Rheumatic disease is a medical term used to describe many different diseases that affect the joints, muscles and tissues. Some diseases such as osteoarthritis are a result of wear and tear while other diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, are a result of a problem with the immune system. Stem cell therapy at the Stem Cells Transplant Institute may help reduce the symptoms of rheumatic diseases such as:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Lupus
Other types of rheumatic diseases include:
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Sjogren’s Syndrome
Chronic inflammation is the main cause of autoimmune mediated rheumatic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis (inflammation of the joints), lupus (inflammation of the connective tissue), and Sjogren’s syndrome (inflammation of the mucous membrane). The immune system is designed to protect healthy tissue from foreign invaders such as; bacteria, viruses, and germs however, for some people, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, releasing antibodies and antigens that collect in the blood vessels creating inflammation. Osteoarthritis is not an immune mediated disease but like rheumatoid arthritis, chronic low levels of inflammation are a major factor in the progression of the disease.
The chronic inflammation in rheumatic disease may increase the risk of developing dementia. In December of 2017, researchers in Taiwan published the results of a population-based study that showed patients with rheumatic diseases were at a higher risk of developing dementia. Between 2000 and 20010, physicians recruited 10,180 cases of dementia and 61,080 control cases. Researchers found that patients with rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, lupus, psoriatic arthritis and osteoarthritis had a significantly higher risk of dementia than patients without rheumatic diseases.
Mesenchymal stem cells have been shown to modulate the inflammatory response in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and osteoarthritis. Mesenchymal stem cells promote the secretion of cytokines and factors that change the environment from pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory. The Stem Cells Transplant Institute in Costa Rica uses adult autologous mesenchymal stem cells to treat rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and lupus.
Stem cells can provide an unlimited source of cells for repairing or replacing damaged tissue and may have the ability to treat many types of debilitating diseases and injuries. Researchers, at the Stem Cells Transplant Institute in Costa Rica, and across the globe, are working hard to understand their potential. If you are interested in learning more about the potential of stem cell therapy contact the professionals at the Stem Cells Transplant Institute.
