Keep reading to learn about stem cell therapy, how stem cells work to treat autism and the scientific evidence that supports the effectiveness of this treatment.
What Cells Do We Use and Why?
At Swiss Medica, we use adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in stem cell therapy for autism. MSCs are an ethical form of stem cell treatment since they are obtained from the adipose fat tissue, gum tissue or bone marrow of consenting adults or the placenta or umbilical cord of a newborn.
MSCs are also safe compared to embryonic stem cells, which come with the risk of immune rejection and tumor formation.
We also use MSCs because they can differentiate into many cell types, including brain cells. The regenerative effects of MSCs are also shown to be beneficial for people with autism.
Mechanisms of Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cell therapy care works by introducing stem cells that migrate to damaged tissues in the body and differentiate into the cells the body needs, including brain cells, blood cells and liver cells. By differentiating into the cells the body needs, they can restore and replace damaged cells.
MSCs also stimulate the release of cytokines and growth factors, which regulate the body’s immune system and promote cell proliferation.
Safety and Risks of MSCs
With MSCs, there is a small risk of immune rejection and patients may react unexpectedly to the treatment if they have other chronic illnesses or are taking certain medications. A clinic that offers in-depth pretreatment evaluation can help you identify any risks associated with treatment.
Benefits of Stem Cell Therapy for Autism
Patients with autism may see long-term benefits from stem cell therapy, including:
- Improved cognition
- Improved social skills
- Improved speech
- Fewer inappropriate emotional responses
- Fewer self-regulating behaviors
The reduction in symptoms can improve the quality of life for people with autism, as well as their caregivers. The benefits of stem cell therapy differ for every patient and it can take months to experience the full effects of the therapy.
Clinical Evidence and Research
In addition to the anecdotal reports, scientific research also supports the efficacy of stem cell therapy for autism.
In one animal study, subjects showing autistic behaviors were treated with MSC-derived exosomes. The subjects showed improved sociability, reduced repetitive behaviors and increased vocalization.
Research also shows a strong link between the immune system and autistic behaviors. This makes the potent immunomodulatory properties of MSCs especially beneficial for treating autism.
Since there is also a link between inflammation and autism, MSCs can also treat autism by targeting inflammation and releasing cytokines that regulate inflammatory responses.
Exosomes and Macrophages in Therapy
Stem cell treatment centers such as Swiss Medica use exosomes as part of their stem cell therapy. Exosomes are microvesicles of stem cells that transport substances between cells. They transmit signals to other cells to initiate changes in their behavior.
Exosomes are so effective in stem cell therapy because they can travel to local and remote sites in the body and stimulate cell proliferation, differentiation and regeneration.
Exosomes also exert their regulatory effects through the blood-brain barrier, which could effectively reduce neuroinflammation in neurological diseases like autism.
Conditions for Admission to Stem Cell Treatment
To be admitted for stem cell treatment, patients must go through a pretreatment evaluation to determine any contraindications, such as:
- Infections
- Active Oncology
- Mental disorders
- Previous negative reactions to stem cell therapy
Comprehensive Treatment Approach
Reputable stem cell clinics offer pre-treatment support to ensure the therapy is a good fit for the patient and follow-ups to monitor their response to stem cell injections. Pretreatment evaluation also helps doctors determine the correct type and quantity of stem cells to use.
Following treatment, patients should begin seeing small improvements, such as better speech and improved learning ability. Most patients see results within 6-8 weeks. Positive improvements with this autism therapy are permanent, as patients typically see no signs of regression.
In Conclusion
Autism therapy using MSCs is a safe and effective treatment for autism. Clinics like Swiss Medica also use MSC-derived exosomes in treating autism. Exosomes carry the therapeutic properties of stem cells to local and remote areas of the body and exert anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating effects.
According to anecdotal evidence and research, autism patients who undergo stem cell therapy may see improvements in social interactions, cognitive function and speech. It can take 6-8 weeks to see results with stem cell therapy, but these improvements tend to be permanent.