Autism and the Immune System: How MSCs Provide Relief
You’ve tried conventional autism therapy, but your child is only seeing slight improvements in their learning and cognition. While treating this complex disease might feel impossible, stem cell therapy is emerging as an alternative option that can provide lasting relief to children with autism.
Keep reading while we explore the connection between the immune system and autism and how stem cells can restore immune function and treat autism.
The Immune System and Autism
The exact cause of autism is still unknown, but studies have shown a connection between immune system dysfunction and autism. A 2022 study also showed that many children with autism may have upregulated immune genes, causing neuroinflammation.
A dysfunctional immune system is also associated with increased impairments commonly seen in children with autism, such as social and communication impairments. Other symptoms of autism that may be related to immune function include:
- impaired cognitive abilities
- gastrointestinal issues
- impaired motor skills
Treatments like stem cell therapy for autism can address these underlying immune system issues.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs): An Overview
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are safe and effective stem cells that are commonly used by stem cell clinics like Swiss Medica.
MSCs are stem cells capable of differentiating into various types of cells in the body, including cartilage cells, bone cells, nerve cells and muscle cells. This makes them useful for treating a range of diseases because they can seek out damaged tissues and differentiate into the cells the body needs.
MSCs work by influencing other cells in the body and promoting the growth of new healthy cells. MSCs also have immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties.
How MSCs Provide Relief for ASD
MSCs can provide relief for children with autism through several mechanisms. First, MSCs can suppress neuroinflammation, which is one of the main causes of cognitive impairment in children with autism.
MSCs also promote the secretion of neurotrophic factors, supporting the formation of new neural connections and reducing cognitive impairments.
Many clinics also use MSC-derived exosomes in their autism treatment. Exosomes are microvesicles of stem cells that carry the same therapeutic benefits as the cells. Exosomes can more easily travel throughout the body and communicate with other cells. They have a reduced chance of immune rejection.
MSCs and their exosomes also produce cytokines that reduce inflammation and modulate the immune system, thereby reducing autism symptoms associated with immune system dysfunction.
Administration and Safety of MSC Therapy
Clinics like Swiss Medica must always conduct a detailed pre-treatment evaluation to determine if patients are suitable for MSC therapy. Doctors will identify any contraindications and determine any supporting therapies that could help the patient.
After a patient is approved for MSC autism therapy, they will receive the MSCs and their exosomes intravenously, intramuscularly or through daily inhalations. There are typically no side effects with the treatment, but at Swiss Medica, patients are never discharged from the treatment center on the day of their treatment.
After the treatment, children with autism may experience improvements in cognition, motor skills and mood within a week. However, the full effect of the therapy can take up to six months. When a patient leaves their clinic, they may receive an exosome treatment they can continue at home to prolong and enhance the benefits of the therapy.
Through post-treatment care, doctors can assess the outcomes of the treatment and suggest changes to the treatment plan, such as additional stem cell doses and supportive therapies.
Benefits and Limitations of MSC Therapy for ASD
By reducing neuroinflammation, modulating the immune system and promoting the growth of new healthy cells, MSC therapy can provide the following benefits for children with autism:
- Improved eye contact
- Improved social behavior
- Improved communication
- Improved learning
- Reduced repetitive behaviors
- Better digestion
- Better mood and reduced anxiety
- Reduced sensitivity to loud noises, bright colors, etc
While MSC therapy has many benefits, it also has limits.
Stem cell therapy may be more effective for younger children, where the first signs of autism are appearing. Stem cells may also not be as effective for severe cases of autism. Every individual case is different, and treatment outcomes depend on factors such as age, disease severity, other ongoing conditions and lifestyle choices.
In conclusion
MSC autism treatment is a safe and effective treatment for children with autism. MSCs and their exosomes can reduce inflammation, modulate the immune system and promote the growth of neurons, thereby reducing autism symptoms.
Many children see improvements in social behavior, learning, communication and motor skills. However, it’s not a miracle cure and outcomes depend on various factors. Stem cell therapy for autism is gaining traction, but more research and clinical trials are needed to support its efficacy and safety.