ALS is a progressive neuromuscular disease that damages primarily the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, responsible to controlling voluntary muscle movement like chewing, walking and talking. Damage to the barrier or protective wall between the central nervous system and the blood circulatory system allows harmful substances including immune mediated cells and inflammatory cells to enter both the brain and the spinal cord.

Motor neurons in the brain (upper motor neurons) and motor neurons in spinal cord and motor nuclei of the brain (lower motor neurons) begin to die and no longer send messages to the voluntary muscles in the body. Without signals from the brain and spine the muscles are no longer able to function and they become weak and begin to die. Initially the muscles weaken and begin to twitch but eventually they atrophy or die and the body loses its ability to control voluntary movement.

In 2016 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that between 14,000 – 15,000 Americans have ALS. ALS usually strikes people between the ages of 40 and 70, and for unknown reasons, military veterans are approximately twice as likely as the general population to be diagnosed with the disease.

Risk Factors:

Age – Typically striking people between the ages of 40 and 70.

Gender – Men are at slightly higher risk of developing ALS

Ethnicity – Caucasians and non-Hispanics are at highest risk

Military veterans – Twice as likely when compared to the general population to develop ALS

Genetics – Approximately 5-10 percent of cases are inherited by one parent carrying the genetic mutation

A cure for ALS is not available at this time, and the disease typically leads to death within 3–5 years after diagnosis, primarily due to respiratory failure.

Stem cell therapy is a promising approach for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders such as ALS. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) specifically, seem to be the most suitable type of stem cells due to their demonstrated beneficial effects in many different experimental models, their easy access, and the lack of ethical issues associated with other types of stem cells.

The beneficial effects of mesenchymal stem cells are due to multiple factors. The beneficial effects are due in part to the paracrine effect that results in the release of different growth factors, cytokines, free nucleic acids, lipids and extracellular vesicles. These secreted biomolecules promote tissue repair, modulate the immune system, have an anti-inflammatory effect and provide antiapoptotic activities.1

Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) can promote the release of acetylcholine, promote neurogenesis and synaptic formation and can reduce oxidative stress and cell death. Research is showing hUC-MSCs to be a better alternative to allogeneic stem cells because of their hypo-immunogenicity, superior tropism, high differentiation potential and paracrine activity.2,3

Evidence suggests HUC-MSCs can differentiate into a variety of neuro-regulatory molecules and can elevate several factors including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), Glucagon-like pepetide-1 (GLP-1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).4

Neural stem cells transplanted at sites of nerve injury are thought to promote functional recovery by producing trophic factors that induce survival and regeneration of host neurons. Intravenously administered mesenchymal stem cells are also capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier and effectively migrating to regions of neural injury, without inducing tumor growth or an immune response.4

The Our provider recommends the use of hUC-MSCs for the treatment of ALS.

For optimal results, we recommend Aggressive Platinum Therapy (APT). APT is a 4-day treatment plan.

Some studies have found autologous MSCs from patients diagnosed with ALS have reduced properties when compared to MSCs taken from healthy donors. Stem cells from patients with ALS showed reduced expression of several trophic factors and a reduced migration capacity.5-7

NIH trial NCT02881476 showed the intrathecal injection of allogeneic Wharton’s jelly-derived MSCs in ALS patients to be safe.8

We have one of the best healthcare systems in world and is ranked among the highest for medical tourism. Using the most advanced technologies, the team of Doctors believe in the potential of stem cell therapy for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. We are committed to providing personalized service and the highest quality of care to every patient.