How Stem Cells Can Be Used In The Treatment Of Multiple Sclerosis

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 the myelin becomes damaged, the nerve cells become exposed and are unable to perform their primary function. The primary function of these nerve cells is to send signals to the brain on which bodily actions or functions should be carried out and when.

Scientists have discovered that the symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis can be alleviated or reversed by the injection of mesenchymal stem cells. These cells are often harvested from the fat cells of the patient and from umbilical cords. The fat cells are often harvested through the process of liposuction. Once the physicians have the fat, they then proceed to separate the fat from the necessary cells. After the cells have been properly separated, they must then undergo a thorough testing process which determines if the cells are free of contamination and bacteria.

The entire process of using adipose stem cells to treat multiple sclerosis typically takes over a week. This is because the cells must be administered to patients through an IV and must be done in a manner that will prevent the newly injected cells from traveling back to the site of the liposuction. To avoid this from happening, the process must be carried out over a week. If the process is rushed for any reason, the results will not have the desired effect and will not properly treat the symptoms of multiple sclerosis.

The possibility to alleviate and reverse 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 is providing many existing patients with the hope that there is a treatment that can help them maintain their existing lifestyle and help keep the more severe 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 the disease, it is important that further research continue to be performed. Through this research we will obtain a better understanding of the importance of these cells and their relation to multiple sclerosis.