Living Beyond the Diagnosis

Ok, you pick yourself off the floor (For me, it was a little over a month), dust yourself off, and start the fight to save your life! Considering the history of MSA, it wasn’t difficult to conclude that experimental trials were the direction we needed to head. My team of Drs pointed me in the direction of Stem Cell Research. Why? CLICK HERE for the answer. “Nanotherapeutic and Stem Cell Therapeutic Strategies in Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Promising Therapeutic Approach”.

There is also this study (CLICK HERE) in which they concluded “The present study confirmed that a single intra-arterial administration of autologous BM-MSCs is a safe and promising neuroprotective strategy in patients with MSA-C.”

I was given these words of advice and sent off to “Google” the shit out of it. “Look for the following 3 features of a trial:

• Mesenchymal (Type of Stem Cell) (Click here for the full article, but the breakdown is below )
• Interventional NOT Observational
• Designed to alter the course of the disease (IE: Not just offer symptom relief)

NOTE: I would also add, for your own mental health, look for a “Cross Over” trial. CLICK HERE for the definition. Most trials are conducted with a “Placebo”, and the last thing a person with MSA wants, is a Placebo! I can’t really afford to go a year, which could add up to 20% of the time I have left, having sugar water injected into my spine! So, essentially a Cross Over study, switches the Placebo patients halfway through, and vice versa.

So, with those instructions, and generous supply of Chai Tea, I headed to “The Googs”. As I mentioned above in the bullet points, this article helps you understand, Why Mesenchymal?

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9793714/

The study discusses the potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for central nervous system (CNS) regeneration in cases of injuries and neurodegenerative diseases. Neurons in the CNS struggle to regenerate naturally in mature mammals, and despite extensive research, the full understanding of this regenerative failure remains incomplete.

MSCs, a type of multipotent stem cell found in various tissues, have garnered attention for their potential in promoting endogenous regeneration due to their ability to differentiate into various cell types and their strong paracrine effects. They can be safely transplanted through systemic or local delivery routes. Among the sources of MSCs, bone marrow (BM) and adipose tissue (AT) have been extensively studied for CNS repair because they show similar potential for neuronal differentiation.

MSC transplantation has shown promise in promoting neuronal growth, axon re-extension, and improving CNS function after injury or degeneration. The study delves into the therapeutic effects of MSCs in CNS regeneration and the potential underlying mechanisms.

One key mechanism involves the immunomodulatory effects of MSCs. These cells can suppress inflammation by secreting enzymes and soluble factors, affecting various immune cell types, including T lymphocytes. MSCs also impact the function of innate immune cells such as microglia and macrophages, which play crucial roles in CNS regeneration.

MSCs release a range of soluble molecules, including growth factors and cytokines, that contribute to their anti-inflammatory properties. These factors help promote neuroprotection and tissue repair. Different sources of MSCs may have subtle differences in their immunomodulatory effects, but clinical trials have shown the overall safety and effectiveness of MSC administration for immune-related diseases.

Another important aspect discussed in the study is the anti-apoptotic (anti-cell death) effects of MSCs. MSCs have been shown to protect neural cells from apoptosis (programmed cell death) through various mechanisms, including the modulation of specific microRNAs. These protective effects are essential for preventing cell death in the CNS and facilitating axon regrowth.

In summary, MSCs hold promise for CNS regeneration by exerting immunomodulatory and anti-apoptotic effects, which contribute to their potential in treating injuries and neurodegenerative diseases in the central nervous system.

The Authoritative Source on Clinical Trials is https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ NOTE: I used the “Classic version for my research and hyperlinks, because I found it easier to navigate, but it will be retired soon. My research lead me to these results (Yours may lead you somewhere else).

1. Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Adaptive Design Trial Of Intrathecally Administered Autologous Mesenchymal Stem Cells In Multiple System Atrophy
2. Study of ATH434 in Participants With Multiple System Atrophy
3. A Study of TAK-341 in Treatment of Multiple System Atrophy
4. Study to Evaluate the Safety, Tolerability, and Pharmacokinetics of ION464 Administered to Adults With Multiple System Atrophy (HORIZON) (HORIZON)
5. GDNF Gene Therapy for Multiple System Atrophy

After spending 12-15 hrs researching, to get these results, I found this “Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Adaptive Design Trial Of Intrathecally Administered Autologous Mesenchymal Stem Cells In Multiple System Atrophy” The MSA Coalition has done a lot of that work for you and compiled this list. They are also a fantastic resource for those of us with MSA.

GREAT RESOURCE: Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI) “We offer access to science and the latest research to readers for free”. CAUTION: Real Rabbit Hole

NEXT UP: More on the specific Study I chose