Lupus is the simplified term for an autoimmune medical condition known as systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE. This disease is considered a chronic autoimmune disease and afflicts one or more parts of the body. The condition attacks the connective tissues of the body and eventually results in severe tissue damage and inflammation. It can lead to several serious dysfunctions including the heart disease, CHF, lung disease COPD, IPF , nervous system, joints, kidney failure, PKD, liver failure, skin damage, and damaged blood vessels.(Wang et al. 2015)*Common symptoms include:

• Painful and swollen joint

• Fever

• Chest pain

• Hair loss

• Mouth ulcers

• Swollen lymph nodes

• Feeling tired

• Severe red colored rash which is most commonly on the face

The underlying mechanism behind the disease involves stimulation of the immune system to generate antibodies against itself (hence, its autoimmune nature), targeting proteins in cell nuclei in particular. SLE is considered an unpredictable disease, as remissions could alternate with flare-ups. (Siripaitoon et al. 2014)* The etiology of the disease is still unknown, although clinical trials have shown it to be triggered by several environmental factors including:

• Steroids / Pharmaceutical Products

• Various types of viruses

• Over exposure to ultraviolet light

• Genetics /Hereditary

Lupus can occur in either females or males but is found more frequently in women and the disease displays different symptoms with each gender. Women have nearly 80% higher risk than men, most especially for women in their childbearing stages. Males patients tent to have more frequent seizures, chronic kidney disease, lung disease caused by inflamed tissues, and peripheral neuropathy. Females on the other hand tend to relapse more frequently with more bouts of arthritis and dangerously low white blood counts.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Neurological and psychiatric syndrome can also be diagnosed if SLE attacks the peripheral or central nervous system. Currently there are over 20 neuro-psychiatric syndromes caused by systemic lupus erythematosus and also does severe damage to neural epithelial cells in and around the blood–brain barrier.(Mohara et al. 2013)*

Some common and rare manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus include:

• Mood disorder & cognitive dysfunction

• Cerebrovascular disease

• Brain Injuries , Brain Strokes or seizures

• Mononeuropathy

• Polyneuropathy

• Myelopathy

• Osteoarthritis & Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Cranial neuropathy

• Degenerative disc disease

• Plexopathy

• Fibromyalgia

• Maternal Lupus Linked With Autism Spectrum Disorders

• Anxiety disorders &/or psychosis

• Guillain–Barré syndrome

• Crohns and Ulcerative Colitis

• Autonomic disorder

• Diabetes

• Cerebellar ataxia is another rare manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus

Our stem cell team of researchers have determined the involvement of all elements of the immune system in SLE, dubbing the disorder as the “prototypical autoimmune disorder.”

Traditional Treatments for Lupus

One of the biggest issues with SLE is how it abnormal affects apoptosis (programmed cell death) in which damaged or dead cells can be efficiently removed by the body as part of the normal growth functioning. Normally the immune systems reaction to any foreign stimulus (virus, bacteria or allergen). These protecting immune cells cannot be treated with chemotherapy and that would otherwise be deactivated, become hyperactivated through the body incorrectly signalling the need for antigen cells.(Akawatcharangura, Taechakraichana, and Osiri 2015)*

These unnecessary chain-reaction leads to quick destruction of surrounding cells in the body and exposing their DNA,proteins, and vital parts of our cell nucleus. The autoimmune attack leads to new antibodies that clump into complex structures that stick to surfaces in our cardiovascular system leading to damaged blood vessels in crucial areas such as the glomeruli in the kidneys. This antibody attack and reaction is the root cause of SLE.

Stem Cell Treatment for Lupus

Autoimmune diseases respond particularly well to a blend of enhanced mesenchymal stem cells to mainly to their immunosuppressive properties. The most valuable component of this new lupus treatment is isolated and cultured allogeneic MSC+ cells can be seen on its effect on inhibit T-cell proliferation and dendritic cells.  MSC+ cells are the safest and most natural treatment for lupus and autoimmune diseases. MSC+ cells help in the production of healthy CD4+, CD25+ & regulatory T cells.

With the benefits of regenerative medicine, stem cell therapy for Lupus offers new hope of reversing a serious autoimmune disease such as SLE. Using the patients own cells “autologous” therapy is not recommended and is not offered at the regeneration centre. Through enhanced allogenic stem cell therapy, the autoimmune aspect of lupus disorder can be managed by altering or “resetting“ the immune response to naturally tone down the negative effects of the disorder.(Liang and Sun 2015)*

General Treatment Overview

1. 
Total Number of MSC+ Stem Cell Infusions: 2-6 Infusions of Clinical Grade MSC+ Hematopoietic Mesenchymal Stem cells (per Treatment stage requirement)

2. Types of Injections for Treating SLE: MSC+ Mesenchymal Stem cells. Depending on the severity of patients needs, treatment injections will be made via Intravenous Drip,Direct injection or Intrathecally. Patients with multiple conditions may require cell delivery via guided scopes.

3. Rehabilitation Post Treatment: Physical Rehabilitation in Bangkok is optional but highly recommended. Complete physical rehab services post-therapy can be provided upon request for 2-3 hours per day and up to 5 days per week.

4. Total Treatment Time Required : estimated around 2-3 weeks (depending on type and seriousness of condition). Medical and travel visas for extended stay accommodations at a hotel or extended stay apartment for the patient and family can also be provided upon request.

Cost of Treating SLE Lupus with Stem Cells

Our multi-stage treatment for SLE & Lupus with Stem Cells will require 10-19 nights in Bangkok depending on the patient’s needs. Due to the varying degrees,areas and sources of current damage our medical team will need to better understand the patients current health before acceptance into the program. Upon approval, a detailed treatment plan will be provided that will includes the specifics such as day by day calendar with stages,exact total number nights required along with the total medical related costs (excluding accommodations or flights). To begin the qualification process for our multi-stage treatment protocol for Autoimmune disease Lupus please prepare your recent medical records such as Antinuclear antibody (ANA),CBC, Liver and/or Lung function tests and contact us today.