Inside the Study That Reveals Promise for Treating Multiple Sclerosis with Stem Cells | Dr. Pluchino

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In a groundbreaking development, an international team of researchers has unveiled a
remarkable advancement in the fight against progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). Their
study, led by scientists from the University of Cambridge, the University of Milan
Bicocca, and Hospital Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza in Italy, demonstrates the safety,
tolerance, and long-lasting effectiveness of injecting a specific type of stem cell directly
into the brains of patients living with progressive MS. This breakthrough paves the way
for the development of advanced cell therapy treatments for this debilitating disease that
affects over 2 million people worldwide.
Multiple sclerosis is a complex autoimmune disease that targets the central nervous
system, leading to severe disruption in the transmission of nerve signals. While there
are treatments available to alleviate some of the symptoms and reduce the frequency of
relapses, many patients still progress into a secondary phase of the disease, which
steadily worsens over time, causing severe disability. This secondary progressive phase
has long been a significant challenge in the treatment of MS.
In progressive forms of MS, a type of immune cell known as macrophages, specifically
microglial cells, plays a crucial role in attacking and damaging the central nervous
system. This relentless assault leads to chronic inflammation and extensive nerve cell
damage. Recent advances in stem cell therapies have raised hope that they could help
mitigate this damage by replacing damaged cells with healthy ones.
Before the current study, the University of Cambridge team had already demonstrated
in mouse models that reprogrammed skin cells into brain stem cells, transplanted into
the central nervous system, could reduce inflammation and potentially aid in repairing
MS-related damage.
This groundbreaking study marks a significant step forward in the pursuit of effective
treatments for secondary progressive MS. Although the study is relatively small and
may have confounding effects from immunosuppressant drugs, its safety and long-
lasting effects over the 12-month trial period have paved the way for further clinical
trials. The research team's cautious optimism fuels hope for the development of cell
therapy as a potential solution for this debilitating condition. This exciting progress holds
the promise of a brighter future for the millions of people living with progressive MS,
offering renewed hope for a more effective treatment approach.
Our interview today is with the lead researcher involved in this study at the University of
Cambridge, Stefano Pluchino, MD, PhD.
====
0:00 Intro
2:46 Why Stem Cell Therapy Works
5:10 Studying Stem Cells on the Brain
9:15 MS Patients Studied in This Trial
13:43 What the Results Mean for the Public
17:40 The Specifics of the Study
26:18 Rigorous Testing that Sets this Trail Apart
28:25 Findings: Feasibility, Safety, and Biomarkers
34:32 Looking at the Results over 12 months
40:11 Correlation of Metabolic Health and MS
44:55 What Exosomes Reveal About Disease
49:01 Senolytic Therapy & Neurodegenerative Diseases
53:36 Conclusion
====
Stefano Pluchino received his MD and PhD degrees at the University of Siena, Italy,
and additional training at Cambridge University, UK. He is currently Professor of
Regenerative Neuroimmunology (2021) and Honorary Consultant in Neurology, within
the Department of Clinical Neurosciences at Cambridge University.
Twitter: @Pluchinolab
Research: www.cell.com/cell-stem-cell/f...
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[@MrWoodward42]

TL;DW version: Phase 1 trial (eg. test for safety) of 15 MS patients shows no adverse side effect and no new lesions. (Good!) Biomarker analysis found increases in acylcarnitines in the CSF, suggesting a metabolic response in the brain. Early hypothesis is that these stem cells may reprogram immune cells like microglia. Exosomes released from stem cells may also play a role in communication between cells and tissue repair.

[@andanssas]

Thank you Mr. Woodward, please keep doing these comments 👍

[@lendalennuk2484]

Thank you, very exciting topic! I am just curious: how can you tell the difference between a exosome and virus?

[@StitchingWithLove]

Thank you for sharing this important information. Very much appreciated.

[@Arugula100]

Doesn't heavy AND almost exclusive consumption of animal proteins and ultra processed foods work as a big risk factor for MS.

[@rajeshkumarcv7146]

Dr. Perlmutter, your podsasts are top class. I follow them regularly from here in India. One suggestion: there is a bit of echo in voice in almost all videos. Kindly look into it.

[@kendapark2795]

No echo on my podcasts might be you

[@leannatimmerman9922]

Good info but takes forever to get to the bottom line. Forever. Did patients feel better? Regain function?

[@andanssas]

28:34 "it was safe, feasible and well tolerated (no adverse effects)... No increase in lesions nor brain atrophy... but caution: this is a phase 1 study, we need a phase 2... There was a dynamic response to the treatment and we want to understand what's going to happen when a group of patients is injected with a placebo (phase 2)"

[@leannatimmerman9922]

@@andanssas yes, I know all that. How hard is it to ask patients or their caregivers whether they feel better? Subjective info has value, too.

[@andanssas]

@@leannatimmerman9922 the _Institute of Neurological Recovery_ has a few videos on exactly that: they inject the solution and sometimes people report immediate results. Subjective info is valuable for people considering the treatment, but for a study it may be viewed as biasing the results. People on placebo often feel better too... That's why phase 2 is needed.

[@katherine9798]

High dose vitamin d3 alongside neuro physio, thalassotherapy and no more jabs.

[@aaron___6014]

Consuming seawater residue to cure an autoimmune disease?

[@yeahright2068]

I has stem cells injected into me and it did not help for multiple sclerosis. It was way too much money too.

[@pattischmitz2680]

Yeahright what type did u have?

[@richardbray8004]

How about treating MS with nutrition and I don't mean processed crap.

[@janetbrowning6602]

In the people who have advanced MS they may very damaged brains so who knows if that would help at a late stage, but I take your point. I have a friend who stopped his MS from progressing rapidly by a nutrition approach. For example, he gave up tomatoes completely. One should consider all options because not even person responds to all approaches optimally. Why not encourage everyone who is looking to help reduce suffering and eventually find a cure. This is a metabolic approach as is nutritional therapy.

[@naomi8097]

What do you mean by metabolic approach? I hear that phrase but no one really explains.

[@59skupe]

@@naomi8097 Dr. Terry Wahls speaks about it. She still has MS but is walking again using a Paleo approach. Look her up and see if she has any talks lined up. She did when her news first came out but that was at least 10-15 years ago.

[@59skupe]

@@janetbrowning6602 One problem is the MS Society is so entrenched with Pharma that they won't discuss nutritional approaches. Doctors don't know much nutrition unless they pay extra and above and beyond medical school to learn it.

[@59skupe]

@@naomi8097 I put a comment on for you but it must have been taken down. Just check out Dr. Terry Wahls.

[@user-Rocket-Fest]

Avoid all these medical issues by eating right in the 1st place, very simple stuff.

[@ckellykelly6919]

seriously ignorant comment

[@futurebankroll]

My friend did it to help cure MS. Result was 0.

[@lendalennuk2484]

did what?

[@pattischmitz2680]

Future..What did she do ?