Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD is a handicapped complex neurodevelopmental disorder that distorts how individuals communicate and their behavior as well as their interaction with others. Although its causes have remained multifactorial and not clearly determined, there is ample evidence that neuroinflammation is associated with the severity and development of autism symptoms.
This article examines all these issues and ventures into the current discoveries of how stem cells can be applied to the neuroinflammation present during autism, as well as what families must take into account prior to considering stem cells autism treatment.
Understanding Neuroinflammation in Autism
There could be hope for curing autism with stem cells due to new information and studies. The term neuroinflammation is used to describe persistent inflammation of the brain and spinal cord and is frequently a consequence of immune system activity run amok.
Most important facts regarding neuroinflammation and autism:
- Increased tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-6) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in cerebrospinal fluid and blood.
- Microglia and astrocyte activation, which have the potential to interfere with brain development, can be chronically activated.
- Dysfunction of the blood-brain barrier due to the penetration of toxic substances into the cerebral structure.
- Making a connection between maternal immune activation in pregnancy and the risk of autism in children.
The neuron signaling, synapse formation, and overall connectivity in the brain can be interfered with by those inflammatory processes, which are some of the leading causes of the main symptoms of ASD, aka social deficits, repetitive behaviors, and sensitivities to sensory stimuli.
The Role of Stem Cells in Combating Neuroinflammation
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells with a peculiar capacity to mature into diverse forms of specialized cells and exert anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. The thing is that in the framework of autism, attention is paid primarily to two kinds of stem cells:
- Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) – These are derived through a variety of ways, including (but not limited to) bone marrow, adipose (fat) tissue, or umbilical cord tissue.
- Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cells (UCBSCs) – Those obtained during birth are highly enriched in growth factors, as well as immune-modulating capability.
Ways the stem cells will help neuroinflammation:
- Stem cells produce anti-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-10).
- Inhibit hyperactive immune cells, such as the T-cells and microglia.
- Encourage the repair and survival of neurons.
- Contribute to the creation of new connections between brain cells.
- Enhance better endothelial activity and decrease the permeability, thereby restricting the invasion of the white blood cells into the brain.
- Stimulate the regenerative pathways of the body to heal nerves.
As a result of such activities, stem cells can restore the immune activity of the brain, and in autism, this can improve the symptomatology of inflammation.
Current Research on Stem Cells and Autism
The preclinical and clinical studies of the last ten years aim at understanding how the stem cells autism therapy could be used to benefit people in a way that could change the outcomes among individuals having autism because of neuroinflammation reduction and facilitation of brain functions.
A number of small-sample studies find improvements in:
- Expressive language
- Repetitive behaviors
- Socializing and communication
Most of the studies possess small samples, and they are not placebo-controlled. Nevertheless, the data mostly suggests the opportunity of stem cell therapy, such as that from Swiss Medica, as an effective and safe intervention, especially in combination with behavioral therapies, despite these shortcomings.
Potential Benefits for Autism Patients
Stem cell therapy is not considered to cure neuroinflammation autism causes, yet, it can be used to alleviate the symptoms of autism that are related to inflammation and enhance the quality of life. 1 in 31 8-year-old patients were found to have autism in 2022.
The possible advances observed in clinical reports:
- Improved use of language skills
- More eye contact, Emotional presence
- Improvement of hyperactivity and impulsivity
- Reduction of sensory processing problems
- The less repetitive behaviors
- Better learning and attention span
These benefits have, in certain cases, improved independence and social interaction among the children who have experienced difficulties in the execution of their daily activities. It is important to add that not every person can be treated with the help of stem cell treatment, and age, the severity of symptoms, and health conditions are important factors.
Considerations for Families Exploring Stem Cell Therapy
When it comes to families of a patient with autism, it is crucial and judicious to employ this type of therapy on a loved one with autism.
Scientific credibility and clinical trials:
- Select clinics that have taken part in registered and peer-reviewed clinical studies.
- Avoid statistically unregulated or commercially based so-called stem cell clinics with false claims.
Standard and ethics:
- Make sure that the treatment regimes are in accordance with the FDA or any other health authority statements.
- Make sure that the processing and screening of cells are done in sterile conditions.
These are cost and accessibility.
- The application of stem cell treatment is usually costly and not insured.
- Consider travelling and consultation charges, and post-care.
Suitability age:
- Its improvement can be more evident in younger patients, because their brains are more plastic.
- Not every person with autism could be a good target of treatment.
Being used together with other therapies:
- Stem cell therapy cannot be an alternative to evidence-based interventions of such kind as ABA, speech, or occupational therapy, but only complement them.
- Families are advised to come up with a decision when they have consulted a neurologist, a developmental pediatrician, and clinical researchers.
Final Thoughts
Neuroinflammation autism causes are redefining the perception and management of researchers in addressing this complicated disease. Although the therapy may not be a miracle cure, it has the capacity to improve cognitive and social functioning, particularly among children with early and moderate cases.
