Therapy of Autoimmune Diseases with Stem Cells in Turkey

The progression of autoimmune illnesses can be slowed, reversed, or even stopped entirely using stem cell therapy. The success rate of the therapy is proportional to the patient's age, disease duration, and condition.

●    The use of stem cells to treat autoimmune illnesses is regarded as a novel approach that scientists are exploring.

●    When stem cells come into contact with injured organs, they can transform into the cells of those organs, which is why they are utilized to cure autoimmune illnesses.

●    The amount of cells to be supplied is decided by the patient's age and weight. Mesenchymal stem cells (produced from the patient's own adipose tissue or bone marrow) or fetal stem cells are used in therapy.

●    ​​​​​​​The therapy of the patient is determined by the patient's condition. It can be done in three 45-day increments or three consecutive days. They are given intravenously (through vascular access).

●    ​​​​​​​The therapy regimen is precisely changed based on the patient's condition, and each patient may receive a different procedure.

●    ​​​​​​​The therapy's effectiveness rate is proportionate to the patient's age and the duration of the disease. If the disease has advanced significantly, stem cell therapy may need to be repeated. Regression, cessation, or complete therapy of the condition was accomplished with 85% success. However, 50% of the patients had to have the procedure repeated within a year.

What are Autoimmune Diseases?

Autoimmune illnesses occur when the immune system targets normal body tissues. The immune system generally protects against pathogens such as bacteria and viruses by activating defense cells as soon as they are detected. The immune system interprets the body's numerous tissues and organs, such as joints and skin, as foreign in an autoimmune disease.

Type 1 diabetes, for example, is an autoimmune illness that affects pancreas cells and rheumatoid arthritis joints.

The immune system protects our bodies from microbial invaders such as bacteria and viruses. When the immune system is functioning properly, it identifies these microbial foreign invaders and sends a defensive army of warrior cells to encircle and kill them. A functioning immune system is capable of distinguishing between outside invaders and the body's own cells, organs, and "good" microbes.

Most common autoimmune diseases

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune illness that occurs when the body's immune system attacks the joints. This attack causes joint inflammation, resulting in discomfort, redness, swelling, and an increase in temperature. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition that typically begins in one's 30s.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

Lupus is caused by the immune system mistaking various body tissues and organs for foreign. It has a wide range of organ effects, including the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and heart. The most common symptoms are joint pain, weakness, and skin rashes.

Diabetes

The pancreas generates insulin, a hormone that aids in blood sugar regulation. The immune system assaults and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas in Type 1 diabetes. As a result, the body is unable to manufacture insulin, resulting in excessive blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels harm several organs and tissues, including the blood vessels, heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves.

Hashimoto

The thyroid gland is impaired by Hashimato's disease, and thyroid hormone production is diminished. Weight gain, intolerance to heat and cold, weariness, hair loss, and goiter (thyroid gland enlargement) are all symptoms.

Psoriasis

Skin cells grow and shed when they are no longer required. Psoriasis causes skin cells to grow at an alarming rate. Excess skin cells cause plaque or patchy red rashes on the skin, which is covered in white scales.

Sjogren Syndrome

The immune system targets the joints, as well as the lachrymal and salivary glands, in Sjögren syndrome. The most common Sjogren syndrome symptoms include joint pain, dry eyes, and mouth.

Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF)

Familial Mediterranean fever is an autoimmune disease characterized by recurring fever and severe inflammation of the belly, lungs, and joints. Other significant symptoms include joint discomfort, edema, skin rashes, and muscular soreness. A gene mutation causes familial Mediterranean fever, which is passed down from parents to offspring.

Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is an autoimmune condition that affects the spine. Spine bones (vertebrae) link to one another, limiting spinal movement. These changes could be minor or major, resulting in a hunched posture.

Behcet’s Disease

Behçet's illness is an autoimmune rheumatic disease characterized by oral or genital sores, redness and swelling of the eyes, joint inflammation, skin disorders, and digestive system problems.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Multiple sclerosis is a condition in which the immune system destroys the protective myelin coating that surrounds nerve cells. Damage to the myelin sheath impairs message transmission between the brain and the body. Drowsiness, weakness, balance issues, and difficulties walking are all indications of this injury.

Celiac Disease

Hypersensitivity to gluten, which is a protein that exists in cereal products such as barley, wheat, and rye, is seen in celiac patients. The immune system, which attacks gluten, also damages the wall of the small intestine and causes inflammation. Diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting are among the symptoms of this disease.

