Regenerate. Repair. Restore.

Stem Cells Therapy for Diabetic Autonomic Neuropathy (DAN)

Autonomic neuropathy occurs when nerves that control the heart and circulation are damaged.

Treatment at the Stem Cells Transplant Institute could help improve the symptoms of autonomic neuropathy including:

  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness when standing
  • High blood pressure
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Difficulty urinating
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Nausea, vomiting or bloating
  • Incontinence
  • Impotence
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Difficulty orgasming
  • Change in pupil size

What is diabetic autonomic neuropathy?

Damage to the nerves that carry signals from the brain and spinal cord to the heart, blood vessels, bladder, intestines, and sweat glands causes autonomic neuropathy. DAN was considered rare for a time, however a study published in 2014 found that the rates of DAN might be as high as 90% in type 1 diabetes patients and 70% in type 2 diabetes patients.

Other conditions that might cause autonomic nerve damage include:

  • Alcoholism
  • Bone marrow disorders
  • Diabetes
  • Kidney disease
  • Infections
  • Inherited nerve disorders
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Trauma
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Surgery

 

In most cases, it is not possible to reverse nerve damage. Current treatment options can be complicated, involving medication, lifestyle changes, and even surgery. They are only focused on managing the symptoms and preventing further complications. How well you do will depend on the cause of the problem.

How can stem cell therapy improve the symptoms of autonomic neuropathy?

There is no cure for neuropathy and currently available therapeutic approaches only treat the symptoms of the disease.

Mesenchymal stem cells produce

  1. proteins that support the growth and survival of neurons
  2. angiogenic factors that are essential for the healing, growth, development, and maintenance of blood vessels
  3. immunomodulatory substances that can reverse the damage to the nerves2,3

Researchers evaluated the use of mesenchymal stem cells to treat multiple system atrophy (MSA), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a combination of symptoms that affect both the autonomic nervous system and movement.

MSA is a life-threatening condition with an average life expectancy of only 9 years after diagnosis. During the 12-month follow-up, the study found that MSC therapy in patients with MSA was safe and delayed the progression of neurological impairments, with functional improvement and improved quality of life.4

MSCs improve diabetic cardiac autonomic neuropathy.

“MSC administration promoted density of sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves in the ventricular myocardium of diabetic rats, increased the ratio of parasympathetic to sympathetic nerve fibers, and suppressed ventricular arrhythmia inducibility.5”

umbilical cord donations
Intravenus Administration

How Are the Stem Cells Collected?

Our clinic focuses on obtaining healthy stem cells exclusively from umbilical cord blood donors. We collect the placenta once the baby is born, with the parent’s informed consent. Additionally, we follow strict ethical guidelines and collect stem cells from reliable and reputable sources.

How Are the Stem Cells Administered?

Our nursing staff administers the stem cells through an intravenous and intra-pulmonary route. For the most effective outcomes, intravenous administration is preferred.

About the Stem Cells Transplant Institute

Our clinic is located in Costa Rica, which is one of the most popular medical tourism destinations for stem cell therapy. At the Stem Cells Transplant Institute, we have a skilled team of doctors and medical professionals who collect and administer stem cells to treat autism and other conditions. Every patient receives the most cost-effective and top-notch care from our dedicated team.

Scientific References:

  1. Verrotti A et al. Autonomic neuropathy in diabetes mellitus. Front. Endocrinol., 01 December 2014 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2014.00205
  2. Cell Death Discovery (2016) 2, e16055; doi:10.1038/cddiscovery.2016.55; published online 11 July 2016 Mesenchymal stem cells to treat diabetic neuropathy: a long and strenuous way from bench to the clinic JY Zhou
  3. Han, JW et al., Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Improve Diabetic Neuropathy by Direct Modulation of Both Angiogenesis and Myelination in Peripheral Nerves. Cell transplant.2016;25(2):313-26. doi: 10.3727/096368915X688209. Epub 2015 May 13
  4. Le PH et al., Autologous Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy Delays the Progression of Neurological Deficits in Patients With Multiple System Atrophy. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2008). 83. 5, 723-730.
  5. JY Zhou, Z Zhang, and GS Qian, Mesenchymal stem cells to treat diabetic neuropathy: a long and strenuous way from bench to the clinic. Cell Death (2016), 2, e16055; doi:10.1038/cddiscovery.2016.55 Official journal of the Cell Death Differentiation Association www.nature.com/cddiscovery