One of the most exciting discoveries made by scientists in recent years is the use of stem cells in the treatment of multiple sclerosis. Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to begin attacking the myelin sheaths that protect and surround nerve cells in the body. When myelin is damaged, nerve cells are exposed and unable to perform their primary function. The main function of these nerve cells is to send signals to the brain about what actions or bodily functions should be carried out and when.
Scientists have discovered that symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis can be alleviated or reversed by injecting mesenchymal stem cells. These cells are often taken from the patient’s fat cells and umbilical cords. Fat cells are often harvested through the liposuction process. Once the doctors have the fat, they proceed to separate the fat from the necessary cells. Once the cells have been properly separated, they must undergo a comprehensive testing process that determines if the cells are free of contamination and bacteria.
The entire process of using adipose stem cells to treat multiple sclerosis typically takes more than a week. This is because the cells must be administered to patients through an IV and must be done in a way that prevents newly injected cells from returning to the liposuction site. To prevent this from happening, the process must be carried out for a week. If the process is speeded up for any reason, the results will not have the desired effect and will not adequately treat the symptoms of multiple sclerosis.
The prospect of alleviating and reversing the symptoms of multiple sclerosis has many scientists optimistic and hopeful that an end to this devastating disease is in sight. The use of stem cells to treat multiple sclerosis gives many patients hope that there is a treatment that can help them maintain their current lifestyle and help keep the more serious aspects of the disease at bay for as long as possible. In order for us to better understand how these specific types of cells can treat and possibly even reverse disease, it is important that further research continues. Through this research we will gain a better understanding of the importance of these cells and their relationship to multiple sclerosis.
