Cell therapy for arthritis and arthrosis

Arthrosis is a degenerative disease that gradually destroys the joint, and arthritis is an inflammatory process caused by various factors.

However, to solve both of these problems, the VIRTUS Institute has developed a special cell therapy program Arthro CELLNESS®, which not only treats the symptoms, but also restores the joint itself and improves the patient’s quality of life.

Common joint diseases

The occurrence and development of joint diseases are influenced by many different factors: infectious inflammation, autoimmune processes, metabolic disorders, injuries, heredity, etc. Among the common joint diseases, the following can be distinguished:

• rheumatoid arthritis;
• osteoarthritis;
• gout;
• ankylosing spondylitis;
• pseudogout;
• Sjögren’s syndrome;
• rheumatic diseases of soft tissues (fibromyalgia).

Many patients see the only chance for a normal life in joint replacement – an expensive and complex operation with a long recovery period. However, do not rush – stem cell therapy can, if not become an alternative to surgery, then at least postpone it for several years.

Symptoms of joint diseases

Joint pathologies primarily make themselves felt through pain. It is not a specific sign of a particular disease, so a doctor’s consultation and additional diagnostics are necessary. Symptoms of joint diseases that patients contact VIRTUS with are as follows:

• joint pain during movement, sometimes even at rest;
• a feeling of stiffness, “stiffness” of the joint, especially after sleep or prolonged stay in the same position;
• crunching or grinding in the joints during movements;
• limitation of the amplitude of movements in the joint – even familiar actions, such as bending or climbing stairs, become difficult;
• swelling, redness around the joint, local increase in temperature;
• weakness, rapid fatigue, decreased endurance;
• deformations and curvature of the joints, leading to a change in the shape of the limb;
• increased pain with weather changes, physical exertion or stress.

The cell therapy complex treats not only the symptoms, but the disease that led to their appearance, restoring cartilage tissue and joint functionality.

Indications for mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy

Often degenerative joint diseases are not independent pathologies, but the consequences of a systemic disease that affects the entire body. Examples of such systemic diseases for which MSC therapy is indicated are:

• rheumatoid arthritis;
• psoriatic arthritis;
• gouty arthritis;
• systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE);
• ankylosing spondylitis (Bechterew’s disease);
• reactive arthritis;
• vasculitis (systemic inflammation of the blood vessels);
• diabetes mellitus (secondary joint damage);
• metabolic syndrome;
• hormonal disorders (menopause, hypothyroidism).

Mesenchymal stem cell therapy helps even in cases where other treatment methods have proven ineffective.

Advantages of cell therapy for arthritis and arthrosis

Cell therapy for arthritis and arthrosis, as well as other degenerative joint diseases, is a safe and natural method of treatment using the body’s own cells, which eliminates the possibility of an allergic or autoimmune reaction. The introduction of mesenchymal stem cells not only reduces symptoms (swelling, pain), but also stimulates the regeneration processes of cartilage tissue. Such treatment provides a comprehensive approach to the patient, taking into account not only the condition of the joint, but also the general condition of the body and concomitant pathologies.

Principle of action of MSC therapy for arthritis and arthrosis

Stem cells are a kind of transformer cells that do not have a clear specialization and can turn into any other type of cell (cartilage, bone, tendon, ligament, etc.). Due to this ability, mesenchymal stem cells restore damaged tissues, stimulate the body’s own resources for regeneration, reduce inflammation and normalize the immune response. In addition, MSCs secrete biologically active substances that stimulate cell growth and renewal, improve blood circulation in the area of injury, and reduce fibrosis (paracrine effect). Stem cells are found in various organs: adipose tissue, bone marrow, blood, and skin.

Results of MSC therapy for arthritis and arthrosis

MSC therapy for arthrosis, arthritis and other degenerative joint diseases is safe and effective even in severe stages of joint damage. The results of treatment with mesenchymal stem cells are as follows:

• reduction or disappearance of pain – patients note that the pain that has bothered them for years has significantly decreased or completely disappeared 3-6 months after the procedure;
• improvement of mobility – the joint becomes more flexible, patients can again walk, climb stairs, play sports or do everyday activities without pain and discomfort;
• inflammatory processes in the joint gradually subside: swelling and redness subside;
• a feeling of lightness and return of confidence in movements – patients say that they can perform movements that were previously unavailable;

The effect of treatment persists for two years or more, which allows avoiding surgical joint replacement. Patients return to an active lifestyle, signs of fatigue decrease, and their emotional state improves.

Individual comprehensive approach to the treatment of joint diseases at VIRTUS

When joint diseases are a manifestation of a more serious lesion of the whole organism, the patient needs an individual comprehensive approach. Our doctors help not only to restore the affected joint (for example, in the treatment of arthritis of the hands), but also to fight the underlying problem and improve the general state of health. In such cases, to achieve a full-fledged comprehensive and high-quality result, it is necessary to use a combined approach:

• systemic (intravenous) administration of mesenchymal cells – to influence the general immune status and systemic inflammation;
• local (intraarticular) administration of cells – to restore a specific joint.

A comprehensive approach may also include blood purification by plasmapheresis. This procedure removes
excess immune complexes and directly reduces the body’s autoimmune reaction. Several sessions of plasmapheresis allow you to qualitatively and safely start MSC therapy.