Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have demonstrated significant therapeutic promise in stem cell therapy for ALS. MSCs are a viable treatment option for ALS since they can release growth and trophic factors or specialise into particular cell types. MSC transplantation may lengthen longevity by delaying the start and progression of disease, as clinical models have shown. Furthermore, by reducing motor neurone loss, this therapy may postpone the decline in motor function.
ALS stem cell treatment
In some clinical domains, mesenchymal stem cell treatment has already demonstrated significant therapeutic promise. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can specifically operate by releasing additional growth and trophic factors or by differentiating towards a particular cell type. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may be a promising treatment option for ALS, according to clinical models; transplanting MSCs may prolong life by delaying the start and progression of the illness.
A novel approach to treating ALS
A therapeutic method for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis called stem cell therapy uses stem cells—undifferentiated cells that can differentiate into a variety of specialised cells—to replace or repair lost or damaged brain cells linked to ALS. Through homing processes, the stem cells, which are injected intravenously, will locate sites of inflammation and injury.
Stem cells’ main functions are immune system modulation and inflammation reduction, particularly neuroinflammation. By modifying the immune system, stem cell treatment seeks to stop the progression of the disease for a long time. Stem cell therapy for ALS has the added advantage of slowing the disease’s progression and improving motor symptoms including tremors, stiffness, and trouble moving by preventing additional neuronal death.
What role do stem cells have in ALS?
Through the provision of a protective and nurturing milieu, stem cells play a supportive role in improving the hazardous conditions for sick motor neurones, hence delaying neurodegeneration and neuronal death. In this role, transplanted stem cells release neurotrophic factors and develop into modulatory neurones that form synapses with sick motor neurones (MN) or non-diseased, non-neuronal cells like astrocytes and microglia. Preclinical research has shown that stem cells may be used to treat ALS, which is hopeful.
Is there a cure for ALS?
ALS currently has no known cure. In addition to continuing research for possible cures and treatments, there are a number of treatment options that may help control symptoms and delay the disease’s progression, including as stem cell therapy, Riluzole, occupational therapy, and gene therapy.
- Drugs: The sole FDA-approved treatment for ALS is riluzole, which can help delay the disease’s progression. Other medications, such edaravone, can also be used to treat symptoms like spasms and cramping in the muscles.
- Physical treatment: Physical therapy can aid with mobility, balance, and coordination in addition to maintaining muscle strength and function.
- Occupational therapy: Occupational therapy can assist with everyday living activities like dressing, eating, and taking a shower.
- Communication, including the use of communication devices, can be facilitated by speech therapy.
- Support from nutrition: Support from nutrition can assist prevent malnutrition and maintain weight.
- Breathing issues are a typical ALS consequence that can be helped by respiratory therapy.
- Stem Cell Therapy: Research on stem cell therapy for ALS shows promise. According to studies, stem cells have the ability to go to the site of damage, develop into the missing cells, and produce a variety of trophic factors that can help the remaining cells survive. Mesenchymal stem cells have been used in some research to lower inflammation and increase motor neurone survival.
- Gene Therapy: Another exciting area of ALS research is gene therapy. Delivering particular genes that can aid in the preservation or repair of motor neurones has been the subject of some research. In animal models of ALS, for instance, it has been demonstrated that the neurotrophic factor GDNF can increase the survival of motor neurones. Delivering a therapeutic gene, like SOD1, is another example. This gene can help lessen the harmful effects of mutant SOD1, a protein that is known to cause familial ALS. To completely comprehend the safety and effectiveness of gene therapy in people, more investigation is necessary.
- Small molecule therapy: Current research has concentrated on finding tiny compounds that can lower inflammation and increase motor neurone survival.
- Immunomodulation therapy: Research has indicated that inflammation is a key factor in the development of ALS. The use of immunomodulation therapy to lower inflammation and increase motor neurone survival has been the subject of some recent research. For instance, in animal models of ALS, research has demonstrated that the medication Rituximab can lower inflammation and increase motor neurone survival.
What signs and symptoms indicate ALS?
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) symptoms might change based on the patient and the disease’s course. Nonetheless, the following are some typical signs of ALS:
- Typically, weakness is the initial sign of ALS. It may begin in the hand, foot, arm, or leg muscles and then progressively expand to other body areas.
- Motor neurone degeneration may be the cause of symptoms like cramping or twitching of the muscles.
- Loss of muscle mass: The muscles that are controlled by motor neurones may atrophy or shrink as they die.
- Speaking difficulties: As ALS worsens, breathing, swallowing, and speaking may become more difficult.
- Fatigue: ALS patients may feel more exhausted, particularly while engaging in more activities.
- Loss of balance and coordination: As the illness worsens, it may become more difficult to keep your balance and coordinate your movements.
- Speech changes: As the illness worsens, speaking, swallowing, and breathing may become more difficult.
- Swallowing difficulties: As ALS worsens, swallowing may become challenging, which can result in malnourishment and weight loss. ALS-related swallowing issues can lead to malnutrition and weight loss because of inadequate protein and calorie intake. Muscle weakening is accelerated when this happens because the body begins to break down muscle tissue for protein and energy. A feeding tube or PEG (percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy) tube can supply enough nourishment and stop additional weight loss. However, while employing these tubes, there is also a chance that food or fluids will inadvertently be inhaled into the airways rather than being sent to the stomach.
- Breathing issues: As the illness worsens, breathing may become difficult and may result in respiratory failure.
Can ALS be cured with stem cell therapy?
ALS currently has no known cure, and the only available treatments are supportive care to control symptoms and drugs to halt the disease’s progression. Stem cell therapy has been studied in a number of clinical trials as a possible ALS treatment.