The first time many Indians heard of myasthenia gravis was when Amitabh Bachchan was diagnosed with it in the 1980s. A disease that causes the immune system to disrupt the communication between the nerves and muscles, myasthenia gravis can affect people of any age. However, women younger than 40 years are at greater risk than men older than 60 years.
Through this article, we’ll take a closer look at the condition and how hematopoietic Cell therapy has offered patients of myasthenia gravis better lives.
What is Myasthenia Gravis?
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune condition that affects 20 out of every 100,000 people. It impacts the individual’s ability to control muscles voluntarily. A lifelong neuromuscular disease, MG can lead to incredible weakness in the muscles.
In a healthy individual, the nerves signal the muscles to work in a cohesive and effortless manner. However, in a patient with MG the immune system ends malfunctioning by releasing antibodies that destroy receptor sites and impede communication between nerve and muscle cells.
Symptoms of Myasthenia Gravis
While muscle weakness is one the most common symptoms of MG, it can be fleeting. However, as the disease advances, the symptoms get progressively worse. Below are the symptoms of MG:
- Drooping eyelids, also known ptosis
- Speech trouble
- Dysphagia
- Double vision
- Limb weakness
- Inability to hold neck up
Causes and Triggers
The causes of MG are:
- Presence of protein blocking antibodies
- Enlarged thymus gland
- Tumor in thymus gland
- Family history (mothers with MG may give birth to children with MG)
This type of MG is called neonatal MG. Timely diagnosis and intervention can help children recover within 2-3 months after birth.
Risk Factors
The chances of developing MG get exacerbated in the presence of the following risks:
- Medication, typically beta blockers, anesthetics, antibiotics
- Pregnancy
- Menstruation
- Fatigue
- Surgery
- Illness
- Infection
- Stress
Traditional Treatments vs Cell Therapy
In the past, medical intervention for MG involved anticholinesterase drugs, immunotherapeutic agents, and other medication typically prescribed for autoimmune conditions.
The first instance of hematopoietic Cell therapy (HSCT) for a patient with MG was in the year 2001. With chemotherapy, the doctors completely wiped out the immune system. Post this cultured HSCs are injected into the patient. These injected HSCs eventually help grow back a healthy and properly functioning immune system that does not release antibodies to disrupt nerve-muscle communication.
Unfortunately, there isn’t enough research to help us understand the exact success rate of HSCT for MG. Worldover, there have been only a handful of patients who have received such interventions.
Although HSCT has achieved positive results and improved the lives of patients with MG, its associated risks and side-effects are too much. Chemotherapy and radiation may not be the best course for many patients with other comorbidities. This is where mesenchymal cell therapy comes in.
Mesenchymal adult Cells (MSCs) are stromal cells with anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, self-renewal, cell-division, signaling, and multilineage differentiation properties. They can divide and develop into multiple specialised cell types in specific organs and/or tissue.
The multipotent nature of MSCs make them the ideal choice for improving the lives of patients with a variety of neurological disorders. In the case of a neuromuscular autoimmune condition like MG, injected MSCs can repair/replace nerve and muscle cells that have been damaged by protein-blocking antibodies, improve immune function, and manage other symptoms.
How Cell Therapy Helps Myasthenia Gravis
Cell therapy for Myasthenia Gravis (MG) focuses on regenerating damaged immune cells and modulating the immune response. By using cell-based treatments, this approach aims to reduce the autoimmune attack on the neuromuscular junction, improving muscle strength and function. It offers a promising avenue for patients with MG, especially those who have not responded well to conventional treatments.
Plexus Cell-Based Rehabilitation Program for MG
As India’s best Cell therapy centre, Plexus uses autologous mesenchymal cells taken from the patient’s own body. The administration of MSCs in patients with MG has positively impacted the patient’s quality of life. The immunomodulatory, tissue-protective and repair-promoting properties of MSCs make Cell therapy a great alternative to traditional prescription-based treatment for myasthenia gravis.
To know more about our customised regenerative rehabilitation for myasthenia gravis, please reach out to us today.
WhatsApp +91 89048 42087
Call +91 78159 64668 (Hyderabad) | +91 82299 99888 (Bangalore)
FAQs
How does cell therapy help with myasthenia gravis?
Cell therapy helps regenerate immune cells and modulate the immune response, reducing the attack on the neuromuscular junction and improving muscle function.
Can you live an everyday life with MG after treatment?
Yes, with proper treatment and management, many individuals with MG can lead a normal life, experiencing reduced symptoms and improved quality of life.
Is cell-based therapy safer than traditional medications?
Cell-based therapy is considered safe when performed by trained professionals, and it may offer a more targeted approach compared to traditional medications, which often have systemic side effects.
What results can I expect after treatment at Plexus?
At Plexus, patients can expect improved muscle strength, reduced symptoms, and enhanced overall quality of life with tailored cell-based treatments and personalized care.
Is the procedure safe and approved in India?
Yes, cell therapy for Myasthenia Gravis is safe and approved in India, provided it is administered by certified professionals in an accredited medical setting.
