Stem Cell therapy for spinal cord injury in Pakistan
What are stem cells?
Stem cells are the body’s raw materials — cells from which all other cells with specialized functions are generated. Under the right conditions in the body or a laboratory, stem cells divide to form more cells called daughter cells. These daughter cells become either new stem cells or specialized cells (differentiation) with a more specific function, such as blood cells, brain cells, heart muscle cells or bone cells. No other cell in the body has the natural ability to generate new cell types.
Where do stem cells come from?
The stem cells can be derived from;
- Embryonic tissue
- Fetal tissue
- Adult tissue
- Bone marrow
- Fat
- Muscle
- Skin
- Blood
How stem cells work in spinal cord injury?
Spinal cord injury (SCI) has considerable impact on patient physical, mental, and financial health. Secondary SCI is associated with inflammation, vascular destruction, and subsequent permanent damage to the nervous system. Stem cells have anti-inflammatory properties, promoting vascular regeneration and the release neuro-nutrients, and are a promising strategy for the treatment of SCI. In clinical trials, MSCs have been reported to improve the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) sensory and motor scores. In this article we examine the evidence on the pathophysiological changes occurring after SCI. Stem cells have been shown to improve the following in SCI patients;
- Promote healing by screting neurotrophic factors and axonal regneration
- Protect neurons from further damage
- Reduce scar formation in spinal cord by reducing astroglial scarring density and reducing inflammatory reactions
- Remove dead cells
- Pain control
- Improve bladder control
- Reduce ischemic response in spinal cord
- Improve urine control
- Promote cell survival and tissue repair
- Suppress immune activity
- Screte anti inflammatory actions
- Activate angiogenesis
- Improve sensory and motor functions
- Ameliorate erectile dysfunction
- Increase myelination
- Improve neurotrophic factor secretion
- Promote axonal sprouting
- Inhibit demyelination
What are uses of stem cells in Spine patients
Stem cells are being investigated for their use in Spinal cord injury and have shown promising result in Phase 1 Trials.