Neurodegeneration

Autism

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a diverse neurodevelopmental disorder which is characterised by social interaction and communication deficits. Two common consistent findings are associated in children with this disorder are diminished oxygenation in specific areas of the brain and a chronic immunologically mediated inflammatory condition in the gut. Children diagnosed with ASD commonly demonstrate signs and symptoms such as delayed language development, avoiding eye contact, a tendency to repeat words or phrases, as well as difficulties in understanding other people’s emotions and feelings. Children and young adults who suffer from ASD often experience a variety of other cognitive, learning, emotional and behavioural problems.

What is the scientific rationale behind using stem cells to treat autism?

Current investigative therapies for autism attempt to reverse these abnormalities through administration of antibiotics, anti‐inflammatory agents, and hyperbaric oxygen. Unfortunately, none of these approaches address the root causes of oxygen deprivation and intestinal inflammation.

The rationale behind treating autism with umbilical cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells is that autism, and its degree of severity, has been significantly correlated inflammatory and neuro-inflammatory cytokines including macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC) and thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC). Intravenous administration of umbilical cord MSCs has been shown in multiple clinical trials to decrease inflammation. Decreasing inflammation in the autistic patient may alleviate symptoms of autism. Through administration of mesenchymal stem cells, we have observed improvement in patients treated at our facilities.



Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is a broad term used to describe a group of non-progressive "chronic palsies" impairing control over movements due to brain damage. Children with CP are most likely born with the condition, but some may acquire later during the first 3-5 years of a child's life. At Advancells, the stem cell therapy approach mainly focuses on delivering a sufficient number of Adult Autologous Stem Cells which will travel into multiple areas of the brain where the damage has occurred. These transplanted stem cells have the potential to transform into new brain cells which are needed for the replacement of damaged cells. They also help in creating a microenvironment that will secrete some of the enzymes required for making connections to replace lost parts of the complex network.




Stroke

A Stroke is considered to be a life-threatening incident, where the brain is deprived of sufficient oxygen. Anyone who has had a stroke in the past or is at risk of stroke should be aware of its treatment and medical care. It is a kind of attack which occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery carrying blood from the heart to the brain (Ischemic Stroke) or a breakage in the blood vessels, interrupting blood flow to an area of the brain (Haemorrhages). When either of these things happens, brain cells begin to die and brain damage occurs. When brain cells die during a stroke, abilities controlled by that area of the brain are lost. These abilities include speech, movement and memory. A smaller stroke may result in minor problems such as weakness in an arm or leg whereas a major stroke may even lead to paralysis or death.




Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a disorder of the central nervous system characterized by different neurological disturbances related to motor skills, balance, psycho-emotional disturbances, cognitive impairment and social behavioral disorders. PD is a progressive disorder: with time the condition of the sufferer tends to gradually aggravate. PD incidence doesn’t depend on sex or race, social status or place of residence.

Despite the prevailing opinion that PK is a disorder involving elderly people, the average age of PD diagnosis is 57 years. However, 10% of the diseased are people under 40. With the increase of life span and average age of the population the incidence of PD is expected to rise. The symptoms of PD mainly result from degeneration of dopaminergic neurons – neurons of the brain that produce and accumulate dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, i.e. chemical serving to relay electric impulses from neurons, and a hormone. Dopamine deficit results in impaired transmission of nervous impulses, thus causing such distinctive PD symptoms as tremor of hands and legs, jaws, facial muscles, slowed movements, muscle stiffness, difficulties to initiate a movement and keep balance. Losing expressed mimicry, PD patients can seem apathic (indifferent). Speech can become slurred and monotonous. The PD symptoms include depression, anxiety, dementia (weakness of mind), difficulties in chewing and swallowing, appetite disturbances, hyper-salivation, and bowel and urinary bladder disorders.

Not all the above PD symptoms develop in each PD case. The causes of PD have not been defined. Common causes of Parkinson’s diseases include combination of several factors, in particular: aging. Age-related decrease of neurons number in the brain can be one of the PD causes; genetics; some toxins and chemicals. Described were several severe PD cases in young drug addicts who consumed synthetic heroin. Other causes of PD include cerebral atherosclerosis, head trauma, tumors, virus infections, etc. Due to commonly slow progression, Parkinson’s disease at its early stages can be difficult to diagnose for several years.

Typically, at the initial stage of Parkinson’s disease patients complain of some rigidity in the extremities, decreased joint flexibility, difficulty in walking and performing active movements. It is worth noting that PD progresses more rapidly in those who developed it at younger age. Depending on how PD progresses at the advanced stages, the quality of PD sufferers’ life can significantly deteriorate. In severe disorders, such as disturbed swallowing or total immobilization and in case of impropriety nursing, such concomitant problems as respiratory disturbances, secondary infection, etc., can develop. In average, Parkinson’s disease cuts down the life expectancy by 3-9 years.