Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are the complex neurodevelopment disorders that mostly affect children. The disorders are characterized by restrictive behaviors and interests, deficits in social skills and communication, and repetitive behavior. The medications that are used for Autism treatment do not address the core defects and symptoms and have side-effects. Stem cell treatment has new hopes for Autism treatment. Cells can be grown and designed to target precisely the molecular Autism mechanisms. These negative mechanisms of Autism include the mitochondrial dysfunctions, activated microglia, abnormal regulation of neurotransmitters and chronic and life hampering intestinal inflammation.
Stem Cell Treatment For The Autism Spectrum Disorders
Several research scholars and physicians associated with leading healthcare institutions like Neurogen Brain & Spine Institute, agree that stem cells are the future of the regenerative and molecular medicine. The cells are the only hope today for treating the otherwise untreatable diseases, which include Autism and Dementia among others. Stem cells can offer a greater number of options for Autism treatment.
Stem Cell Abilities
Stem cell therapies specifically target the neural and immune dysfunctions that are observed in the children suffering from Autism. Stem cells have a number of useful characteristics that have therapeutic applications for autism treatment.
This includes:
1. The self-renewal capability of the stem cells:
The stem cells can replicate to form more number of cells.
2. Differentiation:
The unspecialized mass of stem cells can grow to form a specialized stem cell mass that can undertake peculiar and precise functions. These include functions like transmittance of neural signals like nerve cells and others.
3. Functions relating to paracrine regulation:
Stem cells are capable of synthesizing and releasing the implantable “bio-pharmacy” which can provide for cellular differentiation, bring benefits like organ and tissue repair and also provide for anti-inflammatory actions. Intestinal inflammation is commonly found in Autism patients, and stem cells can treat these areas of concern as well.
Autism and ASDs cause a range of immune alterations and also induce overproduction of inflammation-causing cytokines. Stem cells have the capability to counterbalance all the aberrations of the immune system. Stem cells can also activate the cell repair and restoration mechanism with the suffering and damaged tissues, and can provide for the speedy recovery of the functional deficits.
Obtainment of stem cells for treating neural diseases including stem cells
Stem cells can be obtained from a wide number of areas for treating the neural diseases including Autism. The stem cells used today include the fetal stem cells, adult stem cells, including the MSCs or Mesenchymal Stem Cells (derived from umbilical cords and bone marrow) and the neural stem cells.
