Stem Cell Therapy For Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Stem cell therapy is beneficial in degenerative diseases of the body due to its regenerating traits. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. This disease leads to weakness of voluntary muscles and eventually death.
Therapy Highlights
Premium Cellular Medicine
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Neuroprotective UC-MSCs targeting motor neuron degeneration and disease progression.
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Non-surgical protocols overseen directly by a licensed medical panel.
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Personalized treatment dosing calibrated to each patient’s neurological baseline.
Understanding ALS Mechanics
So, what happens to voluntary muscles in ALS? It’s a genetic disorder, in which the barrier between blood and brain weakens. The toxins in the blood could enter the brain and affect the brain and spinal cord. These toxins can largely sit in the upper and lower motor neurons of the brain and the gray zone of the spinal cord.
From there they start to disturb voluntary actions of the body. Stem Cells Bio Clinic, being a research-driven stem cell clinic, suggests having a treatment for ALS as the injected stem cells could effectively rebuild the damaged muscles.
What is ALS?
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is the hardening, non-responsive voluntary muscle condition due to certain toxins and inflammatory agents. These agents can block nerve conduction in the synapse by blocking neurotransmitter actions.
Amyotrophic: “No Muscle Nourishment”
Sclerosis: “Muscle stiffness and Hardening”
In short, voluntary muscles lose their functionality due to blockage of acetylcholine and instructions from the brain. These muscles include chewing, cheeks, hands, neck, and legs.
Clinical Observation Context
What are the Symptoms of ALS?
At the very start of the ALS, a slight weakness is noticed in different body parts. Some patients feel weakness in the hands, some in the legs, and some have difficulty speaking.
- Progressive limb weakness (hands/legs)
- Increasing difficulty with speech
- Varying progression rates per patient
Symptoms Treated with Stem Cell Therapy
ALS is a progressive condition. Stem cell therapy is being researched as a method to support cellular function and modulate the inflammatory environment.
Stage 1: Early Manifestation
- Cyanosis (Blue Lips)
- Voluntary Muscle Twitches & Cramps
- Initial Difficulty in Articulation
- Reduced Tissue Turgidity
Stage 2: Progressive Decline
- Weakening of Neck & Cardiac Muscles
- Respiratory Difficulty
- Altered Cardiovascular Rhythm
- Cognitive & Weight Maintenance Challenges
Understanding Causes
ALS involves a complex interplay of genetic factors and environmental exposure. A primary mechanism is the weakening of the blood-brain barrier, allowing systemic toxins to impact motor neurons.
Clinical Approach to Treatment
While standard care often utilizes NSAIDs and supportive therapies, our research-driven clinic explores regenerative protocols to address the underlying cellular environment.
Note: Patient response to stem cell therapy varies based on the stage of progression and individual biological markers.
Treatment of ALS with Stem Cells
Now that you know that ALS is a neurodegenerative disease with its fatal symptoms. These symptoms can lead the patient to death in a couple of years. Researchers are actively looking for stem cell therapy to treat ALS. Stem cells are raw cells that start to regrow the area in which they are injected. Initially, these cells can stop, regress, and improve symptoms.
In some trials, stem cell therapy helped completely recover the patient. But this all depends upon the condition, age, gender, and specific environmental conditions. Dr. Murphy, at Stem Cells Bio Clinic, dealt with patients with ALS and successfully improved such individual’s symptoms. However, further research and long-term effects should be studied for stem cell therapy in ALS.
Treatment Protocol of ALS at Stem Cells Bio Clinic
Patients at Stem Cells Bio Clinic are first diagnosed properly. The final treatment is started after the ultrasound, MRI, and EMG (electromyography). We extract autologous (Patient’s Cells), or these cells are obtained from the Human Umbilical Cord (HUC) of a newborn baby. These cells are first processed in our lab, and then the schedule of sessions is decided depending on the patient.
Benefits of Using Stem Cells for ALS
As far as stem cells are a new hope for ALS, currently, several clinical trials have been done with ALS patients. These cells can effectively help such types of patients. The following are the benefits of using stem cells for ALS:
How are Stem Cells Collected?
At Stem Cell Bio Clinic, we focus on delicate and medically specialized techniques to extract the donor’s umbilical cord. We carefully collect the newborn baby’s placenta with the parent’s consent. Moreover, we follow all the strict ethical guidelines provided by the WHO.
How are Stem Cells managed?
We prefer an intravenous route to extract stem cells, but both include intravenous and intra-pulmonary routes. Both routes can be used according to the donor’s condition.
All about Stem Cells Bio Clinic
Our world-class clinic is located in Costa Rica, one of the most attractive tourist destinations regarding medical techniques and stem cell therapy. Stem Cells Bio Clinic offers a professional team of doctors, an expert team of nurses, and operation theater staff. They specialize in collecting stem animals to treat Alzheimer’s disease and other conditions. At Stem Cells Bio Clinic, patients receive cost-effective and intensive care from our team.
Scientific References
Evidence-based clinical research and foundational literature.
- Agnese Gugliandolo, Placido Bramanti, and Emanuela Mazzon, “Mesenchymal Stem Cells: A Potential Therapeutic Approach for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis?” Stem Cells International, Vol. 2019, Article ID 3675627, 16 pages, https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/3675627
- Czarzasta, J., Habich, A., Siwek, T., Czapliński, A., Maksymowicz, W., & Wojtkiewicz, J. (2017). Stem cells for ALS: An overview of possible therapeutic approaches. International Journal of Developmental Neuroscience, 57, 46-55. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2017.01.003
- Thomsen, G. M., Gowing, G., Svendsen, S., & Svendsen, C. N. (2014). The past, present and future of stem cell clinical trials for ALS. Experimental Neurology, 262, 127-137. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.expneurol.2014.02.021
- Silani, V., Cova, L., Corbo, M., Ciammola, A., & Polli, E. (2004). Stem-cell therapy for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The Lancet, 364(9429), 200-202.
- Kim, J. Y., Jeon, H. B., Yang, Y. S., Oh, W. & Chang, J. W. Application of human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells in disease models. World J Stem Cells2, 34–8 (2010).
- Mazzini, L., Fagioli, F., Boccaletti, R., Mareschi, K., Oliveri, G., Olivieri, C., … & Madon, E. (2003). Stem cell therapy in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a methodological approach in humans. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Other Motor Neuron Disorders, 4(3), 158-161.
- Jeong, S. Y. et al. Thrombospondin-2 secreted by human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells promotes chondrogenic differentiation. Stem Cells31, 2136–48 (2013).
- Karussis, D., Karageorgiou, C., Vaknin-Dembinsky, A., Gowda-Kurkalli, B., Gomori, J. M., Kassis, I., … & Slavin, S. (2010). Safety and immunological effects of mesenchymal stem cell transplantation in patients with multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Archives of neurology, 67(10), 1187-1194.