Debunking Myths: MSCs vs. Embryonic Stem Cells in ALS Therapy

*Collaborative Post

There are many myths regarding stem cell therapy, dissuading some people from trying this life-changing ALS treatment. Understanding where these common myths come from and the safety and efficacy of stem cell therapy can help you feel more confident in choosing stem cell therapy for ALS. 

In this article, we’ll go over the difference between embryonic stem cells and mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), some common myths of stem cell therapy and why MSC therapy has great potential as a safe and effective treatment.

The Promise of Stem Cell Therapy in ALS Treatment

ALS is a debilitating disease that affects motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, slowly leading to a decline in motor functions. 

As ALS progresses and nerve cells degenerate, a person with ALS will experience a decline in bodily functions, starting with muscle twitches and weakness, and eventually losing voluntary muscle control and the ability to breathe on their own.

While there is currently no cure for ALS, stem cell therapy holds great promise as an ALS therapy. Timely treatment using mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) can reduce symptoms of ALS but can also delay or even prevent the progression of the disease.

Photo by Rollz International on Unsplash

Understanding the Basics of MSCs and Embryonic Stem Cells

To understand ALS treatment with stem cells, it’s important to learn about embryonic and mesenchymal stem cells. Embryonic stem cells are obtained from a human embryo and are the most common source of controversy. Most research regarding the risks of stem cell therapy is associated with embryonic stem cells. 

Mesenchymal stromal cells, also known as MSCs, can be obtained from blood marrow, fat tissue, an umbilical cord or placenta, which means there are no ethical concerns with extracting this type of stem cell. Many treatment centers, such as Swiss Medica, only use MSCs, as this is a safe and ethical stem cell treatment.

Myth vs. Reality: Safety Concerns in ALS Therapy

While there is no magic pill to cure ALS, there are many treatments that can reduce symptoms. Noninvasive therapies such as occupational therapy, nutritional support and speech therapy can help people better cope with ALS. 

There are also some medications that aim to treat ALS. For example, Riluzole is a common ALS medication that targets the nerves and muscles in patients with ALS. This treatment also comes with adverse effects. 

There is a common myth that stems cell therapy also comes with side effects, but this is mostly the case with embryonic stem cell therapy. While every treatment poses some risks, MSC therapy is a very safe and effective treatment for ALS. 

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Advantages of Using MSCs in ALS Therapy

According to research, MSCs are an excellent candidate for ALS therapy due to their immunoregulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, MSCs can also differentiate into specialized cells that the body requires, making them a good fit for ALS treatment. 

Traditional treatments often fail to prevent ALS from progressing, but MSC therapy can slow down the progression of ALS and can even prevent ALS from progressing. Unlike some conventional treatments, like medication, MSCs have limited side effects. Some benefits of MSCs for ALS therapy include:

• Improved muscle strength and function
• Reduced neuroinflammation
• Decreased muscle tension
• Improved speech and swallowing

Challenges and Future Perspectives

There is a lot of potential for treating ALS with MSC therapy. This treatment is becoming increasingly popular as more people experience see its benefits, but there are some challenges with MSC therapy as well.

Even though MSCs are an ethical alternative, any type of stem cell therapy still carries the negative stigma associated with embryonic stem cells. Changing the perception of stem cell therapy is thus a challenge for this industry.

As researchers gain a better understanding of how MSCs work to treat ALS, delivery methods will also become more effective. Researchers are currently exploring techniques for applying MSC therapy.

In conclusion

Some people hold stem therapies in a negative light due to the ethical and safety concerns regarding embryonic stem cells. However, many myths about stem cell therapy only apply to embryonic stem cells and using mesenchymal stromal cells for ALS therapy is a safe and ethical option.

Many traditional treatments fail to stop ALS from progressing, but MSC therapy can reduce symptoms and prevent further decline in ALS patients, with a low risk of side effects. To promote this effective therapy, there is still the challenge of overcoming common misconceptions associated with this safer therapy.

*This is a collaborative post. For further information please refer to my disclosure page.

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