Cell therapy for autoimmune and rheumatological diseases

Such diseases are usually difficult to treat, but the VIRTUS Institute, together with the biotechnology laboratory SmartCell, have developed innovative approaches to achieve maximum results – AutoImmuneCELLNESS® and RheumaCELLNESS®.

Common autoimmune and rheumatic diseases

Systemic autoimmune and rheumatic diseases negatively affect the functioning of all organs and systems. In fact, the whole body suffers from them: from the cardiovascular system, the risk of myocarditis, vasculitis, pericarditis increases, the functions of the liver, endocrine, digestive systems are disrupted, renal or respiratory failure develops. The list of common autoimmune diseases includes:

• systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (chronic connective tissue disease);
• autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto’s);
• celiac disease (intestinal dysfunction accompanied by gluten intolerance);
• systemic scleroderma;
• myasthenia gravis;
• vasculitis.

Rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis are both autoimmune and rheumatic in nature, therefore they require a comprehensive approach. Other common rheumatological diseases:

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

Autoimmune diseases are statistically more common in women. It is not just pain or fatigue – it is a systemic, multi-level lesion that can lead to disability and life-threatening. However, there are modern methods of treatment, in particular with stem cells, which can significantly improve the condition of patients with autoimmune diseases. Stem cell treatment in Ukraine is available to patients, in particular at the VIRTUS Institute.

Indications for cell therapy in autoimmune and rheumatological diseases

The indication for cell therapy is the very presence of an autoimmune or rheumatological disease, especially if other types of treatment have not led to a positive result. As a rule, patients with autoimmune or rheumatological diseases present with the following complaints:

• pain in the joints, muscles, skin;
• stiffness, joint deformation, change in the shape of the limbs;
• cold limbs, change in the color of the fingers (Raynaud’s disease);
• rashes, seals, ulcers on the skin;
• weakness, fatigue, fever;
• shortness of breath, palpitations, chest pain;
• impaired functioning of the kidneys, liver, lungs, intestines.

For example, Raynaud’s syndrome is one of the first signs of the initial stage of scleroderma, along with redness and swelling of individual areas of the skin. Timely selected cell therapy allows not only to slow down the development of scleroderma, but also to treat its consequences, including on the face.

Benefits of cell therapy for autoimmune and rheumatic diseases

Since autoimmune diseases negatively affect all organs and systems, we offer patients a comprehensive approach to properly prepare the body for the introduction of stem cells and obtain an optimal result. Cell therapy reduces the risk of disability and improves the quality of life, returning patients to activity, confidence and health.

The principle of action of cell therapy for autoimmune and rheumatic diseases

Stem cells are unique in that they have the ability to transform into cells of other types, divide and thus restore various organs. Thus, cell therapy acts as follows:

• modulates the immune system, reducing autoimmune aggression;
• reduces inflammation, alleviating symptoms;
• regenerates damaged tissues – blood vessels, skin, joints, internal organs;
• improves blood supply, which is important for Raynaud’s disease and vasculitis.

Scleroderma and other autoimmune diseases cannot be completely cured, but thanks to cell therapy, the disease can be put into remission, reducing the frequency of medication and reducing the frequency of exacerbations.

Results of cell therapy in autoimmune and rheumatic diseases

Currently, cell therapy is considered one of the most promising areas of treatment for autoimmune and rheumatic diseases. It helps to significantly reduce symptoms and slow down the development of the disease. Patients experience the following results of cell therapy:

• reduction of pain, stiffness, improvement of mobility in the treatment of polyarthritis and other joint diseases;
• restoration of blood supply to the extremities, relief of symptoms of Raynaud’s disease;
• disappearance of skin manifestations (indication, rashes);
• improvement of well-being, increased energy;
• reduction in the frequency of exacerbations and the need for high doses of drugs;

All this leads to an overall improvement in the quality of life.