Benefits of Stem Cell Therapy for Autism

May 29, 2024
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Stem cells are unique, diverse cells that can give rise to new cells as well as repair damaged tissue. These cells are responsible for giving rise to a complete human being after fertilization. These stem cells are called embroyonic stem cells. Sadly, utilizing these types of stem cells for therapeutic needs has lots of ethical concerns, so we have turned to the next big stem cell type─adult stem cells. These stem cells are also multipotent and can give rise to multiple cell types.

There are three types of adult stem cells namely, adipose stem cells, bone-marrow stem cells, and umbilical cord derived stem cells. Out of these three, umbilical cord stem cells show the maximum potential to meet therapeutic needs. These cells not only replace damaged tissue but also provide a conducive environment for the development of neurons as well. Don't they sound amazing? Well, they are amazing! 

Autism and its causes

We do not know of any one definitive cause of autism. But, we have developed our understanding to find out who is at risk of autism by having a closer look at the genetic makeup of the person in question. But, other than genetics, there are numerous environmental factors that also cause the condition. All these factors come together to show that there is nothing wrong with the brain of a child diagnosed with autism. Rather, it is the neural networks that are decreased. It means that the child's brain is finding it difficult to create a network of understanding about the world.

When scientists looked at the condition more closely, they found inflammation in the brain (neuroinflammation) and gut (gastrointestinal) is among the leading causes. It is caused by immune system dysregulation, which leads to a breeding ground for other conditions. This is where stem cells can help a child diagnosed with autism. They can replace damaged neurons and help build more connections.

Benefits of Stem Cell Therapy for Autism

We are going to focus on the three major benefits that the best stem cell therapy for autism in India has to offer. Let's look at the list of benefits 

  • Enhanced cognitive abilities: The underlying cause of autism is attributed to developmental causes, where the brain is not able to build connections. It leads to the child's brain failing to form new connections. This is where stem cells can help. They are shown to be capable of traveling through the blood-brain barrier and reaching the brain areas that need a helping hand to build these bridges. The results are improvements in cognitive abilities.

  • Reducing inflammation: One of the prominent reasons for the uncontrolled tantrums and upset digestive system, is inflammation. It is not just the neuroinflammation, but the inflammation in the whole body. Stem cells come again for the save. Stem cells secrete small, tiny bubbles called exosomes that carry several molecules that counteract the inflammation in the body. It helps to soothe the child's body and allows parents to see a happy child willing to listen to them.

  • Improved Gut health: As we mentioned briefly in the previous point, inflammation in the digestive system is a primary cause of a child feeling irritated. This inflammation works at two levels: first, it allows the body to be in an active state of defense, and second, it reduces the number of nutrients a child is able to assimilate in their body. Stem cells, with their trusty exosomes, are able to reduce the inflammation of the gut, resulting in a child's immune system being modulated and allowing for better nutrient absorption. It allows for all the nutrients to be available for the child's development. 

What improvements can one expect after stem cell therapy?

After stem cell therapy, parents have reported seeing improvements in their child's behavior around three months after the therapy. Here is a small list of improvements that parents can observe, including:

  • Increased concentration

  • Better digestion

  • Enhanced eye contact

  • Improved social interactions

  • Reduced sensitivity to light and loud noises

  • Enhanced skills for everyday self-care

  • Enhanced ability to recognize items and names

What are the things to watch out for while procuring stem cells in India?

One of the foremost things you have to ensure is that the lab from which you are acquiring stem cells in India is to look for a GMP-compliant manufacturer. These are rules and regulations established by the WHO to ensure that cells or any other product are of the highest quality. Here is a small list of things that GMP-complaint labs do:

  • There is a thorough donor screening for stem cell donors to minimize the risk of transmitting infectious diseases.

  • Multiple quality checks are mandatory to ensure purity, viability, and morphological abnormalities. (Morphological abnormalities are deviations from a regular cell shape.)

  • Maintain a sterile processing environment to prevent any types of contamination from creeping in.

  • Proper documentation of how the procedure went from obtaining the stem cells from the donor to handing it over to doctors for therapeutic needs facilitates proper quality control measures.

If the lab does not follow GMP guidelines, it is possible for various problems to creep in and cause unnecessary trouble for the person getting the treatment. So, always look for a GMP-compliant stem cell manufacturer before going ahead with autism treatment.

Conclusion

Stem cell therapy provides a ray of hope for individuals diagnosed with autism. By replacing damaged neurons, it helps reduce inflammation and enhancing gut health. This groundbreaking treatment shows promise of enhancing functions, social interactions, and overall health. Although further research is necessary, the initial results are encouraging. It's important to choose GMP compliant labs when considering the best stem cell therapy for autism in India to ensure top quality care for your child.


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