Ankylosing Spondylitis

Stem Cell Therapy for Ankylosing Spondylitis in Mexico

What is Ankylosing Spondylitis?

It’s a rare type of arthritis also known as Bechterew disease.
Usually starts in lower back, may affect neck too.
Ankylosis = fused bones/tissue
Spondylitis = inflammation in spine
Hallmark feature is the involvement of the sacroiliac (SI) joints during the progression of the disease.
Unfortunately – can affect other areas of the body such as shoulders, hips, knees, heels, hands – eyes, lungs, heart too!

R3 Stem Cell Guide for Ankylosing Spondylitis

Every day, R3 Stem Cell receives inquiries worldwide from individuals asking if stem cell therapy can help with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS). Spoiler alert: . . .

Diagnosing AS

Pain starts before the age of about 35 – 45.
It starts and gets worse gradually.
It lasts for at least 3 months.
The pain is linked with morning stiffness that usually lasts for more than 1 hour.
The pain improves with exercise.
The clearest sign of the disease is a change in the sacroiliac joints at the base of the low back.

Family member affected?
X-rays – bony erosions/fusion/calcification
Blood Tests
CRP/Sed Rate
RF negative – which is why it’s called seronegative spndylarthropathy
HLA B27 – 5%

Playlist

2 Videos

3.15

2.00

Conventional Treatment Options for AS

First-line therapy
NSAIDS
Exercise, PT
Together, these treatments can lead to substantial clinical improvement in 70-80% of patients.
Hallmark feature is the involvement of the sacroiliac (SI) joints during the progression of the disease.
Local steroid injection and DMARDs (sulfasalazine and methotrexate) can also help with peripheral manifestations.
Second-line therapy includes TNF-alpha blockers (etanercept, infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab, golimumab) and IL17 inhibitors (secukinumab) and/or narcotics.

Stem Cell Therapy for AS – How Do Stem Cell Biologics Work?

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with considerable immunomodulatory and regenerative properties could be able to attenuate the inflammatory responses and help tissue repair by cell-to-cell contact and secretion of soluble factors.

Study #1 in the video:

MSC infusion in AS patients is a safe and beneficial choice with no severe side effects, and is effective in decreasing the related clinical symptoms and severity of the disease

5 month study
four IV infusions of MSCs on days 0, 7, 14, and 21. 
1 million stem cells/kg
31 patients
Patient symptoms dramatically improved
CRP and ESR decreased
Reduction of inflammation by MRI.
Theories – migration of MSC to inflammation. Reduction of inflammation by cell-cell contact.

Study #2 – Bone Marrow Stem Cells May be a Problem

grafts of normal autologous or allogeneic BM-MCS might become one of the best solutions to treat various inflammatory rheumatisms, a small subset of subchondral BM-MSCs could on the opposite be an underrated issue.  Abnormal behaviour of BM-MSCs and/or their progeny has been found in RA, SpA, and AS NOT seen in UC MSCs.

Conclusion

Many small studies, early clinical trials and our own experience show that stem cell therapy for AS is not only safe, but typically very effective.

Key Point:

Appears that high stem cell numbers are necessary.
Combo is what we’ve seen to work best: IV and Injxn
UC-MSCs give great results, just like autologous.
Embryonic stem cell therapy and IPSC therapy are NOT ready for prime time use by a long shot.
Run away if anyone suggests those types of stem cell treatment.
Stem Cell Therapy with MSC’s and HSC’s are the way to go.
R3 Stem Cell International Treatment Program
Performed in Tijuana, Mexico or Mexicali. 20 minutes from SD Airport.
Process starts with a free phone consultation – licensed, experienced stem cell doctor.
Patient concierge rep assists with all travel logistics including travel from airport to clinic and back.