Treatment of neurological and psychiatric diseases with stem cells

Mental illnesses are diseases for which no organic substrate has been identified — this is the definition from medical universities. In recent years, this formulation has changed somewhat, as certain genes are identified that are important for the development of certain diseases in the field of psychiatry, but this information is completely insufficient to carry out
etiopathogenetic treatment — in other words, treatment that will affect the cause of the
disease. At the moment, sedatives and tranquilizers, antidepressants, psychotherapy and
communication with correctional teachers are available to patients with diseases of the
mental sphere. This situation is observed both for patients with severe psychiatric pathology and for people with different forms of neuro difference, and the latter are becoming more and more every year. The search for methods capable of providing real treatment is very activeand in recent years regenerative medicine or stem cell therapy has been recognized as effective.
Stem cell therapy has led to significant advances in the treatment of diseases such as
schizophrenia and autism.

Treatment of schizophrenia with stem cell therapy

Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels and behaves. It is characterized by symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech or behavior, as well as a decrease in emotional expression or attraction. It is a chronic disease that can significantly affect a person’s ability to function in everyday life, including their ability to work, maintain relationships and take care of themselves. The causes of schizophrenia have not been fully studied, there is a hereditary factor in the development of this disease, but it is also possible that pathologies of intrauterine development and the impact of environmental factors have a certain significance. About 1% of people worldwide suffer from this disease in varying degrees of severity.

Stem cell treatment of schizophrenia is an emerging field of research that shows promise in addressing the underlying neurological dysfunction associated with this debilitating mental illness.
One theory of schizophrenia is that it results from a combination of genetic and
environmental factors that disrupt the development and functioning of key neural circuits in
the brain. Stem cells, which have the ability to differentiate into different types of cells, are a promising therapeutic approach to restore the normal functioning of these chains.
There are various types of stem cells that can be used to treat schizophrenia. One approach is to use induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which are generated from the patient’s own cells and can be differentiated into different types of nerve cells. Another approach is to use mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which are derived from various tissues and have shown potential in reducing inflammation and promoting neuroprotection.

Clinical studies on stem cells in the treatment of schizophrenia

One clinical study conducted in China in 2016 evaluated the safety and efficacy of
transplantation of neural progenitor cells derived from embryonic stem cells to patients with schizophrenia. The study involved 10 patients, and the results showed that the
transplantation of neural progenitor cells was safe and well tolerated, with some signs of
improvement in cognitive functions and symptoms.

Another clinical study conducted in Japan in 2019 evaluated the safety and efficacy of
transplantation of dopaminergic progenitor cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells in patients with schizophrenia. Six patients participated in the study, and the results showed that the transplantation was safe and well tolerated, with some signs of improvement in cognitive functions.

Currently, several clinical studies are being actively conducted that prove the therapeutic
effect of stem cells and, most importantly, the results show that it is a partial cure that occurs, and not the relief of symptoms and not the integration of the patient with existing problems into society. (https://www.libd.org/schizophrenia-stem-cells).
In order to get more information about the treatment of schizophrenia with stem cells,
contact the MedTour coordinator doctor for a free consultation.

Treatment of autism with stem cells

Autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurological disorder that affects
social interaction, communication, and behavior. It is not fully understood what causes
autism, but it is believed that this is the result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
This is a broad spectrum disorder, so the symptoms and severity can vary greatly from
patient to patient.
Some common characteristics of autism include difficulties with social interaction and
communication, repetitive behaviors or routines, difficulties with sensory processing, and
increased sensitivity to certain stimuli. People with autism may also have difficulty
understanding and expressing emotions, making eye contact, and interpreting nonverbal
signals.

At the moment, there is no cure for autism. Early diagnosis and rehabilitation can improve
outcomes and help people with autism develop important skills to overcome social and
communication difficulties. Treatment usually involves a combination of methods such as
speech therapy, occupational therapy and behavioral therapy. There is currently no
etiopathogenetic treatment (affecting the cause). Stem cell therapy offers patients a chance that standard treatments cannot give.
The therapeutic effect of stem cells is that they can differentiate into any cells of the human body, and when they enter the nervous system, they have a regenerative effect on brain cells, replenishing the necessary number of nerve cells and restoring the shell of nerve cells. Thus, the condition of the patient’s nervous system becomes better, and he begins to communicate more effectively with environmental stimuli.
For the treatment of this kind, as in the case of schizophrenia, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are used.

For information about the treatment of autism with stem cells, contact the MedTour
Coordinator doctor. The consultation is free.

Clinical studies on the treatment of autism with stem cells

A clinical study conducted in 2017 examined the use of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in children with autism. The study revealed improvements in social communication and speech.

(https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04710810)

At what age can stem cell therapy be started?

From the age when the child has the underlying disease — as a rule, it is 3-5 years old. At this age, own stem cells can be used for treatment.

How many courses of therapy do I need to go through?

The treatment of mental illness is a complex process, it is very difficult to achieve results in
it. An integrated approach with a combination of physiotherapy, drug therapy and behavioral therapy is used for treatment. Often, 3-4 injections of stem cells are carried out, after which the procedure is repeated annually until it brings an improvement in the condition.

Can stem cell therapy lead to a complete cure?

The author is not aware of the registered cases, but nevertheless — stem cells are the most
effective method of treatment of all currently existing in medicine.