What are the symptoms of autoimmune diseases?

There are around 80 recognized autoimmune illnesses, several of which have very similar symptoms. This makes it difficult for doctors to determine whether a patient has one of these diseases or which one they have.

An autoimmune disease is characterized by inflammation, which produces discomfort, redness, elevated warmth, and swelling. Many autoimmune disorders have similar early signs, which may include:

●    ​​​​​​​Fatigue

●    ​​​​​​​Muscle ache

●    ​​​​​​​Low body temperature

●    ​​​​​​​Lack of attention

●    ​​​​​​​Numbness and tingling in hands and feet

●    ​​​​​​​Hair loss

●    ​​​​​​​Skin rashes

●    ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Swelling of joints and other tissues

Furthermore, each disease may have its own set of symptoms. Type 1 diabetes, for example, causes increased thirst, weight loss, and urination, as well as inflammatory bowel disease, stomach pain, bloating, and diarrhea.

Some autoimmune disorders, such as psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis, cause symptoms to develop or decrease gradually.

Causes of Autoimmune Diseases

The exact cause of autoimmune illnesses is unknown, however it is assumed to be a combination of hereditary and environmental factors. These disorders affect women more than males.

Some autoimmune disorders, such as multiple sclerosis and lupus, are passed on through families. Not everyone in the family has the same condition, but there is a genetic propensity to other autoimmune disorders.

Because the occurrence of autoimmune disorders is increasing by the day, researchers assume that environmental variables such as infections and exposure to chemicals or solvents may also have a role. Eating foods heavy in fat and sugar, as well as processed foods, can promote an immunological response, inflammation, and various autoimmune illnesses. Another view, known as the hygiene hypothesis, contends that immunizations and antiseptics have reduced children's exposure to germs. As a result, the immune system overreacts to seemingly harmless chemicals.

Therapy of Autoimmune Diseases

Therapys cannot cure autoimmune illnesses, but they can moderate an excessive immune response and reduce inflammation. There are various medications available to help with symptoms like pain, swelling, exhaustion, and skin rash. Patients feel substantially better with a proper diet and regular exercise.

Therapy of Autoimmune Diseases with Stem Cells

When stem cells come into contact with injured organs, they can transform into the cells of those organs, which is why they are utilized to cure autoimmune illnesses. It also treats injured nerves and muscles in the same way. In this method, they may be able to halt, stop, or reverse the disease's progression. If the disease has advanced significantly, therapy may be required more than once. The success rate of the therapy is proportional to the patient's age, disease duration, and condition.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who is most likely to have Autoimmune Diseases?

Women outnumber men in terms of autoimmune illnesses by a factor of two. This suggests that an autoimmune disease may be detected in 6.4% of women and 2.7% of males.

Furthermore, there is a link between autoimmunity and women of childbearing age. Women are most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 14 and 44. Certain ethnic groups or families are more prone to be affected by autoimmune illnesses. Consuming high-fat, high-sugar, highly processed, and heat-treated meals, often known as "Western" nutrition, can cause autoimmunity and inflammation by stimulating the immune system and/or boosting harmful bacteria and germs in the gut.

What tests are used to diagnose Autoimmune Diseases?

The majority of autoimmune illnesses cannot be diagnosed by a single test. To diagnose such illnesses, doctors combine physical examination findings with diagnostic tests.

When symptoms suggest an autoimmune condition, the antinuclear antibody test (ANA) is frequently the first test conducted. A positive test result indicates that the person most likely has one of these disorders, but it cannot be established which one.

Other tests are used to look for specific autoantibodies in the blood that are created in autoimmune disorders. Furthermore, tests can be performed to detect inflammation in the body caused by these disorders.

What is recommended for Autoimmune Diseases?

The initial step should be to regulate gut flora. It is critical to balance and manage gut microorganisms. It is also vital to detect and control heavy metal accumulation in the patient. Heavy metal levels can be examined at one of the large facilities that perform such tests only a few days a week. Reduced chronic stress and increased exercise are also important in certain disorders.

Almost all autoimmune diseases are known to be related to nutrition in some way, which is why the patient's diet must be adjusted to overcome the autoimmune disease process.

It is critical to consume fermented foods, antioxidant-rich and fresh meals, less dairy products, anti-inflammatory foods, and avoid sugar-containing foods (including fruits) and any packaged foods.

It is also advised to avoid soy products, alcohol, legumes, seed oils (such as canola, sunflower, and corn), nuts (in very little amounts), and gluten-containing meals, which contain allergens and immune stimulants.