s best stem cell therapy centre, Plexus, uses autologous mesenchymal stem cells taken from the patient’s own body. The procedure is conducted by Dr. Na’eem Sadiq, India’s best stem cell specialist, and his team of highly-skilled and experienced stem cell specialists.
As India’s no. 1 neuro rehabilitation centre, we offer customizable regenerative rehabilitation plans for a wide range of neurological conditions, like stroke, spinocerebellar ataxia, cerebral palsy, motor neuron disease, Parkinson’s, and multiple sclerosis.
In today’s age of modern medicine, stem cell therapy offers a ray of hope to those who’ve been diagnosed with a neurological disorder. And at Plexus, we convert this ray of hope into a new lease of life.
So, don’t let that diagnosis bog you down. Reach out to us today!
Connect with our stem cell specialists.
Call +91 89048 42087 | 8229999888
FAQs
What is the difference between stem cells and mesenchymal stem cells?
Mesenchymal stem cells are a type of stem cell. They are adult stem cells that have the ability to self-renew and can differentiate into different types of specialized cells.
What are the advantages of mesenchymal stem cells?
MSCs promote tissue regeneration and have immunomodulatory properties. They release growth factors and cytokines that support the growth of new tissue at the site of deterioration/injury. They also help reduce inflammation and lesions.
What are the 3 types of stem cells?
The three main types of stem cells are –
- Adult stem cells
- Embryonic stem cells
- Induced pluripotent stem cells
Where are mesenchymal cells most commonly found?
MSCs are most commonly found in bone marrow.
What does mesenchymal mean?
The word ‘mesenchymal’ refers to the embryonic origins of MSCs, particularly those derived from the mesoderm germ layer.
